Introduction
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Tuscaloosa travel guide

Tuscaloosa Tourism | Tuscaloosa Guide

You're Going to Love Tuscaloosa

With a population of 90.468, Tuscaloosa is a must-see destination in Alabama, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Tuscaloosa deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

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Where to Eat in Tuscaloosa

If you’re looking for affordable options, Forte (2321 6th St) and Sugo Italian Restaurant (2218 University Blvd) are great picks.

When to visit Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa in January
Estimated hotel price
$100
1 night at 3-star hotel
Tuscaloosa in January
Estimated hotel price
$100
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Tuscaloosa in July, when the average temperature is 80.6 °F, and the highest can go up to 91.4 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 33.8 °F, with an average temperature of 44.6 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in February, when precipitation is around 5.3″. In contrast, September is usually the driest month of the year in Tuscaloosa, with an average rainfall of 3.2″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Tuscaloosa

Plane

Although Tuscaloosa doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Birmingham (BHM), which is located 53 miles from Tuscaloosa. Montgomery Dannelly Field is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Delta, WestJet and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Tuscaloosa departs from Raleigh and takes around 1h 40m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Tuscaloosa. The train journey from Tuscaloosa to Alexandria takes 18h 56m and costs around $146 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Baltimore, expect to pay about $185 for a 20h 31m trip. The train station in Tuscaloosa is called Tuscaloosa, and is located 1.3 miles from the city center.

Car

Another option to get to Tuscaloosa is to pick up a car rental from Atlanta, which is about 187 miles from Tuscaloosa. You’ll find branches of Ace and Turo, among others, in Atlanta.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Tuscaloosa, including FlixBus, Tornado Bus and Greyhound. From Charlotte, the bus ride to Tuscaloosa takes 813 km and will cost you around $330. From Orlando, the ticket costs about $71 for a journey of 660 miles.

Plane

Although Tuscaloosa doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Birmingham (BHM), which is located 53 miles from Tuscaloosa. Montgomery Dannelly Field is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Delta, WestJet and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Tuscaloosa departs from Raleigh and takes around 1h 40m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Tuscaloosa. The train journey from Tuscaloosa to Alexandria takes 18h 56m and costs around $146 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Baltimore, expect to pay about $185 for a 20h 31m trip. The train station in Tuscaloosa is called Tuscaloosa, and is located 1.3 miles from the city center.

Car

Another option to get to Tuscaloosa is to pick up a car rental from Atlanta, which is about 187 miles from Tuscaloosa. You’ll find branches of Ace and Turo, among others, in Atlanta.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Tuscaloosa, including FlixBus, Tornado Bus and Greyhound. From Charlotte, the bus ride to Tuscaloosa takes 813 km and will cost you around $330. From Orlando, the ticket costs about $71 for a journey of 660 miles.

Airports near Tuscaloosa

MGMMontgomery Dannelly Field
GTRColumbus Golden Triangle Reg.
BHMBirmingham

Airlines serving Tuscaloosa

KLM
Good (1,487 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,890 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,848 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,386 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,163 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,563 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,542 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,740 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,556 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,730 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,890 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,378 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Good (12,167 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (1,499 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,909 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (1,163 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,766 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,203 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,550 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,576 reviews)
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Find flights to Tuscaloosa

Where to stay in Tuscaloosa

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Fairfield Inn by Marriott Tuscaloosa and Surestay Hotel By Best Western Tuscaloosa. There are also lots of vacation rental options in Tuscaloosa, with prices from $49 to $456 per night. Downtown is the neighborhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, vacation rentals in Tuscaloosa are about 261% more expensive than a hotel room in the city.

Most popular hotel in Tuscaloosa by neighborhood

Where to stay in popular areas of Tuscaloosa

Most booked hotels in Tuscaloosa

See all
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tuscaloosa East By IHG
2 stars
Excellent (9.2, 121 reviews)
$104+
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La Quinta Inn & Suites By Wyndham Tuscaloosa University
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 1246 reviews)
$73+
View
Rodeway Inn Tuscaloosa near University
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, 794 reviews)
$65+
View
Ambassador Inn & Suites Tuscaloosa University I-20
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 654 reviews)
$62+
View
Wingate by Wyndham Tuscaloosa
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 1238 reviews)
$80+
View
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tuscaloosa East
2 stars
Good (7.7, 265 reviews)
$58+
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Renting a car in Tuscaloosa

Renting a car in Tuscaloosa costs $63 per day, on average, or $126 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 1% cheaper than airport locations in Tuscaloosa.

Expect to pay $4.28 per gallon in Tuscaloosa (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $51.33 and $68.44. The most frequently booked car type in Tuscaloosa is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Supplier choice rental cars (Class Special Car or similar) are, on average, 59% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Tuscaloosa costs $63 per day, on average, or $126 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 1% cheaper than airport locations in Tuscaloosa.

Expect to pay $4.28 per gallon in Tuscaloosa (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $51.33 and $68.44. The most frequently booked car type in Tuscaloosa is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Supplier choice rental cars (Class Special Car or similar) are, on average, 59% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Tuscaloosa

Economy

2 Adults, 2 Bags

$35/day

Economy

Compact

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$37/day

Compact
Find car rentals in Tuscaloosa