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Trip from Columbus, GA to Jackson, GA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 20m

Distance

95.8 mi

154 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$15

one way

EV Charging

Good

6 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
2h 11m ★
6 AM
2h 21m
8 AM
2h 40m
10 AM
2h 27m
12 PM
2h 26m
3 PM
2h 28m
5 PM
2h 39m
8 PM
2h 15m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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county seat of Butts County, Georgia, United States

Jackson, GA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 95.8-mile journey from Columbus, Georgia to Jackson, Georgia is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete. You'll primarily be on roads like Barnesville-Jackson Road, Barnesville Highway, and the Columbus-Manchester Expressway, with about 41% of the drive on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $15, making it an economical option. The mixed drive profile suggests a varied experience, not a monotonous interstate slog. Given its relatively short duration and manageable distance, this route is ideal for a single-day excursion, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times within the Southeast region.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

47.9 miles from Columbus, GA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 7m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Barnesville-Jackson Road 18.8 mi 26m
Barnesville Highway 14.1 mi 22m
Columbus-Manchester Expressway 13.4 mi 16m
GA 36 13.2 mi 18m
Pleasant Hill Street 12.1 mi 17m
US 27 Alternate 5.7 mi 8m
1st Street 4 mi 5m
US 41 3 mi 4m
Longest stretch: Barnesville-Jackson Road — 18.8 mi, about 26m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Columbus, GA and Jackson, GA.

1

Start on US 27; GA 1

11 ft · 5 sec · Veterans Parkway
2

Continue on US 27; GA 1

0.3 mi · 46 sec · Veterans Parkway
Use the left lane.
3

Turn right onto 10th Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · 10th Street
4

Turn left onto 10th Avenue

404 ft · 16 sec · 10th Avenue
Use the left lane.
5

Turn sharp right onto Wynnton Road

1.6 mi · 2 min · Wynnton Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
6

Continue on GA 22 Spur

1.1 mi · 1 min · Macon Road
Use the left lane.
7

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 33 sec
Toward I 185 North Use the left lane.
8

Merge onto I 185

1.3 mi · 1 min · Chet Atkins Parkway
9

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Exit 7A Toward US 27 North, GA 85 North: Manchester Use the slight right lane.
10

Merge onto US 27 Alt; GA 85

13 mi · 16 min · Columbus-Manchester Expressway
Use the left lane.
11

Continue on US 27 Alternate; GA 85

5.7 mi · 8 min · US 27 Alternate; GA 85
12

Turn right onto GA 208

1.9 mi · 2 min · GA 208
13

Turn left onto GA 36

10 mi · 14 min · GA 36
14

Continue on GA 36; GA 41

1.8 mi · 2 min · GA 36; GA 41
Use the left / right lanes.
15

Turn right onto GA 36

0.1 mi · 17 sec · Main Street
16

Continue on GA 36

4.0 mi · 5 min · 1st Street
17

Continue on GA 36

12 mi · 17 min · Pleasant Hill Street
18

Continue on GA 36

1.9 mi · 3 min · South Green Street
19

Turn right onto GA 36; GA 74

0.3 mi · 43 sec · West Gordon Street
20

Turn left onto GA 36; GA 74

305 ft · 8 sec · South Bethel Street
Use the left lane.
21

Turn slight right onto GA 36

7.2 mi · 10 min · Barnesville Highway
22

Continue on GA 36

1.0 mi · 1 min · West Main Street
23

Continue on GA 36

7.0 mi · 12 min · Barnesville Highway
24

Turn left onto US 41; GA 7; GA 18; GA 36

0.7 mi · 1 min · US 41; GA 7; GA 18; GA 36
25

Continue on US 41; GA 7; GA 36

2.4 mi · 3 min · US 41; GA 7; GA 36
26

Turn right onto GA 36

1.1 mi · 1 min · GA 36
27

At end of road, turn left onto GA 36

19 mi · 26 min · Barnesville-Jackson Road
Use the left lane.
28

Continue on GA 36

1.0 mi · 2 min · South Mulberry Street
29

Turn right onto US 23; GA 16; GA 36; GA 42

146 ft · 9 sec · East 3rd Street
30

Turn left

61 ft · 4 sec
31

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

With a total duration of just over two hours, this 95.8-mile trip offers plenty of flexibility. You can easily tackle this drive in a single day without needing an overnight stop. Consider departing in the morning to maximize your time at your destination, and aim to fuel up before you leave Columbus, as there are no designated stops noted on this route. The longest stretch without a break is nearly 19 miles on Barnesville-Jackson Road, so plan accordingly for any necessary stops before or after this segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, with an estimated cost of $15 for the entire journey.

