Origin
Metter, GA
Late night in Metter on Sunday
Local time
2:01 AM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Metter, GA to Albany, GA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 30m
Distance
163.3 mi
263 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 18m
★
6 AM
3h 31m
8 AM
3h 55m
10 AM
3h 39m
12 PM
3h 37m
3 PM
3h 40m
5 PM
3h 54m
8 PM
3h 23m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Metter, GA
Wikimedia Commons
Albany, GA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Metter, GA to Albany, GA is 163.3 miles and takes about 3 hours 30 minutes via Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway and Georgia-Florida Parkway, with a fuel budget near $26 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays entirely within Georgia, traversing the Southeast region. Expect a straightforward journey that is primarily highway-focused, making it a practical choice for a single-day trip. You'll find it’s a manageable distance, allowing for a relaxed pace without needing an overnight stay.
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
81.7 miles from Metter, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 38m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway | 54.4 mi | 58m |
| Georgia-Florida Parkway | 35.1 mi | 43m |
| GA 257 | 22.5 mi | 32m |
| Hawkinsville Road | 15.7 mi | 21m |
| Cordele Highway | 9.4 mi | 12m |
| Empire-Chester Highway | 8.8 mi | 11m |
| Vienna Highway | 3 mi | 4m |
| East Oglethorpe Boulevard | 2.9 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
— 54.4 mi, about 58m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Metter, GA and Albany, GA.
1
Start on GA 23; GA 121
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
South Lewis Street
2
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
Exit 104
3
Merge onto I 16
54 mi
·
58 min
·
Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
4
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 49
Toward GA 257: Dexter
5
Turn left onto GA 257
0.5 mi
·
55 sec
·
GA 257
Use the straight lane.
6
Enter roundabout onto GA 257
120 ft
·
4 sec
·
GA 257
7
Continue on GA 257
13 mi
·
19 min
·
GA 257
8
Continue on Carolina Avenue South
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Carolina Avenue South
9
Turn slight right onto GA 257
8.8 mi
·
11 min
·
Empire-Chester Highway
10
At end of road, turn right onto US 23; GA 87; GA 257
0.4 mi
·
31 sec
·
Eastman Cochran Highway
11
Continue on US 23; GA 87; GA 257
455 ft
·
13 sec
·
Golden Isles Highway
12
Turn left onto GA 257
8.7 mi
·
11 min
·
GA 257
13
Continue on US 129 Alternate; GA 26; GA 112; GA 257
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
US 129 Alternate; GA 26; GA 112; GA 257
Use the left / right lanes.
14
Take the ramp onto US 129 Alternate; GA 26; GA 112; GA 257
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
US 129 Alternate; GA 26; GA 112; GA 257
15
Continue on US 341; US 129 Alternate; GA 26; GA 27; GA 112; GA 230; GA 257
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
US 341; US 129 Alternate; GA 26; GA 27; GA 112; GA 230; GA 257
16
Continue on US 341; US 129 Alternate; GA 26; GA 27; GA 112; GA 230; GA 257
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
US 341; US 129 Alternate; GA 26; GA 27; GA 112; GA 230; GA 257
17
At end of road, turn right onto US 341; US 129 Alternate; GA 27; GA 112; GA 230; GA 257
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Broad Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
18
Turn left onto GA 27; GA 257
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
McCormick Avenue
Use the left lane.
19
Continue on GA 27; GA 257
3.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Vienna Highway
20
Turn slight left onto GA 257
9.4 mi
·
12 min
·
Cordele Highway
21
Continue on GA 257
16 mi
·
21 min
·
Hawkinsville Road
22
Turn left
0.5 mi
·
59 sec
Toward I-75 South: Valdosta
Use the left lane.
23
Merge onto I 75
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Exit 99
Toward GA 300 South: Georgia-Florida Parkway, Albany
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Turn right onto GA 300
35 mi
·
43 min
·
Georgia-Florida Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Continue on Cordele Road
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
Cordele Road
Use the straight lane.
