Trip from Pennsylvania, AL to Coaling, AL

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 56m

Distance

196.3 mi

316 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$30

one way

EV Charging

Fair

3 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min

4 AM

3h 44m ★

6 AM

3h 57m

8 AM

4h 23m

10 AM

4h 6m

12 PM

4h 3m

3 PM

4h 7m

5 PM

4h 21m

8 PM

3h 49m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Trip Overview

The drive from Pennsylvania, AL to Coaling, AL covers 196.3 miles and takes about 3h 56m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on US 43, I 20, Tuscaloosa Street for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 149.5 miles on US 43. At current regular gas prices, budget about $29.65 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

98.2 miles from Pennsylvania, AL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 53m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 56m. Total distance: 196.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

This is a 3h 56m highway drive covering 196.3 miles, with most of the trip on US 43 and I 20. The longest continuous stretch is about 149.5 miles on US 43.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 18 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

US 43 is the longest continuous segment at about 149.5 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 43 and I 20. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 83.3 miles in near US 43.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 3h 56m drive. You will face about 12 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 83.3 miles (US 43): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 107.3 miles (US 43): Navigation decision point; at 126.5 miles (US 43 / East Capitol Street): Navigation decision point.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 12 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

3

83.3 mi into trip | ~1h 36m in | US 43

Merge onto US 43

Merge point - match speed before joining

3

107.3 mi into trip | ~2h 4m in | US 43

Turn left onto US 43

Navigation decision point

4

126.5 mi into trip | ~2h 26m in | US 43 / East Capitol Street

Turn left onto US 43 / East Capitol Street

Navigation decision point

5

157 mi into trip | ~3h 11m in | I 20; I 59

Merge onto I 20; I 59

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

8

191.4 mi into trip | ~3h 48m in

Take the exit toward US 11, AL 7: Tuscaloosa, Coaling

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 79 Toward US 11, AL 7: Tuscaloosa, Coaling

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 43	149.5 mi	2h 58m
I 20	34.4 mi	36m
Tuscaloosa Street	4.6 mi	6m
University Boulevard East	3.3 mi	4m
Lower Coaling Road	1.3 mi	3m
M L King Highway	1.2 mi	2m
South Cedar Avenue	1 mi	1m
East Capitol Street	0.1 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: US 43 — 149.5 mi, about 2h 58m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Pennsylvania, AL and Coaling, AL.

1

Start on this road

0.2 mi · 1 min · this road

2

Turn left onto US 43

83 mi · 1 hr 35 min · US 43

3

Merge onto US 43

24 mi · 27 min · US 43

4

Turn left onto US 43

17 mi · 19 min · US 43

5

Turn left onto US 43; US 80

0.9 mi · 1 min · US 43; US 80

6

Continue on US 43

1.0 mi · 1 min · South Cedar Avenue

7

Turn left onto US 43

0.1 mi · 13 sec · East Capitol Street

8

Turn right onto US 43

24 mi · 34 min · US 43

9

Turn right onto 1st Avenue

0.1 mi · 27 sec · 1st Avenue

10

Turn right onto US 11; US 43

4.6 mi · 6 min · Tuscaloosa Street

11

Turn left onto CR 208

1.2 mi · 2 min · M L King Highway

12

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 27 sec

13

Merge onto I 20; I 59

34 mi · 36 min · I 20; I 59

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

14

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 41 sec

Exit 79 Toward US 11, AL 7: Tuscaloosa, Coaling Use the slight right lane.

15

Turn left onto US 11

3.3 mi · 4 min · University Boulevard East

16

Turn right onto Lower Coaling Road

1.3 mi · 3 min · Lower Coaling Road

17

Turn right onto Fikes Road

428 ft · 18 sec · Fikes Road

18

Arrive at destination

Fikes Road

Trip Plan

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 98.2 miles from Pennsylvania, AL, or about 1h 53m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 149.5 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 43 miles or 50m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 98.2 miles or 1h 53m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 15m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Coaling, AL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Pennsylvania, AL so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Pennsylvania, AL

This is one driving day of about 196.3 miles and 3h 56m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 miles from Pennsylvania, AL.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on US 43 for about 149.5 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 98.2 mi from Pennsylvania, AL · 1h 53m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Thomasville, AL

98 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Jackson, AL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Thomasville, AL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 98.2 miles from Pennsylvania, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 43 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 149.5 miles.

Arriving in Coaling, AL

The final approach into Coaling, AL usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Coaling, AL.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Whataburger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 182.3

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12053494506

Visit website

Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Tuscaloosa Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

0.8 mi

Subway

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

1.1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Monarch Espresso

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 182.3

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+12052108751

Visit website

Whataburger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 182.3

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12053494506

Visit website

Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Tuscaloosa Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 182.3

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+12057222045

Visit website

Subway

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour Inexpensiv mile 182.3

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+12057525100

Visit website

Glory Bound Gyro Co.

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 182.3

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+12053490505

Visit website

Swen Chinese Restaurant

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 182.3

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+12053919887

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 182.3

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 182.3

Northport, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12055623220

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$29.65 one way

$59.29 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 69 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.21	$32.54	$65.09
premium	$4.56	$35.23	$70.47
diesel	$5.61	$43.34	$86.68

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$30

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$55–$80

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 68.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	58.9	$20.61	$9.42
Efficient EV	49.1	$17.18	$7.85
EV Truck/SUV	78.5	$27.48	$12.56

Gas CO2

69 kg

EV CO2

23 kg (67% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Pennsylvania, AL

Morning in Pennsylvania on Saturday

Local time

11:41 AM

CDT

Current temp

81°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Coaling, AL

Morning in Coaling on Saturday

Local time

11:41 AM

CDT

Current temp

79°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

78°F

Thomasville, AL

98 mi in

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

2 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 56m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Pennsylvania, AL to Coaling, AL covers 196.3 miles and takes about 3h 56m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are US 43, I 20, Tuscaloosa Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 98.2 miles from Pennsylvania, AL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $29.65 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

This is a straightforward 3h 56m drive. You will face about 12 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

The main spots that need attention: at 83.3 miles (US 43): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 107.3 miles (US 43): Navigation decision point; at 126.5 miles (US 43 / East Capitol Street): Navigation decision point.

The route from Pennsylvania, AL to Coaling, AL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Trip from Pennsylvania, AL to Coaling, AL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Who Is This Route For?

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Coaling, AL

Nearby Places

Whataburger

Monarch Espresso

Whataburger

Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Tuscaloosa Restaurant

Subway

Glory Bound Gyro Co.

Swen Chinese Restaurant

Glencoe's Gladden Restaurant

Monarch Espresso

Strange Brew Coffeehouse Bama

FLO Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

Harmon Park

UpSurge Trampoline Park

Snow Hinton Park

Paul W. Bryant Museum

Children's Hands-On Museum

Alabama Museum of Natural History

Kentuck Art Center & Festival

Van De Graaff Park and Arboretum

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Pennsylvania, AL

Coaling, AL

Same local time

2 degrees cooler at arrival

3h 56m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the trip from Pennsylvania, AL to Coaling, AL?

What are the main roads on this route?

Is this a good same-day trip?

Where should I stop halfway?

How much does gas cost for this trip?

What is the best time to leave?

How many breaks should I plan?

How hard is the drive from Pennsylvania, AL to Coaling, AL?

Where does this route get tricky?

What towns show up on signs driving from Pennsylvania, AL to Coaling, AL?

How this page is built

Explore More

More from Pennsylvania, AL