Atlanta, GA to Bainbridge, GA is 232.4 miles and takes about 4h 32m via US 27 and I 85, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast region, primarily within Georgia, making it a straightforward hop. With a recommended one-day drive, you'll spend most of your time on highways. It’s a practical route for getting from point A to point B efficiently. You'll find the majority of the drive is on well-maintained roads.
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
116.2 miles from Atlanta, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 11m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 27
71.7 mi
1h 27m
I 85
55.5 mi
1h
Chet Atkins Parkway
50.5 mi
55m
Martha Berry Highway
36.3 mi
42m
Victory Drive
11.6 mi
15m
James Wendell George Parkway
2.3 mi
3m
Dothan Road
1.8 mi
2m
Downtown Connector
0.6 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
US 27
— 71.7 mi, about 1h 27m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 108 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~7,771 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~1,250 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 103 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 Atlanta, GA and Bainbridge, GA.
1
Start on Capitol Avenue Southeast
195 ft·9 sec·Capitol Avenue Southeast
2
Turn left onto Martin Luther King Jr Drive Southwest
434 ft·16 sec·Martin Luther King Jr Drive Southwest
Use the left lane.
3
Turn left onto Washington Street Southwest
0.4 mi·51 sec·Washington Street Southwest
Use the left / straight lanes.
4
Continue on Pulliam Street Southwest
0.6 mi·1 min·Pulliam Street Southwest
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward I 75 South, I 85 South
6
Merge onto I 75; I 85
0.6 mi·50 sec·Downtown Connector
7
Continue on I 75; I 85
2.3 mi·3 min·James Wendell George Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 85
56 mi·1 hr·I 85
Exit 242Toward I 85 South: Airport Domestic, MontgomeryUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 185
51 mi·55 min·Chet Atkins Parkway
Exit 21Toward I 185 South: ColumbusUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·25 sec
Exit 1AToward US 27 South, GA 1 South, US 280 East, GA 520 East: Cusseta, Albany
11
Merge onto US 27; US 280; GA 1; GA 520
12 mi·15 min·Victory Drive
12
Continue on Martha Berry Highway
36 mi·42 min·Martha Berry Highway
13
Continue on US 27; GA 1
38 mi·45 min·US 27; GA 1
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on US 27; GA 1
1.7 mi·1 min·US 27; GA 1
Use the left / straight lanes.
15
Continue on US 27; GA 1
3.9 mi·4 min·US 27; GA 1
Use the left / straight lanes.
16
Continue on US 27; GA 1
0.9 mi·1 min·US 27; GA 1
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on US 27; GA 1
1.9 mi·2 min·US 27; GA 1
18
Continue on US 27; GA 1
25 mi·31 min·US 27; GA 1
Use the left / straight lanes.
