Origin
Macon, GA
Late night in Macon on Sunday
Local time
3:28 AM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Macon, GA to Temple, GA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 21m
Distance
122.9 mi
198 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$19
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 12m
★
6 AM
2h 21m
8 AM
2h 41m
10 AM
2h 28m
12 PM
2h 26m
3 PM
2h 29m
5 PM
2h 40m
8 PM
2h 16m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Macon, GA
Wikimedia Commons
Temple, GA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Macon to Temple is 122.9 miles and takes about 2h 21m via I 75 and Carrollton Street, with a fuel budget near $19 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Georgia, connecting two points in the Southeast region. Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience for most of the trip. With a total duration under two and a half hours and a manageable fuel cost, this route is ideal for a single-day excursion. It's a straightforward journey that gets you from point A to point B efficiently.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
61.5 miles from Macon, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 8m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 75 | 80.7 mi | 1h 29m |
| Ralph David Abernathy Freeway | 37.6 mi | 42m |
| Carrollton Street | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| Fall Line Freeway | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Spring Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| North Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| Tallapoosa Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| James Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 80.7 mi, about 1h 29m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Macon, GA and Temple, GA.
1
Start on Mulberry Street
76 ft
·
2 sec
·
Mulberry Street
2
Continue on Spring Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Spring Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Continue on US 129; GA 11; GA 49; GA 540
524 ft
·
21 sec
·
North Avenue
4
Take the exit onto GA 540
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Fall Line Freeway
Use the left lane.
5
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
42 sec
Toward I 75 North: Atlanta
Use the straight / left lanes.
6
Merge onto I 75
62 mi
·
1 hr 7 min
·
I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
19 mi
·
22 min
·
I 75
Toward I 75 North: Atlanta, Birmingham
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Exit 247
Toward I 20 West, I 20 East: Birmingham, Augusta, Ralph David Abernathy Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 20 West: Birmingham
Use the slight left lane.
10
Merge onto I 20
38 mi
·
42 min
·
Ralph David Abernathy Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Exit 19
Toward GA 113: Temple, Carrollton
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Turn slight right onto GA 113
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Carrollton Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
13
Turn left onto Tallapoosa Street
442 ft
·
22 sec
·
Tallapoosa Street
14
Turn right onto GA 274
194 ft
·
3 sec
·
James Street
15
Arrive at destination
GA 274
Trip Plan
Given the short duration of 2h 21m, this trip is easily completed in a single day, offering flexibility in your departure time. You'll want to keep an eye on fuel as the longest stretch without services is on I 75, covering 80.7 miles. While there are no specific stops noted, planning for a brief rest break around the halfway point is always a good idea. The fuel cost is estimated at $19, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before you depart Macon to avoid any last-minute detours for gas.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 61.5 miles from Macon, GA, or about 1h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80.7 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 27 miles or 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 61.5 miles or 1h 8m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Temple, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Macon, 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 Macon, GA
This is one driving day of about 122.9 miles and 2h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Macon, GA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 75 for about 80.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
61 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 61.5 miles from Macon, GA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 80.7 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 115 decision points cluster between mile 0.6 and 121.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0.6 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway
Take the exit onto GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
1.4 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 75 North: Atlanta
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
Toward I 75 North: Atlanta
8
64 mi into trip
|
~1h 11m 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
82.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 33m in
Take the exit toward I 20 West, I 20 East: Birmingham, Augusta, Ralph David Abernathy Freeway
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 247
Toward I 20 West, I 20 East: Birmingham, August...
8
121.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 17m in
Take the exit toward GA 113: Temple, Carrollton
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 19
Toward GA 113: Temple, Carrollton
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.22 one way
$38.44 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
43 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $21.01 | $42.03 |
| premium | $4.70 | $22.75 | $45.49 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $27.13 | $54.27 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$19
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 43 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 36.9 | 0 | $12.90 | $5.90 |
| Efficient EV | 30.7 | 0 | $10.75 | $4.92 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 49.2 | 0 | $17.21 | $7.87 |
Gas CO2
43 kg
EV CO2
14 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.
Destination
Temple, GA
Late night in Temple on Sunday
Local time
3:28 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
52°F
College Park, GA
61 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
23 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
2h 21m 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.
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
Caution: River Trail periodically closed under I-16
Park Closure: BOARDWALK CLOSED along the River Trail
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 84.8
View on nps.gov
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,...
19 mi from route
~48 min detour
$5
near mile 84.8
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is characterized as a highway-focused drive, with 97% of it utilizing major roads like I 75 and Ralph David Abernathy Freeway. You'll encounter one long stretch of 80.7 miles on I 75, offering a consistent pace. While primarily interstate, the final segments will involve local roads like Carrollton Street as you approach Temple. The drive offers a straightforward path, emphasizing efficiency over varied terrain. Expect a steady journey with minimal complex turns.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 80.7 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Ralph David Abernathy Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.6 miles in near GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 11 significant decision points across 122.9 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 0.6 miles (GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 1.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 64 miles (I 75): 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Macon, GA and Temple, GA, road signs point toward Birmingham and Augusta.
Birmingham
64 mi in
|
~1h 11m
|
via I 75
Augusta
82.7 mi in
|
~1h 33m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 21m. Total distance: 122.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 80.7 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Temple, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.6 miles (GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 1.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 64 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, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Temple, GA before heading back.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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