Spanning 80.5 miles across Georgia, this trip from Comer to Sandy Springs is a straightforward journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 43 minutes. Because of the manageable distance, it works perfectly as a single-day excursion, saving you the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $13 on fuel for the trip, making it a budget-friendly option for your schedule. The route transitions through the Southeast, moving from the smaller community of Comer toward the bustling urban environment of Sandy Springs. Whether you are traveling for business or a visit, this highway-focused drive offers a direct path between the two points.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
40.2 miles from Comer, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 53m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
University Parkway
35.2 mi
43m
GA 72
12.6 mi
16m
I 85
9 mi
9m
Outer Loop 10
6.8 mi
7m
Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
5.7 mi
6m
Atlanta Highway
2.3 mi
4m
Monroe Highway
1.2 mi
1m
US 29
1.1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
University Parkway
— 35.2 mi, about 43m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Comer, GA and Sandy Springs, GA.
1
Start on GA 22
58 ft·6 sec·Main Street
2
Turn left onto East Sunset Avenue
0.9 mi·1 min·East Sunset Avenue
3
At end of road, turn left onto GA 72
13 mi·16 min·GA 72
Use the straight lane.
4
Turn left onto US 29; GA 8
1.1 mi·1 min·US 29; GA 8
Use the left lane.
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 10BToward US 129 North, US 411 North, GA 10 Loop Outer: Commerce, JeffersonUse the slight right lane.
6
Merge onto US 129; US 441; GA 10 Loop; GA 15
6.8 mi·7 min·Outer Loop 10
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 18Toward US 78 Business, GA 10: Atlanta Highway, MonroeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
268 ft·6 sec
Toward GA 10, US 78 Bus
9
Turn right onto US 78 Business; GA 10
2.3 mi·4 min·Atlanta Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
10
Turn slight left onto US 78 Business; GA 10
1.2 mi·1 min·Monroe Highway
Use the left lane.
11
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward US 29 West, GA 316 West: AtlantaUse the right lane.
12
Merge onto US 29; GA 8; GA 316
35 mi·43 min·University Parkway
Use the left lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Toward I 85 South: Atlanta
14
Merge onto I 85
9.0 mi·9 min·I 85
Use the straight lane.
15
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 95BToward I 285 West Bypass: Chattanooga, BirminghamUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·32 sec
Toward I 285 West: Chattanooga, BirminghamUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto I 285
5.7 mi·6 min·Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
518 ft·12 sec
Exit 25; 27BToward US 19 South, GA 400 North: Roswell Road, Sandy SpringsUse the slight right lane.
19
Continue on this road
1.4 mi·2 min·this road
Exit 25Toward US 19 South: Roswell Road
20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 19
0.2 mi·24 sec·US 19
Toward US 19 South: Roswell Road, Sandy SpringsUse the slight right lane.
21
Turn right onto GA 9
0.8 mi·1 min·Roswell Road
Use the right lane.
22
Turn right onto Mount Vernon Highway
180 ft·3 sec·Mount Vernon Highway
23
Arrive at destination
Mount Vernon Highway
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short 1-hour and 43-minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility in your departure time to avoid peak traffic. While there are no formal stops required on this 80.5-mile stretch, keep in mind that I-85 can experience significant congestion, so checking local traffic reports before you leave Comer is a smart move. Because the entire trip only costs about $13 in fuel, you won't need to stress about frequent refueling stops along the way. Use the 35.2-mile stretch on University Parkway to settle into a comfortable pace before you merge into the heavier traffic patterns of the interstate system.
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 40.2 miles from Comer, GA, or about 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 35.2 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 18 miles or 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 40.2 miles or 53m 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 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sandy Springs, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Comer, GA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Comer, GA
This is one driving day of about 80.5 miles and 1h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Comer, GA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on University Parkway for about 35.2 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 14.6 and 78 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
14.6 mi into trip|~19m in
Take the exit toward US 129 North, US 411 North, GA 10 Loop Outer: Commerce, Jefferson
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 10B
Toward US 129 North, US 411 North, GA 10 Loop O...
8
21.7 mi into trip|~28m in
Take the exit toward US 78 Business, GA 10: Atlanta Highway, Monroe
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 18
Toward US 78 Business, GA 10: Atlanta Highway,...
8
71.2 mi into trip|~1h 29m in
Take the exit toward I 285 West Bypass: Chattanooga, Birmingham
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 95B
Toward I 285 West Bypass: Chattanooga, Birmingh...
8
71.8 mi into trip|~1h 31m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 285 West: Chattanooga, Birmingham
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 West: Chattanooga, Birmingham
8
78 mi into trip|~1h 38m in
Take the exit toward US 19 South, GA 400 North: Roswell Road, Sandy Springs
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 25; 27B
Toward US 19 South, GA 400 North: Roswell Road,...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.59 one way
$25.18 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg28 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$13.76
$27.53
premium
$4.70
$14.90
$29.80
diesel
$5.61
$17.77
$35.55
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$13
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 28.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
24.2
0
$8.45
$3.86
Efficient EV
20.1
0
$7.04
$3.22
EV Truck/SUV
32.2
0
$11.27
$5.15
Gas CO2
28 kg
EV CO2
9 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 15, 2026
Origin
Comer, GA
Late night
in Comer on Sunday
Local time
2:00 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Sandy Springs, GA
Late night
in Sandy Springs on Sunday
Local time
2:00 AM
EDT
Current temp
52°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
2 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
1h 43m 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.
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,...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
$5
near mile 74.9
Park Closure: Island Ford Trail Closures Winter 2025-2026
Park Closure: Restrooms and Water Fountains Unavailable at Powers Island and Akers Mill
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 77.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a trip defined by efficiency, as 72% of your travel time will be spent on highways. You will navigate via GA 72 and University Parkway before merging onto I-85 to complete the trek. The longest uninterrupted segment occurs on University Parkway, where you will cover 35.2 miles of the route. This is primarily a highway-focused drive, so you should be prepared for steady speeds rather than technical, winding local roads. As you progress from the quieter corridors of Comer into the denser infrastructure nearing Sandy Springs, the road character shifts from regional highway driving to the high-traffic flow of the interstate.
72% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 35.2 mi on University Parkway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on University Parkway and GA 72. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 14.6 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 80.5 miles you will encounter 20 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 14.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 71.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
Between Comer, GA and Sandy Springs, GA, road signs point toward Jefferson, Monroe and Birmingham.
Jefferson
14.6 mi in|~19m
Monroe
21.7 mi in|~28m
Birmingham
71.2 mi in|~1h 29m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 43m. Total distance: 80.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (72%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 35.2 miles on University Parkway. 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 Sandy Springs, GA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 14.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 71.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — 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.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Sandy Springs, GA before heading back.
