Minnesota, GA to Hartwell, GA is 249.5 miles and takes about 5h 29m via I 75 and Cordele Road, with a fuel budget near $41 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Georgia, traversing the Southeast region. Expect a route that spends a significant portion on surface roads after leaving the interstate, offering a more local feel than a pure highway drive. With only one recommended stop and a drive time under six hours, this is a straightforward option for a single-day excursion.
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
124.7 miles from Minnesota, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 32m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
57.1 mi
1h 1m
Cordele Road
26.4 mi
36m
Eatonton Highway
21.3 mi
29m
US 29
13.2 mi
19m
Macon Highway
12.1 mi
17m
Wildcat Bridge Road
11.9 mi
19m
Gray Highway
10.7 mi
14m
Royston Highway
10 mi
14m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 57.1 mi, about 1h 1m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 32 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~1,874 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,454
Quietest
2 AM
~237 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Minnesota, GA and Hartwell, GA.
1
Start on South Fain Street
26 ft·8 sec·South Fain Street
2
Turn sharp left onto CR 494
0.2 mi·23 sec·Funston Doerun Road
3
Merge onto GA 133
8.8 mi·10 min·GA 133
4
Turn right
192 ft·3 sec
5
Turn straight onto GA 112
9.8 mi·13 min·GA 112
6
Turn right onto East Pine Street
0.1 mi·25 sec·East Pine Street
7
Turn left onto GA 33
1.2 mi·2 min·South Main Street
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on GA 33; GA 112
0.1 mi·14 sec·Ashburn Highway
9
Turn left onto GA 33
26 mi·36 min·Cordele Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
10
Turn left onto US 41; GA 7
0.9 mi·1 min·US 41; GA 7
Use the left lane.
11
Turn left
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward GA 300 NorthUse the left lane.
12
Merge onto GA 300
1.6 mi·2 min·GA 300
Use the straight lane.
13
Turn left
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward I-75 North: MaconUse the left lane.
14
Merge onto I 75
57 mi·1 hr 1 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 75; GA 540
7.6 mi·8 min·Fall Line Freeway
Toward I 75 North: Macon, SavannahUse the straight lane.
16
Take the exit onto GA 540
0.7 mi·1 min·Fall Line Freeway
Exit 165Toward I 16 East: SavannahUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto GA 540
1.1 mi·1 min·Fall Line Freeway
Toward US 129, GA 11, GA 49Use the left lane.
18
At end of road, turn left onto US 129; GA 11; GA 49; GA 540
0.3 mi·40 sec·North Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Continue on US 129; GA 11; GA 49
11 mi·13 min·Gray Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Turn left onto US 129; GA 11; GA 18; GA 22
5.1 mi·6 min·Gray Bypass
Use the left lane.
21
Enter roundabout onto US 129; GA 44
333 ft·4 sec·Eatonton Highway
22
Continue on US 129; GA 44
21 mi·29 min·Eatonton Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
23
Continue on US 129; GA 44
0.2 mi·28 sec·Gray Highway
Use the left lane.
24
Turn left onto US 129; US 441; GA 24
4.5 mi·6 min·James Marshall Bypass
Use the left lane.
25
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 24
3.8 mi·5 min·Madison Road
26
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 24
1.5 mi·2 min·Madison Highway
27
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 24
0.5 mi·40 sec·Madison Road Highway
28
Continue on US 129; US 441; 24
2.9 mi·3 min·Madison Road
29
Continue on US 129; US 441; 24
2.2 mi·2 min·Madison Highway
30
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 24
1.3 mi·1 min·US 129; US 441; GA 24
31
Turn right onto Seven Islands Road
1.1 mi·2 min·Seven Islands Road
32
Turn left onto Bethany Church Road
2.6 mi·3 min·Bethany Church Road
33
Turn straight onto Bethany Road
3.7 mi·5 min·Bethany Road
34
Turn right onto US 129 Bypass; US 441 Bypass; 24 Bypass
2.6 mi·3 min·Madison Bypass
35
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 24
7.8 mi·10 min·Athens Highway
Use the straight lane.
36
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 24
9.6 mi·13 min·Macon Highway
37
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 24
2.6 mi·3 min·Watkinsville Bypass
38
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 15
2.5 mi·3 min·Macon Highway
39
Take the exit onto US 129; US 441; GA 15
0.5 mi·32 sec·US 129; US 441; GA 15
Toward US 129 North, US 441 North, US 78 East, GA 10 East, GA 10 LoopUse the right lane.
