Traveling from Moultrie to Gainesville covers 255 miles through the heart of Georgia, typically taking about 4 hours and 50 minutes to complete. Because this is a highway-focused route, it is perfectly manageable as a straightforward day trip, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You can expect to spend roughly $41 on fuel, making it a relatively budget-friendly journey for a solo driver or a small group. You will navigate via US 319, I-75, and Lanier Parkway, transitioning from the southern part of the state toward the north. Whether you are heading up for business or a change of scenery, the route is direct and efficient. It is a solid, no-nonsense path that gets you from Point A to Point B without unnecessary detours.
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
127.5 miles from Moultrie, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 28m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
143.8 mi
2h 34m
US 319
21.4 mi
31m
Lanier Parkway
19.7 mi
21m
Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
17.3 mi
19m
Larry Justice Highway
15.9 mi
17m
Interstate Highway 85
15.4 mi
16m
Terrell Starr Parkway
10.1 mi
11m
Tifton Highway
3.4 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 143.8 mi, about 2h 34m
Traffic on I-85
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 79 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~7,576 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~948 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8×
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 Moultrie, GA and Gainesville, GA.
1
Start on GA 37
314 ft·9 sec·West Central Avenue
2
Turn right onto 1st Street Northwest
372 ft·14 sec·1st Street Northwest
Use the right lane.
3
Turn right onto 1st Avenue Northwest
381 ft·20 sec·1st Avenue Northwest
4
Turn left onto US 319 Business; GA 33
1.1 mi·2 min·North Main Street
5
Continue on US 319 Business; GA 33
0.2 mi·19 sec·Tifton Highway
6
Enter roundabout onto US 319 Business; GA 33
124 ft·5 sec·Tifton Highway
7
Continue on US 319 Business; GA 33
3.2 mi·4 min·Tifton Highway
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
8
Continue on US 319; GA 35
21 mi·30 min·US 319; GA 35
9
Continue on US 319; GA 35
330 ft·15 sec·US 319; GA 35
Use the straight lane.
10
Turn left onto US 82; GA 520
484 ft·17 sec·7th Street West
Use the left lane.
11
Turn left
0.3 mi·27 sec
Use the left lane.
12
Merge onto I 75
94 mi·1 hr 41 min·I 75
Use the straight lane.
13
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.
14
Merge onto I 75
49 mi·53 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 675
10 mi·11 min·Terrell Starr Parkway
Exit 227Toward I 675 North: Augusta, GreenvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 285 East: Augusta, GreenvilleUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto I 285
17 mi·19 min·Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.7 mi·52 sec
Exit 33Toward I 85: Greenville, AtlantaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork
520 ft·6 sec
Toward I 85 North: GreenvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·40 sec
Toward I 85 North: GreenvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Merge onto I 85
1.2 mi·1 min·Northeast Expressway
22
Continue on I 85
15 mi·16 min·Interstate Highway 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto I 85
0.5 mi·33 sec·I 85
24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 985
20 mi·21 min·Lanier Parkway
Exit 113Toward I 985 North: GainesvilleUse the slight left / straight lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Exit 20Toward GA 60, GA 53: Candler Road, GainesvilleUse the slight right lane.
26
At end of road, turn left onto GA 60
2.1 mi·3 min·Queen City Parkway
27
Turn right onto GA 60; GA 369
0.4 mi·49 sec·Jesse Jewell Parkway Southwest
28
Turn right onto Green Street
36 ft·1 sec·Green Street
29
Arrive at destination
Green Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 4-hour and 50-minute drive, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh. Since you have a significant 143.8-mile stretch on I-75, try to time your break to coincide with the end of that segment to keep your energy levels steady. Departing early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid potential traffic bottlenecks as you approach the Gainesville area. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the long interstate portion, as relying on major service stops along I-75 will help you stay within your $41 budget. Above all, maintain a consistent pace to ensure you reach your destination without feeling fatigued from the long highway miles.
