The Ultimate Guide to Planning an Alabama College Tour

Pack your bags and grab your sunscreen, we're heading to The Heart of Dixie for a tour of Alabama's beautiful campuses! Planning a multi-day trip across the Cotton State with a large group in tow may sound like a daunting task, but luckily the transportation experts at Busrental.net are here to help! We'll match your group with a comfortable and reliable charter bus rental to become your home on the road during your Alabama college tour. Let us handle all the driving and logistics while you focus on preparing for your future. Call 877-200-4461 today and we'll get you a free, no-obligation quote for your perfect motorcoach rental. We proudly provide group transportation rentals for school field trips, athletic team travel, educational programs, and more throughout the state of Alabama. Our experienced staff will help customize an itinerary to hit up all the colleges on your must-visit list!

Once you've decided on the universities you'd like to explore, we'll plot the quickest driving routes between each campus. We can easily get you and your group vehicles to run your down interstates and rural roads in The Yellowhammer State. You can depend on us to get your group where it needs to be in a timely manner. Let's dive right into building you the ultimate Alabama college tour!

Day 1: Huntsville

We'll kick off this college expedition in the northern portion of the state near the Tennessee border. The Rocket City is home to The University of Alabama in Huntsville and Alabama A&M University, both esteemed institutions.

University of Alabama in Huntsville

The University of Alabama in Huntsville, also known as UAH, is known for its prestigious engineering and technology programs. With enrollment around 9,000 students on a suburban campus just outside downtown Huntsville, you'll get small campus feels with big opportunities.

Group campus tours can be scheduled online on weekdays when school is in session. We'd suggest choosing the earliest available time so you'll have the maximum amount of time to explore the scenic wooded campus after your walking tour. Most tours begin at the Visitor Center and take guests to see the renowned on-campus space flight hardware museum, Shelby Center for Science and Technology, and the Hawks athletic facilities.

Your driver will be able to drop off and pick up your group on John Wright Drive near the north end of the campus. Several large parking lots in that area can accommodate a full-sized charter bus during your walking tour.

Alabama A&M University

Next, we'll make our way just across town to Alabama A&M University, Alabama's only public historically black land-grant university. Enrollment is around 5,000 students who take pride in Aggie traditions and culture.

Groups of 10 or more should call ahead to schedule a guided walking tour of AAMU. Tours are available Monday through Friday at 10am and 2pm when school is in session and should be booked at least two weeks in advance.

Your 90-minute guided tour will begin at the Knight Center, where your charter bus driver will be able to easily drop off and later pick up your group. Nearby lots provide ample parking for motorcoaches during your campus visit. You'll be able to see the beautiful arboretum, J.F. Drake Memorial Learning Resources Center, and even peek inside a residence hall.

Day 1 Destination: Tuscaloosa

Miles from Huntsville to Tuscaloosa: Approximately 95

Drive Time: 1.5 hours

Suggested Route: Take AL-53 S to I-22 W/US-78 W

Home of the Alabama Crimson Tide, it's no doubt Tuscaloosa should be the next stop on your itinerary. Tour the University of Alabama's iconic campus and catch some school spirit. Your driver will be able to take I-22 W/US-78 W straight into downtown Tuscaloosa. Exiting onto Lurleen Wallace Boulevard will take you right to campus.

University of Alabama

Roll tide! You can't take a college tour of Alabama without visiting the iconic University of Alabama. Consistently ranked among the South's top universities, UA is filled with tradition and school pride.

Touring campus on a game day during football season will give you the full Crimson Tide experience, but tours are offered year-round. Groups tours are available on weekdays at 9:00am, 11:00am or 2:00 pm and weekend tours are offered on Saturday at 9:00am.

Your walking tour will depart from the Crimson Information Center and will be led by a current UA student. You'll walk over 1.5 miles while touring the Quad, Smith Hall, Denny Chimes, Bryant-Denny Stadium, and other facilities.

Charter buses are encouraged to drop off groups along Wallace Wade Avenue in front of the information center. Your driver will then be directed to park behind the information center in the parking garage or Lots NA10 and NA11.

Once you've seen it all on the historic central campus, consider adding on a ride through fraternity and sorority row to complete your full University of Alabama visit!

Day 2 Destination: Montgomery

Miles from Tuscaloosa to Montgomery: Approximately 88

Drive Time: 1.5 hours

Suggested Route: Take AL-69 S to I-20 E/I-59 S

Rest up after a long day in Tuscaloosa and get ready to depart for the capital city, Montgomery. Two of the city's most notable universities are Alabama State University and Auburn University at Montgomery.

Your charter bus driver will be able to take I-20 E/I-59 S directly to Montgomery. This interstate route is fast and simple with no tolls or complicated exits.

Alabama State University

As a fast-growing historically black college, Alabama State University has been dedicated to empowering diverse learners since 1867. Groups visiting ASU's urban campus will be inspired by programs steeped in international business, education, healthcare, and performing arts.