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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 47.9 miles from Columbus, GA, or about 1h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 18.8 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 21 miles or 28m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 47.9 miles or 1h 7m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 55m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jackson, GA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Columbus, 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 Columbus, GA

This is one driving day of about 95.8 miles and 2h 20m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Columbus, GA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Barnesville-Jackson Road for about 18.8 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Thomaston, GA, GA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Thomaston, GA

48 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

Hamilton, GA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Thomaston, GA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 47.9 miles from Columbus, 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.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop

The Seed Coffee + Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Columbus, Georgia

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+16573511249

Visit website

Harvest Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbus, Georgia

2.1 mi

Best coffee break · first break window

Milltown Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbus, Georgia

Near the start, short detour

First break · 10min in 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 8 am–7 pm

+17063231876

Visit website

The Seed Coffee + Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Columbus, Georgia

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+16573511249

Visit website

Harvest Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Columbus, Georgia

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+17062218792

Visit website

Milltown Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10

Columbus, Georgia

Hours: 8 am–7 pm

+17063231876

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Phenix City, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Circle K Charging Station

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Columbus, Georgia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18335052291

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 3 mi from route ~7 min detour

Columbus, Georgia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Columbus, Georgia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 3 mi from route ~7 min detour

Columbus, Georgia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Phenix City, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

National Civil War Naval Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Columbus, Georgia

Hours: 10 am–4:30 pm

+17063279798

Visit website

Exodus Escape Games

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Columbus, Georgia

+17069400251

Visit website

Painting with a Twist

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Columbus, Georgia

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17062216642

Visit website

Launch Family Entertainment Columbus

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Columbus, Georgia

Hours: 3:30–8 pm

+17062218680

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 17

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.7 and 76 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0.7 mi into trip | ~1m in | 10th Avenue

Turn left onto 10th Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
7
0.8 mi into trip | ~2m in | Wynnton Road

Turn sharp right onto Wynnton Road

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
8
5.1 mi into trip | ~8m in

Take the exit toward US 27 North, GA 85 North: Manchester

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 7A Toward US 27 North, GA 85 North: Manchester
6
56.6 mi into trip | ~1h 21m in | GA 36; GA 74 / South Bethel Street

Turn left onto GA 36; GA 74 / South Bethel Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
76 mi into trip | ~1h 52m in | GA 36 / Barnesville-Jackson Road

At end of road, turn left onto GA 36 / Barnesville-Jackson Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$14.98 one way

$29.96 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 34 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $16.38 $32.76
premium $4.70 $17.73 $35.46
diesel $5.61 $21.15 $42.30

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$15

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$40–$65

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 33.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 28.7 0 $10.06 $4.60
Efficient EV 24 0 $8.38 $3.83
EV Truck/SUV 38.3 0 $13.41 $6.13

Gas CO2

34 kg

EV CO2

11 kg (68% 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 Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Columbus, GA

Late night in Columbus on Tuesday

Local time

5:10 AM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Mostly Clear

0 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Fire Weather Watch

Fire Weather Watch issued April 17 at 2:19PM EDT until April 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL

Fire Weather Watch

Fire Weather Watch issued April 17 at 2:19PM EDT until April 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL

Destination

Jackson, GA

Late night in Jackson on Tuesday

Local time

5:10 AM

EDT

Current temp

82°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

21 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 20m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

The drive from Columbus to Jackson offers a mixed driving experience. While 41% of the route utilizes highways, you'll also encounter local roads, contributing to a varied feel behind the wheel. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll navigate is 18.8 miles on Barnesville-Jackson Road. This suggests periods of more focused driving interspersed with segments that may involve slower speeds or more turns. The road's personality shifts throughout the 95.8 miles, moving from potentially faster highway sections to more local road characteristics as you progress toward Jackson.

41% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 18.8 mi on Barnesville-Jackson Road.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 17 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in near 10th Avenue.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 95.8 miles you will encounter 17 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.7 miles (10th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.8 miles (Wynnton Road): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 5.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Arriving in Jackson, GA

Full guide →

Founded 1826

Jackson is the seat of Butts County in the Classic Heartland of Georgia.

Top landmarks

  • • Butts County Courthouse — county courthouse in Jackson, United States of America

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 20m. Total distance: 95.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (41%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 18.8 miles on Barnesville-Jackson Road. 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 Jackson, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.7 miles (10th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.8 miles (Wynnton Road): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 5.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Jackson, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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