Augusta, GA to Rome, GA is 217.8 miles and takes about 4h 12m via Carl Sanders Highway, Purple Heart Highway, and Larry McDonald Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Georgia, connecting two points in the Southeast region. The route primarily uses surface roads, making it a more leisurely drive than a pure interstate experience. You'll want to plan for this if you're looking for a straightforward drive without extensive highway time. It's a solid option for a single-day excursion 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
108.9 miles from Augusta, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 59m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Carl Sanders Highway
85.2 mi
1h 31m
Purple Heart Highway
46.9 mi
50m
Larry McDonald Memorial Highway
32.3 mi
36m
US 411
19.4 mi
25m
Ralph David Abernathy Freeway
9.1 mi
10m
Horace E Tate Freeway
7.2 mi
8m
GA 20
3.4 mi
6m
Downtown Connector
3.1 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
Carl Sanders Highway
— 85.2 mi, about 1h 31m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 71 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
7 AM
~5,478 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~929 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.9×
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 Augusta, GA and Rome, GA.
1
Start on Walton Way
0.7 mi·1 min·Walton Way
2
Turn straight
235 ft·8 sec
3
Turn right onto 15th Street
0.2 mi·18 sec·15th Street
4
Turn slight left
0.3 mi·40 sec
5
Merge onto GA 28
1.7 mi·1 min·Calhoun Expressway
6
Continue on GA 28
2.5 mi·4 min·Washington Road
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·35 sec
8
Merge onto I 20
85 mi·1 hr 31 min·Carl Sanders Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 20
47 mi·50 min·Purple Heart Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 20
9.1 mi·10 min·Ralph David Abernathy Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Exit 58BToward Hill Street, Turner FieldUse the slight right lane.
12
At end of road, turn right onto Hill Street Southeast
0.2 mi·41 sec·Hill Street Southeast
13
Turn left onto Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Southeast
0.3 mi·29 sec·Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Southeast
14
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward I 75 North, I 85 North
15
Merge onto I 75; I 85
3.1 mi·4 min·Downtown Connector
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 75
7.2 mi·8 min·Horace E Tate Freeway
Toward I 75 North: Marietta, ChattanoogaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 75
11 mi·12 min·Larry McDonald Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
22 mi·24 min·Larry McDonald Memorial Highway
Toward I 75 North: Chattanooga, Barrett Parkway, KennesawUse the straight lane.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 290Toward GA 20: Rome, CantonUse the slight right lane.
20
Turn slight left
117 ft·6 sec
Toward GA 20 West: Georgia Highlands College, Cartersville, Rome, Clarence Brown Conference Center, Pettit Creek Farms
21
Turn left onto GA 20
1.2 mi·2 min·Canton Highway
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on GA 20
0.4 mi·45 sec·GA 20
Use the straight lane.
23
Continue on GA 20
0.7 mi·1 min·GA 20
Use the straight lane.
24
Turn left onto US 411; GA 20; GA 61
0.4 mi·51 sec·US 411; GA 20; GA 61
Use the straight lane.
25
Take the exit onto US 411; GA 20
0.1 mi·17 sec·US 411; GA 20
Use the slight right lane.
26
Merge onto US 41; GA 3; GA 20
2.8 mi·4 min·Joe Frank Harris Parkway Southeast
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
27
Take the exit onto US 411; GA 20
19 mi·23 min·US 411; GA 20
Toward South US 411, West GA 20: RomeUse the slight right lane.
28
Keep slight right at fork onto GA 20
2.2 mi·4 min·GA 20
29
Arrive at destination
US 27; GA 1; GA 20
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 12m duration, departing Augusta, GA in the morning should allow you to reach Rome, GA with plenty of daylight remaining. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to pause. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is $34 and the longest stretch without a major highway is significant. Since this is a single-day trip, consider an early start to maximize your time in Rome upon arrival. Planning around the 85.2-mile segment on Carl Sanders Highway can help you manage your fuel and rest stops effectively.
