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Trip from Phenix City, AL to Brent, AL

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

Drive Time

3h 18m

Distance

159.1 mi

256 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$24

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 7m ★
6 AM
3h 19m
8 AM
3h 43m
10 AM
3h 27m
12 PM
3h 25m
3 PM
3h 28m
5 PM
3h 42m
8 PM
3h 12m

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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city and county seat of Russell County, Alabama, United States

Phenix City, AL

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Brent, AL, AL

Brent, AL

Muhammad Nabeel

Trip Overview

The drive from Phenix City, AL to Brent, AL covers 159.1 miles and takes about 3h 18m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on US 82, I 85, US 280 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mostly highway. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 61.3 miles on US 82. At current regular gas prices, budget about $24.03 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

79.5 miles from Phenix City, AL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 32m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 82 61.3 mi 1h 22m
I 85 43.6 mi 47m
US 280 39.3 mi 44m
I 65 7.3 mi 8m
US 80 1.8 mi 2m
Cobbs Ford Road 0.9 mi 1m
Birmingham Road 0.9 mi 1m
Opelika Road 0.8 mi 1m
Longest stretch: US 82 — 61.3 mi, about 1h 22m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Phenix City, AL and Brent, 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 right at fork

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Toward I-65 North: Birmingham
11

Merge onto I 65; US 82

7.3 mi · 8 min · I 65; US 82
12

Take the exit onto US 82

0.3 mi · 42 sec · US 82
Toward 82: Millbrook, Prattville
13

Turn left onto US 82

0.9 mi · 1 min · Cobbs Ford Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
14

Turn left onto US 82; AL 14

2.3 mi · 3 min · US 82; AL 14
Use the left lane.
15

Continue on US 82; AL 14

59 mi · 1 hr 18 min · US 82; AL 14
Use the straight / right lanes.
16

Take the exit

450 ft · 12 sec
17

Continue on Birmingham Road

0.9 mi · 1 min · Birmingham Road
18

Turn slight right

474 ft · 11 sec
19

Turn right onto AL 25

0.6 mi · 1 min · Walnut Street
20

Turn left onto AL 25

0.7 mi · 1 min · Main Street
21

Turn right

54 ft · 9 sec
22

Turn left

169 ft · 12 sec
23

Arrive at destination

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 79.5 miles from Phenix City, AL, or about 1h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.3 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 35 miles or 43m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 79.5 miles or 1h 32m 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 38m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brent, 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 159.1 miles and 3h 18m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 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 82 for about 61.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Autauga and Elmore counties, Alabama, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Millbrook, AL

80 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 35 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Montgomery, AL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 79.5 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 82 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 61.3 miles.

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

The Seed Coffee + Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Columbus, Georgia

Near the start, right off the route

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

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+16573511249

Visit website

Harvest Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbus, Georgia

1.5 mi

AKA Japanese Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Montgomery, Alabama

2.3 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Coffee Mafia

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Auburn, Alabama

Early in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 34.1

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+13347287588

Visit website

7 Brew Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Montgomery, Alabama

2 mi

Ellianos Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Montgomery, Alabama

1.8 mi

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

Sonic Drive-In

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 79.5

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+13342700682

Visit website

AKA Japanese Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 79.5

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+13345231320

Visit website

Ellianos Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 79.5

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+13345930112

Visit website

Sonic Drive-In

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour Inexpensiv mile 79.5

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 9 am–11 pm

+13342715837

Visit website

Ellianos Coffee Pike Road

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 68.2

Pike Rd, Alabama

Hours: 5 am–7 pm

+13343568492

Visit website

Ellianos Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 79.5

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+13343988440

Visit website

Coffee Mafia

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 34.1

Auburn, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+13347287588

Visit website

7 Brew Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 79.5

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 5:30 am–10 pm

+14793589274

Visit website

Ellianos Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 79.5

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+13346127804

Visit website

Bitty & Beau's Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 34.1

Auburn, Alabama

Hours: 7:30 am–5:30 pm

+13345910291

Visit website

Well Red

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 34.1

Auburn, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+13342463021

Visit website

Thrive Here @Auburn

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 34.1

Auburn University, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

Visit website

Rickenbacker's Touch & Go Coffee Shop

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 90.9

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+13349537662

The Fox

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 34.1

Auburn, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+13342090213

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 34.1

Auburn, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 79.5

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 79.5

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

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

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 22.7

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Mercedes-Benz Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 34.1

Auburn, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336224743

Visit website

Downtown Montgomery EV Charger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 90.9

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 45.5

Tuskegee, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13342264071

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

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 79.5

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

City Park (Monkey Park)

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 22.7

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+13347055549

Visit website

The MOOseum

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 90.9

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 95.7 — 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...
5
86.8 mi into trip | ~1h 40m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I-65 North: Birmingham

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I-65 North: Birmingham
5
94.4 mi into trip | ~1h 49m in | US 82

Take the exit onto US 82 toward 82: Millbrook, Prattville

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

Toward 82: Millbrook, Prattville
5
95.7 mi into trip | ~1h 51m in | US 82; AL 14

Turn left onto US 82; AL 14

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$24.03 one way

$48.06 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 56 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $26.38 $52.75
premium $4.56 $28.56 $57.11
diesel $5.61 $35.13 $70.25

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$24

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$49–$74

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 55.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 47.7 0 $16.71 $7.64
Efficient EV 39.8 0 $13.92 $6.36
EV Truck/SUV 63.6 0 $22.27 $10.18

Gas CO2

56 kg

EV CO2

19 kg (66% 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

4:52 PM

EDT

Current temp

78°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Brent, AL

Afternoon in Brent on Saturday

Local time

3:52 PM

CDT

Current temp

49°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

29 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

3h 18m 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?

159.1 mi in 3h 18m, mostly highway — 61.3 mi of that is on US 82.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 61.3 mi on US 82.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 82 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 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 159.1 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: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

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 Brent, AL, road signs point toward Montgomery, 82: Millbrook and Prattville.

Montgomery

24.9 mi in | ~32m | via US 280

82: Millbrook

94.4 mi in | ~1h 49m | via US 82

Prattville

94.4 mi in | ~1h 49m | via US 82

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 18m. Total distance: 159.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 18m 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 61.3 miles on US 82. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

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 Brent, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

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: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Brent, AL, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Return Trip

Brent, AL to Phenix City, AL

Plan the drive back the other way.

159.2 mi 3h 18m

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