Bainbridge, GA to Smyrna, GA is 233.7 miles and takes about 4h 59m via I 75 and US 19, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Georgia, moving from one part of the Southeast region to another. It's a pretty straightforward drive, mostly on major highways, making it a convenient option for a single-day trip. You'll spend a good chunk of time on the interstate, so it's a practical choice if you're looking to cover ground efficiently.
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
116.8 miles from Bainbridge, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 32m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
57.1 mi
1h 1m
US 19
24.3 mi
30m
GA 300
21.9 mi
27m
Eatonton Highway
21.3 mi
29m
Cordele Road
13.8 mi
17m
Gray Highway
10.7 mi
14m
GA 112
10.5 mi
14m
GA 262
9.5 mi
13m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 57.1 mi, about 1h 1m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 32 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~1,874 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,454
Quietest
2 AM
~237 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.9×
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 Bainbridge, GA and Smyrna, GA.
1
Start on South Broad Street
0.4 mi·45 sec·South Broad Street
2
Turn right onto GA 97; GA 309
0.3 mi·31 sec·East Calhoun Street
3
Turn straight onto GA 97; GA 309
0.4 mi·44 sec·Albany Road
4
Keep slight right at fork onto GA 97; GA 309
3.1 mi·5 min·Vada Road
5
Turn right onto GA 309
7.2 mi·10 min·Old Pelham Road
6
Turn left onto GA 262
5.3 mi·7 min·Pelham Road
7
Turn right onto GA 97
0.6 mi·58 sec·GA 97
8
Continue on GA 262
0.5 mi·53 sec·GA 262
9
Turn right onto GA 262
9.0 mi·12 min·GA 262
10
Turn left onto GA 112
10 mi·14 min·GA 112
11
Turn left onto GA 97
0.5 mi·51 sec·South Butler Street
12
Turn right onto GA 37
0.7 mi·1 min·West Broad Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Turn left onto US 19; GA 3; GA 37 Truck; GA 300
0.1 mi·18 sec·US 19; GA 3; GA 37 Truck; GA 300
Use the left lane.
14
Continue on US 19; GA 3; GA 300
24 mi·29 min·US 19; GA 3; GA 300
Use the straight lane.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Exit 2AToward US 82 East, GA 520: Sylvester, Tifton
16
Turn straight onto US 82 Business; GA 520 Business
0.9 mi·1 min·East Oglethorpe Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on US 82 Business; GA 520 Business
0.2 mi·28 sec·Sylvester Highway
Use the straight lane.
18
Turn left onto Cordele Road
14 mi·17 min·Cordele Road
Use the left lane.
19
Continue on GA 300
22 mi·27 min·GA 300
Use the straight lane.
20
Turn left
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward I-75 North: MaconUse the left lane.
21
Merge onto I 75
57 mi·1 hr 1 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 75; GA 540
7.6 mi·8 min·Fall Line Freeway
Toward I 75 North: Macon, SavannahUse the straight lane.
23
Take the exit onto GA 540
0.7 mi·1 min·Fall Line Freeway
Exit 165Toward I 16 East: SavannahUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight right at fork onto GA 540
1.1 mi·1 min·Fall Line Freeway
Toward US 129, GA 11, GA 49Use the left lane.
25
At end of road, turn left onto US 129; GA 11; GA 49; GA 540
0.3 mi·40 sec·North Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Continue on US 129; GA 11; GA 49
11 mi·13 min·Gray Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Turn left onto US 129; GA 11; GA 18; GA 22
5.1 mi·6 min·Gray Bypass
Use the left lane.
28
Enter roundabout onto US 129; GA 44
333 ft·4 sec·Eatonton Highway
29
Continue on US 129; GA 44
21 mi·29 min·Eatonton Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
30
Continue on US 129; GA 44
0.2 mi·28 sec·Gray Highway
Use the left lane.
31
Turn left onto US 129; US 441; GA 24
4.5 mi·6 min·James Marshall Bypass
Use the left lane.