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 108.9 miles from Augusta, GA, or about 1h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 85.2 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 48 miles or 54m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 108.9 miles or 1h 59m 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 20m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Rome, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Augusta, 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 Augusta, GA
This is one driving day of about 217.8 miles and 4h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Augusta, 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 85.2 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 147 and 196.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
147 mi into trip|~2h 42m in
Take the exit toward Hill Street, Turner Field
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 58B
Toward Hill Street, Turner Field
8
151.1 mi into trip|~2h 48m in|I 75 / Horace E Tate Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 75 / Horace E Tate Freeway toward I 75 North: Marietta, Chattanooga
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 75 North: Marietta, Chattanooga
8
168.8 mi into trip|~3h 9m in|I 75 / Larry McDonald Memorial Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 / Larry McDonald Memorial Highway toward I 75 North: Chattanooga, Barrett Parkway, Kennesaw
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 75 North: Chattanooga, Barrett Parkway...
8
190.6 mi into trip|~3h 33m in
Take the exit toward GA 20: Rome, Canton
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 290
Toward GA 20: Rome, Canton
7
196.6 mi into trip|~3h 44m in|US 411; GA 20
Take the exit onto US 411; GA 20 toward South US 411, West GA 20: Rome
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward South US 411, West GA 20: Rome
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.16 one way
$64.31 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg76 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$35.34
$70.67
premium
$4.49
$38.52
$77.04
diesel
$4.80
$41.12
$82.25
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$32
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
65.3
0
$22.87
$10.45
Efficient EV
54.5
0
$19.06
$8.71
EV Truck/SUV
87.1
1
$30.49
$13.94
Gas CO2
76 kg
EV CO2
25 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
Augusta, GA
Morning
in Augusta on Sunday
Local time
6:53 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 2 to 7 mph26% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 5:56PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 5:33PM EDT until July 18 at 6:30PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Destination
Rome, GA
Morning
in Rome on Sunday
Local time
6:53 AM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Clear
W 0 to 5 mph28% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 5:56PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 5:33PM EDT until July 18 at 6:30PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
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 12m 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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 150.2
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,...
12 mi from route
~31 min detour
$5
near mile 157.7
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 20% of the route utilizing highways. You'll experience about 85.2 miles on Carl Sanders Highway before transitioning to other roads. Expect a more local driving feel with frequent intersections and lower speed limits once you leave the highway sections. The transition from highway to surface roads will be noticeable as traffic patterns change and you navigate through communities.
Only 20% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 85.2 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 147 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 18 significant decision points across 217.8 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 147 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 151.1 miles (I 75 / Horace E Tate Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 168.8 miles (I 75 / Larry McDonald Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
974 ft140 ft
Total Climb
952 ft
Total Descent
470 ft
Highest Point
974 ft
~171.1 mi in
Elevation Range
834 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Augusta, GA and Rome, GA, road signs point toward Turner Field, Chattanooga, Kennesaw, Canton, Cartersville and Clarence Brown Conference Center - among others.
Augusta is a city in Georgia's Classic Heartland. Due to its location inland on the Savannah River, Augusta was a city of major strategic importance by the end of the Civil War. It was spared most of the destruction of many other southern cities, so there are many old buildings and landmarks. Augusta is also home to the Augusta National Golf Club, one of the world's most prestigious and exclusive golf clubs, which plays host to the Masters golf tournament.
Top landmarks
•Augusta National Golf Club — golf course in Georgia, United States
•Augusta Canal — canal in Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
•Morris Museum of Art — museum in Augusta, Georgia, USA
Rome is a city that was founded at the convergence of the Etowah and Oostanaula rivers in Georgia's Historic High Country.
The city was named for the seven hills around the city, and was land taken from the Treaty of New Echota.
Top landmarks
•Chieftains Museum — Cherokee museum in Rome, Georgia, USA
•Clock Tower — atop Neely Hill in Rome, Georgia, United States
•Myrtle Hill Cemetery — cemetery in Rome, Floyd County, Georgia, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 12m. Total distance: 217.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 85.2 miles on Carl Sanders Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 17 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 Rome, 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 17 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 147 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 151.1 miles (I 75 / Horace E Tate Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 168.8 miles (I 75 / Larry McDonald Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Rome, GA, but most travelers stay overnight.
