Marietta, GA to Tybee Island, GA is 284.8 miles and takes about 5h 28m via I-75 and I-16, with a fuel budget near $45 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Georgia, moving from the Southeast region towards the coast. It's a straightforward path that should feel familiar to anyone who's traveled these interstates before. With a recommended one-day drive, you'll want to get an early start to maximize your time at your destination.
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
142.4 miles from Marietta, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 42m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 16
163.9 mi
2h 57m
I 75
77.1 mi
1h 25m
East Victory Drive
14.8 mi
22m
Horace E Tate Freeway
7.3 mi
8m
Larry McDonald Memorial Highway
5.2 mi
5m
Downtown Connector
5 mi
6m
GA 204
2.8 mi
5m
James Wendell George Parkway
2.3 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 16
— 163.9 mi, about 2h 57m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 333 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~5,709 veh/hr typical
· worst 6,773
Quietest
2 AM
~875 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.5×
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 Marietta, GA and Tybee Island, GA.
1
Start on West Park Square
117 ft·11 sec·West Park Square
2
Continue on South Park Square
343 ft·8 sec·South Park Square
Use the left lane.
3
Continue on Roswell Street
1.7 mi·3 min·Roswell Street
Use the straight lane.
4
Turn right onto US 41; GA 3
0.7 mi·1 min·Cobb Parkway South
Use the straight lane.
5
Turn left onto GA 120
0.6 mi·1 min·South Marietta Parkway
Use the left lane.
6
Take the exit
0.5 mi·52 sec
Toward I 75 South: AtlantaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 75
5.2 mi·5 min·Larry McDonald Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 75
7.3 mi·8 min·Horace E Tate Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 75; I 85
5.0 mi·6 min·Downtown Connector
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 75; I 85
2.3 mi·3 min·James Wendell George Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
65 mi·1 hr 11 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
12 mi·13 min·I 75
Toward Macon, SavannahUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
1.1 mi·1 min
Exit 165Toward I 16 East: Jim Gillis Highway, SavannahUse the slight right lane.
14
Continue on I 16
164 mi·2 hr 57 min·I 16
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit onto GA 204
2.8 mi·5 min·GA 204
Exit 165Toward 37th Street, Abercorn Street
16
Turn right onto Bee Road
0.3 mi·36 sec·Bee Road
17
Turn left onto US 80; GA 26
15 mi·22 min·East Victory Drive
18
Continue on US 80; GA 26
0.6 mi·1 min·1st Street
19
Continue on US 80; GA 26
0.9 mi·2 min·Butler Avenue
20
Turn left onto 10th Court
130 ft·5 sec·10th Court
21
Arrive at destination
10th Court
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5h 28m drive, aim for an early morning departure from Marietta to avoid heavier traffic. You'll cover 284.8 miles, and while it's manageable in one day, consider a brief stop around the halfway point for a break. The fuel cost is estimated at $45, so ensure your tank is full before heading out. Keep an eye on your GPS as you approach Savannah, as the route will transition from the interstate to surface roads like East Victory Drive for the final approach to Tybee Island.
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 142.4 miles from Marietta, GA, or about 2h 42m 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 63 miles or 1h 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 142.4 miles or 2h 42m 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 21m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tybee Island, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Marietta, 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 Marietta, GA
This is one driving day of about 284.8 miles and 5h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Marietta, 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 11
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.1 and 265.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
3.1 mi into trip|~6m in
Take the exit toward I 75 South: Atlanta
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 75 South: Atlanta
6
23.4 mi into trip|~32m in|I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
88.2 mi into trip|~1h 43m 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
100.4 mi into trip|~1h 57m 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
265.4 mi into trip|~4h 55m 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
$45.24 one way
$90.49 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg100 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$49.34
$98.67
premium
$4.78
$53.60
$107.19
diesel
$6.18
$69.28
$138.57
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 99.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
85.4
1
$29.90
$13.67
Efficient EV
71.2
0
$24.92
$11.39
EV Truck/SUV
113.9
1
$39.87
$18.23
Gas CO2
100 kg
EV CO2
33 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 17, 2026
Origin
Marietta, GA
Morning
in Marietta on Saturday
Local time
7:15 AM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Partly Cloudy
NW 15 to 20 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 17 at 12:13AM EDT until October 20 at 1:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued October 16 at 10:43PM EDT until October 17 at 12:00PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Destination
Tybee Island, GA
Morning
in Tybee Island on Saturday
Local time
7:15 AM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Partly Cloudy
W 12 to 16 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 17 at 12:13AM EDT until October 20 at 1:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued October 16 at 10:43PM EDT until October 17 at 12:00PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
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
18 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 28m 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.
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...
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...
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...
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,...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 89% of the 284.8 miles on interstates like I-75 and I-16. You'll encounter the longest stretch without a major road change at 163.9 miles on I-16. Expect a significant portion of your time to be spent on these high-speed roads, with the transition to surface streets like East Victory Drive occurring later in the trip. The highway profile suggests a consistent driving experience with frequent exits.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 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?
7/10
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 around 3.1 miles in.
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 11 significant decision points across 284.8 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 3.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.4 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 88.2 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,124 ft11 ft
Total Climb
54 ft
Total Descent
1,168 ft
Highest Point
1,124 ft
Elevation Range
1,113 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Marietta, GA and Tybee Island, GA, road signs point toward Macon and Savannah.
Marietta is a city of 61,000 people (2019) in Metro Atlanta. It is the fourth largest city in the state. Dobbins Air Reserve Base on the south side of town and a Lockheed Martin manufacturing plant are among the major industries in the city.
Top landmarks
•Marietta National Cemetery — veterans cemetery in Cobb County, Georgia, United States
•Aviation History & Technology Center — museum in Marietta, Georgia, USA
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 28m. Total distance: 284.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). 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.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Tybee 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.4 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 88.2 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, Fort Pulaski National Monument and Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 10.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Tybee Island, GA before the return drive.