32
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 24
3.8 mi·5 min·Madison Road
33
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 24
1.5 mi·2 min·Madison Highway
34
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 24
0.5 mi·40 sec·Madison Road Highway
35
Continue on US 129; US 441; 24
2.9 mi·3 min·Madison Road
36
Continue on US 129; US 441; 24
2.2 mi·2 min·Madison Highway
37
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 24
1.3 mi·1 min·US 129; US 441; GA 24
38
Turn right onto Seven Islands Road
1.1 mi·2 min·Seven Islands Road
39
Turn left onto Bethany Church Road
2.6 mi·3 min·Bethany Church Road
40
Turn straight onto Bethany Road
3.7 mi·5 min·Bethany Road
41
Turn right onto US 129 Bypass; US 441 Bypass; 24 Bypass
2.6 mi·3 min·Madison Bypass
42
Turn right onto US 278; GA 12
3.0 mi·4 min·Greensboro Road
Use the right lane.
43
Turn right onto Buckhead Road
103 ft·2 sec·Buckhead Road
44
Arrive at destination
Buckhead Road
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 59m estimated drive time, leaving Bainbridge in the morning should allow you to reach Smyrna with plenty of daylight to spare. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to break up the drive. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $39 for the 233.7 miles, and it's always wise to top off before heading into longer stretches. Pay attention to the exit numbers on I 75 as you get closer to your destination, as the density of exits can increase rapidly.
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 116.8 miles from Bainbridge, GA, or about 2h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 57.1 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 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 116.8 miles or 2h 32m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Smyrna, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bainbridge, 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 Bainbridge, GA
This is one driving day of about 233.7 miles and 4h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Bainbridge, 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 75 for about 57.1 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 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 62.7 and 166.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
62.7 mi into trip|~1h 26m in
Take the exit toward US 82 East, GA 520: Sylvester, Tifton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 2A
Toward US 82 East, GA 520: Sylvester, Tifton
8
157.2 mi into trip|~3h 15m in|I 75; GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 75; GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway toward I 75 North: Macon, Savannah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 75 North: Macon, Savannah
7
164.8 mi into trip|~3h 24m in|GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway
Take the exit onto GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway toward I 16 East: Savannah
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 165
Toward I 16 East: Savannah
8
165.5 mi into trip|~3h 25m in|GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway toward US 129, GA 11, GA 49
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward US 129, GA 11, GA 49
7
166.6 mi into trip|~3h 27m in|US 129; GA 11; GA 49; GA 540 / North Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto US 129; GA 11; GA 49; GA 540 / North Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.50 one way
$69.01 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg82 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$37.92
$75.83
premium
$4.49
$41.33
$82.66
diesel
$4.80
$44.13
$88.25
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: 81.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
70.1
0
$24.54
$11.22
Efficient EV
58.4
0
$20.45
$9.35
EV Truck/SUV
93.5
1
$32.72
$14.96
Gas CO2
82 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Bainbridge, GA
Afternoon
in Bainbridge on Sunday
Local time
12:38 PM
EDT
Current temp
94°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
WNW 5 mph68% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 11:36AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:14AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Columbia SC
Destination
Smyrna, GA
Afternoon
in Smyrna on Sunday
Local time
12:38 PM
EDT
Current temp
94°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 0 to 5 mph19% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 11:36AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:14AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Columbia SC
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 59m 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.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Welcome to Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. This park is a prehistoric American Indian site, where many different American Indian cultures occupied this land for thousands of years. American...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 169.2
Caution: River Trail periodically closed under I-16
Park Closure: BOARDWALK CLOSED along the River Trail
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
About 58% of this route is highway driving, with the longest continuous stretch on I 75 measuring 57.1 miles. You'll transition from interstate cruising to surface roads, offering a mixed driving experience. Expect to encounter a higher density of exits as you approach more populated areas, especially as you get closer to Smyrna.
58% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
44 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 57.1 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 62.7 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 27 significant decision points across 233.7 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 62.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 157.2 miles (I 75; GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 164.8 miles (GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
674 ft127 ft
Total Climb
979 ft
Total Descent
489 ft
Highest Point
674 ft
~180.7 mi in
Elevation Range
547 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Bainbridge, GA and Smyrna, GA, road signs point toward Tifton and Savannah.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 59m. Total distance: 233.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 57.1 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 18 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 Smyrna, 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 18 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 62.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 157.2 miles (I 75; GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 164.8 miles (GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 5.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 10.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Smyrna, GA, but most travelers stay overnight.
