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Trip from Elberta, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 56m

Distance

244.1 mi

393 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$37

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 43m ★
6 AM
4h 56m
8 AM
5h 23m
10 AM
5h 6m
12 PM
5h 3m
3 PM
5h 7m
5 PM
5h 22m
8 PM
4h 48m

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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town in Alabama, United States

Elberta, AL

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Tuscaloosa, AL, AL

Tuscaloosa, AL

Kelly

Trip Overview

This 244.1-mile journey from Elberta, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL takes approximately 4 hours and 56 minutes, making it a manageable day trip for most travelers. The route predominantly utilizes US 43 and I-20, with a brief segment on I-10, offering an efficient drive through the heart of Alabama. With a projected fuel cost of around $37, this trip is budget-friendly. The drive is primarily highway-focused, so expect a steady pace as you travel from the Southeast region to the same region. This route is well-suited for a single day of travel, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop.

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

122 miles from Elberta, AL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 26m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 43 148.8 mi 2h 57m
I 20 25.8 mi 27m
I 10 21.3 mi 22m
Baldwin Beach Express 13.1 mi 18m
I 65 9.2 mi 10m
Tuscaloosa Street 4.6 mi 6m
I 165 4.5 mi 5m
Foley Beach Express 3.9 mi 5m
Longest stretch: US 43 — 148.8 mi, about 2h 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Elberta, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL.

1

Start on US 98

3.1 mi · 4 min · State Avenue
2

Turn right onto AL 161

3.9 mi · 5 min · Foley Beach Express
3

Turn right onto AL 161

13 mi · 18 min · Baldwin Beach Express
4

Turn left

0.3 mi · 43 sec
5

Merge onto I 10

21 mi · 22 min · I 10
6

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 42 sec
Toward US 90, US 98: Government Street
7

Keep slight left at fork

183 ft · 5 sec
8

Continue on US 98

385 ft · 12 sec · US 98
9

Continue on US 98

0.6 mi · 1 min · Bankhead Tunnel
10

Continue on US 98

0.1 mi · 14 sec · Government Street
11

Continue on Government Street

0.2 mi · 39 sec · Government Street
12

Turn left onto South Water Street

0.8 mi · 2 min · South Water Street
13

Continue on US 90; US 98 Truck

482 ft · 11 sec · Telegraph Road
14

Turn straight onto I 165; US 90; US 98 Truck

4.5 mi · 5 min · I 165; US 90; US 98 Truck
15

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 33 sec
Exit 1B Toward I 65: Montgomery
16

Merge onto I 65

9.2 mi · 10 min · I 65
17

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 13 sec
Toward 430: Satsuma, Creola
18

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward 430: Creola
19

Keep slight left at fork

124 ft · 3 sec
Toward 430: Creola
20

Merge onto US 43

82 mi · 1 hr 34 min · US 43
21

Merge onto US 43

24 mi · 27 min · US 43
22

Turn left onto US 43

17 mi · 19 min · US 43
23

Turn left onto US 43; US 80

0.9 mi · 1 min · US 43; US 80
24

Continue on US 43

1.0 mi · 1 min · South Cedar Avenue
25

Turn left onto US 43

0.1 mi · 13 sec · East Capitol Street
26

Turn right onto US 43

24 mi · 34 min · US 43
27

Turn right onto 1st Avenue

0.1 mi · 27 sec · 1st Avenue
28

Turn right onto US 11; US 43

4.6 mi · 6 min · Tuscaloosa Street
29

Turn left onto CR 208

1.2 mi · 2 min · M L King Highway
30

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 27 sec
31

Merge onto I 20; I 59

26 mi · 27 min · I 20; I 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 35 sec
Exit 71B Toward I 359 North, I 69 North: Tuscaloosa Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33

Merge onto I 359; US 11; AL 69

2.1 mi · 2 min · I 359; US 11; AL 69
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34

Continue on I 359; AL 69

0.4 mi · 33 sec · I 359; AL 69
35

Continue on US 43; AL 69

0.5 mi · 1 min · Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
Use the straight / left lanes.
36

Turn right onto University Boulevard

284 ft · 10 sec · University Boulevard
Use the right lane.
37

Turn left

168 ft · 12 sec
Use the left lane.
38

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 4 hour and 56 minute duration, departing Elberta, AL in the morning is recommended to maximize your daylight hours in Tuscaloosa. The single stop noted suggests you can break up the drive strategically, perhaps midway through the longest stretch on US 43. With a fuel cost estimate of $37, ensure your tank is full before leaving Elberta to avoid unnecessary detours. This route is designed for a single-day journey, so flexibility with your timing is key. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the extended 148.8-mile segment on US 43.

