Johns Creek, GA to Richland, GA is 168.8 miles and takes about 3h 19m via Chet Atkins Parkway and I-85, with a fuel budget near $26 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Georgia, moving from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. You'll spend most of your time on the highway, so it’s a straightforward drive for a single day. Plan for a quick and efficient trip that gets you where you need to go with minimal fuss.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
84.4 miles from Johns Creek, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 41m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Chet Atkins Parkway
50.5 mi
55m
I 85
46.9 mi
50m
Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
30.2 mi
35m
US 280
16.7 mi
19m
Victory Drive
11.6 mi
15m
Peachtree Parkway
3.9 mi
6m
Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
3.5 mi
4m
Medlock Bridge Road
2.1 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Chet Atkins Parkway
— 50.5 mi, about 55m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Johns Creek, GA and Richland, GA.
1
Start on Morgan Hill Court
270 ft·17 sec·Morgan Hill Court
2
Turn left onto Groomsbridge Road
0.5 mi·2 min·Groomsbridge Road
3
At end of road, turn right onto Grove Point Road
0.2 mi·45 sec·Grove Point Road
4
Turn right onto GA 141
2.1 mi·3 min·Medlock Bridge Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Continue on GA 141
3.9 mi·6 min·Peachtree Parkway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
6
Take the exit onto GA 141
0.2 mi·15 sec·GA 141
Toward GA 141 South: Doraville, Chamblee
7
Merge onto GA 141
3.5 mi·4 min·Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·48 sec
Toward I 285 West: Marietta, ChattanoogaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 285
30 mi·35 min·Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Exit 61Toward I 85 North, I 85 South: Airport Domestic, Atlanta, Columbus, Montgomery
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 85 South: Columbus, MontgomeryUse the straight / slight left lanes.
12
Merge onto I 85
47 mi·50 min·I 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 185
51 mi·55 min·Chet Atkins Parkway
Exit 21Toward I 185 South: ColumbusUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·25 sec
Exit 1AToward US 27 South, GA 1 South, US 280 East, GA 520 East: Cusseta, Albany
15
Merge onto US 27; US 280; GA 1; GA 520
12 mi·15 min·Victory Drive
16
Continue on US 280; GA 520
3.3 mi·3 min·US 280; GA 520
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on US 280; GA 520
13 mi·15 min·US 280; GA 520
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Turn left onto Wall Street
0.8 mi·2 min·Wall Street
Use the left lane.
19
Arrive at destination
Wall Street
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour, 19-minute drive, leaving in the morning is your best bet to avoid potential traffic, especially around the Atlanta Bypass. Since it's a single-day trip, you have flexibility, but aim to stop only once to make the most of your time. Keep an eye on your fuel; with an estimated cost of $26, it's wise to fill up before you get too low, particularly before you leave the major highway sections. The longest stretch without a significant break is over 50 miles on Chet Atkins Parkway, so plan accordingly.
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 84.4 miles from Johns Creek, GA, or about 1h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 50.5 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 37 miles or 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 84.4 miles or 1h 41m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Richland, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Johns Creek, 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 Johns Creek, GA
This is one driving day of about 168.8 miles and 3h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Johns Creek, 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 Chet Atkins Parkway for about 50.5 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 10.5 and 139.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
10.5 mi into trip|~17m in
Take the exit toward I 285 West: Marietta, Chattanooga
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.
Toward I 285 West: Marietta, Chattanooga
6
41 mi into trip|~54m in
Take the exit toward I 85 North, I 85 South: Airport Domestic, Atlanta, Columbus, Montgomery
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 61
Toward I 85 North, I 85 South: Airport Domestic...
8
41.2 mi into trip|~54m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 85 South: Columbus, Montgomery
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 85 South: Columbus, Montgomery
8
89 mi into trip|~1h 46m in|I 185 / Chet Atkins Parkway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 185 / Chet Atkins Parkway toward I 185 South: Columbus
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 21
Toward I 185 South: Columbus
6
139.5 mi into trip|~2h 41m in
Take the exit toward US 27 South, GA 1 South, US 280 East, GA 520 East: Cusseta, Albany
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 1A
Toward US 27 South, GA 1 South, US 280 East, GA...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.40 one way
$52.79 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg59 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$28.86
$57.72
premium
$4.70
$31.24
$62.48
diesel
$5.61
$37.27
$74.54
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
50.6
0
$17.72
$8.10
Efficient EV
42.2
0
$14.77
$6.75
EV Truck/SUV
67.5
0
$23.63
$10.80
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (66% 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 20, 2026
Origin
Johns Creek, GA
Morning
in Johns Creek on Tuesday
Local time
6:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Richland, GA
Morning
in Richland on Tuesday
Local time
6:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
84°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
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
3h 19m 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,...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
$5
near mile 5.8
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...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 29.1
Few U.S. Presidents have had such close ties with where they were born and raised. The rural southern culture of Plains, Georgia revolves around farming, church, and school, which had a large influenc...
16 mi from route
~41 min detour
Free
near mile 168.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
About 70% of this route is highway, beginning with a substantial 50.5-mile stretch on Chet Atkins Parkway. After that, you'll merge onto I-85 and the Atlanta Bypass, which means you can expect a good amount of highway cruising. The transition from highway to surface roads will happen as you approach your destination in Richland. Be prepared for typical interstate merging and traffic patterns when on I-85.
70% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 50.5 mi on Chet Atkins Parkway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Chet Atkins Parkway and I 85. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.5 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 168.8 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 10.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Johns Creek, GA and Richland, GA, road signs point toward Chattanooga, Atlanta, Columbus, Montgomery and Albany.
Atlanta is the vanguard of the New South, with the charm and elegance of the Old. It's a city that balances southern traditions with sleek modernism, and southern hospitality with three skylines and the world’s busiest airport. It's a city that has been burnt to the ground and built back up; seen the horrors of war; felt the pain of droughts and floods; and given birth to Martin Luther King, Jr., the greatest figure of the civil rights movement. Atlanta is the capital of the state of Georgia.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 19m. Total distance: 168.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (70%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 50.5 miles on Chet Atkins Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 7 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 Richland, 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 7 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 10.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Richland, GA, but most travelers stay overnight.
