Dunwoody, GA to Saint Simon Mills, GA is 326.3 miles and takes about 6h 7m via I-75 and I-16, with a fuel budget near $50 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Georgia, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. The route is primarily highway driving, making it a straightforward, relatively quick drive. With only one recommended stop and a total duration under seven hours, this is a very manageable one-day excursion for those looking to get from the Atlanta metro area to the Georgia coast efficiently.
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
163.2 miles from Dunwoody, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 4m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 16
155.9 mi
2h 47m
I 75
61.6 mi
1h 6m
I 95
60 mi
1h 4m
Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
20.9 mi
24m
Terrell Starr Parkway
10.2 mi
11m
Golden Isles Parkway
4.7 mi
7m
F. J. Torras Causeway
2.3 mi
3m
Fernando Joseph Torras Causeway
2 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 16
— 155.9 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 Saint Simon Mills, 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
0.5 mi·31 sec
Toward I 95 South: Brunswick, Jacksonville
15
Merge onto I 95
60 mi·1 hr 4 min·I 95
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi·55 sec
Exit 38Toward US 17, GA 25 Spur: Brunswick, Veterans Memorial, North Golden Isles Parkway
17
Turn left onto GA 25 Spur
4.7 mi·7 min·Golden Isles Parkway
Use the straight / left lanes.
18
Continue on US 17; GA 25
1.5 mi·2 min·Glynn Avenue
19
Turn left onto Fernando Joseph Torras Causeway
2.0 mi·3 min·Fernando Joseph Torras Causeway
20
Continue on F. J. Torras Causeway
2.3 mi·3 min·F. J. Torras Causeway
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·14 sec
22
Continue on Sea Island Road
0.4 mi·46 sec·Sea Island Road
23
Turn left onto Hamilton Road
0.2 mi·48 sec·Hamilton Road
24
Turn right onto Arthur J. Moore Drive
377 ft·16 sec·Arthur J. Moore Drive
25
Arrive at destination
Arthur J. Moore Drive
Trip Plan
Since this is a single-day drive, leaving early in the morning from Dunwoody is your best bet to maximize daylight. Aim to depart around 8 AM to arrive by mid-afternoon, leaving you time to settle in. The longest stretch without a significant break is 155.9 miles on I-16, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly, perhaps around the halfway point or slightly before you begin that segment. Your estimated fuel cost is around $50, so ensure you have enough gas before embarking on the longer highway portions.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 163.2 miles from Dunwoody, GA, or about 3h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 155.9 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 72 miles or 1h 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 163.2 miles or 3h 4m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Saint Simon Mills, 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 326.3 miles and 6h 7m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 72 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 155.9 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 314.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|Chamblee Dunwoody Road
Turn right onto Chamblee Dunwoody Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
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
6
314.6 mi into trip|~5h 47m in
Take the exit toward US 17, GA 25 Spur: Brunswick, Veterans Memorial, North Golden Isles Parkway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 38
Toward US 17, GA 25 Spur: Brunswick, Veterans M...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$48.14 one way
$96.27 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg114 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.23
$54.39
$108.78
premium
$4.67
$59.98
$119.96
diesel
$5.76
$73.98
$147.97
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$48
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$73–$98
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 114.2 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
97.9
1
$34.26
$15.66
Efficient EV
81.6
0
$28.55
$13.05
EV Truck/SUV
130.5
1
$45.68
$20.88
Gas CO2
114 kg
EV CO2
38 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 18, 2026
Origin
Dunwoody, GA
Late night
in Dunwoody on Monday
Local time
4:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Sunny
E 10 to 15 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 18 at 2:22PM EDT until October 19 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 18 at 1:50PM EDT until October 20 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Destination
Saint Simon Mills, GA
Late night
in Saint Simon Mills on Monday
Local time
4:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
70°F
Mostly Sunny
NE 20 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 18 at 2:22PM EDT until October 19 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 18 at 1:50PM EDT until October 20 at 2:00AM 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
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
6h 7m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 101.3
Park Closure: SEPT 12-13 - NO ONSITE PARKING - Free shuttle to park available
Caution: River Trail periodically closed under I-16
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,...
War was imminent as James Oglethorpe established Fort Frederica in 1736, to help protect the British colonies from the Spanish in Florida. Fort Frederica illustrates the story of the War of Jenkins Ea...
4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 326.3
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...
6 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 22.5
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...
20 mi from route
~51 min detour
$10
near mile 258.8
St Marys is the gateway to Cumberland Island, Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island. Here pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes whisper the stories of both man an...
22 mi from route
~54 min detour
$15
near mile 326.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect 90% of this drive to be on major highways, offering a consistent cruising experience. You'll encounter a stretch of 155.9 miles on I-16, which is the longest continuous segment. The transition from highway to surface roads will likely occur near your destination. Given the high highway share, anticipate plenty of exits and merges as you navigate the interstate system.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 155.9 mi on I 16.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 early in the drive near Chamblee Dunwoody Road.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 326.3 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: near the start (Chamblee Dunwoody Road): Lane positioning matters here; 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.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,130 ft10 ft
Total Climb
104 ft
Total Descent
1,224 ft
Highest Point
1,130 ft
Elevation Range
1,121 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 Saint Simon Mills, GA, road signs point toward Macon, Savannah and Jacksonville.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 7m. Total distance: 326.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 7m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 155.9 miles on I 16. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 32 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 Saint Simon Mills, 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 32 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Chamblee Dunwoody Road): Lane positioning matters here; 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.
Yes — Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and Fort Frederica National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.1 hours each way, a round trip means 12.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Saint Simon Mills, GA before the return drive.
