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.

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 85 km 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 Denver and takes around 2h 25m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Tuscaloosa. The train journey from Tuscaloosa to New Orleans takes 8h 05m and costs around $36 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Alexandria, expect to pay about $174 for a 18h 56m trip. The train station in Tuscaloosa is called Tuscaloosa, and is located 2.0 km from the city center.

Car

Another option to get to Tuscaloosa is to pick up a car rental from Atlanta, which is about 301 km from Tuscaloosa. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Ace, among others, in Atlanta.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Tuscaloosa, including Greyhound, FlixBus and Tornado Bus. From Atlanta, the bus ride to Tuscaloosa takes 233 km and will cost you around $58. From Dallas, the ticket costs about $190 for a journey of 1036 km.

Plane

Although Tuscaloosa doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Birmingham (BHM), which is located 85 km 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 Denver and takes around 2h 25m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Tuscaloosa. The train journey from Tuscaloosa to New Orleans takes 8h 05m and costs around $36 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Alexandria, expect to pay about $174 for a 18h 56m trip. The train station in Tuscaloosa is called Tuscaloosa, and is located 2.0 km from the city center.

Car

Another option to get to Tuscaloosa is to pick up a car rental from Atlanta, which is about 301 km from Tuscaloosa. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Ace, among others, in Atlanta.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Tuscaloosa, including Greyhound, FlixBus and Tornado Bus. From Atlanta, the bus ride to Tuscaloosa takes 233 km and will cost you around $58. From Dallas, the ticket costs about $190 for a journey of 1036 km.

Airports near Tuscaloosa

MGMMontgomery Dannelly Field
GTRColumbus Golden Triangle Reg.
BHMBirmingham

Airlines serving Tuscaloosa

KLM
Good (1,426 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,603 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,550 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,011 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,038 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,679 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,432 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,063 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,500 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,496 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,591 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,334 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,388 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,890 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (1,016 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,635 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,177 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,654 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,559 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (1,384 reviews)
Show more
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 Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tuscaloosa - Univ. of Alabama. There are also lots of vacation rental options in Tuscaloosa, with prices from $47 to $453 per night. Downtown is the neighborhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, vacation rentals in Tuscaloosa are about 363% 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 (9.1, 115 reviews)
$97+
View
La Quinta Inn & Suites By Wyndham Tuscaloosa University
3 stars
Excellent (8.8, 1094 reviews)
$67+
View
Hotel Indigo Tuscaloosa Downtown By IHG
3 stars
Excellent (8.8, 589 reviews)
$96+
View
Embassy Suites by Hilton Tuscaloosa Alabama Downtown
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 435 reviews)
$147+
View
Wingate by Wyndham Tuscaloosa
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 1198 reviews)
$56+
View
Best Western Catalina Inn
2 stars
Good (7.5, 256 reviews)
$90+
View

Renting a car in Tuscaloosa

Renting a car in Tuscaloosa costs $73 per day, on average, or $145 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 17% more expensive than at Birmingham.

Expect to pay $3.41 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 $40.88 and $54.51. The most frequently booked car type in Tuscaloosa is Compact (Ford Focus or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Full-size rental cars (Chevrolet Malibu or similar) are, on average, 12% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Tuscaloosa costs $73 per day, on average, or $145 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 17% more expensive than at Birmingham.

Expect to pay $3.41 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 $40.88 and $54.51. The most frequently booked car type in Tuscaloosa is Compact (Ford Focus or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Full-size rental cars (Chevrolet Malibu or similar) are, on average, 12% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Tuscaloosa

Intermediate

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$35/day

Intermediate

Compact

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$36/day

Compact
Find car rentals in Tuscaloosa