Guides β€Ί Alabama, South USA β€Ί Tuscaloosa, AL
City guide

Tuscaloosa, AL

Tuscaloosa is a city in and the county seat of Tuscaloosa County in west-central Alabama, United States, on the Black Warrior River where the Gulf Coastal and Piedmont plains meet. Alabama's fifth-most populous city, the population was 99,600 at the 2020 census, and was estimated to be 114,288 in 2025.

Type CityPopulation 99,600

Why go

  • City in Alabama, United States.
  • Served by Tuscaloosa Regional Airport (TCL).

History

Tuscaloosa is a city in and the county seat of Tuscaloosa County in west-central Alabama, United States, on the Black Warrior River where the Gulf Coastal and Piedmont plains meet. Alabama's fifth-most populous city, the population was 99,600 at the 2020 census, and was estimated to be 114,288 in 2025. It was known as Tuskaloosa until the early 20th century. It is also known as "the Druid City" because of the numerous water oaks planted in its downtown streets since the 1840s.

Airports

Tuscaloosa Regional Airport (TCL) 5 mi to the centre
7601 R Cardinal Airport Rd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 β€” Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron β€” plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Moundville Airport 18 mi to the centre
Moundville, AL, US
Outdoor
Strickland/Smalley Field 27 mi to the centre
Akron, AL, US
Outdoor

Where things are

Full geo-intelligence in Better Mapping β†’
Local search powered by Geoverts and geo-intelligence by Better Mapping base map Β© OSM

Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather β€” check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Tuscaloosa Regional Airport (TCL); 5 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Tuscaloosa, AL. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Trains & rail

National rail

Coaches & shuttles

Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach