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Trip from Opelika, 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

3h 17m

Distance

162.3 mi

261 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 5m ★
6 AM
3h 17m
8 AM
3h 41m
10 AM
3h 26m
12 PM
3h 23m
3 PM
3h 27m
5 PM
3h 40m
8 PM
3h 10m

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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city in Alabama, United States

Opelika, AL

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Tuscaloosa, AL, AL

Tuscaloosa, AL

Kelly

Trip Overview

This 164.3-mile journey from Opelika to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 43 minutes. Navigating primarily via local roads like Avenue B, South 10th Street, and 2nd Avenue, this route offers a distinctly turn-heavy local drive experience rather than a highway cruise. With a projected fuel cost of around $25, it's an economical option for exploring more of the Southeast. You'll find this drive offers a good opportunity for a single, well-paced trip without the need for an overnight stay.

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

81.2 miles from Opelika, AL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 43m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 280 99.4 mi 2h 3m
I 20 33.7 mi 36m
John M. Harbert III Freeway 19.2 mi 20m
Birmingham Highway 2.9 mi 3m
I 359 2.2 mi 2m
2nd Avenue 0.9 mi 1m
Pepperell Parkway 0.9 mi 1m
Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North 0.5 mi 1m
Longest stretch: US 280 — 99.4 mi, about 2h 3m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on South 9th Street

81 ft · 8 sec · South 9th Street
2

Turn left onto Avenue B

464 ft · 23 sec · Avenue B
3

Turn right onto South 10th Street

0.3 mi · 51 sec · South 10th Street
4

Turn left onto 2nd Avenue

0.9 mi · 1 min · 2nd Avenue
5

Continue on Pepperell Parkway

0.9 mi · 1 min · Pepperell Parkway
6

Take the ramp

408 ft · 11 sec
7

Merge onto US 280

2.9 mi · 3 min · Birmingham Highway
Use the straight lane.
8

Continue on US 280

99 mi · 2 hr 3 min · US 280
Use the right lane.
9

Turn left

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I 459 South
10

Merge onto I 459

19 mi · 20 min · John M. Harbert III Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork

1.2 mi · 2 min
Toward I 20 West, I 59 South: Tuscaloosa Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Merge onto I 20; I 59; US 11; AL 5

34 mi · 36 min · I 20; I 59; US 11; AL 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 42 sec
Exit 71B Toward I 359 North, I 69 North: Tuscaloosa Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

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.
15

Continue on I 359; AL 69

0.4 mi · 33 sec · I 359; AL 69
16

Continue on US 43; AL 69

0.5 mi · 1 min · Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
Use the straight / left lanes.
17

Turn right onto University Boulevard

284 ft · 10 sec · University Boulevard
Use the right lane.
18

Turn left

168 ft · 12 sec
Use the left lane.
19

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given its 2 hour and 43 minute duration, this 164.3-mile trip from Opelika to Tuscaloosa is best enjoyed as a single-day adventure. Leave mid-morning to avoid rush hour and allow for a relaxed pace, especially since there's only one recommended stop. With a fuel cost estimated at $25, you won't need to worry about frequent, expensive fill-ups. A practical tip for this turn-heavy route: double-check your GPS accuracy before you depart, as local road navigation can sometimes be less straightforward than major highways.

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 81.2 miles from Opelika, AL, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.4 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 36 miles or 47m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 81.2 miles or 1h 43m 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 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 Opelika, 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 Opelika, AL

This is one driving day of about 162.3 miles and 3h 17m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Opelika, 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 280 for about 99.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Vincent, AL, AL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Vincent, AL

81 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

Dadeville, AL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Columbiana, AL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 81.2 miles from Opelika, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 280 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 99.4 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 164.3

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+12053490505

Visit website

Subway

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

2.1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Side Track

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Opelika, Alabama

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $1 to $10

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

Visit website

Monarch Espresso

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

0.3 mi

The Coffee Shop

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Opelika, Alabama

0.2 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 164.3

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 164.3

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 164.3

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 164.3

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 164.3

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12053494506

Visit website

Hardee's

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour Inexpensiv mile 70.4

Sylacauga, Alabama

Hours: 4 am–10 pm

+12562457657

Visit website

Arby's

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 47

Alexander City, Alabama

Hours: 9:30 am–11 pm

+12562155510

Visit website

Shiki Birmingham

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $20 to $30 mile 105.6

Homewood, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+12057835222

Visit website

Side Track

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $1 to $10

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

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 164.3

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+12052108751

Visit website

The Coffee Shop

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $1 to $10

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+13347376212

Visit website

Boonie Hat Coffee Company

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+13343630390

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 164.3

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 5:30 am–12 pm

+12054697250

Visit website

Cala Coffee Cahaba Heights

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 105.6

Vestavia Hills, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12056321040

Visit website

Toomers Coffee Roasters | We're the Coffee, not the Corner | Family Owned since 2004

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+13342031010

Visit website

Ristretto

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 129.1

McCalla, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Francis Energy Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 105.6

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18004891588

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 140.9

Vance, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 152.6

Cottondale, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 140.9

Vance, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 117.4

Hoover, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 129.1

Bessemer, 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 164.3

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm

+12053494235

Visit website

City Park (Monkey Park)

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+13347055549

Visit website

Kentuck Art Center & Festival

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 164.3

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 164.3

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 164.3

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 164.3

Northport, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12055623220

Visit website

Let's Play Hoover

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 117.4

Hoover, Alabama

+12057188993

Visit website

Harmon Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 164.3

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 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 162.3 — 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 | Avenue B

Turn left onto Avenue B

Navigation decision point

8
124.2 mi into trip | ~2h 33m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 20 West, I 59 South: Tuscaloosa

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 20 West, I 59 South: Tuscaloosa
8
159.2 mi into trip | ~3h 12m 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
162.2 mi into trip | ~3h 16m in | University Boulevard

Turn right onto University Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
7
162.3 mi into trip | ~3h 17m in

Turn left

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$24.51 one way

$49.02 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 57 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $26.91 $53.81
premium $4.56 $29.13 $58.26
diesel $5.61 $35.83 $71.67

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$25

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 56.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 48.7 0 $17.04 $7.79
Efficient EV 40.6 0 $14.20 $6.49
EV Truck/SUV 64.9 0 $22.72 $10.39

Gas CO2

57 kg

EV CO2

19 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

Opelika, AL

Late night in Opelika on Sunday

Local time

5:26 AM

CDT

Current temp

77°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Tuscaloosa, AL

Late night in Tuscaloosa on Sunday

Local time

5:26 AM

CDT

Current temp

79°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

79°F

Vincent, AL

81 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

3h 17m 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 driving experience that's more about navigating local thoroughfares than cruising on highways, as this route has a 0% highway share. You'll be making frequent turns, characteristic of a "turn-heavy local drive." The absence of long highway stretches means you'll be engaged with the road throughout the 164.3 miles. Keep an eye on your navigation, as the character of the drive remains consistent, focusing on local connections rather than long, uninterrupted stretches.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 99.4 mi on US 280.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 280 and I 20. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Avenue B.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 162.3 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: near the start (Avenue B): Navigation decision point; at 124.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 159.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 3h 17m. Total distance: 162.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 17m 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 99.4 miles on US 280. 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: near the start (Avenue B): Navigation decision point; at 124.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 159.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.6 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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