Trip from Phenix City, AL to Russellville, AL

Drive Time

5h 6m

Distance

249.7 mi

402 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$38

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min

4 AM

4h 53m ★

6 AM

5h 7m

8 AM

5h 34m

10 AM

5h 16m

12 PM

5h 14m

3 PM

5h 18m

5 PM

5h 32m

8 PM

4h 59m

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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Phenix City, AL

FranDany

Russellville, AL

Get Lost Mike

Trip Overview

Spanning 249.7 miles across Alabama, this trek from Phenix City to Russellville typically takes about 5 hours and 6 minutes of drive time. Because the route is straightforward and heavily reliant on major corridors, it is manageable as a single-day journey for most drivers. You should budget approximately $38 for fuel to complete the trip. Since the drive stays entirely within the Southeast region, the transitions between towns feel familiar and consistent. While you could technically push through in one go, planning for at least one stop will keep you refreshed behind the wheel. It serves as a practical, highway-focused connection between these two points in the state.

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

124.9 miles from Phenix City, AL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 38m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a trip dominated by high-speed travel, with 83% of your journey taking place on highways. You will navigate via US 280, I-65, and the University of North Alabama Highway to reach your destination. The longest uninterrupted stretch occurs early on, covering 128.5 miles along US 280, which requires steady focus and patience. As you transition from the initial highway segments onto the University of North Alabama Highway, the pace of the drive shifts slightly. Overall, this is a utilitarian route designed for efficiency rather than technical, winding backroads, making it a reliable path for consistent progress.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 27 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 128.5 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 2.2 miles in near US 80; US 280; US 431.

Route Complexity 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 249.7 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 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 28 miles (US 280): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 18 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

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.

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...

28 mi into trip | ~35m in | US 280

Take the exit onto US 280 toward US 280 West: Opelika, Birmingham

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

Toward US 280 West: Opelika, Birmingham

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

189.7 mi into trip | ~3h 53m in

Take the exit toward AL 157: Cullman, Moulton

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

Exit 310 Toward AL 157: Cullman, Moulton

Towns Along This Route

Between Phenix City, AL and Russellville, AL, road signs point toward Montgomery, Birmingham and Moulton.

Montgomery

24.9 mi in | ~32m | via US 280

Birmingham

28 mi in | ~35m | via US 280

Moulton

189.7 mi in | ~3h 53m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 280	128.5 mi	2h 39m
I 65	47.6 mi	51m
University of North Alabama Highway	31.8 mi	38m
AL 24	26.6 mi	31m
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 Russellville, AL.

Start on Broad Street

8 ft · 1 sec · Broad Street

Turn right onto 13th Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · 13th Street

Continue on 14th Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · 14th Street

Continue on Crawford Road

0.4 mi · 1 min · Crawford Road

Turn right onto Opelika Road

0.8 mi · 1 min · Opelika Road

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.

Continue on US 280; US 431

21 mi · 24 min · US 280; US 431

Use the straight / right lanes.

Take the exit onto US 280

3.1 mi · 3 min · US 280

Toward I-85 South, US 29 South, US 280 West: Auburn, Montgomery Use the left lane.

Take the exit onto US 280

0.4 mi · 44 sec · US 280

Toward US 280 West: Opelika, Birmingham

Keep slight right at fork onto US 280

285 ft · 6 sec · US 280

Toward US 280 West: Opelika, Birmingham Use the right lane.

Merge onto US 280

1.5 mi · 2 min · Gateway Drive

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 280

3.0 mi · 3 min · Birmingham Highway

Use the straight lane.

Continue on US 280

104 mi · 2 hr 9 min · US 280

Use the none lane.

Take the exit onto US 280

0.4 mi · 29 sec · US 280

Toward US 31 North, US 280 West: Birmingham

Merge onto US 31; US 280

2.9 mi · 3 min · Red Mountain Expressway

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 31

1.5 mi · 3 min · Carraway Boulevard

Use the left / straight lanes.

Turn left onto AL 378

0.6 mi · 1 min · Finley Boulevard

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto 19th Street North

49 ft · 1 sec · 19th Street North

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 18 sec

Toward I 65 North

Merge onto I 65

48 mi · 51 min · I 65

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec

Exit 310 Toward AL 157: Cullman, Moulton

Turn left onto AL 157

200 ft · 3 sec · Section Line Road

Continue on AL 157

32 mi · 38 min · University of North Alabama Highway

Turn left onto AL 24

27 mi · 31 min · AL 24

Use the straight / right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec

At end of road, turn left onto Jackson Avenue South

1.1 mi · 2 min · Jackson Avenue South

Arrive at destination

Jackson Avenue North

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 5-hour drive, consider leaving early in the morning to beat potential traffic congestion on I-65. Since you only have one scheduled stop, aim to stretch your legs around the midpoint to break up the long 128.5-mile stretch on US 280. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before leaving Phenix City; having a $38 budget in mind helps, but filling up before hitting the interstate can save you from paying premium prices at busy highway stops. Because this is a single-day trip, your schedule remains flexible, allowing you to easily adjust your departure time to suit your personal pace. Always double-check your route navigation before merging onto the University of North Alabama Highway for the final leg of your journey.

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 124.9 miles from Phenix City, AL, or about 2h 38m 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 80 miles or 1h 42m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 124.9 miles or 2h 38m 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 Russellville, 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 249.7 miles and 5h 6m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 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.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 124.9 mi from Phenix City, AL · 2h 38m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Columbiana, AL

125 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

Columbiana, AL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hoover, AL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 124.9 miles from Phenix City, 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 128.5 miles.

Arriving in Russellville, AL

The final approach into Russellville, 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 Russellville, 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.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$38.17 one way

$76.35 round trip

$3.88/gal 25.4 MPG avg 87 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.26	$41.87	$83.74
premium	$4.61	$45.32	$90.64
diesel	$5.64	$55.47	$110.95

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: 87.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	74.9	0	$26.22	$11.99
Efficient EV	62.4	0	$21.85	$9.99
EV Truck/SUV	99.9	1	$34.96	$15.98

Gas CO2

87 kg

EV CO2

29 kg (67% 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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Phenix City, AL

Evening in Phenix City on Sunday

Local time

6:46 PM

EDT

Current temp

87°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Russellville, AL

Evening in Russellville on Sunday

Local time

5:46 PM

CDT

Current temp

84°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

86°F

Columbiana, AL

125 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

3 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 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 Phenix City, AL to Russellville, AL covers 249.7 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, University of North Alabama Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 124.9 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 $38.17 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.

Between Phenix City, AL and Russellville, AL, road signs point toward Montgomery, Birmingham and Moulton.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Russellville, AL to Phenix City, AL

Plan the drive back the other way.

250.6 mi 5h 7m

Continue From Russellville, AL

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