Traveling from Foley to Tuscaloosa covers 237.3 miles through the heart of Alabama, a journey that typically takes about 4 hours and 51 minutes. Because this route is a straightforward highway-focused drive, it is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. Expect to budget approximately $36 for fuel to complete the transit. You will navigate primarily via McKenzie Street, US 43, and I-20 as you transition from the southern part of the state toward the north. This is a practical, efficient route designed for those who need to move between these two regions reliably. Whether you are heading to Tuscaloosa for a visit or returning home, the trip is well-suited for a direct, focused drive.
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
118.7 miles from Foley, 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
McKenzie Street
18.6 mi
28m
I 10
16 mi
17m
I 65
9.2 mi
10m
Tuscaloosa Street
4.6 mi
6m
I 165
4.5 mi
5m
I 359
2.5 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
US 43
— 148.8 mi, about 2h 57m
Traffic on I-10
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 35 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,353 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,790
Quietest
2 AM
~181 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
13×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Foley, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL.
1
Start on US 98
67 ft·5 sec·East Laurel Avenue
2
Turn right onto AL 59
19 mi·28 min·McKenzie Street
3
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·52 sec
4
Merge onto I 10
16 mi·17 min·I 10
5
Take the exit
0.4 mi·42 sec
Toward US 90, US 98: Government Street
6
Keep slight left at fork
183 ft·5 sec
7
Continue on US 98
385 ft·12 sec·US 98
8
Continue on US 98
0.6 mi·1 min·Bankhead Tunnel
9
Continue on US 98
0.1 mi·14 sec·Government Street
10
Continue on Government Street
0.2 mi·39 sec·Government Street
11
Turn left onto South Water Street
0.8 mi·2 min·South Water Street
12
Continue on US 90; US 98 Truck
482 ft·11 sec·Telegraph Road
13
Turn straight onto I 165; US 90; US 98 Truck
4.5 mi·5 min·I 165; US 90; US 98 Truck
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·33 sec
Exit 1BToward I 65: Montgomery
15
Merge onto I 65
9.2 mi·10 min·I 65
16
Take the exit
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward 430: Satsuma, Creola
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward 430: Creola
18
Keep slight left at fork
124 ft·3 sec
Toward 430: Creola
19
Merge onto US 43
82 mi·1 hr 34 min·US 43
20
Merge onto US 43
24 mi·27 min·US 43
21
Turn left onto US 43
17 mi·19 min·US 43
22
Turn left onto US 43; US 80
0.9 mi·1 min·US 43; US 80
23
Continue on US 43
1.0 mi·1 min·South Cedar Avenue
24
Turn left onto US 43
0.1 mi·13 sec·East Capitol Street
25
Turn right onto US 43
24 mi·34 min·US 43
26
Turn right onto 1st Avenue
0.1 mi·27 sec·1st Avenue
27
Turn right onto US 11; US 43
4.6 mi·6 min·Tuscaloosa Street
28
Turn left onto CR 208
1.2 mi·2 min·M L King Highway
29
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·27 sec
30
Merge onto I 20; I 59
26 mi·27 min·I 20; I 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Take the exit
0.2 mi·35 sec
Exit 71BToward I 359 North, I 69 North: TuscaloosaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
32
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.
33
Continue on I 359; AL 69
0.4 mi·33 sec·I 359; AL 69
34
Continue on US 43; AL 69
0.5 mi·1 min·Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
Use the straight / left lanes.
35
Turn right onto University Boulevard
284 ft·10 sec·University Boulevard
Use the right lane.
36
Turn left
168 ft·12 sec
Use the left lane.
37
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To keep your 4-hour and 51-minute transit smooth, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel. Since the longest uninterrupted stretch spans nearly 150 miles on US 43, you should ensure your tank is topped off before leaving Foley to keep your $36 fuel budget on track. Leaving early in the morning provides the most flexibility, allowing you to navigate the highway segments during daylight hours. Because the route relies heavily on major roads, keep an eye on traffic reports for I-20, as congestion near urban hubs can affect your arrival time. Using your single planned stop midway through the US 43 portion is a smart way to manage fatigue during this focused, multi-hour 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 118.7 miles from Foley, 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 52 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 118.7 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 3h 57m
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 Foley, 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 Foley, AL
This is one driving day of about 237.3 miles and 4h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Foley, 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 34.9 and 237.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
34.9 mi into trip|~46m 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
41.8 mi into trip|~57m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 65: Montgomery
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 1B
Toward I 65: Montgomery
8
234.1 mi into trip|~4h 46m 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
237.3 mi into trip|~4h 51m in|University Boulevard
Turn right onto University Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
237.3 mi into trip|~4h 51m in
Turn left
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.94 one way
$65.88 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg83 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$36.86
$73.71
premium
$4.29
$40.07
$80.14
diesel
$4.80
$44.81
$89.61
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 83 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
71.2
0
$24.92
$11.39
Efficient EV
59.3
0
$20.76
$9.49
EV Truck/SUV
94.9
1
$33.22
$15.19
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Foley, AL
Late night
in Foley on Sunday
Local time
2:06 AM
CDT
Current temp
94°F
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 5 mph37% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Tuscaloosa, AL
Late night
in Tuscaloosa on Sunday
Local time
2:06 AM
CDT
Current temp
94°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 5 mph23% chanceLive forecast
89°F
Thomasville, AL
119 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 51m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
With a high highway share of 87%, this route is built for consistent speed and efficiency rather than winding backroads. You will spend the vast majority of your time on major corridors, including a significant 148.8-mile stretch on US 43, which serves as the backbone of your journey. The driving experience is characterized by long, uninterrupted segments that allow you to cover ground quickly. As you transition from the local start on McKenzie Street onto the larger highway network, the pace of the drive shifts to a steady, highway-focused rhythm. Expect a predictable experience behind the wheel that prioritizes functionality and directness over technical or complex navigation.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
37 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 34.9 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 23 significant decision points across 237.3 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 34.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 234.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
414 ft-3 ft
Total Climb
715 ft
Total Descent
570 ft
Highest Point
414 ft
~118.7 mi in
Elevation Range
416 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Foley, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL, road signs point toward 430: Satsuma, Creola and 430: Creola.
430: Satsuma
51.5 mi in|~1h 8m
Creola
51.5 mi in|~1h 8m
430: Creola
51.6 mi in|~1h 8m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 51m. Total distance: 237.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 51m 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.
Yes — we found about 5 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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. There are 5 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 34.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 234.1 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 9.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Tuscaloosa, AL, but most travelers stay overnight.
