Origin
Pike Road, AL
Night in Pike Road on Sunday
Local time
11:06 PM
CDT
Current temp
87°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Pike Road, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL
Drive Time
2h 41m
Distance
120.4 mi
194 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$18
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 31m
★
6 AM
2h 42m
8 AM
3h 3m
10 AM
2h 49m
12 PM
2h 47m
3 PM
2h 50m
5 PM
3h 2m
8 PM
2h 35m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Pike Road, AL
Israyosoy S.
Tuscaloosa, AL
Kelly
Trip Overview
Traveling from Pike Road to Tuscaloosa covers 120.4 miles across the heart of Alabama. You should anticipate a drive time of approximately 2 hours and 41 minutes, making this an ideal day trip that doesn't require an overnight stay. Your journey will primarily utilize a combination of US 82, I-85, and I-65 to navigate between these two Southeast locations. Budgeting about $18 for fuel will keep you moving comfortably throughout the trip. Because the route is straightforward and manageable in a single day, it offers plenty of flexibility for your schedule. Whether you are heading out for business or a visit, this drive provides a direct path between the two cities without unnecessary complexity.
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
60.2 miles from Pike Road, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 23m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is heavily highway-focused, with 90% of your time spent on major thoroughfares. You will experience a significant 89.2-mile stretch on US 82, which serves as the backbone of your journey. Expect a steady, consistent pace as you transition between interstate segments and the longer highway sections. While the drive is efficient, the shift from the interstate rhythm to the US 82 corridor defines the character of the road. Staying focused during these long, uninterrupted miles is key to maintaining a smooth and predictable travel experience.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 23 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 82 is the longest continuous segment at about 89.2 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
546 ft
145 ft
Total Climb
838 ft
Total Descent
911 ft
Highest Point
546 ft
~55.2 mi in
Elevation Range
400 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 82 and I 85. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.3 miles in near I 85; US 80.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 120.4 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 8.3 miles (I 85; US 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 24.7 miles (US 82): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
8.3 mi into trip
|
~17m in
|
I 85; US 80
Merge onto I 85; US 80
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
17.1 mi into trip
|
~27m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I-65 North: Birmingham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I-65 North: Birmingham
5
24.7 mi into trip
|
~36m in
|
US 82
Take the exit onto US 82 toward 82: Millbrook, Prattville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward 82: Millbrook, Prattville
6
120.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 41m in
|
University Boulevard
Turn right onto University Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
120.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 41m in
Turn left
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Towns Along This Route
Between Pike Road, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL, road signs point toward 82: Millbrook and Prattville.
82: Millbrook
24.7 mi in
|
~36m
|
via US 82
Prattville
24.7 mi in
|
~36m
|
via US 82
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 82 | 89.2 mi | 1h 55m |
| I 85 | 8.8 mi | 10m |
| I 65 | 7.3 mi | 8m |
| Ray Thorington Road | 4.4 mi | 7m |
| US 11 | 2.4 mi | 2m |
| Old Montgomery Highway | 1.8 mi | 2m |
| Old Pike Road | 1.7 mi | 4m |
| Halcyon Boulevard | 1.2 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
US 82
— 89.2 mi, about 1h 55m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Pike Road, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL.
1
Start on Flinn Road
135 ft
·
12 sec
·
Flinn Road
2
Turn left onto CR 85
1.7 mi
·
4 min
·
Old Pike Road
3
Turn left onto Ray Thorington Road
4.4 mi
·
7 min
·
Ray Thorington Road
4
At end of road, turn left onto Vaughn Road
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
Vaughn Road
5
Turn right onto Halcyon Boulevard
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Halcyon Boulevard
6
Turn right onto AL 271
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Taylor Road
Use the straight lane.
7
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Toward I-85 South, US 80 West: Montgomery
8
Merge onto I 85; US 80
8.8 mi
·
10 min
·
I 85; US 80
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Toward I-65 North: Birmingham
10
Merge onto I 65; US 82
7.3 mi
·
8 min
·
I 65; US 82
11
Take the exit onto US 82
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
US 82
Toward 82: Millbrook, Prattville
12
Turn left onto US 82
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Cobbs Ford Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
13
Turn left onto US 82; AL 14
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
US 82; AL 14
Use the left lane.
14
Continue on US 82; AL 14
87 mi
·
1 hr 51 min
·
US 82; AL 14
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Take the exit
308 ft
·
10 sec
Use the left lane.
16
Continue on Old Montgomery Highway
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Old Montgomery Highway
Use the straight / left lanes.
17
Turn left onto US 11
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
Skyland Boulevard East
Use the left lane.
18
Turn right onto US 11; AL 69
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
US 11; AL 69
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on I 359; AL 69
0.4 mi
·
33 sec
·
I 359; AL 69
20
Continue on US 43; AL 69
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
Use the straight / left lanes.
21
Turn right onto University Boulevard
284 ft
·
10 sec
·
University Boulevard
Use the right lane.
22
Turn left
168 ft
·
12 sec
Use the left lane.
23
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short 120.4-mile trip, you have the advantage of choosing a departure time that avoids peak traffic hours in the metropolitan areas. Plan for at least one dedicated stop to break up the drive, especially given the lengthy 89.2-mile stretch on US 82. Checking your fuel levels before hitting the main highway sections is a smart move to ensure you stay within your $18 budget. Because the route is simple, use your flexibility to leave mid-morning or early afternoon to enjoy a more relaxed pace. Keep a close eye on your navigation as you transition between I-85, I-65, and US 82 to ensure you stay on the most efficient path.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 60.2 miles from Pike Road, AL, or about 1h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 89.2 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 80 miles or 1h 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 60.2 miles or 1h 23m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 12m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tuscaloosa, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Pike Road, 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 Pike Road, AL
This is one driving day of about 120.4 miles and 2h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Pike Road, 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 82 for about 89.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 60.2 mi from Pike Road, AL · 1h 23m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
60 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 60.2 miles from Pike Road, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 82 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 89.2 miles.
Arriving in Tuscaloosa, AL
The final approach into Tuscaloosa, 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 Tuscaloosa, AL.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.41 one way
$36.81 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
42 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.26 | $20.19 | $40.38 |
| premium | $4.61 | $21.85 | $43.70 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $26.75 | $53.50 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$18
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 42.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 36.1 | 0 | $12.64 | $5.78 |
| Efficient EV | 30.1 | 0 | $10.54 | $4.82 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 48.2 | 0 | $16.86 | $7.71 |
Gas CO2
42 kg
EV CO2
14 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.
Destination
Tuscaloosa, AL
Night in Tuscaloosa on Sunday
Local time
11:06 PM
CDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
86°F
Columbiana, AL
60 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
1 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
2h 41m 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 Pike Road, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL covers 120.4 miles and takes about 2h 41m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 82, I 85, I 65. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 60.2 miles from Pike Road, AL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $18.41 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
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 demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 120.4 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 8.3 miles (I 85; US 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 24.7 miles (US 82): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Pike Road, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL, road signs point toward 82: Millbrook and Prattville.
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