Origin
Brookhaven, GA
Night in Brookhaven on Saturday
Local time
10:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Brookhaven, GA to Cusseta, GA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 36m
Distance
132.6 mi
213 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 26m
★
6 AM
2h 37m
8 AM
2h 58m
10 AM
2h 44m
12 PM
2h 42m
3 PM
2h 45m
5 PM
2h 56m
8 PM
2h 30m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Brookhaven, GA
Wikimedia Commons
Cusseta, GA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 132.6-mile journey from Brookhaven to Cusseta, Georgia, is an easy 2.5-hour drive, making it an ideal day trip. The route is primarily highway-focused, with 83% of it being on major roads like I-85 and Chet Atkins Parkway. You can expect a fuel cost of around $21 for this trip. With only one recommended stop, the drive is quite direct. This short, efficient route is perfect for a quick getaway 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
66.3 miles from Brookhaven, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 20m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 85 | 55.5 mi | 1h |
| Chet Atkins Parkway | 50.5 mi | 55m |
| Victory Drive | 10.6 mi | 14m |
| Downtown Connector | 5 mi | 6m |
| James Wendell George Parkway | 2.3 mi | 3m |
| North Druid Hills Road | 1.9 mi | 3m |
| Buford-Spring Connector | 1.8 mi | 2m |
| Northeast Expressway | 1.2 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 85
— 55.5 mi, about 1h
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Brookhaven, GA and Cusseta, GA.
1
Start on this road
397 ft
·
34 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left
63 ft
·
9 sec
3
Turn left
139 ft
·
12 sec
4
Turn right onto GA 141
432 ft
·
10 sec
·
Peachtree Road Northeast
5
Turn right onto Dresden Drive Northeast
195 ft
·
10 sec
·
Dresden Drive Northeast
6
Take the ramp
176 ft
·
12 sec
7
Turn sharp left onto GA 141
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
Peachtree Road Northeast
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Turn left onto North Druid Hills Road
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
North Druid Hills Road
Use the left lane.
9
Turn right onto GA 13
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Buford Highway
10
Continue on GA 13
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Buford-Spring Connector
Use the straight lane.
11
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
59 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 85
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Northeast Expressway
13
Continue on I 75; I 85
5.0 mi
·
6 min
·
Downtown Connector
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 75; I 85
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
James Wendell George Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
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.
16
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.
17
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
18
Merge onto US 27; US 280; GA 1; GA 520
11 mi
·
14 min
·
Victory Drive
19
Turn left onto Broad Street
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Broad Street
Use the left lane.
20
Turn slight left onto Old Georgia Highway 137
169 ft
·
9 sec
·
Old Georgia Highway 137
21
Turn left onto McNaughton Street
153 ft
·
6 sec
·
McNaughton Street
22
Arrive at destination
McNaughton Street
Trip Plan
Given the 2-hour 36-minute duration, leaving Brookhaven in the morning allows ample time to reach Cusseta without feeling rushed. The 55.5-mile stretch on I-85 is the longest continuous part of the drive, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly before entering this segment. With only one stop suggested and a reasonable fuel cost of $21, this trip offers flexibility. You can depart at your leisure and still have plenty of daylight upon arrival.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 66.3 miles from Brookhaven, GA, or about 1h 20m 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 29 miles or 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 66.3 miles or 1h 20m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cusseta, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Brookhaven, 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 Brookhaven, GA
This is one driving day of about 132.6 miles and 2h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Brookhaven, 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
66 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 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 66.3 miles from Brookhaven, 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 155 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 120.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
Turn left
Navigation decision point
8
0.3 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
GA 141 / Peachtree Road Northeast
Turn sharp left onto GA 141 / Peachtree Road Northeast
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
14.4 mi into trip
|
~23m 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
69.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 24m 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
120.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 19m 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
$20.74 one way
$41.47 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
46 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $22.67 | $45.35 |
| premium | $4.70 | $24.54 | $49.08 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $29.28 | $58.55 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 46.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 39.8 | 0 | $13.92 | $6.36 |
| Efficient EV | 33.2 | 0 | $11.60 | $5.30 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 53 | 0 | $18.56 | $8.49 |
Gas CO2
46 kg
EV CO2
16 kg (65% 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.
Destination
Cusseta, GA
Night in Cusseta on Saturday
Local time
10:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
25 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
2h 36m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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
near mile 9.1
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,...
10 mi from route
~25 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...
29 mi from route
~73 min detour
Free
near mile 132.6
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highly efficient drive, with the majority of your time spent on highways. The route is 83% highway, including stretches on I-85. The longest uninterrupted driving segment is 55.5 miles, so you'll be covering ground quickly. While mostly fast-paced, the inclusion of Chet Atkins Parkway and Victory Drive suggests some variation as you approach your destination. This highway-focused profile means consistent speeds and minimal slowdowns.
83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 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?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 85 and Chet Atkins Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 132.6 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 0.1 miles: Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (GA 141 / Peachtree Road Northeast): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 14.4 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.
Between Brookhaven, GA and Cusseta, GA, road signs point toward Montgomery and Albany.
Montgomery
14.4 mi in
|
~23m
|
via I 85
Albany
120.4 mi in
|
~2h 19m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 36m. Total distance: 132.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). 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.
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 Cusseta, 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: at 0.1 miles: Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (GA 141 / Peachtree Road Northeast): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 14.4 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.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Cusseta, GA before heading back.
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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