Origin
Clarkesville, GA
Late night in Clarkesville on Sunday
Local time
3:28 AM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Clarkesville, GA to Macon, GA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 8m
Distance
162.1 mi
261 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$25
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 57m
★
6 AM
3h 9m
8 AM
3h 32m
10 AM
3h 17m
12 PM
3h 15m
3 PM
3h 18m
5 PM
3h 31m
8 PM
3h 2m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Clarkesville, GA
Thomas K
Macon, GA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Clarkesville, GA to Macon, GA is 162.1 miles and takes about 3h 8m via I 75, with a fuel budget near $25 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Georgia, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. Expect a drive that's primarily on major highways, making it a straightforward journey. It’s a good option if you're looking for an efficient way to travel between these two points without much fuss. The relatively short duration means you can comfortably complete this drive in a single day.
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
81.1 miles from Clarkesville, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 35m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 75 | 59.8 mi | 1h 4m |
| Lanier Parkway | 24.2 mi | 26m |
| Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter | 17.5 mi | 20m |
| I 85 | 16.8 mi | 18m |
| Cornelia Highway | 13 mi | 15m |
| Terrell Starr Parkway | 10.2 mi | 11m |
| Tommy Irwin Parkway | 7.2 mi | 8m |
| Riverside Drive | 3.1 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 59.8 mi, about 1h 4m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clarkesville, GA and Macon, GA.
1
Start on Madison Street
100 ft
·
10 sec
·
Madison Street
2
Turn left onto West Franklin Street
248 ft
·
13 sec
·
West Franklin Street
3
Turn right onto US 441 Business; GA 17; GA 197; GA 385
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Washington Street
4
Turn slight right onto US 441 Business; GA 385
502 ft
·
10 sec
·
West Louise Street
5
Turn straight onto US 441 Business; GA 385
0.4 mi
·
40 sec
·
West Louise Drive
6
Continue on US 441 Business; GA 385
2.8 mi
·
4 min
·
West Louise Street
7
Continue on US 441 Business; 385
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
Central Avenue
8
Continue on US 441 Business; GA 385
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
US 441 Business; GA 385
9
Continue on US 441 Business; GA 105; GA 385
0.4 mi
·
42 sec
·
US 441 Business; GA 105; GA 385
10
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
11
Merge onto US 23; US 441; GA 15; GA 365
0.7 mi
·
49 sec
·
US 23; US 441; GA 15; GA 365
12
Keep slight right at fork onto US 23; GA 365
7.2 mi
·
8 min
·
Tommy Irwin Parkway
13
Continue on US 23; GA 365
13 mi
·
15 min
·
Cornelia Highway
14
Continue on I 985; US 23
24 mi
·
26 min
·
Lanier Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 85
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
I 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 85
10 mi
·
10 min
·
I 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 95A
Toward I 285 Bypass East: Augusta, Macon
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
27 sec
Toward I 285 South: Augusta, Macon
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto I 285
18 mi
·
20 min
·
Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
1.1 mi
·
2 min
Exit 52
Toward I 675 South: Macon
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on I 675
10 mi
·
11 min
·
Terrell Starr Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Merge onto I 75
49 mi
·
53 min
·
I 75
Use the straight lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
11 mi
·
11 min
·
I 75
Toward Macon, Savannah
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
Exit 167
Toward US 23, GA 87: Riverside Drive
Use the slight right lane.
25
Turn left onto US 23; GA 87
3.1 mi
·
5 min
·
Riverside Drive
Use the straight lane.
26
Turn right onto GA 19; Ga 49
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
Spring Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Continue on Spring Street
142 ft
·
4 sec
·
Spring Street
Use the left lane.
28
Turn left onto Mulberry Street
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
·
Mulberry Street
29
Continue on Mulberry Street
0.1 mi
·
27 sec
·
Mulberry Street
30
Arrive at destination
Mulberry Street
Trip Plan
Given this route is only 162.1 miles and takes around 3 hours, it's ideal for a same-day trip. You have the flexibility to leave whenever is most convenient, but consider departing earlier in the day to avoid potential afternoon traffic, especially if you encounter any congestion around the Atlanta Bypass. With a fuel cost estimated at $25, it's a budget-friendly drive. Plan for one primary stop along the way to stretch your legs, perhaps just before you hit the busiest sections of the Atlanta Bypass. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach Macon, as the longest stretch before a potential stop is nearly 60 miles.
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 81.1 miles from Clarkesville, GA, or about 1h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 59.8 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 36 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 81.1 miles or 1h 35m 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 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Macon, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Clarkesville, 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 Clarkesville, GA
This is one driving day of about 162.1 miles and 3h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Clarkesville, 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 59.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
81 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 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 81.1 miles from Clarkesville, 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 175 decision points cluster between mile 68.4 and 158.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
68.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 20m in
Take the exit toward I 285 Bypass East: Augusta, Macon
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 95A
Toward I 285 Bypass East: Augusta, Macon
8
69.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 21m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 285 South: Augusta, Macon
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 285 South: Augusta, Macon
7
87 mi into trip
|
~1h 42m in
Take the exit toward I 675 South: Macon
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 52
Toward I 675 South: Macon
8
147.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 49m in
|
I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward Macon, Savannah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Macon, Savannah
8
158.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 1m in
Take the exit toward US 23, GA 87: Riverside Drive
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 167
Toward US 23, GA 87: Riverside Drive
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.35 one way
$50.70 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
57 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $27.72 | $55.43 |
| premium | $4.70 | $30.00 | $60.00 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $35.79 | $71.58 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 56.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 48.6 | 0 | $17.02 | $7.78 |
| Efficient EV | 40.5 | 0 | $14.18 | $6.48 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 64.8 | 0 | $22.69 | $10.37 |
Gas CO2
57 kg
EV CO2
19 kg (67% 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
Macon, GA
Late night in Macon on Sunday
Local time
3:28 AM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
52°F
Decatur, GA
81 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
5 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
3h 8m 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.
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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 162.1
Caution: River Trail periodically closed under I-16
Park Closure: BOARDWALK CLOSED along the River Trail
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,...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
$5
near mile 67.1
View on nps.gov
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...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 83.9
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 a highway-focused drive, with 74% of the route utilizing major roadways. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on I 75, which makes up the longest uninterrupted stretch at 59.8 miles. The Lanier Parkway also contributes to the highway character before you merge onto the Atlanta Bypass, also known as The Perimeter. Expect a driving experience that emphasizes speed and efficiency rather than winding backroads. The landscape will likely be typical of highway corridors as you make your way south.
74% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 59.8 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Lanier Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 68.4 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 17 significant decision points across 162.1 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: at 68.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 69.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 87 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Clarkesville, GA to Macon, GA, road signs begin pointing toward Savannah along the way.
Savannah
147.6 mi in
|
~2h 49m
|
via I 75
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 8m. Total distance: 162.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 8m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (74%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 59.8 miles on I 75. 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 Macon, 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 68.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 69.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 87 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Macon, 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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