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Trip from Fort Deposit, 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

2h 50m

Distance

132.3 mi

213 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
2h 39m ★
6 AM
2h 50m
8 AM
3h 12m
10 AM
2h 58m
12 PM
2h 56m
3 PM
2h 59m
5 PM
3h 11m
8 PM
2h 44m

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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Downtown Fort Deposit, AL, AL

Fort Deposit, AL

mori dad

Downtown Tuscaloosa, AL, AL

Tuscaloosa, AL

Kelly

Trip Overview

This 132.3-mile drive from Fort Deposit, Alabama, to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in a single day, with an estimated travel time of 2 hours and 50 minutes. Primarily utilizing US 82 and Interstate 65, the route is largely highway-focused, making it an efficient option for getting from point A to point B. With a fuel cost estimated around $20, this trip is quite budget-friendly. The drive remains within the Southeast region, offering a consistent feel throughout. If you're looking for a quick and uncomplicated transition between these two Alabama locations, this route fits the bill perfectly.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

66.2 miles from Fort Deposit, AL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 23m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 82 86.7 mi 1h 51m
Interstate 65 26.2 mi 28m
South Boulevard 4.7 mi 7m
Birmingham Highway 3.7 mi 5m
US 11 2.4 mi 2m
Memorial Drive 2 mi 2m
Old Montgomery Highway 1.8 mi 2m
State Route 185 1.8 mi 3m
Longest stretch: US 82 — 86.7 mi, about 1h 51m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Pollard Street

0.2 mi · 47 sec · Pollard Street
2

Turn right onto AL 185

1.1 mi · 1 min · Old Fort Road
3

Turn straight onto AL 185

1.8 mi · 3 min · State Route 185
4

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 32 sec
5

Merge onto I 65

26 mi · 28 min · Interstate 65
6

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 35 sec
Exit 168 Toward US 80, US 82
7

Turn left onto US 80; US 82; AL 21

4.7 mi · 7 min · South Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
8

At end of road, turn left onto US 31

3.7 mi · 5 min · Birmingham Highway
Use the straight lane.
9

Continue on US 31

2.0 mi · 2 min · Memorial Drive
Use the left lane.
10

Turn left onto US 82; AL 14

513 ft · 7 sec · US 82; AL 14
Use the left lane.
11

Continue on US 82; AL 14

87 mi · 1 hr 51 min · US 82; AL 14
Use the straight / right lanes.
12

Take the exit

308 ft · 10 sec
Use the left lane.
13

Continue on Old Montgomery Highway

1.8 mi · 2 min · Old Montgomery Highway
Use the straight / left lanes.
14

Turn left onto US 11

0.3 mi · 41 sec · Skyland Boulevard East
Use the left lane.
15

Turn right onto US 11; AL 69

2.4 mi · 2 min · US 11; AL 69
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Continue on I 359; AL 69

0.4 mi · 33 sec · I 359; AL 69
17

Continue on US 43; AL 69

0.5 mi · 1 min · Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
Use the straight / left lanes.
18

Turn right onto University Boulevard

284 ft · 10 sec · University Boulevard
Use the right lane.
19

Turn left

168 ft · 12 sec
Use the left lane.
20

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the manageable 2-hour and 50-minute duration, this drive is ideal for a single-day excursion, offering flexibility in your departure time. Plan for one stop to break up the 132.3 miles, perhaps around the halfway point or where US 82 is at its longest stretch. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially before heading out, as the estimated cost is around $20. The drive is predominantly highway, so be prepared for consistent speeds. A specific tip for this route: since you'll be on US 82 for a significant portion, ensure you're familiar with any potential speed limit changes or traffic patterns that might emerge as you get closer to Tuscaloosa.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 66.2 miles from Fort Deposit, AL, or about 1h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 86.7 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 29 miles or 34m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 66.2 miles or 1h 23m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 18m

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 Fort Deposit, 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 Fort Deposit, AL