40
Merge onto US 29; US 78; US 129; US 441; GA 8; GA 10 Loop; GA 15
5.9 mi·7 min·Outer Loop 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Continue on US 29; GA 8
13 mi·19 min·US 29; GA 8
42
Enter roundabout onto US 29; GA 8
256 ft·4 sec·North General Daniels Avenue
43
Continue on US 29; GA 8
0.4 mi·36 sec·North General Daniels Avenue
44
Enter roundabout onto US 29; GA 8
95 ft·1 sec·General Daniels Avenue North
45
Continue on US 29; GA 8
1.6 mi·2 min·General Daniels Avenue North
46
Turn right onto GA 281
12 mi·19 min·Wildcat Bridge Road
47
Turn slight left onto GA 17 Business
0.4 mi·45 sec·Church Street
48
Turn right onto US 29; GA 8
1.1 mi·1 min·Hartwell Street
49
Continue on US 29; GA 8
10 mi·14 min·Royston Highway
50
Continue on US 29; GA 8
0.3 mi·41 sec·Athens Street
51
Turn right onto West Gibson Street
0.3 mi·47 sec·West Gibson Street
52
Turn left onto 172
0.3 mi·30 sec·South Jackson Street
53
Continue on GA 172
0.3 mi·32 sec·South Webb Street
54
Turn right onto US 29; GA 8; GA 77
0.2 mi·28 sec·East Howell Street
55
Turn left onto North Forest Avenue
141 ft·6 sec·North Forest Avenue
56
Arrive at destination
North Forest Avenue
Trip Plan
For this 5h 29m drive, consider an early morning departure from Minnesota, GA to maximize daylight, especially since it's recommended as a one-day trip. While there's only one stop suggested, you'll have flexibility to add more if needed given the manageable distance. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $41, and plan your refueling stops accordingly, especially as you move onto surface roads. The longest stretch on I 75 is over 57 miles, so be sure to top off before leaving the interstate.
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 124.7 miles from Minnesota, GA, or about 2h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 57.1 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 55 miles or 1h 13m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 124.7 miles or 2h 32m 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 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hartwell, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Minnesota, 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 Minnesota, GA
This is one driving day of about 249.5 miles and 5h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Minnesota, 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 for about 57.1 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 31
5 decision points cluster between mile 47.6 and 203 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
47.6 mi into trip|~1h 4m in
Turn left toward GA 300 North
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward GA 300 North
8
107 mi into trip|~2h 9m in|I 75; GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 75; GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway toward I 75 North: Macon, Savannah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 75 North: Macon, Savannah
7
114.7 mi into trip|~2h 18m in|GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway
Take the exit onto GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway toward I 16 East: Savannah
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 165
Toward I 16 East: Savannah
8
115.4 mi into trip|~2h 19m in|GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway toward US 129, GA 11, GA 49
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward US 129, GA 11, GA 49
8
203 mi into trip|~4h 20m in|US 129; US 441; GA 15
Take the exit onto US 129; US 441; GA 15 toward US 129 North, US 441 North, US 78 East, GA 10 East, GA 10 Loop
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward US 129 North, US 441 North, US 78 East,...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.68 one way
$79.37 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg87 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.41
$43.27
$86.54
premium
$4.78
$46.94
$93.89
diesel
$5.35
$52.55
$105.10
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 87.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
74.9
0
$26.20
$11.98
Efficient EV
62.4
0
$21.83
$9.98
EV Truck/SUV
99.8
1
$34.93
$15.97
Gas CO2
87 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 May 30, 2026
Origin
Minnesota, GA
Evening
in Minnesota on Wednesday
Local time
5:49 PM
EDT
Current temp
70°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
SW 0 to 5 mph58% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Hartwell, GA
Evening
in Hartwell on Wednesday
Local time
5:49 PM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
ENE 0 to 14 mph64% chanceLive forecast
64°F
Smyrna, GA
125 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
8 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 29m 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.
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...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 120.4
Caution: River Trail periodically closed under I-16
Park Closure: BOARDWALK CLOSED along the River Trail
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive features a highway share of 41%, meaning you'll spend a good part of your time on surface roads, particularly after exiting I 75. The longest continuous stretch on the interstate is 57.1 miles. You'll notice the transition from higher-speed interstate cruising to more frequent intersections and potentially slower speeds as you navigate Cordele Road and Eatonton Highway. Be prepared for a mix of driving environments.
Only 41% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
56 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 57.1 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 47.6 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 31 significant decision points across 249.5 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 47.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 107 miles (I 75; GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 114.7 miles (GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
824 ft317 ft
Total Climb
601 ft
Total Descent
171 ft
Highest Point
824 ft
~213.9 mi in
Elevation Range
508 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 Minnesota, GA to Hartwell, GA, road signs begin pointing toward Savannah along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 29m. Total distance: 249.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 57.1 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 15 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 Hartwell, 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 15 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 47.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 107 miles (I 75; GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 114.7 miles (GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. 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 11.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Hartwell, GA before the return drive.
