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Trip from Phenix City, AL to Fairfield, AL

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 40m

Distance

179 mi

288 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$27

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

28 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 28m ★
6 AM
3h 41m
8 AM
4h 6m
10 AM
3h 49m
12 PM
3h 47m
3 PM
3h 51m
5 PM
4h 5m
8 PM
3h 33m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
city and county seat of Russell County, Alabama, United States

Phenix City, AL

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Fairfield, AL, AL

Fairfield, AL

Taryn Elliott

Trip Overview

The drive from Phenix City, AL to Fairfield, AL covers 179 miles and takes about 3h 40m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 65, I 85, US 280 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 56.5 miles on I 65. At current regular gas prices, budget about $27.03 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

89.5 miles from Phenix City, AL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 43m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 65 56.5 mi 1h 1m
I 85 43.7 mi 48m
US 280 39.3 mi 44m
Crum Foshee Highway 12.3 mi 14m
AL 106 9.4 mi 11m
Loango Road 8.5 mi 20m
Ealum Mill Road 2.3 mi 5m
Judge Smith Road 1.9 mi 4m
Longest stretch: I 65 — 56.5 mi, about 1h 1m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

18 mi · 19 min · US 280
Toward I-85 South, US 29 South, US 280 West: Auburn, Montgomery Use the left lane.
9

Continue on I 85

44 mi · 47 min · I 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85

0.2 mi · 15 sec · I 85
Toward I 65 South: Mobile, Day Street
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 21 sec
Toward I-65 South: Mobile
12

Continue on this road

0.1 mi · 14 sec · this road
Exit 171 Toward I 65 South: Mobile
13

Merge onto I 65; US 82

57 mi · 1 hr 1 min · I 65; US 82
14

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 46 sec
Toward 106, 55: Georgiana, Starlington
15

Turn left onto AL 106; AL 55

9.4 mi · 11 min · AL 106; AL 55
16

Continue on AL 55

12 mi · 14 min · Crum Foshee Highway
17

Turn right onto County Road 82

0.3 mi · 58 sec · County Road 82
18

At end of road, turn left onto CR 107

204 ft · 10 sec · County Road 107
19

Turn right onto CR 7

2.3 mi · 5 min · Ealum Mill Road
20

Continue on CR 7

8.5 mi · 20 min · Loango Road
21

At end of road, turn left onto CR 7

1.9 mi · 4 min · Judge Smith Road
22

Arrive at destination

CR 7

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 89.5 miles from Phenix City, AL, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 56.5 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 39 miles or 47m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 89.5 miles or 1h 43m 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 46m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fairfield, 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 179 miles and 3h 40m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 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 I 65 for about 56.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Montgomery, AL

90 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

Auburn, AL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Montgomery, AL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 89.5 miles from Phenix City, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

Ellianos Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Montgomery, Alabama

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 76.7

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+13343988440

Visit website

The Seed Coffee + Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Columbus, Georgia

0.4 mi

Harvest Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbus, Georgia

1.5 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Side Track

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Opelika, Alabama

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 25.6

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

Visit website

The Coffee Shop

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Opelika, Alabama

1.2 mi

Good Brew

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Greenville, Alabama

0.7 mi

Ellianos Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 76.7

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+13343988440

Visit website

The Seed Coffee + Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

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

Columbus, Georgia

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+16573511249

Visit website

Harvest Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Columbus, Georgia

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+17062218792

Visit website

McDonald's

3.2 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour Inexpensiv mile 63.9

Shorter, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13347240180

Visit website

Ellianos Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 76.7

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+13345930112

Visit website

Sonic Drive-In

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour Inexpensiv mile 76.7

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 9 am–11 pm

+13342715837

Visit website

AKA Japanese Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 76.7

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+13345231320

Visit website

Vintage Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 89.5

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+13343561944

Visit website

Side Track

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 25.6

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

Visit website

The Coffee Shop

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 25.6

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+13347376212

Visit website

Good Brew

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 127.9

Greenville, Alabama

Hours: 6:30 am–4 pm

+13343712739

Visit website

Boonie Hat Coffee Company

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 25.6

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+13343630390

Visit website

Ellianos Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 76.7

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+13346127804

Visit website

7 Brew Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 76.7

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 5:30 am–10 pm

+14793589274

Visit website

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

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 25.6

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+13342031010

Visit website

Hilltop Public House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 89.5

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 6:30 am–12 pm

+13342397752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 127.9

Greenville, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 76.7

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 127.9

Greenville, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 25.6

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

FLO Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 127.9

Greenville, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18883568911

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 76.7

Montgomery, Alabama

+13342608650

Visit website

Mercedes-Benz Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 38.4

Auburn, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336224743

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Phenix City, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

