This 206.5-mile journey from Hazlehurst, GA, to Macon, GA, is a straightforward drive spanning approximately 4 hours and 39 minutes. Primarily utilizing roads like Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway and US 1, the route is focused on highway travel, with 63% of it being on these main thoroughfares. Given its manageable duration and distance, this trip is perfectly suited for a single-day adventure, with an estimated fuel cost of $32. You'll be staying within the Southeast region for this entire drive, making it a simple transition through Georgia's landscape. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 49.1 miles on the Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway, so plan for a relatively consistent driving experience.
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
103.3 miles from Hazlehurst, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 29m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
49.1 mi
52m
US 1
33.8 mi
41m
US 319
28.7 mi
39m
US 23
17.6 mi
26m
East Golden Isles Highway
16 mi
22m
North Pierce Street
15.2 mi
17m
Alma Highway
14 mi
18m
Burnt Fort Road
11.3 mi
16m
Longest stretch:
Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
— 49.1 mi, about 52m
Traffic on I-16
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 21 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
1 PM
~963 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,390
Quietest
1 AM
~120 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Hazlehurst, GA and Macon, GA.
1
Start on Old Hazelhurst Road
0.9 mi·3 min·Old Hazelhurst Road
2
Turn left onto Bailey Mill Road
3.3 mi·12 min·Bailey Mill Road
3
At end of road, turn left onto GA 252
11 mi·16 min·Burnt Fort Road
4
Turn right onto SR 40 Connector
0.7 mi·1 min·Indian Trail
5
Turn right onto US 1; US 23; US 301; GA 4; GA 15; GA 23; GA 121
1.7 mi·2 min·US 1; US 23; US 301; GA 4; GA 15; GA 23; GA 121
6
Continue on US 1; US 23; GA 4; GA 15; GA 121
32 mi·39 min·US 1; US 23; GA 4; GA 15; GA 121
Toward US 1 North, US 23 North: WaycrossUse the straight lane.
7
Turn right onto Lee Avenue
0.1 mi·23 sec·Lee Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Turn left onto Albany Avenue
196 ft·8 sec·Albany Avenue
Use the left lane.
9
Turn right onto US 84; US 1 Business; GA 38
282 ft·12 sec·Plant Avenue
Use the right lane.
10
Turn left onto US 1 Business
0.4 mi·41 sec·State Street
Use the left lane.
11
Continue on US 1 Business
1.2 mi·2 min·Ossie Davis Parkway
12
Continue on US 1 Business
1.8 mi·2 min·State Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Continue on US 1 Business
14 mi·18 min·Alma Highway
Use the left lane.
14
Continue on US 1; US 23; GA 4
15 mi·17 min·North Pierce Street
15
Turn left onto US 23; GA 19
18 mi·26 min·US 23; GA 19
Use the left lane.
16
Turn right onto US 23; GA 19
301 ft·5 sec·Larry Contos Boulevard
17
Continue on US 23; GA 19
0.8 mi·1 min·Tallahassee Street
18
At end of road, turn left onto US 23; US 341; GA 19; GA 27
0.5 mi·55 sec·East Jarman Street
Use the left lane.
19
Continue on US 23; US 221; US 341; GA 19; GA 27; GA 135
1.0 mi·1 min·West Coffee Street
20
Continue on US 23; US 341; GA 19; GA 27
5.3 mi·7 min·Lumber City Highway
21
Continue on US 23; US 341; GA 19; GA 27
16 mi·22 min·East Golden Isles Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Continue on US 23; US 341; GA 27
0.8 mi·1 min·East Oak Street
Use the straight lane.
23
Turn slight right onto US 23; US 341; GA 27
0.8 mi·1 min·Railroad Street
24
Turn right onto US 280; US 319; US 441; GA 30; GA 31
1.6 mi·2 min·South 3rd Avenue
Use the right lane.
25
Turn left onto US 319; US 441; GA 31
28 mi·38 min·US 319; US 441; GA 31
Use the left lane.
26
Continue on US 319; US 441; GA 31; GA 117
0.3 mi·43 sec·US 319; US 441; GA 31; GA 117
Use the straight lane.
