Alma, GA to Sandy Springs, GA is 230.4 miles and takes about 4h 42m via I 75 and Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Georgia, moving from the Southeast region toward another part of the Southeast. For the most part, you'll be on highways, making for a straightforward trip. It's a good option if you need to cover ground efficiently between these two points within 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
115.2 miles from Alma, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 31m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
62.1 mi
1h 7m
Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
49.7 mi
53m
US 319
28.7 mi
39m
Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
24.5 mi
28m
US 23
17.6 mi
26m
East Golden Isles Highway
16 mi
22m
Terrell Starr Parkway
10.1 mi
11m
North Pierce Street
6.3 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 62.1 mi, about 1h 7m
Traffic on I-285
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 258 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~6,200 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~744 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alma, GA and Sandy Springs, GA.
1
Start on GA 32
89 ft·5 sec·East 16th Street
2
Turn right onto US 1; US 23; GA 4
6.3 mi·7 min·North Pierce Street
3
Turn left onto US 23; GA 19
18 mi·26 min·US 23; GA 19
Use the left lane.
4
Turn right onto US 23; GA 19
301 ft·5 sec·Larry Contos Boulevard
5
Continue on US 23; GA 19
0.8 mi·1 min·Tallahassee Street
6
At end of road, turn left onto US 23; US 341; GA 19; GA 27
0.5 mi·55 sec·East Jarman Street
Use the left lane.
7
Continue on US 23; US 221; US 341; GA 19; GA 27; GA 135
1.0 mi·1 min·West Coffee Street
8
Continue on US 23; US 341; GA 19; GA 27
5.3 mi·7 min·Lumber City Highway
9
Continue on US 23; US 341; GA 19; GA 27
16 mi·22 min·East Golden Isles Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Continue on US 23; US 341; GA 27
0.8 mi·1 min·East Oak Street
Use the straight lane.
11
Turn slight right onto US 23; US 341; GA 27
0.8 mi·1 min·Railroad Street
12
Turn right onto US 280; US 319; US 441; GA 30; GA 31
1.6 mi·2 min·South 3rd Avenue
Use the right lane.
13
Turn left onto US 319; US 441; GA 31
28 mi·38 min·US 319; US 441; GA 31
Use the left lane.
14
Continue on US 319; US 441; GA 31; GA 117
0.3 mi·43 sec·US 319; US 441; GA 31; GA 117
Use the straight lane.
15
Turn left
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I-16 West: Macon
16
Merge onto I 16
50 mi·53 min·Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
17
Continue on I 16; GA 540
0.5 mi·39 sec·Fall Line Freeway
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·42 sec
Toward I 75 North: AtlantaUse the straight / left lanes.
19
Merge onto I 75
62 mi·1 hr 7 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto I 675
10 mi·11 min·Terrell Starr Parkway
Exit 227Toward I 675 North: Augusta, GreenvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 285 East: Augusta, GreenvilleUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
22
Merge onto I 285
25 mi·28 min·Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
518 ft·12 sec
Exit 25; 27BToward US 19 South, GA 400 North: Roswell Road, Sandy SpringsUse the slight right lane.
24
Continue on this road
1.4 mi·2 min·this road
Exit 25Toward US 19 South: Roswell Road
25
Keep slight right at fork onto US 19
0.2 mi·24 sec·US 19
Toward US 19 South: Roswell Road, Sandy SpringsUse the slight right lane.
26
Turn right onto GA 9
0.8 mi·1 min·Roswell Road
Use the right lane.
27
Turn right onto Mount Vernon Highway
180 ft·3 sec·Mount Vernon Highway
28
Arrive at destination
Mount Vernon Highway
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 42m duration, departing in the morning from Alma is recommended to allow ample time for any unexpected delays. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 62.1-mile stretch on I 75, as services can be more spread out on longer highway segments. The $37 fuel cost is an estimate, so check current prices. This trip is easily manageable in a single day, allowing for a relaxed start or an early arrival.
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 115.2 miles from Alma, GA, or about 2h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.1 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 51 miles or 1h 13m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 115.2 miles or 2h 31m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sandy Springs, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Alma, GA 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 Alma, GA
This is one driving day of about 230.4 miles and 4h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Alma, GA.
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 75 for about 62.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 130.1 and 229.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
130.1 mi into trip|~2h 47m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 75 North: Atlanta
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
Toward I 75 North: Atlanta
9
192.6 mi into trip|~3h 55m in|I 675 / Terrell Starr Parkway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 675 / Terrell Starr Parkway toward I 675 North: Augusta, Greenville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 227
Toward I 675 North: Augusta, Greenville
8
202.7 mi into trip|~4h 7m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 285 East: Augusta, Greenville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 285 East: Augusta, Greenville
8
227.9 mi into trip|~4h 37m in
Take the exit toward US 19 South, GA 400 North: Roswell Road, Sandy Springs
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 25; 27B
Toward US 19 South, GA 400 North: Roswell Road,...
8
229.4 mi into trip|~4h 39m in|US 19
Keep slight right at fork onto US 19 toward US 19 South: Roswell Road, Sandy Springs
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 19 South: Roswell Road, Sandy Springs
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.02 one way
$68.03 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg81 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$37.38
$74.76
premium
$4.49
$40.75
$81.49
diesel
$4.80
$43.50
$87.01
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
69.1
0
$24.19
$11.06
Efficient EV
57.6
0
$20.16
$9.22
EV Truck/SUV
92.2
1
$32.26
$14.75
Gas CO2
81 kg
EV CO2
27 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 as of Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Alma, GA
Late night
in Alma on Monday
Local time
2:40 AM
EDT
Current temp
93°F
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 2 to 6 mph34% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:16AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:14AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Columbia SC
Destination
Sandy Springs, GA
Late night
in Sandy Springs on Monday
Local time
2:40 AM
EDT
Current temp
91°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 5 to 10 mph19% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:16AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:14AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Columbia SC
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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
2 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
4h 42m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Welcome to Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. This park is a prehistoric American Indian site, where many different American Indian cultures occupied this land for thousands of years. American...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 127.1
Caution: River Trail periodically closed under I-16
Park Closure: BOARDWALK CLOSED along the River Trail
Today the river valley attracts us for so many reasons. Take a solitary walk to enjoy nature’s display, raft leisurely through the rocky shoals with friends, fish the misty waters as the sun comes up,...
Welcome to Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park & Preservation District where a young boy grows up in a time of segregation. He was moved by destiny to lead the modern civil rights movemen...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 206.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is mostly highway, with 73% of the driving on major roads. You'll encounter a 62.1-mile stretch on I 75, indicating extended periods of highway cruising. The transition to surface roads will occur at some point, likely marked by an increase in intersections and potentially slower speeds as you approach your destination. Expect a consistent flow of traffic typical for major interstates in this region.
73% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 62.1 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 130.1 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 230.4 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 130.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 192.6 miles (I 675 / Terrell Starr Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 202.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,091 ft145 ft
Total Climb
1,190 ft
Total Descent
298 ft
Highest Point
1,091 ft
~230.5 mi in
Elevation Range
946 ft
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 Alma, GA to Sandy Springs, GA, road signs begin pointing toward Greenville along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 42m. Total distance: 230.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (73%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 62.1 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 21 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Sandy Springs, GA 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. There are 21 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 130.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 192.6 miles (I 675 / Terrell Starr Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 202.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Sandy Springs, GA, but most travelers stay overnight.
