Origin
Atlanta, GA
Night in Atlanta on Saturday
Local time
10:53 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Atlanta, GA to Donalsonville, GA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 20m
Distance
222.1 mi
357 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$35
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 7m
★
6 AM
4h 20m
8 AM
4h 47m
10 AM
4h 30m
12 PM
4h 27m
3 PM
4h 31m
5 PM
4h 46m
8 PM
4h 12m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Atlanta, GA
Wikimedia Commons
Donalsonville, GA
Dmitry Daltonik
Trip Overview
Atlanta, GA to Donalsonville, GA is 222.1 miles and takes about 4 hours 20 minutes via I 85 and US 27, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip focuses on highways, taking you across the Southeast region entirely within Georgia. Expect a straightforward drive with a significant portion on interstates, making it a practical option for a single-day journey. Consider this route if you're looking for an efficient way to travel between these two points without extensive detours.
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
111 miles from Atlanta, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 3m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 85 | 55.5 mi | 1h |
| US 27 | 51.1 mi | 1h 1m |
| Chet Atkins Parkway | 50.5 mi | 55m |
| Martha Berry Highway | 36.3 mi | 42m |
| GA 45 | 12.5 mi | 17m |
| Victory Drive | 11.6 mi | 15m |
| James Wendell George Parkway | 2.3 mi | 3m |
| Downtown Connector | 0.6 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 85
— 55.5 mi, about 1h
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Atlanta, GA and Donalsonville, 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 242
Toward I 85 South: Airport Domestic, Montgomery
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 185
51 mi
·
55 min
·
Chet Atkins Parkway
Exit 21
Toward I 185 South: Columbus
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Exit 1A
Toward 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
4.9 mi
·
5 min
·
US 27; GA 1
Use the left / straight lanes.
19
Turn right onto GA 45; GA 91
13 mi
·
17 min
·
GA 45; GA 91
Use the right lane.
20
Turn left onto US 84; GA 38
44 ft
·
1 sec
·
East 3rd Street
Use the left lane.
21
Arrive at destination
US 84; GA 38
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour 20-minute duration, departing from Atlanta in the morning is ideal to ensure you reach Donalsonville with plenty of daylight. While only one stop is listed, plan for brief breaks as needed, especially during the longer 55.5-mile stretch on I 85. Keep an eye on your fuel, as highway driving can consume it steadily; utilize services along I 85 and US 27. The manageable distance means you have flexibility, but a timely start will make the most of your day.
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 111 miles from Atlanta, GA, or about 2h 3m 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 49 miles or 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111 miles or 2h 3m 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 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Donalsonville, 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 222.1 miles and 4h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 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.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
111 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 111 miles from Atlanta, GA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 105 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
$34.73 one way
$69.46 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
78 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $37.98 | $75.95 |
| premium | $4.70 | $41.11 | $82.21 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $49.04 | $98.07 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 77.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 66.6 | 0 | $23.32 | $10.66 |
| Efficient EV | 55.5 | 0 | $19.43 | $8.88 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 88.8 | 1 | $31.09 | $14.21 |
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 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.
Destination
Donalsonville, GA
Night in Donalsonville on Saturday
Local time
10:53 PM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
54°F
Columbus, GA
111 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
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 20m 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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
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,...
18 mi from route
~45 min detour
$5
View on nps.gov
Jimmy Carter National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
25 mi from route
~62 min detour
Free
near mile 137.8
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 77% of the route utilizing major roadways like I 85 and US 27. You'll experience a solid stretch of 55.5 miles on I 85, offering consistent speed and fewer interruptions. As you transition to US 27 and Chet Atkins Parkway, the character may shift slightly, but the overall feel remains geared towards efficient travel. Expect a generally smooth driving experience with ample opportunities to maintain momentum.
77% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 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 Effort
7/10
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 222.1 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Donalsonville, GA, road signs begin pointing toward Albany along the way.
Albany
110.3 mi in
|
~2h 2m
About the Cities
Starting in Atlanta, GA
Full guide →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.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 20m. Total distance: 222.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (77%). 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 Donalsonville, 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 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Donalsonville, GA, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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