27
Turn left
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I-16 West: Macon
28
Merge onto I 16
49 mi·52 min·Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
29
Take the exit
0.1 mi·17 sec
Exit 1BToward GA 22: Second Street, Macon
30
Turn right onto GA 22
0.6 mi·1 min·2nd Street
31
Turn right onto Mulberry Street
0.3 mi·58 sec·Mulberry Street
32
Arrive at destination
Mulberry Street
Trip Plan
With a total drive time of under 5 hours, this trip from Hazlehurst to Macon is easily accomplished in one day. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and take advantage of the flexibility this shorter drive offers. You'll encounter one notable stretch of 49.1 miles on the Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway where you can settle in for a longer period. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on longer stretches, and factor in the $32 fuel cost. While there's only one designated stop indicated, feel free to take breaks as needed to stay refreshed during your 206.5-mile journey.
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 103.3 miles from Hazlehurst, GA, or about 2h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 49.1 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 45 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 103.3 miles or 2h 29m 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 58m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Macon, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hazlehurst, 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 Hazlehurst, GA
This is one driving day of about 206.5 miles and 4h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Hazlehurst, 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 Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway for about 49.1 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 50 and 101.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
50 mi into trip|~1h 16m in|Lee Avenue
Turn right onto Lee Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
50.1 mi into trip|~1h 16m in|Albany Avenue
Turn left onto Albany Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
50.2 mi into trip|~1h 16m in|US 84; US 1 Business; GA 38 / Plant Avenue
Turn right onto US 84; US 1 Business; GA 38 / Plant Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
50.2 mi into trip|~1h 16m in|US 1 Business / State Street
Turn left onto US 1 Business / State Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
101.4 mi into trip|~2h 26m in|US 23; US 341; GA 19; GA 27 / East Jarman Street
At end of road, turn left onto US 23; US 341; GA 19; GA 27 / East Jarman Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.49 one way
$60.97 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg72 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$33.50
$67.01
premium
$4.49
$36.52
$73.04
diesel
$4.80
$38.99
$77.98
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 72.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
62
0
$21.68
$9.91
Efficient EV
51.6
0
$18.07
$8.26
EV Truck/SUV
82.6
1
$28.91
$13.22
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (67% 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 Jul 19, 2026
Origin
Hazlehurst, GA
Late night
in Hazlehurst on Sunday
Local time
4:21 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Mostly Clear
SW 0 to 3 mph13% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 9:05PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 8:50PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Destination
Macon, GA
Late night
in Macon on Sunday
Local time
4:21 AM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
0 mph38% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 9:05PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 8:50PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
74°F
Alma, GA
103 mi in
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
1 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 39m 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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 206.5
Caution: River Trail periodically closed under I-16
Park Closure: BOARDWALK CLOSED along the River Trail
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience on this route, with 63% of the drive utilizing major roads like Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway and US 1. The personality of the drive is characterized by its straightforward nature, offering long stretches of consistent travel. The longest uninterrupted segment clocks in at 49.1 miles along the Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway, indicating a good portion of the journey where you can settle in. While not a winding, technical road, this route provides a predictable pace for the majority of its 206.5 miles, making it easy to maintain a steady speed.
63% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 49.1 mi on Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
4/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway and US 1. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 50 miles in near Lee Avenue.
Driving Effort4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 4h 39m drive. You will face about 18 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 50 miles (Lee Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 50.1 miles (Albany Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 50.2 miles (US 84; US 1 Business; GA 38 / Plant Avenue): Lane positioning matters here.
Macon is a city in Georgia's Classic Heartland. The downtown area of Macon has antebellum homes, cathedrals, and other historic buildings that were built in the past by Macon's elite, including the Woodruff House, the Hay House, and the Cannonball House.
Macon is one of several cities to hold a cherry blossom celebration in springtime, although Macon stands out because it has a particularly large number of trees throughout the city. With over 275,000 Yoshino cherry trees, Macon calls itself the "Cherry Blossom Capital of the World."
Top landmarks
•Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park — national monument in the United States
•Georgia Music Hall of Fame — former music museum in Macon, Georgia, USA
The longest stretch is about 49.1 miles on Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 11 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 50 miles (Lee Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 50.1 miles (Albany Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 50.2 miles (US 84; US 1 Business; GA 38 / Plant Avenue): Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park and Cumberland Island National Seashore. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Macon, GA, but most travelers stay overnight.