Schedule your tour online to visit campus highlights like the state-of-the-art stadium, LEED-certified buildings, and the striking bell tower that can be spotted around the city. Your student tour guide will provide your private group with insight into student life and campus culture at The Mighty Marching Hornets' home.

Buses should drop off tour groups along Carter Hill Drive. Your driver will be directed to park nearby in available campus lots.

Auburn University at Montgomery

Auburn University at Montgomery shares the same types of programs and traditions as its main campus but offers smaller class sizes averaging 20 students. The suburban campus provides a more close-knit learning environment near downtown Montgomery.

Book your 90-minute walking tour online to explore campus as soon as you arrive. Guides will show your group the iconic bell tower, state-of-the-art recreation center, and newly constructed buildings as they share all about life as an Auburn Warhawk.

Charter buses should plan to unload groups near the Office of Admissions along Taylor Road. Your driver will then be able to easily park a motorcoach in the large commuter parking area.

Day 3 Destination: Birmingham

Miles from Montgomery to Birmingham: Approximately 86

Drive Time: 1.5 hours

Suggested Route: Take I-65 N

After you experience colleges in the capital city, point your charter bus North on I-65 to Birmingham, Alabama's most populated metro area. Tour the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Miles College over in the Magic City.

I-65 will take you right past the heart of Birmingham. Your bus driver will be able to exit at University Boulevard, which runs between both Miles College and UAB’s campuses.

University of Alabama at Birmingham

UAB attracts some of the state's highest achievers to its urban campus through rigorous programs in medicine, engineering, business, education, and more. Let a Blue Blazer Show you firsthand what life is like at Alabama's largest research university during a weekday campus tour.

Tour groups meet inside the Hill Student Center and will see top sites like Bartow Arena, UAB Hospital, the Campus Green, and the brand new University Hall.

Your charter bus driver will be able to unload your group along 14th Street outside of the Hill Student Center. Buses are directed to park about 12 minutes away in the 1717 3rd Avenue Parking Deck.

Miles College

Established in 1898, Miles College is a small private liberal arts college affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Located just 4 miles northeast of UAB, groups should consider pairing tours of both Birmingham schools to make the most of your day in the city.

Campus tours should be booked at least 2 weeks in advance and occur at 10:00am and 2:00pm on Tuesdays

Your guided walking tour will highlight historic buildings, the Administration Building fountain, athletics facilities, on-campus dining, and the Department of Fine Arts. You'll also visit a residence hall to get a taste of what living on campus as a Milean is really like.

Groups should be dropped off for tours outside of the Lucy Brown Hall of Fame. Your driver will then be able to park the charter bus in the large lot by Albert Dunn Gymnasium during your time on campus.

Day 4 Destination: Mobile

Miles from Birmingham to Mobile: Approximately 158

Drive Time: 2.5 hours

Suggested Route: Take I-65 S

Venture to the beaches and bayous of Mobile to finish your Alabama college tour strong. Consider touring the lovely campuses of Spring Hill College and the University of South Alabama.

From Birmingham, your driver will be able to take I-65 straight into the heart of Mobile with no complicated exits or tolls. The campus of Spring Hill College sits just north of I-10, while the University of South Alabama spreads further south near the Wallace Tunnel.

Spring Hill College

With its stunning grounds and historic buildings spread across 388 acres, Spring Hill is considered one the most beautiful campuses in Alabama. It's also the state's oldest Roman Catholic college, founded in 1830 by the Jesuits.

Schedule your student-guided walking tour online to explore the scenic campus and learn why small class sizes and an engaged student life make Spring Hill so special. Your group can marvel at the Avenue of the Oaks and explore the state-of-the-art Pope Stadium and STEM complex.

Buses should drop tour groups off along Old Shell Road at Moreau Park. Drivers are asked to move their vehicle to park at nearby Cathedral Square during your walking tour.

University of South Alabama

Go Jags! The public research university offers coastal Alabama's most comprehensive undergraduate majors alongside graduate healthcare programs that have earned international acclaim.

Browse the University of South Alabama's website to request your preferred campus tour time for your group. Public tours are offered on Tuesdays and Fridays at 9:30 am and 1:30 pm. Groups can also request customizable private tours if needed.

Your guide will show you all you need to know about attending school on-campus while touring USA's 1,344 acre campus. Highlights include the brand new Hancock Whitney Stadium, cutting-edge Simulation Hospital, spacious libraries, and more.

Buses should plan to drop off groups along Alumni Circle in front of the Administration Building. Parking will then be available in close proximity.

Request Your Charter Bus Quote from Busrental.net

Now that you have your must-visit universities mapped out, let Busrental.net take all transportation worries off your plate! Our charter bus experts are standing by 24/7 to assist you with everything from bus rentals and driving routes to fun trip activities like movie showings and games. Call 877-200-4461 when your Alabama itinerary is ready, and we'll find you the perfect motorcoach equipped with plenty of luggage room for all your stuff, entertainment systems to pass the highway time, and even restrooms onboard for convenience. Reserve your group's charter bus to simplify campus travel so you can focus on visualizing your bright college future!