Glory Bound Gyro Co.
Near the start, right off the route
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Hours: 11 am–12 pm
+12053490505
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 57m
Distance
105.3 mi
169 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$16
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
43 DC fast
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Tuscaloosa, AL
Kelly
Cullman, AL
Wikimedia Commons
This 105.3-mile drive from Tuscaloosa, AL to Cullman, AL is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 57 minutes. The route is predominantly highway-focused, with 98% of the journey on major interstates, making for a straightforward commute through the Southeast region of Alabama. With an estimated fuel cost of $16, this trip is budget-friendly. You'll spend most of your time on I-20 and I-65, so expect a consistent driving experience without the need for an overnight stop. This is a practical option if you're looking for an efficient way to travel between these two Alabama cities.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
52.6 miles from Tuscaloosa, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 58m into the drive .
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 57m. Total distance: 105.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 105.3-mile journey. With 98% of the route on major interstates like I-20 and I-65, you'll experience a consistent pace. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 52.9 miles on I-20, offering a solid period of steady driving. While the profile is primarily highway, you'll utilize I-359 as well, connecting you to the interstate system. This route is designed for efficiency, minimizing time spent on slower local roads and maximizing time on higher-speed thoroughfares.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 20 and I 65. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near University Boulevard.
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 105.3 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (University Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.2 miles (US 43; AL 69 / Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard South): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Turn right onto University Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Turn left onto US 43; AL 69 / Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard South
Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward 278: Cullman, Double Springs
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Turn right onto US 31; AL 69 / 2nd Avenue Southwest
Lane positioning matters here
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 20 | 52.9 mi | 56m |
| I 65 | 46.5 mi | 50m |
| I 359 | 2 mi | 2m |
| US 278 | 1.8 mi | 3m |
| Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard South | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| University Boulevard | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| 2nd Avenue Southwest | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Tuscaloosa, AL and Cullman, AL.
Start on this road
Turn right onto University Boulevard
Turn left onto US 43; AL 69
Continue on I 359; AL 69
Continue on I 359; US 11; AL 69
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 20; I 59
Take the exit
Continue on this road
Merge onto I 65
Take the exit
Turn right onto US 278
Turn right onto US 31; AL 69
Arrive at destination
Given that this drive is just under two hours and covers 105.3 miles, you have a lot of flexibility. Leaving Tuscaloosa in the morning, perhaps after rush hour, will allow you to reach Cullman smoothly. With no specific stops recommended, you can choose to refuel and rest as needed, keeping the $16 fuel cost in mind. Since the longest stretch on I-20 is 52.9 miles, plan for a potential break around that point if desired. This short, highway-centric route means you can easily adjust your departure time based on your schedule.
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.
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 23 miles or 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 52.6 miles or 58m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cullman, AL than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Tuscaloosa, AL so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Tuscaloosa, AL
This is one driving day of about 105.3 miles and 1h 57m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 52.6 mi from Tuscaloosa, AL · 58m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
53 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.
A short stop after about 23 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 52.6 miles from Tuscaloosa, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
The final approach into Cullman, AL usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Top Restaurant
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Near the start, right off the route
Hours: 11 am–12 pm
+12053490505
Alamitos Mexican Restaurant
Cullman, Alabama
Subway
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Top Coffee Stop
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Near the start, right off the route
Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm
+12052108751
Heritage Coffee
Ensley, Alabama
Strange Brew Coffeehouse Bama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Near the start, right off the route
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Hours: 11 am–12 pm
+12053490505
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+12053919887
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Cullman, Alabama
Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm
+12567348020
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Hours: 8 am–9 pm
+12057525100
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Bessemer, Alabama
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+12054819588
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Birmingham, Alabama
Hours: 10 am–11 pm
+12057148066
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Bessemer, Alabama
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+12057566002
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Bessemer, Alabama
Hours: 6 am–6 pm
+12055659822
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm
+12052108751
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
Ensley, Alabama
Hours: 8 am–2 pm
+12052020767
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Hours: 5:30 am–12 pm
+12054697250
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Hueytown, Alabama
Hours: 7 am–5 pm
+12057772447
Later in the drive, short detour
Morris, Alabama
Hours: 7 am–1 pm
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Birmingham, Alabama
Hours: 7 am–4 pm
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Birmingham, Alabama
Hours: 7 am–4 pm
+12056321040
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Birmingham, Alabama
Hours: 7 am–4 pm
+12055830926
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Vance, Alabama
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18336322778
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Cottondale, Alabama
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
McCalla, Alabama
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18774943833
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Cullman, Alabama
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Good Hope, Alabama
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18774943833
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Bessemer, Alabama
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Vance, Alabama
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Cullman, Alabama
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Near the start, right off the route
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm
+12053494235
Visit websiteLater in the drive, right off the route
Warrior, Alabama
+12056479692
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Northport, Alabama
Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm
+12057581257
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Cullman, Alabama
+18338389453
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Cullman, Alabama
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+12567343052
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Cullman, Alabama
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+12567344110
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Hueytown, Alabama
Hours: 6 am–9 pm
+12054916691
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Hours: 9 am–4 pm
+12053484668
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
National Monument
In 1963, images of snarling police dogs unleashed against non-violent protesters and of children being sprayed with high-pressure hoses appeared in print and television news around the world. These dr...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Regular Gas
$15.90 one way
$31.81 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $17.46 | $34.91 |
| premium | $4.56 | $18.90 | $37.80 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $23.25 | $46.50 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 36.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
43 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent
1st Avenue South - Tesla Supercharger
Birmingham, AL
28 DCFC
Energy Center Charging Farm
Vance, AL
23 DCFC
Sadie's Diner - Tesla Supercharger
Vance, AL
12 DCFC
Spirit Mart - Tesla Supercharger
Bessemer, AL
12 DCFC
Target - Tesla Supercharger
Tuscaloosa, AL
8 DCFC
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tuscaloosa - Tesla Supercharger
Cottondale, AL
8 DCFC
Lane Parke Shopping Mall - Tesla Supercharger
Mountain Brook, AL
8 DCFC
Uptown Entertainment District - Tesla Supercharger
Birmingham, AL
8 DCFC
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 31.6 | 0 | $11.06 | $5.05 |
| Efficient EV | 26.3 | 0 | $9.21 | $4.21 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 42.1 | 0 | $14.74 | $6.74 |
Gas CO2
37 kg
EV CO2
12 kg (68% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Afternoon in Tuscaloosa on Friday
Local time
2:40 PM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Destination
Afternoon in Cullman on Friday
Local time
2:40 PM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
49°F
Birmingham, AL
53 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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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