The drive from Hazel Green, AL to Phenix City, AL covers 254.3 miles and takes about 5h 6m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on US 280, I 65, Columbus Parkway for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is highway-focused drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 113.8 miles on US 280.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $38.41 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
127.1 miles from Hazel Green, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 26m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 6m. Total distance: 254.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a 5h 6m highway drive covering 254.3 miles, with most of the trip on US 280 and I 65. The longest continuous stretch is about 113.8 miles on US 280.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 31 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 280 is the longest continuous segment at about 113.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
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 32.9 miles in.
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 24 significant decision points across 254.3 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 32.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 107.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 113.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 24 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
32.9 mi into trip|~38m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 65 South: Birmingham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 1
Toward I 65 South: Birmingham
8
107.4 mi into trip|~1h 59m in
Take the exit toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 265
Toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale
8
113.9 mi into trip|~2h 7m in
Take the exit toward US 31, US 280: Carraway Boulevard, Downtown
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 126A
Toward US 31, US 280: Carraway Boulevard, Downt...
8
114.1 mi into trip|~2h 8m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 31 South, US 280 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 31 South, US 280 East
9
226 mi into trip|~4h 29m in|US 280
Take the exit onto US 280 toward I-85 North, US 29 North, US 280 East: Atlanta
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 North, US 29 North, US 280 East: At...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Hazel Green, AL and Phenix City, AL, road signs point toward Nashville, Fultondale, Montgomery, Gadsden, Downtown and Zoo Gardens.
Nashville
32.7 mi in|~38m
Fultondale
107.4 mi in|~1h 59m
Montgomery
108.4 mi in|~2h
Gadsden
112.7 mi in|~2h 5m
Downtown
113.9 mi in|~2h 7m
Zoo Gardens
117.1 mi in|~2h 12m|via US 280
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 280
113.8 mi
2h 23m
I 65
77.6 mi
1h 23m
Columbus Parkway
21.1 mi
24m
I 565
18.3 mi
19m
U.S. 231
11.6 mi
13m
Red Mountain Expressway
2.5 mi
3m
Memorial Parkway Northwest
1.6 mi
2m
I 20
1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
US 280
— 113.8 mi, about 2h 23m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hazel Green, AL and Phenix City, AL.
1
Start on US 231; US 431
12 mi·13 min·U.S. 231
2
Keep slight left at fork onto US 231; US 431
1.6 mi·2 min·Memorial Parkway Northwest
3
Take the exit onto US 72
0.9 mi·1 min·US 72
Use the straight / left lanes.
4
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·55 sec
Toward I-565 WestUse the slight right lane.
5
Merge onto I 565; US 72 Alternate
18 mi·19 min·I 565; US 72 Alternate
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi·16 sec
Exit 1Toward I 65: Birmingham, Nashville
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 1Toward I 65 South: BirminghamUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 65
74 mi·1 hr 18 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.5 mi·38 sec
Exit 265Toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, FultondaleUse the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·37 sec
Toward I 22 West: MemphisUse the straight lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·27 sec
Toward MontgomeryUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 65
3.9 mi·4 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·25 sec
Exit 261BToward I 20 East, I 59 North: Atlanta, Gadsden
14
Merge onto I 20; I 59
1.0 mi·1 min·I 20; I 59
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 126AToward US 31, US 280: Carraway Boulevard, DowntownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward US 31 South, US 280 EastUse the slight left lane.
17
Merge onto US 31; US 280
2.5 mi·3 min·Red Mountain Expressway
18
Take the exit onto US 280
18 mi·24 min·US 280
Toward US 280 East: Sylacauga, Zoo GardensUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit onto US 280
91 mi·1 hr 52 min·US 280
Use the straight / sharp right lanes.
20
Take the exit onto US 280
3.2 mi·3 min·US 280
Toward I-85 North, US 29 North, US 280 East: AtlantaUse the left lane.
21
Take the exit onto US 280
0.2 mi·28 sec·US 280
Toward US 280, US 431: Opelika, Phenix City
22
Keep slight right at fork onto US 280
263 ft·6 sec·US 280
23
Merge onto US 280; US 431
21 mi·24 min·Columbus Parkway
Use the straight lane.
24
Continue on US 280; US 431
1.5 mi·2 min·US 280; US 431
Use the straight lane.
25
Turn left onto Opelika Road
0.8 mi·1 min·Opelika Road
26
At end of road, turn left onto Crawford Road
0.5 mi·1 min·Crawford Road
27
Continue on 14th Street
0.4 mi·1 min·14th Street
28
Turn straight onto 12th Avenue
269 ft·7 sec·12th Avenue
29
Continue on 13th Street
0.5 mi·1 min·13th Street
30
Turn left onto Broad Street
8 ft·0 sec·Broad Street
31
Arrive at destination
Broad Street
Trip Plan
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 127.1 miles from Hazel Green, AL, or about 2h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 113.8 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 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 127.1 miles or 2h 26m 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 8m
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 Hazel Green, 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 Hazel Green, AL
This is one driving day of about 254.3 miles and 5h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Hazel Green, 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 113.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 127.1 mi from Hazel Green, AL
· 2h 26m into the drive
The midpoint is around 127.1 miles from Hazel Green, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before US 280 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 113.8 miles.
Arriving in Phenix City, AL
The final approach into Phenix City, AL usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Phenix City, AL.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.41 one way
$76.81 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg89 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$42.16
$84.32
premium
$4.56
$45.64
$91.29
diesel
$5.61
$56.15
$112.29
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: 89 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
76.3
0
$26.70
$12.21
Efficient EV
63.6
0
$22.25
$10.17
EV Truck/SUV
101.7
1
$35.60
$16.28
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 15, 2026
Origin
Hazel Green, AL
Evening
in Hazel Green on Friday
Local time
6:47 PM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Phenix City, AL
Evening
in Phenix City on Friday
Local time
7:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
79°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 later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
2 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
5h 6m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Hazel Green, AL to Phenix City, AL covers 254.3 miles and takes about 5h 6m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 280, I 65, Columbus Parkway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 127.1 miles from Hazel Green, AL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $38.41 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 254.3 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 32.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 107.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 113.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Hazel Green, AL and Phenix City, AL, road signs point toward Nashville, Fultondale, Montgomery, Gadsden, Downtown and Zoo Gardens.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
