Connecting Attalla to Tuscaloosa is a straightforward 115.2-mile journey that typically takes about 2 hours and 8 minutes. Because this is a highly efficient, highway-focused route, it works perfectly as a simple day trip without the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to spend roughly $18 on fuel for the one-way transit, making it a very budget-friendly trip across the Southeast. Since the entire drive stays within Alabama, you won't face any significant regional shifts or complex navigation hurdles. It is an ideal path for those prioritizing speed and reliability over scenic detours or multiple stops. If you are looking for a practical way to move between these two cities, this direct interstate connection is your best option.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
57.6 miles from Attalla, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 4m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 59
110.9 mi
2h 1m
I 359
2.2 mi
2m
5th Avenue Northwest
0.8 mi
1m
Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
0.5 mi
1m
University Boulevard
<0.1 mi
<1m
3rd Street Northwest
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 59
— 110.9 mi, about 2h 1m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Attalla, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL.
1
Start on US 11; US 278; US 431
95 ft·6 sec·3rd Street Northwest
2
Turn right onto US 278; US 431
0.8 mi·1 min·5th Avenue Northwest
Use the right lane.
3
Take the exit
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward BirminghamUse the straight / right lanes.
4
Merge onto I 59
111 mi·2 hr 1 min·I 59
Use the straight lane.
5
Take the exit
0.4 mi·42 sec
Exit 71BToward I 359 North, I 69 North: TuscaloosaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Merge onto I 359; US 11; AL 69
1.8 mi·2 min·I 359; US 11; AL 69
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 359; AL 69
0.4 mi·33 sec·I 359; AL 69
8
Continue on US 43; AL 69
0.5 mi·1 min·Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
Use the straight / left lanes.
9
Turn right onto University Boulevard
284 ft·10 sec·University Boulevard
Use the right lane.
10
Turn left
168 ft·12 sec
Use the left lane.
11
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since the 2-hour and 8-minute drive is relatively short, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. However, keeping an eye on traffic patterns as you approach the Tuscaloosa area is smart, as congestion can fluctuate depending on the day. Because there are no mandatory stops scheduled for the 115.2-mile trek, you can easily complete the trip in one go without needing to build in extra rest time. Make sure your fuel tank is ready for the $18 expenditure before you head out, as staying on I-59 for the longest stretch means you should plan your refueling stops accordingly. Focus on maintaining a steady speed on the interstate to ensure you reach your destination comfortably within the estimated timeframe.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 57.6 miles from Attalla, AL, or about 1h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 110.9 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 25 miles or 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 57.6 miles or 1h 4m 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 44m
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 Attalla, 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 Attalla, AL
This is one driving day of about 115.2 miles and 2h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 25 miles from Attalla, AL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 59 for about 110.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 7
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 115.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|US 278; US 431 / 5th Avenue Northwest
Turn right onto US 278; US 431 / 5th Avenue Northwest
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
0.8 mi into trip|~2m in
Take the exit toward Birmingham
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward Birmingham
8
112.1 mi into trip|~2h 4m 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
115.1 mi into trip|~2h 8m in|University Boulevard
Turn right onto University Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
115.2 mi into trip|~2h 8m in
Turn left
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$17.40 one way
$34.80 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg40 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$19.10
$38.20
premium
$4.56
$20.68
$41.35
diesel
$5.61
$25.43
$50.87
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$42–$67
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 40.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
34.6
0
$12.10
$5.53
Efficient EV
28.8
0
$10.08
$4.61
EV Truck/SUV
46.1
0
$16.13
$7.37
Gas CO2
40 kg
EV CO2
13 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.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Attalla, AL
Night
in Attalla on Saturday
Local time
11:48 PM
CDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Tuscaloosa, AL
Night
in Tuscaloosa on Saturday
Local time
11:48 PM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Birmingham, AL
58 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
31 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
2h 8m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a focused interstate experience, as 98% of this trip is comprised of highway driving. You will spend the vast majority of your time on I-59, which accounts for a 110.9-mile stretch of the journey. The drive is designed for efficiency, keeping you on high-speed corridors until you reach the final approach into Tuscaloosa via I-359 and 5th Avenue Northwest. Because the route is dominated by this long interstate segment, the rhythm of the drive remains consistent and predictable from start to finish. You won't encounter the stop-and-go patterns of rural backroads, allowing you to maintain a steady pace throughout the duration of your trip.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
11 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 110.9 mi on I 59.
How Hard Is This Drive?
4/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 59 and I 359. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 278; US 431 / 5th Avenue Northwest.
Driving Effort4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 2h 8m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 278; US 431 / 5th Avenue Northwest): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 112.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 8m. Total distance: 115.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
The longest stretch is about 110.9 miles on I 59. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 278; US 431 / 5th Avenue Northwest): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 112.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Tuscaloosa, AL before heading back.
