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Trip from Madison, 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 44m

Distance

146.8 mi

236 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
2h 33m ★
6 AM
2h 44m
8 AM
3h 6m
10 AM
2h 52m
12 PM
2h 50m
3 PM
2h 53m
5 PM
3h 5m
8 PM
2h 38m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

city in Alabama, United States

Madison, AL

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Tuscaloosa, AL, AL

Tuscaloosa, AL

Kelly

Trip Overview

Connecting Madison to Tuscaloosa is a straightforward 146.8-mile journey that typically takes about 2 hours and 44 minutes. Because this route is a compact, highway-focused drive within the Southeast, it is easily manageable as a single-day trip. You should budget approximately $22 for fuel to complete the transit between these two Alabama cities. Relying primarily on I-565, I-65, and I-20, the trip is designed for efficiency rather than leisure. Whether you are heading to Tuscaloosa for a game, a meeting, or a visit, this route offers a reliable path that requires no overnight stops.

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

73.4 miles from Madison, AL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 21m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 65 77.4 mi 1h 23m
I 20 52.8 mi 57m
I 565 8.5 mi 9m
I 359 2.2 mi 2m
Sullivan Street 1.1 mi 2m
Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North 0.5 mi 1m
Church Street 0.3 mi <1m
Main Street 0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 65 — 77.4 mi, about 1h 23m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Church Street

0.3 mi · 46 sec · Church Street
2

Continue on this road

0.1 mi · 18 sec · this road
3

Continue on Main Street

0.1 mi · 25 sec · Main Street
4

Turn sharp left onto Sullivan Street

1.1 mi · 2 min · Sullivan Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
5

Continue on Wall Triana Highway

454 ft · 11 sec · Wall Triana Highway
6

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 53 sec
Toward 565: Decatur
7

Merge onto I 565; US 72 Alt

8.5 mi · 9 min · I 565; US 72 Alt
8

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 16 sec
Exit 1 Toward I 65: Birmingham, Nashville
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min
Exit 1 Toward I 65 South: Birmingham Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
10

Merge onto I 65

74 mi · 1 hr 18 min · I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 38 sec
Exit 265 Toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale Use the slight right lane.
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 37 sec
Toward I 22 West: Memphis Use the straight lane.
13

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 27 sec
Toward Montgomery Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Merge onto I 65

3.7 mi · 4 min · I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 54 sec
Exit 261C Toward I 20 West, I 59 South: Tuscaloosa
16

Merge onto I 20; I 59

53 mi · 57 min · I 20; I 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 42 sec
Exit 71B Toward I 359 North, I 69 North: Tuscaloosa Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

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.
19

Continue on I 359; AL 69

0.4 mi · 33 sec · I 359; AL 69
20

Continue on US 43; AL 69

0.5 mi · 1 min · Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
Use the straight / left lanes.
21

Turn right onto University Boulevard

284 ft · 10 sec · University Boulevard
Use the right lane.
22

Turn left

168 ft · 12 sec
Use the left lane.
23

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Planning your departure is simple since the total travel time is under three hours, but keeping an eye on interstate traffic near major junctions is always a smart move. With only one recommended stop needed to break up the drive, you have plenty of flexibility to stretch your legs at your own pace. If you are traveling during peak hours, factor in extra time for potential congestion on the I-65 and I-20 corridors. Since you are looking at a $22 fuel estimate, topping off your tank before you leave Madison ensures you won't need to worry about refueling mid-trip. Use your single planned stop strategically to balance the 146.8-mile distance comfortably.

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 73.4 miles from Madison, AL, or about 1h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 77.4 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 32 miles or 37m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 73.4 miles or 1h 21m 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 14m

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 Madison, 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 Madison, AL

This is one driving day of about 146.8 miles and 2h 44m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Madison, 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 I 65 for about 77.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Kimberly, AL, AL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Kimberly, AL

73 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.