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 122 miles from Elberta, AL, or about 2h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 148.8 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 54 miles or 1h 8m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 122 miles or 2h 26m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h

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 Elberta, 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 Elberta, AL

This is one driving day of about 244.1 miles and 4h 56m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Elberta, 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 148.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Thomasville, AL, AL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Thomasville, AL

122 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

Pennsylvania, AL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Jackson, AL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 122 miles from Elberta, 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 148.8 miles.

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

Glory Bound Gyro Co.

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 244.1

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+12053490505

Visit website

Subway

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

2.1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Monarch Espresso

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 244.1

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+12052108751

Visit website

Strange Brew Coffeehouse Bama

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

1 mi

Glory Bound Gyro Co.

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 244.1

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+12053490505

Visit website

Swen Chinese Restaurant

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 244.1

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+12053919887

Visit website

Subway

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour Inexpensiv mile 244.1

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+12057525100

Visit website

Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Tuscaloosa Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour Moderately mile 244.1

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+12057222045

Visit website

Whataburger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 244.1

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12053494506

Visit website

Felix's Fish Camp Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $20 to $30 mile 34.9

Spanish Fort, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+12516266710

Visit website

Glencoe's Gladden Restaurant

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 244.1

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Monarch Espresso

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 244.1

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+12052108751

Visit website

Strange Brew Coffeehouse Bama

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 244.1

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 5:30 am–12 pm

+12054697250

Visit website

FLO Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 139.5

Thomasville, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18883568911

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 52.3

Saraland, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 17.4

Robertsdale, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Mercedes-Benz Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 17.4

Robertsdale, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336224743

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 34.9

Daphne, Alabama

Hours: 4:30 am–9 pm

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 34.9

Spanish Fort, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 34.9

Spanish Fort, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Livingston Charge Port Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 17.4

Robertsdale, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15186913119

Visit website

OWA Parks & Resort

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour

Foley, Alabama

+12519232111

Visit website

Children's Hands-On Museum

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route mile 244.1

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm

+12053494235

Visit website

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 34.9

Spanish Fort, Alabama

Hours: 4–8 pm

+12562693213

Visit website

Kentuck Art Center & Festival

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 244.1

Northport, Alabama

Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm

+12057581257

Visit website

Paul W. Bryant Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 244.1

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+12053484668

Visit website

Bayfront Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 34.9

Daphne, Alabama

+12516265300

Alabama Museum of Natural History

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 244.1

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 10 am–4:30 pm

+12053487550

Visit website

Van De Graaff Park and Arboretum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 244.1

Northport, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12055623220

Visit website

Harmon Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 244.1

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 25

5 decision points cluster between mile 41.6 and 244 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
41.6 mi into trip | ~51m in

Take the exit toward US 90, US 98: Government Street

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

Toward US 90, US 98: Government Street
6
48.5 mi into trip | ~1h 2m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 65: Montgomery

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 1B Toward I 65: Montgomery
8
240.8 mi into trip | ~4h 51m 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
244 mi into trip | ~4h 55m in | University Boulevard

Turn right onto University Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
7
244 mi into trip | ~4h 56m in

Turn left

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$36.86 one way

$73.73 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 85 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $40.47 $80.94
premium $4.56 $43.81 $87.63
diesel $5.61 $53.89 $107.79

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$37

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$62–$87

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 85.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 73.2 0 $25.63 $11.72
Efficient EV 61 0 $21.36 $9.76
EV Truck/SUV 97.6 1 $34.17 $15.62

Gas CO2

85 kg

EV CO2

29 kg (66% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 17, 2026

Origin

Elberta, AL

Late night in Elberta on Sunday

Local time

3:08 AM

CDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Tuscaloosa, AL

Late night in Tuscaloosa on Sunday

Local time

3:08 AM

CDT

Current temp

90°F

Sunny

SW 0 to 5 mph 2% chance Live forecast

78°F

Thomasville, AL

122 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

34 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 56m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 244.1-mile trip, with 87% of the journey on major roads like US 43 and I-20. You'll experience a significant uninterrupted stretch of 148.8 miles on US 43, providing a consistent cruising experience. While primarily highway, the route offers a practical progression rather than dramatic scenic shifts. The character is one of efficient travel, designed to get you from point A to point B effectively, with a focus on maintaining speed and covering distance.

87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
38 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 148.8 mi on US 43.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 43 and I 20. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 41.6 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 244.1 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: at 41.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 48.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 240.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Elberta, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL, road signs point toward 430: Satsuma, Creola and 430: Creola.

430: Satsuma

58.2 mi in | ~1h 13m

Creola

58.2 mi in | ~1h 13m

430: Creola

58.3 mi in | ~1h 13m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 56m. Total distance: 244.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 148.8 miles on US 43. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Tuscaloosa, AL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 41.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 48.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 240.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Tuscaloosa, AL, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner 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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