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Trip from Monroeville, AL to Phenix City, AL

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 38m

Distance

191.6 mi

308 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$29

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 26m ★
6 AM
3h 38m
8 AM
4h 3m
10 AM
3h 47m
12 PM
3h 44m
3 PM
3h 48m
5 PM
4h 2m
8 PM
3h 31m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Monroe County, Alabama, United States

Monroeville, AL

Wikimedia Commons

city and county seat of Russell County, Alabama, United States

Phenix City, AL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Embark on a 191.6-mile journey from Monroeville, AL, to Phenix City, AL, a drive that will take approximately 3 hours and 38 minutes. This route is primarily highway-focused, with 96% of your travel on interstates and major U.S. highways, making it a straightforward option for a single day trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $29, it's an economical way to traverse the heart of Alabama. You'll experience a consistent driving environment throughout this relatively short distance, allowing for flexibility in your timing. Consider this an efficient and practical option for getting from point A to point B within the Southeast region.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

95.8 miles from Monroeville, AL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 47m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 65 77.6 mi 1h 23m
I 85 61.8 mi 1h 7m
US 84 21.6 mi 24m
Columbus Parkway 21.1 mi 24m
South Alabama Avenue 4.1 mi 6m
US 280 1.8 mi 2m
Opelika Road 0.8 mi 1m
AL 136 0.6 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 65 — 77.6 mi, about 1h 23m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Monroeville, AL and Phenix City, AL.

1

Start on AL 21 Business; AL 41; AL 47

0.2 mi · 24 sec · Pineville Road
2

Continue on AL 21 Business; AL 41

117 ft · 4 sec · East Claiborne Street
3

Turn right onto AL 21 Business; AL 41

4.1 mi · 6 min · South Alabama Avenue
4

Turn left onto AL 136

0.6 mi · 1 min · AL 136
5

Turn left onto US 84; AL 41

22 mi · 24 min · US 84; AL 41
6

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
7

Merge onto I 65

78 mi · 1 hr 23 min · I 65
8

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Exit 171 Toward I-85 North: Atlanta
9

Merge onto I 85

62 mi · 1 hr 7 min · I 85
Use the straight lane.
10

Take the exit onto US 280

0.2 mi · 28 sec · US 280
Toward US 280, US 431: Opelika, Phenix City
11

Keep slight right at fork onto US 280

263 ft · 6 sec · US 280
12

Merge onto US 280; US 431

21 mi · 24 min · Columbus Parkway
Use the straight lane.
13

Continue on US 280; US 431

1.5 mi · 2 min · US 280; US 431
Use the straight lane.
14

Turn left onto Opelika Road

0.8 mi · 1 min · Opelika Road
15

At end of road, turn left onto Crawford Road

0.5 mi · 1 min · Crawford Road
16

Continue on 14th Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · 14th Street
17

Turn straight onto 12th Avenue

269 ft · 7 sec · 12th Avenue
18

Continue on 13th Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · 13th Street
19

Turn left onto Broad Street

8 ft · 0 sec · Broad Street
20

Arrive at destination

Broad Street

Trip Plan

Given the manageable 3-hour, 38-minute duration, this 191.6-mile trip is perfectly suited for a day trip. You can depart Monroeville in the morning and arrive in Phenix City by lunchtime, leaving your afternoon open. With only one suggested stop and 96% highway driving, you can plan your fuel stops strategically, perhaps before you leave Monroeville or as you approach Phenix City. The longest stretch without a significant change in major road is 77.6 miles on I-65, so be mindful of your fuel level around that point. Your estimated fuel cost is $29, so factor that into your budget.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 95.8 miles from Monroeville, AL, or about 1h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 77.6 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 42 miles or 49m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 95.8 miles or 1h 47m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 55m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Phenix City, AL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Monroeville, AL so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Monroeville, AL

This is one driving day of about 191.6 miles and 3h 38m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 miles from Monroeville, AL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 65 for about 77.6 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Montgomery, AL

96 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Andalusia, AL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 42 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Montgomery, AL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 95.8 miles from Monroeville, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 65 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 77.6 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

The Seed Coffee + Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Columbus, Georgia

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 191.6

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+16573511249

Visit website

Harvest Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbus, Georgia

1.5 mi

Ellianos Coffee Pike Road

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Pike Rd, Alabama

2.4 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Side Track

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Opelika, Alabama

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 164.2

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

Visit website

Toomers Coffee Roasters | We're the Coffee, not the Corner | Family Owned since 2004

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Opelika, Alabama

1.1 mi

Ristretto

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Opelika, Alabama

1.6 mi

The Seed Coffee + Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 191.6

Columbus, Georgia

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+16573511249

Visit website

Harvest Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 191.6

Columbus, Georgia

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+17062218792

Visit website

Cook Out

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 109.5

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 10:30 am–2 pm

+18665470011

Visit website

Ellianos Coffee Pike Road

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 123.2

Pike Rd, Alabama

Hours: 5 am–7 pm

+13343568492

Visit website

Vintage Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 109.5

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+13343561944

Visit website

Sonic Drive-In

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 109.5

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+13342700682

Visit website

McDonald's

3.2 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour Inexpensiv mile 123.2

Shorter, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13347240180

Visit website

AKA Japanese Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $20 to $30 mile 109.5

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+13345231320

Visit website

Side Track

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 164.2

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

Visit website

Toomers Coffee Roasters | We're the Coffee, not the Corner | Family Owned since 2004

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 164.2

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+13342031010

Visit website

Ristretto

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 164.2

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

Visit website

The Coffee Shop

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 164.2

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+13347376212

Visit website

Boonie Hat Coffee Company

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 164.2

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+13343630390

Visit website

Hole in the Wall Coffee Shop

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.2

Pike Rd, Alabama

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+13345004700

Visit website

Prevail Union | MGM

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 109.5

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+13344168399

Visit website

Baristas and Barristers

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 109.5

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 191.6

Phenix City, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 109.5

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 109.5

Montgomery, Alabama

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 27.4

Evergreen, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 164.2

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 68.4

Greenville, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 109.5

Montgomery, Alabama

+13342776000

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 109.5

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

National Civil War Naval Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 191.6

Columbus, Georgia

Hours: 10 am–4:30 pm

+17063279798

Visit website

City Park (Monkey Park)

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 164.2

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+13347055549

Visit website

The MOOseum

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 109.5

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+13342651867

Visit website

M Bagel & Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 109.5

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

Dinosaur Adventure Land

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 13.7

Repton, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+18552443466

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 104.3 and 166.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
104.3 mi into trip | ~1h 57m in

Take the exit toward I-85 North: Atlanta

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 171 Toward I-85 North: Atlanta
5
104.7 mi into trip | ~1h 57m in | I 85

Merge onto I 85

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
5
166.5 mi into trip | ~3h 5m in | US 280

Take the exit onto US 280 toward US 280, US 431: Opelika, Phenix City

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 280, US 431: Opelika, Phenix City
5
166.7 mi into trip | ~3h 5m in | US 280

Keep slight right at fork onto US 280

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

5
166.8 mi into trip | ~3h 5m in | US 280; US 431 / Columbus Parkway

Merge onto US 280; US 431 / Columbus Parkway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$28.94 one way

$57.87 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 67 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $31.76 $63.53
premium $4.56 $34.39 $68.78
diesel $5.61 $42.30 $84.61

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$29

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$54–$79

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 67 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 57.5 0 $20.12 $9.20
Efficient EV 47.9 0 $16.76 $7.66
EV Truck/SUV 76.6 0 $26.82 $12.26

Gas CO2

67 kg

EV CO2

22 kg (67% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 19, 2026

Origin

Monroeville, AL

Afternoon in Monroeville on Sunday

Local time

3:22 PM

CDT

Current temp

62°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Phenix City, AL

Afternoon in Phenix City on Sunday

Local time

4:22 PM

EDT

Current temp

78°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

1 hour later

The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.

Temperature spread

16 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 38m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

This is a drive that leans heavily into highway travel, with 96% of the 191.6 miles on major roads like I-65 and I-85. Expect a consistent, fast-paced experience for the majority of your trip. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 77.6 miles on I-65, offering a good opportunity to settle into a rhythm. While primarily interstate, the transition to US-84 as you approach your destination may introduce slightly different road conditions. Overall, the character is one of efficient transit rather than winding scenic byways.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 77.6 mi on I 65.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and I 85. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 104.3 miles in.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 191.6 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 104.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 104.7 miles (I 85): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 166.5 miles (US 280): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Starting in Monroeville, AL

Full guide →

Monroeville is a city in the Gulf Coast region of Alabama.

Arriving in Phenix City, AL

Full guide →

Columbus is a city in Georgia's Classic Heartland, near the Chattahoochee River and bordering Alabama. It is known for its Southern hospitality, unique attractions, and proximity to Fort Benning.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 38m. Total distance: 191.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 77.6 miles on I 65. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Phenix City, AL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 104.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 104.7 miles (I 85): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 166.5 miles (US 280): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Phenix City, AL, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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