Popular next leg

Kimberly, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL

74.9 mi · 1h 26m

Pacing Suggestions

Hanceville, AL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Kimberly, AL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 73.4 miles from Madison, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 65 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 77.4 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 146.8

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+12053490505

Visit website

Subway

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

2.1 mi

Alamitos Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Cullman, Alabama

2.9 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 146.8

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+12052108751

Visit website

Just Love Coffee Cafe - Madison, AL

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Madison, Alabama

0.5 mi

Heritage Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ensley, Alabama

0.8 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 146.8

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 146.8

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 146.8

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+12057525100

Visit website

Alamitos Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 41.9

Cullman, Alabama

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+12567348020

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 146.8

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 146.8

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12053494506

Visit website

Egg Roll Express

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 94.4

Midfield, Alabama

+12059254670

Seeds Coffee Co. - Homewood

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 94.4

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+12052596405

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 146.8

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+12052108751

Visit website

Just Love Coffee Cafe - Madison, AL

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Madison, Alabama

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+12564891223

Visit website

Heritage Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 94.4

Ensley, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+12052020767

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 146.8

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 5:30 am–12 pm

+12054697250

Visit website

Makers Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 73.4

Morris, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

Visit website

Dolly's Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 104.9

Hueytown, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12057772447

Whammy Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 94.4

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

Visit website

Alicia's Coffee LLC

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 94.4

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+12055830926

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 125.8

Vance, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 41.9

Cullman, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 41.9

Cullman, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 125.8

Vance, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 136.3

Cottondale, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Madison, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

2.7 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 41.9

Cullman, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Madison, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Children's Hands-On Museum

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route mile 146.8

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm

+12053494235

Visit website

Dublin Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Madison, Alabama

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+12567729300

Visit website

Sportsman Lake Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 41.9

Cullman, Alabama

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+12567343052

Visit website

Kids Kingdom

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Madison, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12563872194

Visit website

Kentuck Art Center & Festival

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 146.8

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 146.8

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+12053484668

Visit website

Rickwood Caverns State Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 62.9

Warrior, Alabama

+12056479692

Visit website

Alabama Museum of Natural History

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 146.8

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 10 am–4:30 pm

+12053487550

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.6 and 143.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
0.6 mi into trip | ~1m in | Sullivan Street

Turn sharp left onto Sullivan Street

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight lanes.
8
10.8 mi into trip | ~14m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 65 South: Birmingham

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Exit 1 Toward I 65 South: Birmingham
8
85.3 mi into trip | ~1h 34m in

Take the exit toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 265 Toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale
7
85.8 mi into trip | ~1h 35m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 22 West: Memphis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane. Toward I 22 West: Memphis
8
143.6 mi into trip | ~2h 39m 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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.17 one way

$44.34 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 51 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $24.34 $48.68
premium $4.56 $26.35 $52.70
diesel $5.61 $32.41 $64.82

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$22

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$47–$72

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 51.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 44 0 $15.41 $7.05
Efficient EV 36.7 0 $12.85 $5.87
EV Truck/SUV 58.7 0 $20.55 $9.40

Gas CO2

51 kg

EV CO2

17 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

Madison, AL

Night in Madison on Saturday

Local time

11:48 PM

CDT

Current temp

77°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

78°F

Kimberly, AL

73 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

2 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 44m 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 a high-speed experience, as 96% of this trip is spent on major interstates. You will settle into a rhythm quickly, especially during the longest uninterrupted stretch of 77.4 miles along I-65. While the path is dominated by multi-lane highways, the transition between the northern and central Alabama corridors keeps the drive functional and direct. You won't encounter technical mountain passes or winding backroads here, as the focus remains strictly on interstate travel. This is a practical, no-nonsense commute that favors consistency over variety.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 77.4 mi on I 65.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and I 20. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.6 miles in near Sullivan Street.

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 16 significant decision points across 146.8 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 0.6 miles (Sullivan Street): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 85.3 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 Madison, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL, road signs point toward Nashville, Fultondale and Montgomery.

Nashville

10.6 mi in | ~13m

Fultondale

85.3 mi in | ~1h 34m

Montgomery

86.3 mi in | ~1h 35m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 44m. Total distance: 146.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 77.4 miles on I 65. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 0.6 miles (Sullivan Street): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 85.3 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.

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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