Phenix City to Hazel Green is 253.1 miles and takes about 5h 5m via US 280 and I-65, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Alabama, moving from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. With nearly all highway driving, this route is designed for efficiency, making it a solid choice if you need to cover ground quickly. You'll spend most of your time on major interstates, so expect a straightforward commute rather than a scenic exploration.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
126.5 miles from Phenix City, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 40m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 280
128.5 mi
2h 39m
I 65
77.2 mi
1h 23m
I 565
18.4 mi
19m
Memorial Parkway Northwest
13.2 mi
16m
Birmingham Highway
3 mi
3m
Red Mountain Expressway
2.9 mi
3m
US 80
1.8 mi
2m
Carraway Boulevard
1.5 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
US 280
— 128.5 mi, about 2h 39m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Phenix City, AL and Hazel Green, AL.
1
Start on Broad Street
8 ft·1 sec·Broad Street
2
Turn right onto 13th Street
0.5 mi·1 min·13th Street
3
Continue on 14th Street
0.4 mi·1 min·14th Street
4
Continue on Crawford Road
0.4 mi·1 min·Crawford Road
5
Turn right onto Opelika Road
0.8 mi·1 min·Opelika Road
6
Turn right onto US 80; US 280; US 431
1.8 mi·2 min·US 80; US 280; US 431
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Continue on US 280; US 431
21 mi·24 min·US 280; US 431
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Take the exit onto US 280
3.1 mi·3 min·US 280
Toward I-85 South, US 29 South, US 280 West: Auburn, MontgomeryUse the left lane.
9
Take the exit onto US 280
0.4 mi·44 sec·US 280
Toward US 280 West: Opelika, Birmingham
10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 280
285 ft·6 sec·US 280
Toward US 280 West: Opelika, BirminghamUse the right lane.
11
Merge onto US 280
1.5 mi·2 min·Gateway Drive
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on US 280
3.0 mi·3 min·Birmingham Highway
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on US 280
104 mi·2 hr 9 min·US 280
Use the right lane.
14
Take the exit onto US 280
0.4 mi·29 sec·US 280
Toward US 31 North, US 280 West: Birmingham
15
Merge onto US 31; US 280
2.9 mi·3 min·Red Mountain Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on US 31
1.5 mi·3 min·Carraway Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
17
Turn left onto AL 378
0.6 mi·1 min·Finley Boulevard
Use the left lane.
18
Turn right onto 19th Street North
49 ft·1 sec·19th Street North
19
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward I 65 North
20
Merge onto I 65
77 mi·1 hr 23 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 340Toward I 565 East, AL 20 West, US 72 Alternate: Decatur, HuntsvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 340AToward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsville
23
Merge onto I 565; US 72 Alternate
18 mi·19 min·I 565; US 72 Alternate
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward US 231 North, US 431 North: Memorial Parkway
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·56 sec
Toward US 231 North, US 431 North: Memorial ParkwayUse the slight left lane.
26
Keep slight right at fork
509 ft·10 sec
Toward US 72 West: University DriveUse the straight / slight left lanes.
27
Continue on Memorial Parkway Northwest
459 ft·9 sec·Memorial Parkway Northwest
Toward US 72 West: University DriveUse the straight / left / right lanes.
28
Continue on US 72
0.4 mi·27 sec·US 72
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
29
Take the exit onto US 72
436 ft·10 sec·US 72
30
Merge onto US 72; US 231; US 431
13 mi·15 min·Memorial Parkway Northwest
31
Arrive at destination
US 231; US 431
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour duration, starting your drive in the morning is ideal to ensure you arrive well before dark. The route's high highway percentage means you can cover significant distance between fuel stops, but it's wise to check your gauge, especially after the 128.5-mile segment on US 280. With just one recommended stop and a relatively short drive time, you have the flexibility to add an extra stop if needed, or push through directly to your destination without feeling rushed. Keep an eye out for increased traffic as you approach urban centers near I-65.
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 126.5 miles from Phenix City, AL, or about 2h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 128.5 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 56 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 126.5 miles or 2h 40m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 12m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hazel Green, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Phenix City, 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 Phenix City, AL
This is one driving day of about 253.1 miles and 5h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Phenix City, 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 US 280 for about 128.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 24.9 and 238.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
24.9 mi into trip|~32m in|US 280
Take the exit onto US 280 toward I-85 South, US 29 South, US 280 West: Auburn, Montgomery
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward I-85 South, US 29 South, US 280 West: Au...
8
28.3 mi into trip|~36m in|US 280
Keep slight right at fork onto US 280 toward US 280 West: Opelika, Birmingham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward US 280 West: Opelika, Birmingham
8
219.3 mi into trip|~4h 25m in
Take the exit toward I 565 East, AL 20 West, US 72 Alternate: Decatur, Huntsville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 340
Toward I 565 East, AL 20 West, US 72 Alternate:...
7
219.6 mi into trip|~4h 25m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 340A
Toward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsv...
8
238.8 mi into trip|~4h 47m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 231 North, US 431 North: Memorial Parkway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 231 North, US 431 North: Memorial Par...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.22 one way
$76.45 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg89 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$41.96
$83.92
premium
$4.56
$45.43
$90.86
diesel
$5.61
$55.88
$111.76
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 88.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
75.9
0
$26.58
$12.15
Efficient EV
63.3
0
$22.15
$10.12
EV Truck/SUV
101.2
1
$35.43
$16.20
Gas CO2
89 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Phenix City, AL
Late night
in Phenix City on Tuesday
Local time
5:42 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hazel Green, AL
Late night
in Hazel Green on Tuesday
Local time
4:42 AM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
59°F
Columbiana, AL
127 mi in
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 earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
4 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 5m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument
National Monument
In 1963, images of snarling police dogs unleashed against non-violent protesters and of children being sprayed with high-pressure hoses appeared in print and television news around the world. These dr...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 139.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 96% of the trip on major roads. The longest continuous stretch on a single road is 128.5 miles, which occurs on US 280 before you merge onto I-65. Be prepared for a significant amount of interstate cruising, likely with frequent exits and merges as you navigate through populated areas.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 128.5 mi on US 280.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 280 and I 65. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 24.9 miles in near US 280.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 253.1 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 24.9 miles (US 280): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 28.3 miles (US 280): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 219.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Phenix City, AL and Hazel Green, AL, road signs point toward Montgomery, Birmingham and Huntsville.
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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 5m. Total distance: 253.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 5m 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 128.5 miles on US 280. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 12 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Hazel Green, 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. There are 12 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 24.9 miles (US 280): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 28.3 miles (US 280): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 219.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Hazel Green, AL before the return drive.
