Chicago to Tuscaloosa: Road Trip Guide & Distance

598.9 miles 963.9 km · straight line
713.9 miles actual route 1148.9 km · driving distance
13h 18min estimated drive time
$69 - $85 estimated fuel cost
~1h 42min flight time
180° S bearing direction

How far is Chicago from Tuscaloosa?

The distance from Chicago to Tuscaloosa is 598.9 miles (963.9 km) as the crow flies. Tuscaloosa is located S of Chicago. By car, the driving distance is approximately 713.9 miles, taking about 13h 18min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 42min. Both are located in United States — Chicago in Illinois and Tuscaloosa in Alabama.

This is a serious multi-day road trip! We strongly recommend breaking this journey up with an overnight stay to ensure you arrive safely and refreshed. As you head South, expect warmer temperatures. Make sure your car's AC is working well before embarking on this journey.

Coordinates come from public place data for Chicago and Tuscaloosa. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Chicago to Tuscaloosa

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 13h 18min $69 - $85 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 42min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~15h 58min $57–$107* Budget
Train ~17h 17min $86–$250* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Chicago & Tuscaloosa

Quick Facts

Chicago
41.88°N, 87.63°W
America/Chicago
181m elevation
Tuscaloosa
33.21°N, 87.57°W
America/Chicago
67m elevation
Explore more routes from Tuscaloosa

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 200 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 50 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 41.6 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM