Origin
Phenix City, AL
Morning in Phenix City on Thursday
Local time
11:52 AM
EDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Phenix City, AL to Jacksonville, AL
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
2h 56m
Distance
129.2 mi
208 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$20
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 46m
★
6 AM
2h 57m
8 AM
3h 19m
10 AM
3h 5m
12 PM
3h 3m
3 PM
3h 6m
5 PM
3h 18m
8 PM
2h 50m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Phenix City, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Jacksonville, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 129.2-mile journey from Phenix City, Alabama, to Jacksonville, Alabama, is a straightforward drive that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 56 minutes. With a highway share of 91%, expect a focused driving experience primarily on US 431 and US 280, transitioning to McClellan Boulevard. The estimated fuel cost is around $20, making it an economical option for a day trip. Given its manageable distance and duration, this route is well-suited for a one-day excursion within the Southeast region. It offers a practical way to travel between these two Alabama locales without the need for an overnight stay.
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
64.6 miles from Phenix City, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 27m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 56m. Total distance: 129.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Primarily a highway-focused drive, this route boasts a 91% highway share, meaning you'll spend most of your time on faster roads. You'll experience a significant stretch of 89.9 miles on US 431, offering a long, uninterrupted segment of driving. As you progress, the route transitions from US 431 to US 280, eventually leading onto McClellan Boulevard. This progression suggests a shift from more rural or open highway conditions to potentially more developed areas as you approach your destination. Expect a consistent driving pace for the majority of this trip.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 431 is the longest continuous segment at about 89.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 431 and US 280. You will hit about 10 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
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 129.2 miles you will encounter 10 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 25 miles (US 431): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 108.9 miles (US 431): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
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.
5
25 mi into trip
|
~32m in
|
US 431
Take the exit onto US 431
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
108.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 29m in
|
US 431
Take the exit onto US 431 toward I 20 West, US 431 North: Birmingham
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 20 West, US 431 North: Birmingham
7
112.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 33m in
|
US 431
Take the exit onto US 431 toward US 431 North: Oxford, Anniston
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 431 North: Oxford, Anniston
8
112.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 33m in
|
US 431
Keep slight right at fork onto US 431 toward US 431 North: Oxford, Anniston
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 431 North: Oxford, Anniston
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Phenix City, AL to Jacksonville, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Anniston along the way.
Anniston
112.4 mi in
|
~2h 33m
|
via US 431
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 431 | 89.9 mi | 2h 4m |
| US 280 | 21 mi | 24m |
| McClellan Boulevard | 5.1 mi | 7m |
| Veterans Memorial Parkway | 4.4 mi | 5m |
| Pelham Road South | 4 mi | 5m |
| US 80 | 1.8 mi | 2m |
| Opelika Road | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| 13th Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
US 431
— 89.9 mi, about 2h 4m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Phenix City, AL and Jacksonville, 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 431
84 mi
·
1 hr 56 min
·
US 431
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
Take the exit onto US 431
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
US 431
Toward I 20 West, US 431 North: Birmingham
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
10
Take the exit onto US 431
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
US 431
Toward US 431 North: Oxford, Anniston
Use the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto US 431
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
US 431
Toward US 431 North: Oxford, Anniston
Use the slight right lane.
12
Continue on US 431
0.4 mi
·
36 sec
·
Henry Road
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on US 431
4.4 mi
·
5 min
·
Veterans Memorial Parkway
Use the straight lane.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
15
Turn slight right
198 ft
·
5 sec
16
Merge onto AL 21
5.1 mi
·
7 min
·
McClellan Boulevard
17
Continue on AL 21
4.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Pelham Road South
18
Turn left onto AL 21
228 ft
·
6 sec
·
Public Square West
19
Arrive at destination
AL 21
Trip Plan
For this approximately 3-hour drive, consider an early morning departure to maximize your day and avoid potential traffic. With only one suggested stop and a fuel cost of about $20, planning is minimal, but it's wise to fuel up before you leave Phenix City. The longest stretch without a significant change in road is nearly 90 miles on US 431, so ensure you're comfortable with that duration of continuous driving. Keep an eye on the transition to McClellan Boulevard as you near Jacksonville for any changes in speed limits or road conditions.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 64.6 miles from Phenix City, AL, or about 1h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 89.9 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 28 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 64.6 miles or 1h 27m 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 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jacksonville, 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 129.2 miles and 2h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 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 431 for about 89.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 64.6 mi from Phenix City, AL · 1h 27m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
65 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 64.6 miles from Phenix City, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 431 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 89.9 miles.
Arriving in Jacksonville, AL
The final approach into Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville, AL.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.51 one way
$39.02 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
45 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $21.42 | $42.84 |
| premium | $4.56 | $23.19 | $46.38 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $28.53 | $57.05 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$20
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$45–$70
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 45.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 38.8 | 0 | $13.57 | $6.20 |
| Efficient EV | 32.3 | 0 | $11.30 | $5.17 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 51.7 | 0 | $18.09 | $8.27 |
Gas CO2
45 kg
EV CO2
15 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.
Destination
Jacksonville, AL
Morning in Jacksonville on Thursday
Local time
10:52 AM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
75°F
Roanoke, AL
65 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
2h 56m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Phenix City, AL to Jacksonville, AL covers 129.2 miles and takes about 2h 56m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 431, US 280, McClellan Boulevard. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 64.6 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 $19.51 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
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 129.2 miles you will encounter 10 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 25 miles (US 431): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 108.9 miles (US 431): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Phenix City, AL to Jacksonville, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Anniston along the way.
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