Traveling from the coast to the heart of Georgia is a straightforward journey spanning 305.7 miles. You can expect to spend approximately 6 hours and 3 minutes behind the wheel, making this a manageable one-day trip for most drivers. Your route relies heavily on major arteries, specifically I-75 Business, I-75, and US 82, keeping you moving efficiently through the Southeast. Budgeting around $49 for fuel should cover your primary travel costs for the trek. Whether you are heading to Atlanta for business or a weekend getaway, this highway-focused drive offers a consistent pace across the state.
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
152.8 miles from Kingsland, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 14m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75 Business
92.3 mi
1h 38m
I 75
67.7 mi
1h 15m
US 82
55.8 mi
1h 9m
US 1
33.9 mi
41m
West King Street
18.8 mi
28m
Larry Justice Highway
15.9 mi
17m
Albany Highway
6.6 mi
7m
South Georgia Parkway
5.6 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 75 Business
— 92.3 mi, about 1h 38m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kingsland, GA and Atlanta, GA.
1
Start on GA 40
123 ft·4 sec·East King Avenue
2
Continue on GA 40
19 mi·28 min·West King Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Turn right onto GA 40 Connector
1.3 mi·2 min·Indian Trail
4
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
5
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.
6
Continue on Carswell Avenue
3.7 mi·6 min·Carswell Avenue
7
Turn right onto US 1; US 23; US 82; GA 4; GA 520
5.6 mi·6 min·South Georgia Parkway
8
Continue on US 82; GA 520
6.6 mi·7 min·Albany Highway
9
Continue on US 82; GA 520
3.4 mi·3 min·US 82; GA 520
10
Continue on US 82; GA 520
5.1 mi·6 min·US 82; GA 520
11
Continue on US 82; GA 520
4.6 mi·5 min·US 82; GA 520
12
Continue on US 82; GA 520
4.5 mi·6 min·US 82; GA 520
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Continue on US 82; GA 520
21 mi·24 min·US 82; GA 520
14
Continue on US 82; GA 520
0.7 mi·1 min·US 82; GA 520
15
Continue on US 82; US 129; GA 11; GA 520
1.1 mi·1 min·US 82; US 129; GA 11; GA 520
16
Continue on US 82; GA 520
15 mi·18 min·US 82; GA 520
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on US 82; US 319; GA 35; GA 520
0.7 mi·1 min·US 82; US 319; GA 35; GA 520
Use the straight lane.
18
Take the exit onto East 2nd Street
1.0 mi·2 min·East 2nd Street
19
Turn right onto Forrest Avenue
0.8 mi·2 min·Forrest Avenue
20
At end of road, turn left onto US 41; I 75 Business; GA 7
459 ft·11 sec·West 12th Street
21
Continue on US 41; I 75 Business; GA 7
0.7 mi·1 min·US Highway 41 North
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Take the ramp onto I 75 Business
92 mi·1 hr 38 min·I 75 Business
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 475
16 mi·17 min·Larry Justice Highway
Exit 156Toward I 475 North: AtlantaUse the slight left lane.
24
Merge onto I 75
49 mi·53 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
18 mi·21 min·I 75
Toward I 75 North: Atlanta, BirminghamUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 246Toward Fulton Street, Central Avenue, Georgia State UniversityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·59 sec
Toward Fulton Street, Zoo AtlantaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Turn right onto Fulton Street Southwest
0.2 mi·27 sec·Fulton Street Southwest
Use the left / right lanes.
29
Turn left onto Capitol Avenue Southeast
0.5 mi·56 sec·Capitol Avenue Southeast
30
Arrive at destination
Capitol Avenue Southeast
Trip Plan
Since this is a roughly six-hour excursion, departing early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid the peak congestion often found near Atlanta. Plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh, as the long stretches on I-75 can be fatiguing. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge when navigating the 92.3-mile stretch on I-75 Business to ensure you don't run low between service exits. Because this route is highly efficient, you have the flexibility to reach your destination by mid-afternoon if you maintain a steady pace. Use your single planned stop to check live traffic updates, as entering the metro area can significantly impact your final arrival time.
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 152.8 miles from Kingsland, GA, or about 3h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 92.3 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 67 miles or 1h 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 152.8 miles or 3h 14m 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 59m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Atlanta, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kingsland, 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 Kingsland, GA
This is one driving day of about 305.7 miles and 6h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 67 miles from Kingsland, 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 75 Business for about 92.3 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 220.8 and 305 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
220.8 mi into trip|~4h 27m in|I 475 / Larry Justice Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 475 / Larry Justice Highway toward I 475 North: Atlanta
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 156
Toward I 475 North: Atlanta
8
286.1 mi into trip|~5h 38m in|I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward I 75 North: Atlanta, Birmingham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 75 North: Atlanta, Birmingham
8
304.3 mi into trip|~6h in
Take the exit toward Fulton Street, Central Avenue, Georgia State University
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 246
Toward Fulton Street, Central Avenue, Georgia S...
8
304.6 mi into trip|~6h in
Keep slight right at fork toward Fulton Street, Zoo Atlanta
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Fulton Street, Zoo Atlanta
6
305 mi into trip|~6h 1m in|Fulton Street Southwest
Turn right onto Fulton Street Southwest
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.80 one way
$95.61 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg107 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$52.27
$104.54
premium
$4.70
$56.58
$113.16
diesel
$5.61
$67.49
$134.99
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: 107 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
91.7
1
$32.10
$14.67
Efficient EV
76.4
0
$26.75
$12.23
EV Truck/SUV
122.3
1
$42.80
$19.56
Gas CO2
107 kg
EV CO2
36 kg (66% 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 Apr 12, 2026
Origin
Kingsland, GA
Night
in Kingsland on Saturday
Local time
9:20 PM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Sunny
E 6 to 12 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 1:04PM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued April 12 at 4:03AM EDT until April 12 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Destination
Atlanta, GA
Night
in Atlanta on Saturday
Local time
9:20 PM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Sunny
S 5 to 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 1:04PM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued April 12 at 4:03AM EDT until April 12 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
54°F
Ashburn, GA
153 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
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
6h 3m 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.
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 305.7
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...
8 mi from route
~20 min detour
Free
near mile 221.3
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...
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,...
18 mi from route
~45 min detour
$5
near mile 305.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is defined by its efficiency, with 84% of the journey taking place on highways. You will spend a significant portion of your time on I-75, which provides a fast, no-nonsense path toward your destination. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is 92.3 miles along I-75 Business, requiring you to stay focused during extended periods of interstate travel. As you transition between these major roads, the environment remains consistently highway-oriented, ensuring a predictable driving experience. Expect a steady, high-speed pace that favors forward progress over winding backroads.
84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 92.3 mi on I 75 Business.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 Business and I 75. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 220.8 miles in near I 475 / Larry Justice Highway.
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 14 significant decision points across 305.7 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: at 220.8 miles (I 475 / Larry Justice Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 286.1 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 304.3 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
1,040 ft34 ft
Total Climb
1,036 ft
Total Descent
30 ft
Highest Point
1,040 ft
~305.7 mi in
Elevation Range
1,006 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Kingsland, GA to Atlanta, GA, road signs begin pointing toward Birmingham along the way.
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 6h 3m. Total distance: 305.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 3m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 92.3 miles on I 75 Business. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 33 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 Atlanta, 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 33 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 220.8 miles (I 475 / Larry Justice Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 286.1 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 304.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park and Cumberland Island National Seashore (4 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 12.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Atlanta, GA before the return drive.