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 127.5 miles from Moultrie, GA, or about 2h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 143.8 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 56 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 127.5 miles or 2h 28m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 59m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gainesville, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Moultrie, 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 Moultrie, GA
This is one driving day of about 255 miles and 4h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Moultrie, 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 143.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway reset
3.2 mi from route
~8 min detour
$10 to $20
Warner Robins, Georgia
Hours: 6–10 AM
+14789711550
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 120.8 and 232.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
120.8 mi into trip|~2h 21m 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
9
186.1 mi into trip|~3h 31m in|I 675 / Terrell Starr Parkway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 675 / Terrell Starr Parkway toward I 675 North: Augusta, Greenville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 227
Toward I 675 North: Augusta, Greenville
8
196.3 mi into trip|~3h 43m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 285 East: Augusta, Greenville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 285 East: Augusta, Greenville
8
214.2 mi into trip|~4h 4m in
Take the exit toward I 85: Greenville, Atlanta
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 33
Toward I 85: Greenville, Atlanta
8
232.5 mi into trip|~4h 24m in|I 985 / Lanier Parkway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 985 / Lanier Parkway toward I 985 North: Gainesville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 113
Toward I 985 North: Gainesville
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.65 one way
$75.30 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg89 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$41.37
$82.74
premium
$4.49
$45.10
$90.19
diesel
$4.80
$48.15
$96.30
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
76.5
0
$26.78
$12.24
Efficient EV
63.8
0
$22.31
$10.20
EV Truck/SUV
102
1
$35.70
$16.32
Gas CO2
89 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (66% 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Moultrie, GA
Late night
in Moultrie on Sunday
Local time
5:07 AM
EDT
Current temp
92°F
Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
W 0 to 5 mph58% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:16AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:14AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Columbia SC
Destination
Gainesville, GA
Late night
in Gainesville on Sunday
Local time
5:07 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Partly Cloudy
0 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:16AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:14AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Columbia SC
89°F
Jackson, GA
128 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
18 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
4h 50m 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.
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,...
8 mi from route
~19 min detour
$5
near mile 219.9
Park Closure: Restrooms and Water Fountains Unavailable at Akers Mill
Park Closure: Island Ford Trail Closures Winter 2025-2026
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...
8 mi from route
~20 min detour
Free
near mile 202.3
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
~19 min detour
Free
near mile 123.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a drive dominated by high-speed travel, as 84% of your journey takes place on major highways. The primary challenge is the long, uninterrupted 143.8-mile stretch on I-75, which requires steady focus and patience behind the wheel. While the initial leg involves US 319, the transition to the interstate creates a shift in pace, moving from local roads to a more consistent, high-velocity environment. By the time you reach Lanier Parkway, the character of the road begins to settle into the final approach toward Gainesville. It is a functional, highway-heavy experience that prioritizes speed and efficiency over winding, scenic backroads.
84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 143.8 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and US 319. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 120.8 miles in near I 475 / Larry Justice Highway.
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 23 significant decision points across 255 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 120.8 miles (I 475 / Larry Justice Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 186.1 miles (I 675 / Terrell Starr Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 196.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,242 ft322 ft
Total Climb
948 ft
Total Descent
28 ft
Highest Point
1,242 ft
~255 mi in
Elevation Range
920 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Moultrie, GA and Gainesville, GA, road signs point toward Greenville and Atlanta.
Gainesville is a city in Georgia's Historic High Country. The city of Gainesville is one of the larger cities in the Historic High Country along with Rome (Georgia) both with populations around 30,000. The city is located in Hall County (Georgia) in the Central High Country. The city is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is close to the shores of Lake Lanier and less than an hour's drive to downtown Atlanta. Gainesville is home to an Amtrak station.
Top landmarks
•Brenau University — private university in Gainesville, Georgia
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 50m. Total distance: 255 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 143.8 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 30 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 Gainesville, 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 30 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 120.8 miles (I 475 / Larry Justice Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 186.1 miles (I 675 / Terrell Starr Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 196.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Gainesville, GA, but most travelers stay overnight.
