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, Dillard's Chophouse (2330 4th St) and Evangeline's (1653 McFarland Blvd N) are great picks.

When to visit Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa in January
Estimated hotel price
$103
1 night at 3-star hotel
Tuscaloosa in January
Estimated hotel price
$103
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, Air France, Aeromexico and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Tuscaloosa departs from Cedar Rapids and takes around 3h 36m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Tuscaloosa. The train journey from Tuscaloosa to Atlanta takes 4h 37m and costs around $18 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from New Orleans, expect to pay about $34 for a 8h 00m 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 Kyte and Hertz, among others, in Atlanta.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Tuscaloosa, including Bus, Wanda Coach and Tornado Bus. From New York, the bus ride to Tuscaloosa takes 1080 miles and will cost you around $301. From Laredo, the ticket costs about $63 for a journey of 1635 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, Air France, Aeromexico and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Tuscaloosa departs from Cedar Rapids and takes around 3h 36m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Tuscaloosa. The train journey from Tuscaloosa to Atlanta takes 4h 37m and costs around $18 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from New Orleans, expect to pay about $34 for a 8h 00m 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 Kyte and Hertz, among others, in Atlanta.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Tuscaloosa, including Bus, Wanda Coach and Tornado Bus. From New York, the bus ride to Tuscaloosa takes 1080 miles and will cost you around $301. From Laredo, the ticket costs about $63 for a journey of 1635 miles.

Airlines serving Tuscaloosa

Lufthansa
Good (4,683 reviews)
KLM
Good (843 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,616 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,586 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,601 reviews)
Air France
Good (978 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,112 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,436 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,978 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,989 reviews)
Finnair
Good (856 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,752 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (755 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (773 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (487 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (960 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (813 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (780 reviews)
Gulf Air
Good (134 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (554 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in popular areas of Tuscaloosa

Most booked hotels in Tuscaloosa

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tuscaloosa East - Cottondale, An IHG Hotel
2 stars
Excellent (9.2, 147 reviews)
$111+
Hotel Indigo Tuscaloosa Downtown
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 319 reviews)
$137+
Hotel Capstone
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 966 reviews)
$135+
La Quinta Inn & Suites By Wyndham Tuscaloosa University
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1486 reviews)
$82+
Best Western Catalina Inn
2 stars
Excellent (8.2, 174 reviews)
$113+
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Tuscaloosa, AL
2 stars
Excellent (8, 725 reviews)
$92+

Renting a car in Tuscaloosa

Renting a car in Tuscaloosa costs $60 per day, on average, or $119 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 14% cheaper than airport locations in Tuscaloosa.

Expect to pay $3.90 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 $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Tuscaloosa is Premium (Nissan Maxima or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Intermediate rental cars (Jeep Cherokee or similar) are, on average, 60% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Tuscaloosa costs $60 per day, on average, or $119 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 14% cheaper than airport locations in Tuscaloosa.

Expect to pay $3.90 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 $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Tuscaloosa is Premium (Nissan Maxima or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Intermediate rental cars (Jeep Cherokee or similar) are, on average, 60% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.