Dunwoody, GA to Pooler, GA is 258 miles and takes about 4h 48m via I 75 and I 16, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Georgia, moving from the bustling Southeast region near Atlanta down towards Savannah. The route is predominantly highway driving, making it a straightforward option for a single-day trip. You'll likely find it an efficient way to cover the distance, especially if you're looking for a direct path with minimal complex navigation.
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
129 miles from Dunwoody, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 27m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 16
156.2 mi
2h 47m
I 75
61.6 mi
1h 6m
Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
20.9 mi
24m
Terrell Starr Parkway
10.2 mi
11m
I 95
2.4 mi
2m
Chamblee Dunwoody Road
1.6 mi
3m
North Shallowford Road
0.8 mi
2m
US Highway 80 East
0.6 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 16
— 156.2 mi, about 2h 47m
Traffic on I-285
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 186 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~6,196 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~746 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 105 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 Dunwoody, GA and Pooler, GA.
1
Start on this road
117 ft·10 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto Chamblee Dunwoody Road
1.6 mi·3 min·Chamblee Dunwoody Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Continue on Chamblee Dunwoody Way
0.1 mi·20 sec·Chamblee Dunwoody Way
4
Continue on North Shallowford Road
0.8 mi·2 min·North Shallowford Road
5
Turn left onto Savoy Drive
0.5 mi·1 min·Savoy Drive
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward I 285 East
7
Merge onto I 285
21 mi·24 min·Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
Use the straight lane.
8
Take the exit
1.1 mi·2 min
Exit 52Toward I 675 South: MaconUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 675
10 mi·11 min·Terrell Starr Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 75
49 mi·53 min·I 75
Use the straight lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
12 mi·13 min·I 75
Toward Macon, SavannahUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
1.1 mi·1 min
Exit 165Toward I 16 East: Jim Gillis Highway, SavannahUse the slight right lane.
13
Continue on I 16
156 mi·2 hr 47 min·I 16
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·57 sec
Toward I 95 North: Airport, Florence SCUse the slight right lane.
15
Merge onto I 95
2.4 mi·2 min·I 95
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
Exit 102Toward US 80: Pooler, Garden CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Turn left onto US 80; GA 26
0.6 mi·1 min·US Highway 80 East
18
Arrive at destination
US 80; GA 26
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4-hour and 48-minute drive, consider leaving Dunwoody in the morning to avoid the heaviest Atlanta traffic. Since it's a single-day trip, you have flexibility, but aiming for an early start allows for a relaxed pace. With only one suggested stop and the longest stretch being 156.2 miles on I-16, plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during that long interstate segment, as services can be more spread out in some rural areas of Georgia.
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 129 miles from Dunwoody, GA, or about 2h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 156.2 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 57 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 129 miles or 2h 27m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pooler, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Dunwoody, 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 Dunwoody, GA
This is one driving day of about 258 miles and 4h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from Dunwoody, 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 16 for about 156.2 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 11
5 decision points cluster between mile 24.2 and 257.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
24.2 mi into trip|~32m 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
84.9 mi into trip|~1h 39m 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
97.1 mi into trip|~1h 53m in
Take the exit toward I 16 East: Jim Gillis Highway, Savannah
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 165
Toward I 16 East: Jim Gillis Highway, Savannah
7
254.4 mi into trip|~4h 42m in
Take the exit toward I 95 North: Airport, Florence SC
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 95 North: Airport, Florence SC
8
257.1 mi into trip|~4h 46m in
Take the exit toward US 80: Pooler, Garden City
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 102
Toward US 80: Pooler, Garden City
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.33 one way
$80.65 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg90 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.35
$44.16
$88.33
premium
$4.72
$47.94
$95.89
diesel
$6.28
$63.75
$127.50
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 90.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
77.4
0
$27.09
$12.38
Efficient EV
64.5
0
$22.58
$10.32
EV Truck/SUV
103.2
1
$36.12
$16.51
Gas CO2
90 kg
EV CO2
30 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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Dunwoody, GA
Morning
in Dunwoody on Thursday
Local time
6:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Sunny
NE 5 to 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 19 at 2:44AM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:26AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Destination
Pooler, GA
Morning
in Pooler on Thursday
Local time
6:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Sunny
N 12 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 19 at 2:44AM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:26AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
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
3 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
4h 48m 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
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 97.9
Caution: River Trail periodically closed under I-16
Park Closure: BOARDWALK CLOSED along the River Trail
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,...
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...
8 mi from route
~20 min detour
Free
near mile 26.7
For much of the 19th century, masonry fortifications were the United States’ main defense against overseas enemies. However, during the Civil War, new technology proved its superiority over these fort...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is primarily on highways, with 90% of the 258 miles on interstates like I-75 and I-16. You'll experience a long stretch of 156.2 miles on I-16, which means extended periods of consistent cruising. The Atlanta Bypass, also known as The Perimeter, will likely be your first experience with higher traffic density and more frequent exits as you navigate out of the metro area before transitioning to the more open stretches of I-75 and I-16.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 156.2 mi on I 16.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 16 and I 75. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 24.2 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 258 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 24.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 84.9 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 97.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,130 ft21 ft
Total Climb
97 ft
Total Descent
1,206 ft
Highest Point
1,130 ft
Elevation Range
1,109 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Dunwoody, GA and Pooler, GA, road signs point toward Macon and Savannah.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 48m. Total distance: 258 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 156.2 miles on I 16. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 26 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 Pooler, 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 26 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 24.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 84.9 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 97.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Pooler, GA, but most travelers stay overnight.
