This 201.4-mile journey from Augusta, GA, to Rydal, GA, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 3 hours and 48 minutes. You'll primarily navigate the Carl Sanders Highway, Purple Heart Highway, and Larry McDonald Memorial Highway, with only about 12% of the drive on highways. Expect a fuel cost around $31 for this trip. The route offers a more local feel, so plan for a relaxed pace. Given its duration and profile, it's well-suited as a straightforward day trip within the Southeast region.
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
100.7 miles from Augusta, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 51m 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
35.6 mi
40m
Ralph David Abernathy Freeway
9.1 mi
10m
Horace E Tate Freeway
7.2 mi
8m
US 411
7 mi
10m
Downtown Connector
3.1 mi
4m
Washington Road
2.5 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 Rydal, 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
25 mi·27 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 293Toward US 411: Chatsworth, WhiteUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork
289 ft·7 sec
Toward US 411 North: ChatsworthUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
21
Merge onto US 411; GA 61
1.6 mi·2 min·US 411; GA 61
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on US 411; GA 61
2.2 mi·3 min·US 411; GA 61
Use the straight lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto US 411; GA 61
3.3 mi·4 min·US 411; GA 61
Use the straight lane.
24
Arrive at destination
US 411; GA 61
Trip Plan
With a duration of under four hours, this drive is easily manageable in one day, offering flexibility for when you depart. Consider leaving Augusta mid-morning to avoid potential rush hour traffic and arrive in Rydal with ample daylight. While there's only one designated stop, pay attention to your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the 85.2-mile stretch on the Carl Sanders Highway, as services might be less frequent on these local roads. Keep an eye out for road signs indicating changes in highway names as you progress.
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 100.7 miles from Augusta, GA, or about 1h 51m 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 44 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 100.7 miles or 1h 51m 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 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Rydal, 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 201.4 miles and 3h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 147 and 194.3 — 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
193.9 mi into trip|~3h 37m in
Take the exit toward US 411: Chatsworth, White
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.
Exit 293
Toward US 411: Chatsworth, White
7
194.3 mi into trip|~3h 38m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 411 North: Chatsworth
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward US 411 North: Chatsworth
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$29.73 one way
$59.47 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg71 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$32.68
$65.35
premium
$4.49
$35.62
$71.24
diesel
$4.80
$38.03
$76.06
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 70.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
EV Charging Along Route
39 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: excellent
Covington, GA - Tesla Supercharger
Covington, GA
Tesla
28 DCFC
Augusta, GA - Robert C Daniel Jr Parkway - Tesla Supercharger
Augusta, GA
Tesla
16 DCFC
Augusta, GA - Jimmie Dyess Parkway - Tesla Supercharger
Augusta, GA
Tesla
12 DCFC
TA, Eatonton Rd, Madison, GA
MADISON, GA
BP_PULSE
12 DCFC
Conyers, GA - Tesla Supercharger
Conyers, GA
Tesla
12 DCFC
Crane Creek Shopping Center MB.HPC
Augusta, GA
MERCEDES_BENZ
10 DCFC
Augusta, GA - Belair Frontage Road - Tesla Supercharger
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
60.4
0
$21.15
$9.67
Efficient EV
50.4
0
$17.62
$8.06
EV Truck/SUV
80.6
1
$28.20
$12.89
Gas CO2
70 kg
EV CO2
24 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 19, 2026
Origin
Augusta, GA
Late night
in Augusta on Sunday
Local time
4:18 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 11:00PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 10:54PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Destination
Rydal, GA
Late night
in Rydal on Sunday
Local time
4:18 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Mostly Clear
0 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 10:54PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
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 cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 48m 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.
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
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 145.8
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 159.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Prepare for a 'turn-heavy local drive' as you traverse Georgia. While 12% of the route is on highways, the majority involves navigating local roads, indicated by its 'turn-heavy' profile. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 85.2 miles along the Carl Sanders Highway. This suggests a driving experience that is less about high-speed cruising and more about engaging with the landscape as you make your way through various communities.
Only 12% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
24 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?
9/10
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 Effort9/10
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 14 significant decision points across 201.4 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: 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
Gently rolling terrain
1,095 ft140 ft
Total Climb
1,275 ft
Total Descent
546 ft
Highest Point
1,095 ft
~172.6 mi in
Elevation Range
955 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 Rydal, GA, road signs point toward Turner Field, Chattanooga and Kennesaw.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 48m. Total distance: 201.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 48m 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 Rydal, 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 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Rydal, GA, but most travelers stay overnight.