19
Take the exit onto US 27 Business; GA 1 Business
0.2 mi·16 sec·US 27 Business; GA 1 Business
Toward US 84 West, US 27 Business: Bainbridge, Donalsonville
20
Turn left onto US 84; US 27 Business; GA 38; GA 1 Business
1.8 mi·2 min·Dothan Road
21
Turn right onto US 27 Business; GA 1 Business; GA 97; GA 309
0.4 mi·41 sec·North Broad Street
22
Arrive at destination
South Broad Street
Trip Plan
Given this route can be completed in under five hours, you can easily start any time of day and arrive with plenty of daylight to spare. The $36 fuel estimate is based on the total mileage, so ensure your tank is full before you leave Atlanta. There's only one recommended stop, but with the drive being relatively short, you can be flexible with breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you get closer to Bainbridge, especially if you plan to explore the immediate surroundings upon 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 116.2 miles from Atlanta, GA, or about 2h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 71.7 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 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 116.2 miles or 2h 11m 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 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bainbridge, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Atlanta, 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 Atlanta, GA
This is one driving day of about 232.4 miles and 4h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Atlanta, 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 US 27 for about 71.7 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 10
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 110.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0 mi into trip|~0m in|Martin Luther King Jr Drive Southwest
Turn left onto Martin Luther King Jr Drive Southwest
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|Washington Street Southwest
Turn left onto Washington Street Southwest
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
9
4.3 mi into trip|~6m in|I 85
Keep slight right at fork onto I 85 toward I 85 South: Airport Domestic, Montgomery
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 242
Toward I 85 South: Airport Domestic, Montgomery
8
59.8 mi into trip|~1h 7m in|I 185 / Chet Atkins Parkway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 185 / Chet Atkins Parkway toward I 185 South: Columbus
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 21
Toward I 185 South: Columbus
6
110.3 mi into trip|~2h 2m in
Take the exit toward US 27 South, GA 1 South, US 280 East, GA 520 East: Cusseta, Albany
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 1A
Toward US 27 South, GA 1 South, US 280 East, GA...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.41 one way
$68.82 round trip
$3.76/gal25.4 MPG avg81 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.24
$38.81
$77.63
premium
$4.67
$42.71
$85.42
diesel
$5.76
$52.69
$105.39
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: 81.3 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
69.7
0
$24.40
$11.16
Efficient EV
58.1
0
$20.34
$9.30
EV Truck/SUV
93
1
$32.54
$14.87
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 Oct 17, 2026
Origin
Atlanta, GA
Morning
in Atlanta on Sunday
Local time
7:27 AM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Sunny
N 15 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 17 at 4:53AM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
Lake Wind Advisory
Lake Wind Advisory issued October 17 at 2:32AM EDT until October 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Columbia SC
Destination
Bainbridge, GA
Morning
in Bainbridge on Sunday
Local time
7:27 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Mostly Sunny
N 15 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 17 at 4:53AM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
Lake Wind Advisory
Lake Wind Advisory issued October 17 at 2:32AM EDT until October 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Columbia SC
49°F
Richland, GA
116 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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
5 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
4h 32m 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.
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
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,...
Few U.S. Presidents have had such close ties with where they were born and raised. The rural southern culture of Plains, Georgia revolves around farming, church, and school, which had a large influenc...
24 mi from route
~60 min detour
Free
near mile 144.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll be on highways for about 78% of this 232.4-mile trip. The longest continuous stretch without a major change in road type is 71.7 miles on US 27. Expect a significant amount of highway cruising, with many exits and merges as you navigate the interstates and primary highways. The transition to surface roads will become more noticeable as you approach your destination.
78% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 71.7 mi on US 27.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 27 and I 85. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Martin Luther King Jr Drive Southwest.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 10 significant decision points across 232.4 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: near the start (Martin Luther King Jr Drive Southwest): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.1 miles (Washington Street Southwest): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.3 miles (I 85): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,040 ft127 ft
Total Climb
128 ft
Total Descent
1,042 ft
Highest Point
1,040 ft
Elevation Range
914 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 Atlanta, GA to Bainbridge, GA, road signs begin pointing toward Albany along the way.
Atlanta is the vanguard of the New South, with the charm and elegance of the Old. It's a city that balances southern traditions with sleek modernism, and southern hospitality with three skylines and the world’s busiest airport. It's a city that has been burnt to the ground and built back up; seen the horrors of war; felt the pain of droughts and floods; and given birth to Martin Luther King, Jr., the greatest figure of the civil rights movement. Atlanta is the capital of the state of Georgia.
Top landmarks
•Georgia State Capitol — state capitol building of the U.S. state of Georgia
•High Museum of Art — art museum in Atlanta, Georgia, USA
•Virginia-Highland — human settlement in Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 32m. Total distance: 232.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (78%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 71.7 miles on US 27. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 7 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 Bainbridge, 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 7 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Martin Luther King Jr Drive Southwest): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.1 miles (Washington Street Southwest): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.3 miles (I 85): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Bainbridge, GA, but most travelers stay overnight.