This is one driving day of about 132.3 miles and 2h 50m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Fort Deposit, 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 82 for about 86.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

plant that has leaves at all times of the year

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Evergreen, AL

66 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

Montgomery, AL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Evergreen, AL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 66.2 miles from Fort Deposit, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 82 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 86.7 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 132.3

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 132.3

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 132.3

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 132.3

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 132.3

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 132.3

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 132.3

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12053494506

Visit website

Logan's Roadhouse

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30 mile 37.8

Prattville, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13342859900

Visit website

Vintage Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 28.4

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+13343561944

Visit website

Glencoe's Gladden Restaurant

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 132.3

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 132.3

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 132.3

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 5:30 am–12 pm

+12054697250

Visit website

Red Tail Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 37.8

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+13345174796

Visit website

Rickenbacker's Touch & Go Coffee Shop

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 37.8

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+13349537662

Hilltop Public House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 28.4

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 6:30 am–12 pm

+13342397752

Visit website

Baristas and Barristers

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 28.4

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

Visit website

Elevation Café

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 28.4

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+13349290600

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 18.9

Hope Hull, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13346130212

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 28.4

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Flying J EV Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route mile 18.9

Hope Hull, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13346130212

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 37.8

Prattville, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 37.8

Prattville, Alabama

+13345512900

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 122.9

Cottondale, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 37.8

Prattville, Alabama

+13342902970

Visit website

Powerpump Charging Station

Early in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 37.8

Prattville, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

Children's Hands-On Museum

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route mile 132.3

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm

+12053494235

Visit website

Kentuck Art Center & Festival

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 132.3

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 132.3

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+12053484668

Visit website

Alabama Museum of Natural History

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 132.3

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 132.3

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 132.3

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Randall Family Park & Trailhead

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 132.3

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

Snow Hinton Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 132.3

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+12055623210

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 29.5 and 132.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
29.5 mi into trip | ~34m in

Take the exit toward US 80, US 82

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

Exit 168 Toward US 80, US 82
6
29.7 mi into trip | ~35m in | US 80; US 82; AL 21 / South Boulevard

Turn left onto US 80; US 82; AL 21 / South Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
5
34.4 mi into trip | ~42m in | US 31 / Birmingham Highway

At end of road, turn left onto US 31 / Birmingham Highway

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
6
132.3 mi into trip | ~2h 49m in | University Boulevard

Turn right onto University Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
7
132.3 mi into trip | ~2h 49m in

Turn left

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$19.98 one way

$39.96 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 46 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $21.93 $43.87
premium $4.56 $23.75 $47.49
diesel $5.61 $29.21 $58.42

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$20

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 46.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 39.7 0 $13.89 $6.35
Efficient EV 33.1 0 $11.58 $5.29
EV Truck/SUV 52.9 0 $18.52 $8.47

Gas CO2

46 kg

EV CO2

15 kg (67% 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

Fort Deposit, AL

Morning in Fort Deposit on Sunday

Local time

9:42 AM

CDT

Current temp

79°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Tuscaloosa, AL

Morning in Tuscaloosa on Sunday

Local time

9:42 AM

CDT

Current temp

79°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

2h 50m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect an 89% highway-focused experience on this trip. The majority of your drive will be on well-maintained highways, including a substantial stretch of 86.7 miles on US 82. This means you'll encounter higher speeds and fewer local intersections for extended periods. While the profile is largely highway, the inclusion of South Boulevard as a main road suggests a transition into more urban or suburban environments as you approach your destination. This mix provides a blend of open road travel and eventual entry into a more developed area.

89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 86.7 mi on US 82.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 82 and Interstate 65. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 29.5 miles in.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 50m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 29.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 29.7 miles (US 80; US 82; AL 21 / South Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 34.4 miles (US 31 / Birmingham Highway): Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Tuscaloosa, AL

Full guide →

Tuscaloosa is a city of over 100,000 people (2020) in Metropolitan Alabama and home of the University of Alabama.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 50m. Total distance: 132.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (89%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 86.7 miles on US 82. 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: at 29.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 29.7 miles (US 80; US 82; AL 21 / South Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 34.4 miles (US 31 / Birmingham Highway): Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Tuscaloosa, AL before heading back.

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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