Alpharetta, GA to Hephzibah, GA is 176.9 miles and takes about 3h 23m via Carl Sanders Highway, with a fuel budget near $27 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast region, primarily within Georgia, making it a straightforward drive. With a recommended one-day duration, you can expect a fairly direct route that should be manageable for most drivers. The majority of the drive is on surface roads, so plan for a more local feel rather than interstate cruising. It's a good option if you're looking for a relatively quick trip between these two points in Georgia.
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
88.5 miles from Alpharetta, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 43m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Carl Sanders Highway
81.8 mi
1h 27m
Purple Heart Highway
45.2 mi
48m
Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
15.1 mi
17m
Turner McDonald Parkway
9.1 mi
10m
Bobby Jones Expressway
6.7 mi
7m
Peach Orchard Road
6 mi
7m
Georgia 88
2.2 mi
3m
Covington Highway
1.8 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Carl Sanders Highway
— 81.8 mi, about 1h 27m
Traffic on I-285
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 194 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~6,196 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~746 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 105 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 Alpharetta, GA and Hephzibah, GA.
1
Start on Academy Street
139 ft·11 sec·Academy Street
2
Turn left onto GA 9
0.3 mi·31 sec·South Main Street
Use the left lane.
3
Turn left onto GA 120
0.2 mi·24 sec·Old Milton Parkway
Use the left lane.
4
Turn right onto Haynes Bridge Road
1.1 mi·1 min·Haynes Bridge Road
5
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·56 sec
Toward US 19 South, GA 400 SouthUse the right lane.
6
Merge onto US 19; GA 400
9.1 mi·10 min·Turner McDonald Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 285: Chattanooga, GreenvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on US 19
0.7 mi·53 sec·US 19
Exit 4A; 4BToward I 285 East, I 285 West: Greenville, Augusta, Chattanooga, Birmingham
9
Keep slight left at fork
1.1 mi·2 min
Exit 4AToward I 285 East: Greenville, AugustaUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 285 East: Greenville, AugustaUse the slight left lane.
11
Merge onto I 285
15 mi·17 min·Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 43Toward US 278: Covington HighwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Turn left onto US 278; GA 12
1.8 mi·2 min·Covington Highway
Use the straight lane.
14
Turn right onto Wesley Chapel Road
1.7 mi·2 min·Wesley Chapel Road
Use the right lane.
15
Turn left
0.4 mi·59 sec
Toward I 20 EastUse the left lane.
16
Merge onto I 20
45 mi·48 min·Purple Heart Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 20
82 mi·1 hr 27 min·Carl Sanders Highway
Use the straight lane.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 520 East, GA 232Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 520 East
20
Continue on I 520
6.7 mi·7 min·Bobby Jones Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward US 25, GA 121
22
Turn right onto US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT
4.3 mi·5 min·Peach Orchard Road
23
Continue on US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT
0.3 mi·21 sec·Nellie Drive
24
Continue on US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT
1.7 mi·2 min·Peach Orchard Road
25
Turn right onto GA 88
2.2 mi·3 min·Georgia 88
26
Arrive at destination
GA 88
Trip Plan
For this 176.9-mile drive, starting early in the morning is a good idea to avoid any potential rush hour traffic, especially as you navigate through or around the Atlanta metro area. Since the total duration is just over 3 hours, you likely won't need more than one significant stop for fuel or a quick break. The $27 fuel estimate should cover your needs, but it's always wise to top off your tank before departing Alpharetta. Keep an eye out for changes in speed limits as you move from highway segments to surface roads, particularly on the Carl Sanders Highway, which accounts for a substantial portion of the drive.
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 88.5 miles from Alpharetta, GA, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 81.8 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 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 88.5 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 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hephzibah, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Alpharetta, 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 Alpharetta, GA
This is one driving day of about 176.9 miles and 3h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Alpharetta, 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 Carl Sanders Highway for about 81.8 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 11.1 and 160.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
11.1 mi into trip|~14m in
Take the exit toward I 285: Chattanooga, Greenville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 285: Chattanooga, Greenville
9
12.6 mi into trip|~16m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 285 East: Greenville, Augusta
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 4A
Toward I 285 East: Greenville, Augusta
8
13.6 mi into trip|~18m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 285 East: Greenville, Augusta
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 285 East: Greenville, Augusta
7
29.4 mi into trip|~37m in
Take the exit toward US 278: Covington Highway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 43
Toward US 278: Covington Highway
7
160.5 mi into trip|~3h 1m in
Take the exit toward I 520 East, GA 232
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 520 East, GA 232
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.19 one way
$52.39 round trip
$3.76/gal25.4 MPG avg62 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.24
$29.54
$59.09
premium
$4.67
$32.51
$65.02
diesel
$5.76
$40.11
$80.22
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 61.9 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
53.1
0
$18.57
$8.49
Efficient EV
44.2
0
$15.48
$7.08
EV Truck/SUV
70.8
0
$24.77
$11.32
Gas CO2
62 kg
EV CO2
21 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 Oct 17, 2026
Origin
Alpharetta, GA
Morning
in Alpharetta on Sunday
Local time
10:09 AM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Sunny
N 15 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued October 17 at 9:20AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 17 at 4:53AM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
Destination
Hephzibah, GA
Morning
in Hephzibah on Sunday
Local time
10:09 AM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
N 14 to 17 mph20% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued October 17 at 9:20AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 17 at 4:53AM EDT by NWS Charleston 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
1 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 23m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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.
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
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...
8 mi from route
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 24.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly surface roads, with only about 9% on highways. You'll encounter your longest continuous stretch on the Carl Sanders Highway, measuring 81.8 miles. After that, expect to transition to surface streets, which can mean more frequent stops and a more urban feel as you approach your destination. Be prepared for varying speed limits and potential traffic, especially as you get closer to populated areas.
Only 9% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 81.8 mi on Carl Sanders Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 11.1 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 176.9 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 11.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,134 ft254 ft
Total Climb
193 ft
Total Descent
928 ft
Highest Point
1,134 ft
Elevation Range
880 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Alpharetta, GA and Hephzibah, GA, road signs point toward Greenville, Augusta, Chattanooga and Birmingham.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 23m. Total distance: 176.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 81.8 miles on Carl Sanders Highway. 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 Hephzibah, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 11.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — 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 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Hephzibah, GA, but most travelers stay overnight.
