Dunwoody, GA to Wilmington Island, GA is 273.7 miles and takes about 5h 14m via I 75 and I 16, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast region, primarily traveling through Georgia. Expect a pretty straightforward drive that's mostly highway, making it a convenient option for a single-day excursion. With only one recommended stop and a duration under six hours, this route is manageable for most drivers.
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
136.9 miles from Dunwoody, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 36m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 16
163.9 mi
2h 57m
I 75
61.6 mi
1h 6m
Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
20.9 mi
24m
Terrell Starr Parkway
10.2 mi
11m
Johnny Mercer Boulevard
3.5 mi
6m
East Victory Drive
3.5 mi
5m
GA 204
2.8 mi
5m
Chamblee Dunwoody Road
1.6 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 16
— 163.9 mi, about 2h 57m
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 Wilmington Island, 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
164 mi·2 hr 57 min·I 16
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit onto GA 204
2.8 mi·5 min·GA 204
Exit 165Toward 37th Street, Abercorn Street
15
Turn right onto Bee Road
0.3 mi·36 sec·Bee Road
16
Turn left onto US 80; GA 26
3.5 mi·5 min·East Victory Drive
17
Turn right onto Johnny Mercer Boulevard
2.9 mi·5 min·Johnny Mercer Boulevard
18
Keep slight left at fork onto Johnny Mercer Boulevard
0.7 mi·1 min·Johnny Mercer Boulevard
19
Turn right onto Penn Waller Road
0.8 mi·2 min·Penn Waller Road
20
Turn right
289 ft·15 sec
21
Turn straight onto Olde Towne Road
0.3 mi·50 sec·Olde Towne Road
22
Turn left onto Gloucester Road
0.1 mi·29 sec·Gloucester Road
23
Turn left onto Wigmore Road
336 ft·19 sec·Wigmore Road
24
Turn left onto Wigmore Court
463 ft·20 sec·Wigmore Court
25
Arrive at destination
Wigmore Court
Trip Plan
To make the most of this approximately 5-hour drive, consider leaving Dunwoody in the morning to ensure you arrive with plenty of daylight. The route is designed for a single day, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, you could break it up. With a fuel cost estimated at $43, plan accordingly. Keep an eye out for the I 16 stretch, which is over 160 miles long, so ensure you're fueled up before that segment to avoid needing a stop mid-way.
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 136.9 miles from Dunwoody, GA, or about 2h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 163.9 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 60 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 136.9 miles or 2h 36m 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 10m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Wilmington Island, 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 273.7 miles and 5h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 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 163.9 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 262.1 — 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
262.1 mi into trip|~4h 51m in|GA 204
Take the exit onto GA 204 toward 37th Street, Abercorn Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 165
Toward 37th Street, Abercorn Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.38 one way
$80.75 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg96 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.23
$45.62
$91.25
premium
$4.67
$50.31
$100.62
diesel
$5.76
$62.06
$124.11
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: 95.8 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
82.1
1
$28.74
$13.14
Efficient EV
68.4
0
$23.95
$10.95
EV Truck/SUV
109.5
1
$38.32
$17.52
Gas CO2
96 kg
EV CO2
32 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
3:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Clear
NE 5 to 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 18 at 2:09AM EDT until October 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
Lake Wind Advisory
Lake Wind Advisory issued October 18 at 1:55AM EDT until October 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Columbia SC
Destination
Wilmington Island, GA
Late night
in Wilmington Island on Monday
Local time
3:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Clear
NE 16 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 18 at 2:09AM EDT until October 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
Lake Wind Advisory
Lake Wind Advisory issued October 18 at 1:55AM EDT until October 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Columbia SC
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
6 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
5h 14m 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.
Fort Pulaski National Monument
National Monument
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
$10
near mile 273.7
Park Closure: McQueen's Island Trail Closed Beginning August 3, 2026
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
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 103.8
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 18.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 87% of this 273.7-mile drive on highways. The longest continuous stretch without needing to exit is a substantial 163.9 miles on I 16. After that, expect to transition to surface roads for the remainder of your trip, likely noticing a change in traffic patterns and exit frequency as you approach your destination.
87% 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: 163.9 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 17 significant decision points across 273.7 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 ft12 ft
Total Climb
99 ft
Total Descent
1,218 ft
Highest Point
1,130 ft
Elevation Range
1,119 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 Wilmington Island, GA, road signs point toward Macon and Savannah.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 14m. Total distance: 273.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 163.9 miles on I 16. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 31 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 Wilmington Island, 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 31 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 — Fort Pulaski National Monument, Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park and Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Wilmington Island, GA before the return drive.
