Tuscaloosa, AL (TCL)
Location & Description
Located about a mile south of downtown Tuscaloosa, the station features a one-story brick building with a castle-like bay, deep corbelling and a conical roof topped by a finial.
Address: 2105 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Ownership & Usage Statistics
Ownership
| Facility | Owner |
|---|---|
| Building | Norfolk Southern Railway |
| Parking lot | Norfolk Southern Railway |
| Platform | Norfolk Southern Railway |
| Tracks | Norfolk Southern Railway |
Usage (Fiscal Year 2024)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual ticket revenue | US $816,405 |
| Annual station ridership | 10,842 |
History & Community Context
The station was built in 1911 for the Southern Railway, replacing an earlier depot from 1873.
In May 2012, the Ceres Garden Club completed a cosmetic improvement project in conjunction with the City’s Greensboro Avenue Beautification project. The work included new shrubs and flowers, clean-up of debris, repainting of the building, a flagpole, new exterior benches (installed by Amtrak) and updated signage.
The city of Tuscaloosa lies on the Black Warrior River. The name “Tuscaloosa” comes from a Choctaw chieftain and means “black warrior.” Historically, this was the region’s most reliable river crossing, making it a focal point of settlement and transport.
Tuscaloosa was incorporated on 13 December 1819 (one day before Alabama became a state). From 1826-1846 it served as the state’s capital. The University of Alabama was founded there in 1831, and the Bryce State Hospital opened in 1850.
During the Civil War, a Union brigade raided the city and burned the university campus and other parts of the city. The area’s abundance of oaks and hardwoods gave the city the nickname “Druid City.”
Later, the system of locks on the Black Warrior River (built in the 1890s) allowed transport to the sea via Mobile, helping the region’s mining and metal industries expand. Alongside the university and mental-health facilities, this contributed to Tuscaloosa’s growth.
Today, while manufacturing (for firms such as Michelin, JVC, and Mercedes‑Benz) plays a role, the city remains largely a college town.
Station Building & Features
Building
The station includes a waiting room for Amtrak deals passengers and office space used by Norfolk Southern Railway.
Features
Here are the station’s features in table form:
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| ATM | Not available |
| Elevator | Not available |
| Payphones | Not available |
| Quik-Trak kiosks | Not available |
| Restrooms | Available |
| Ticket sales office | Available |
| Unaccompanied child travel | Permitted |
| Vending machines | Available |
| WiFi | Not available |
Arrival time guidance:
- Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure if you have checked baggage or need assistance.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure if you are travelling without checked baggage or assistance.
Baggage Services
| Service | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amtrak Express shipping | Not available |
| Checked baggage service | Available |
| Checked baggage storage | Available |
| Bike boxes | Not available |
| Baggage carts | Not available |
| Ski bags | Not available |
| Bag storage (with fee) | Available |
| Shipping boxes for sale | Available |
| Baggage assistance by train crew | Provided |
Parking & Accessibility
Parking
- Same-day parking: free and available.
- Overnight parking: not available.
Accessibility
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Accessible platform | Yes |
| Accessible restrooms | Yes |
| Accessible ticket office | Yes |
| Accessible waiting room | No |
| Accessible water fountain | Yes |
| Same-day accessible parking | Not available |
| Overnight accessible parking | Not available |
| High platform | No |
| Wheelchair available | Yes |
| Wheelchair lift available | Yes |
Hours of Service
| Service | Hours |
|---|---|
| Station waiting room | Mon–Sun: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Ticket office | Mon–Sun: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Passenger assistance | Mon–Sun: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Checked baggage service | Mon–Sun: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Parking | Not applicable at this location |
| Quik-Trak kiosks | None at this location |
| Lounge | None at this location |
| Amtrak Express service | Closed every day |
Routes & Contact
- Route served: Crescent (Amtrak)
- Regional contact person: Todd Stennis (via Amtrak)
- For fares and schedules,
- Local community links:
• City of Tuscaloosa –
• Tuscaloosa Transit Authority buses –