27
Turn right onto Old Cordele Road
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
Old Cordele Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Turn straight onto US 82 Business; GA 520 Business
449 ft
·
10 sec
·
Sylvester Highway
29
Continue on US 82 Business; GA 520 Business
2.9 mi
·
4 min
·
East Oglethorpe Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
30
Turn right onto South Broadway Street
365 ft
·
16 sec
·
South Broadway Street
Use the right lane.
31
Turn left onto East Broad Avenue
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
·
East Broad Avenue
Use the left lane.
32
Turn right onto North Front Street
510 ft
·
12 sec
·
North Front Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
33
Enter roundabout onto Pine Avenue
110 ft
·
2 sec
·
Pine Avenue
34
Continue on Pine Avenue
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
·
Pine Avenue
35
Arrive at destination
Pine Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 3 hour 30 minute drive time, departing in the morning from Metter allows ample time to reach Albany well before evening. With only one recommended stop and a manageable 163.3 miles, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 54.4-mile stretch on Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway, as services might be more spread out. The estimated fuel cost of $26 makes budgeting straightforward for this trip.
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 81.7 miles from Metter, GA, or about 1h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 54.4 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 36 miles or 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 81.7 miles or 1h 38m 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 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Albany, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Metter, 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 Metter, GA
This is one driving day of about 163.3 miles and 3h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Metter, 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 54.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
82 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 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 81.7 miles from Metter, GA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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 195 decision points cluster between mile 91.4 and 162.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
91.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 53m in
|
US 341; US 129 Alternate; GA 27; GA 112; GA 230; GA 257 / Broad Street
At end of road, turn right onto US 341; US 129 Alternate; GA 27; GA 112; GA 230; GA 257 / Broad Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
7
120.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 35m in
Turn left toward I-75 South: Valdosta
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I-75 South: Valdosta
8
123.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 38m in
Take the exit toward GA 300 South: Georgia-Florida Parkway, Albany
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 99
Toward GA 300 South: Georgia-Florida Parkway, A...
6
159.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 23m in
|
Old Cordele Road
Turn right onto Old Cordele Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
162.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 29m in
|
Pine Avenue
Enter roundabout onto Pine Avenue
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.54 one way
$51.07 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
57 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $27.92 | $55.84 |
| premium | $4.70 | $30.22 | $60.45 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $36.05 | $72.11 |
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: 57.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 49 | 0 | $17.15 | $7.84 |
| Efficient EV | 40.8 | 0 | $14.29 | $6.53 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 65.3 | 0 | $22.86 | $10.45 |
Gas CO2
57 kg
EV CO2
19 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
Albany, GA
Late night in Albany on Sunday
Local time
2:01 AM
EDT
Current temp
54°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 30m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway-focused, with 71% of the drive utilizing faster roads. You'll experience a longest uninterrupted stretch of 54.4 miles along the Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway, offering a consistent pace. The journey transitions to include the Georgia-Florida Parkway and GA 257, maintaining a highway feel for most of the 163.3 miles. The character is less about winding backroads and more about efficient travel between your starting point in Metter and your destination in Albany.
71% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 54.4 mi on Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway and Georgia-Florida Parkway. You will hit about 19 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 91.4 miles in near US 341; US 129 Alternate; GA 27; GA 112; GA 230; GA 257 / Broad Street.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 163.3 miles you will encounter 19 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 91.4 miles (US 341; US 129 Alternate; GA 27; GA 112; GA 230; GA 257 / Broad Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 120.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 123.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
About the Cities
Arriving in Albany, GA
Full guide →Albany is a city of 72,000 people (2019) in Dougherty County in Georgia's Plantation Midlands region. It is part of the Black Belt, the extensive area in the Deep South of cotton plantations. During 1961–1962, African Americans in Albany played a prominent role in the Civil Rights Movement, founding the Albany Movement, a desegregation and voters' rights coalition formed in 1961. Ray Charles, the singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer, was born here, and is remembered in a park with a statue.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 30m. Total distance: 163.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (71%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 54.4 miles on Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway. 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 Albany, 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 91.4 miles (US 341; US 129 Alternate; GA 27; GA 112; GA 230; GA 257 / Broad Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 120.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 123.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Albany, GA, but most travelers stay overnight.
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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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