Atlanta to Colquitt is 211 miles and takes about 4 hours 5 minutes via I 85 and US 27, with a fuel budget near $31 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Georgia, beginning in the busy Southeast region and heading southwest. It's a straightforward, mostly highway drive that's perfect for a single-day excursion. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on major roadways before transitioning to more rural cruising.
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
105.5 miles from Atlanta, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 57m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 85
55.5 mi
1h
US 27
52.3 mi
1h 3m
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
Downtown Connector
0.6 mi
<1m
Pulliam Street Southwest
0.6 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 85
— 55.5 mi, about 1h
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 53 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
7 AM
~7,899 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~1,289 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.1×
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 Atlanta, GA and Colquitt, 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
6.1 mi·7 min·US 27; GA 1
Use the left / straight lanes.
19
Turn left onto GA 45; GA 91
0.2 mi·20 sec·West College Street
20
Arrive at destination
College Street
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour drive, leaving Atlanta in the morning gives you ample time to reach Colquitt before evening. With only one recommended stop and a single day's drive, flexibility is key. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you get closer to Colquitt, as services might become less frequent. The longest stretch without a major road change is 55.5 miles on I 85, so plan your pit stops accordingly.
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 105.5 miles from Atlanta, GA, or about 1h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 55.5 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 46 miles or 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 105.5 miles or 1h 57m 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 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Colquitt, 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 211 miles and 4h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 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 I 85 for about 55.5 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 9
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
$31.15 one way
$62.30 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$34.23
$68.47
premium
$4.49
$37.32
$74.63
diesel
$4.80
$39.84
$79.68
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 73.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.3
0
$22.16
$10.13
Efficient EV
52.8
0
$18.46
$8.44
EV Truck/SUV
84.4
1
$29.54
$13.50
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 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 Jul 15, 2026
Origin
Atlanta, GA
Late night
in Atlanta on Sunday
Local time
3:00 AM
EDT
Current temp
87°F
Brief Very Light Rain then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 0 to 5 mph48% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Colquitt, GA
Late night
in Colquitt on Sunday
Local time
3:00 AM
EDT
Current temp
90°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 5 to 10 mph18% chanceLive forecast
91°F
Columbus, GA
106 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
3 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 5m 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
~61 min detour
Free
near mile 138.2
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 major highways for about 76% of this 211-mile trip. Expect a solid 55.5-mile stretch on I 85, which means plenty of consistent cruising. Things will likely feel more rural once you transition off the interstate, with fewer exits and a more relaxed pace. The route profile is mostly highway, so anticipate smooth sailing for most of the drive.
76% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 55.5 mi on I 85.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 85 and US 27. 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 9 significant decision points across 211 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 ft212 ft
Total Climb
271 ft
Total Descent
1,100 ft
Highest Point
1,040 ft
Elevation Range
829 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 Colquitt, 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.
=== Welcome World Cup fans ===
Atlanta is one of the 16 North American cities hosting matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Games in the region will be played at the spectacular Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, located in the heart of Downtown Atlanta.
Top landmarks
•Georgia State Capitol — state capitol building of the U.S. state of Georgia
•Virginia-Highland — human settlement in Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
•Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park — heritage site in Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 5m. Total distance: 211 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 5m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 55.5 miles on I 85. 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 Colquitt, 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: 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 4.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Colquitt, GA, but most travelers stay overnight.
