Tuscaloosa, AL to Headland, AL is 207.5 miles and takes about 4h 33m via McFarland Boulevard East and US 231, with a fuel budget near $30 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Alabama, moving from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. Expect a drive that primarily uses surface roads, making it a more relaxed pace compared to pure interstate travel. With only one recommended stop and a total drive time under five hours, this is a solid option for a single-day excursion when you want to avoid prolonged highway speeds.
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
103.8 miles from Tuscaloosa, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 16m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
McFarland Boulevard East
86.8 mi
1h 51m
US 231
53.3 mi
1h 8m
Troy Highway
34.7 mi
41m
West Boulevard
10.1 mi
15m
Kelly Avenue
10 mi
17m
Birmingham Highway
3.7 mi
5m
I 359
2.8 mi
3m
South Memorial Drive
2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
McFarland Boulevard East
— 86.8 mi, about 1h 51m
Traffic on I-359
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 14 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,412 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~125 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
19.3×
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 Tuscaloosa, AL and Headland, AL.
1
Start on this road
132 ft·11 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto University Boulevard
0.1 mi·21 sec·University Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
3
Turn left onto US 43; AL 69
0.5 mi·1 min·Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard South
Use the left / straight lanes.
4
Continue on I 359; AL 69
0.3 mi·24 sec·I 359; AL 69
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Continue on I 359; US 11; AL 69
2.4 mi·2 min·I 359; US 11; AL 69
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Turn left onto US 11
0.3 mi·32 sec·Skyland Boulevard East
Use the left lane.
7
Turn slight right
223 ft·9 sec
Use the right lane.
8
Turn slight right onto AL 215
1.8 mi·2 min·Old Montgomery Highway
9
Turn right onto US 82
87 mi·1 hr 51 min·McFarland Boulevard East
Use the right lane.
10
Turn right onto US 31
2.0 mi·2 min·South Memorial Drive
11
Continue on US 31
3.7 mi·5 min·Birmingham Highway
Use the straight lane.
12
Turn right onto US 31
10 mi·15 min·West Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
13
Turn right onto US 82; US 231
35 mi·41 min·Troy Highway
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on US 231
7.7 mi·9 min·US 231
Use the right lane.
15
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.1 mi·9 sec·US 231; AL 10
16
Continue on US 231; AL 10
2.0 mi·3 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the right lane.
17
Continue on US 231; AL 10
7.6 mi·10 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Continue on US 231; AL 10
36 mi·44 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the right lane.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·45 sec
Use the right lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork
212 ft·7 sec
21
Turn right onto AL 134
0.7 mi·1 min·AL 134
22
Turn left onto AL 134
0.1 mi·19 sec·3rd Street
23
Turn right onto AL 134
10.0 mi·17 min·Kelly Avenue
24
Turn left onto AL 134
0.2 mi·23 sec·Main Street
25
Turn right onto East Church Street
243 ft·6 sec·East Church Street
26
Arrive at destination
East Church Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4-hour, 33-minute drive, consider leaving Tuscaloosa in the morning to give yourself ample daylight. The longest stretch without a major road change is 86.8 miles on McFarland Boulevard East, so plan accordingly for that initial segment. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimate of around $30, you have flexibility. Since this is a one-day trip, you can depart at your leisure, but be mindful of local traffic patterns as you get closer to Headland.
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 103.8 miles from Tuscaloosa, AL, or about 2h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 86.8 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 46 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 103.8 miles or 2h 16m 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 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Headland, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Tuscaloosa, 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 Tuscaloosa, AL
This is one driving day of about 207.5 miles and 4h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from Tuscaloosa, 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 McFarland Boulevard East for about 86.8 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 196.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0 mi into trip|~0m in|University Boulevard
Turn right onto University Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
0.2 mi into trip|~0m in|US 43; AL 69 / Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard South
Turn left onto US 43; AL 69 / Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
5
3.4 mi into trip|~5m in|US 11 / Skyland Boulevard East
Turn left onto US 11 / Skyland Boulevard East
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
98 mi into trip|~2h 7m in|US 31 / West Boulevard
Turn right onto US 31 / West Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
7
196.1 mi into trip|~4h 12m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.80 one way
$57.61 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg73 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$32.23
$64.46
premium
$4.29
$35.04
$70.08
diesel
$4.80
$39.18
$78.36
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 72.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
62.3
0
$21.79
$9.96
Efficient EV
51.9
0
$18.16
$8.30
EV Truck/SUV
83
1
$29.05
$13.28
Gas CO2
73 kg
EV CO2
24 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 Jul 19, 2026
Origin
Tuscaloosa, AL
Morning
in Tuscaloosa on Sunday
Local time
6:06 AM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Clear
0 mph22% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 8:02PM CDT by NWS Birmingham AL
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 7:53PM CDT until July 18 at 8:45PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Destination
Headland, AL
Morning
in Headland on Sunday
Local time
6:06 AM
CDT
Current temp
72°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
0 mph62% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 8:02PM CDT by NWS Birmingham AL
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 7:53PM CDT until July 18 at 8:45PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
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
4 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 33m 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?
This route covers 207.5 miles with a 27% highway share. You'll begin on McFarland Boulevard East for a significant stretch of 86.8 miles, which will feel like a long urban or suburban cruise with frequent intersections. After that, the route transitions to US 231 and other surface roads for the remainder of the drive. Expect a more stop-and-go feel as you pass through towns and navigate local traffic.
Only 27% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 86.8 mi on McFarland Boulevard East.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near University Boulevard.
Driving Effort5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 207.5 miles you will encounter 15 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (University Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.2 miles (US 43; AL 69 / Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard South): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.4 miles (US 11 / Skyland Boulevard East): Lane positioning matters here.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 33m. Total distance: 207.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (27%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 86.8 miles on McFarland Boulevard East. 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.
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: near the start (University Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.2 miles (US 43; AL 69 / Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard South): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.4 miles (US 11 / Skyland Boulevard East): Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Headland, AL, but most travelers stay overnight.
