Origin
Semmes, AL
Evening in Semmes on Sunday
Local time
6:08 PM
CDT
Current temp
83°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Semmes, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL
Drive Time
4h 16m
Distance
223.1 mi
359 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$34
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 3m
★
6 AM
4h 16m
8 AM
4h 43m
10 AM
4h 25m
12 PM
4h 23m
3 PM
4h 27m
5 PM
4h 41m
8 PM
4h 8m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Semmes, AL
MAMADO CONF
Tuscaloosa, AL
Kelly
Trip Overview
Traveling from Semmes to Tuscaloosa covers 223.1 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 16 minutes. Since this route is a straightforward highway-focused drive, it is easily manageable as a one-day trip. You should budget approximately $34 for fuel to complete the journey. The route primarily utilizes US 45, I-20, and Industrial Parkway to navigate through the Southeast region of Alabama. Because the drive is relatively short, you can comfortably complete the transit without needing an overnight stay, giving you plenty of flexibility in your schedule once you arrive.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
111.6 miles from Semmes, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 12m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is heavily weighted toward highway travel, with 97% of your time spent on major roads. You will settle into a steady rhythm on US 45, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch of the journey at 123.4 miles. The drive offers a consistent, high-speed experience rather than a series of technical turns or local detours. Expect a practical, efficient transit that prioritizes speed and direct connectivity between the two Alabama cities. As you transition from the local roads onto the interstate, the pace remains steady, making it a predictable trek for those who prefer highway cruising.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 31 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 45 is the longest continuous segment at about 123.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 45 and I 20. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 223.1 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: near the start: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 133.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 219.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
At end of road, turn right
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
6
133.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 38m in
Take the exit toward Tuscaloosa
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Tuscaloosa
8
219.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 11m in
Take the exit toward I 359 North, I 69 North: Tuscaloosa
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 71B
Toward I 359 North, I 69 North: Tuscaloosa
6
223 mi into trip
|
~4h 15m in
|
University Boulevard
Turn right onto University Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
223.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 16m in
Turn left
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 45 | 123.4 mi | 2h 22m |
| I 20 | 85.9 mi | 1h 32m |
| Industrial Parkway | 4.3 mi | 5m |
| I 359 | 2.5 mi | 2m |
| Moffett Road | 2.4 mi | 4m |
| Schillinger Road North | 2.1 mi | 3m |
| Newburn Road | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North | 0.5 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
US 45
— 123.4 mi, about 2h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Semmes, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL.
1
Start on this road
118 ft
·
11 sec
·
this road
2
At end of road, turn right
133 ft
·
6 sec
3
Turn right onto US 98
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
Moffett Road
4
Turn sharp left onto CR 31
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Schillinger Road North
5
Continue on Newburn Road
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Newburn Road
6
Turn right onto AL 158
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Industrial Parkway
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
8
Keep slight left at fork
167 ft
·
11 sec
9
Turn left onto US 45
68 mi
·
1 hr 18 min
·
US 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on US 45
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
US 45
Use the straight lane.
11
Continue on US 45
6.1 mi
·
7 min
·
US 45
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on US 45
0.7 mi
·
49 sec
·
US 45
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on US 45
1.7 mi
·
1 min
·
US 45
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on US 45
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
US 45
Use the straight lane.
15
Continue on US 45
6.3 mi
·
7 min
·
US 45
Use the straight lane.
16
Continue on US 45
5.6 mi
·
6 min
·
US 45
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on US 45
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
US 45
Use the straight lane.
18
Continue on US 45
4.7 mi
·
5 min
·
US 45
Use the straight lane.
19
Continue on US 45
5.3 mi
·
6 min
·
US 45
Use the straight lane.
20
Continue on US 45
3.7 mi
·
4 min
·
US 45
Use the straight lane.
21
Continue on US 45
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
US 45
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on US 45
14 mi
·
15 min
·
US 45
Use the straight lane.
23
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
49 sec
Toward Tuscaloosa
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Merge onto I 20; I 59
86 mi
·
1 hr 32 min
·
I 20; I 59
Use the straight lane.
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 71B
Toward I 359 North, I 69 North: Tuscaloosa
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Merge onto I 359; US 11; AL 69
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
I 359; US 11; AL 69
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
27
Continue on I 359; AL 69
0.4 mi
·
33 sec
·
I 359; AL 69
Use the none lane.
28
Continue on US 43; AL 69
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
Use the straight / left lanes.
29
Turn right onto University Boulevard
284 ft
·
10 sec
·
University Boulevard
Use the right lane.
30
Turn left
168 ft
·
12 sec
Use the left lane.
31
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To keep your 4-hour and 16-minute drive comfortable, plan for at least one dedicated stop along the way to break up the 223.1-mile journey. Since the majority of your time is spent on US 45, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during that 123.4-mile stretch to ensure you don't run low between service intervals. Leaving early in the morning is the best way to avoid peak congestion and ensure you arrive in Tuscaloosa with plenty of daylight left. Given the highway-heavy nature of this route, maintain a consistent pace and utilize your single planned stop to stretch your legs before hitting the final leg of the drive.
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 111.6 miles from Semmes, AL, or about 2h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 123.4 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 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111.6 miles or 2h 12m 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 31m
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 Semmes, 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 Semmes, AL
This is one driving day of about 223.1 miles and 4h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Semmes, 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 45 for about 123.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 111.6 mi from Semmes, AL · 2h 12m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
112 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 111.6 miles from Semmes, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 45 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 123.4 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.
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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.11 one way
$68.21 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
78 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.26 | $37.41 | $74.82 |
| premium | $4.61 | $40.49 | $80.98 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $49.57 | $99.13 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 66.9 | 0 | $23.43 | $10.71 |
| Efficient EV | 55.8 | 0 | $19.52 | $8.92 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 89.2 | 1 | $31.23 | $14.28 |
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Evening in Tuscaloosa on Sunday
Local time
6:08 PM
CDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
86°F
Butler, AL
112 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
3 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 16m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Semmes, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL covers 223.1 miles and takes about 4h 16m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 45, I 20, Industrial Parkway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 111.6 miles from Semmes, AL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $34.11 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 223.1 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: near the start: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 133.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 219.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Semmes, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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