City Park (Monkey Park)

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 25.6

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+13347055549

Visit website

National Civil War Naval Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Columbus, Georgia

Hours: 10 am–4:30 pm

+17063279798

Visit website

M Bagel & Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 76.7

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

The MOOseum

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 89.5

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+13342651867

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 2.2 and 143.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
2.2 mi into trip | ~4m in | US 80; US 280; US 431

Turn right onto US 80; US 280; US 431

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
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...
6
86.8 mi into trip | ~1h 40m in | I 85

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85 toward I 65 South: Mobile, Day Street

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 65 South: Mobile, Day Street
6
87 mi into trip | ~1h 40m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I-65 South: Mobile

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I-65 South: Mobile
5
143.9 mi into trip | ~2h 42m in

Take the exit toward 106, 55: Georgiana, Starlington

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

Toward 106, 55: Georgiana, Starlington

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.03 one way

$54.07 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 63 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $29.68 $59.35
premium $4.56 $32.13 $64.26
diesel $5.61 $39.52 $79.04

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$27

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$52–$77

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 62.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

28 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

Buc-ee's - Tesla Supercharger

Auburn, AL

Tesla

20 DCFC

Target - Tesla Supercharger

Columbus, GA

Tesla

12 DCFC

Tiger Crossing Shopping Center - Tesla Supercharger

Auburn, AL

Tesla

12 DCFC

Starbucks - Tesla Supercharger

Columbus, GA

Tesla

8 DCFC

Auburn Mall - Tesla Supercharger

Auburn, AL

Tesla

6 DCFC

CircleK - Columbus North, GA

Columbus, GA

CIRCLE_K

4 DCFC

Walmart 356 (Auburn, AL)

Auburn, AL

Electrify America

4 DCFC

Pilot Travel Center 1436

Tuskegee, AL

eVgo Network

4 DCFC

ChargePoint Network: 16 Tesla: 5 EV Connect: 2 Non-Networked: 2 CIRCLE_K: 1 Electrify America: 1 eVgo Network: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 53.7 0 $18.79 $8.59
Efficient EV 44.8 0 $15.66 $7.16
EV Truck/SUV 71.6 0 $25.06 $11.46

Gas CO2

63 kg

EV CO2

21 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 15, 2026

Origin

Phenix City, AL

Afternoon in Phenix City on Saturday

Local time

1:45 PM

EDT

Current temp

78°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fairfield, AL

Afternoon in Fairfield on Saturday

Local time

12:45 PM

CDT

Current temp

81°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 earlier

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

Temperature spread

3 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 40m 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 3h 40m highway drive covering 179 miles, with most of the trip on I 65 and I 85. The longest continuous stretch is about 56.5 miles on I 65.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 65 is the longest continuous segment at about 56.5 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and I 85. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2.2 miles in near US 80; US 280; US 431.

Driving Effort 5/10

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 179 miles you will encounter 13 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 2.2 miles (US 80; US 280; US 431): Lane positioning matters here; 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 86.8 miles (I 85): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Fairfield, AL, road signs point toward Montgomery, 55: Georgiana and Starlington.

Montgomery

24.9 mi in | ~32m | via US 280

55: Georgiana

143.9 mi in | ~2h 42m

Starlington

143.9 mi in | ~2h 42m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 40m. Total distance: 179 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Phenix City, AL to Fairfield, AL covers 179 miles and takes about 3h 40m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 65, I 85, US 280. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 89.5 miles from Phenix City, AL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $27.03 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 179 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

The main spots that need attention: at 2.2 miles (US 80; US 280; US 431): Lane positioning matters here; 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 86.8 miles (I 85): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Between Phenix City, AL and Fairfield, AL, road signs point toward Montgomery, 55: Georgiana and Starlington.

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, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Fairfield, AL to Phenix City, AL

Plan the drive back the other way.

178.8 mi 3h 40m

Continue From Fairfield, AL

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