Origin
Smyrna, GA
Late night in Smyrna on Sunday
Local time
12:42 AM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Smyrna, GA to Cusseta, 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 23m
Distance
143.1 mi
230 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 11m
★
6 AM
3h 23m
8 AM
3h 47m
10 AM
3h 32m
12 PM
3h 29m
3 PM
3h 33m
5 PM
3h 46m
8 PM
3h 16m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Smyrna, GA
Wikimedia Commons
Cusseta, GA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 143.1-mile journey from Smyrna, GA, to Cusseta, GA, is a manageable one-day road trip, estimated to take around 3 hours and 23 minutes. You'll navigate primarily via Monticello Highway and GA Hwy 83, with a portion on North Lee Street. With a fuel cost estimated at $22, this drive offers a straightforward experience through the Southeast region. It's a route that doesn't demand an overnight stay, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. Expect a mixed driving profile as you make your way south.
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
71.5 miles from Smyrna, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 43m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Monticello Highway | 23.3 mi | 32m |
| GA Hwy 83 | 18.9 mi | 26m |
| North Lee Street | 18.4 mi | 26m |
| Buena Vista Highway | 16.8 mi | 23m |
| Clarke Duncan Highway | 14.7 mi | 20m |
| US 19 | 14.3 mi | 17m |
| West Hopewell Road | 7.1 mi | 10m |
| Doctor Deryl Hart Road | 5.5 mi | 7m |
Longest stretch:
Monticello Highway
— 23.3 mi, about 32m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Smyrna, GA and Cusseta, GA.
1
Start on Buckhead Road
103 ft
·
6 sec
·
Buckhead Road
2
Turn left onto US 278; GA 12
3.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Greensboro Road
3
Continue on US 129; US 278; US 441; GA 12; GA 24
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
North Main Street
4
Keep slight right at fork onto US 278; GA 12; GA 83
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South Main Street
5
Continue on US 278; GA 12; GA 83
0.4 mi
·
39 sec
·
Atlanta Highway
6
Turn left onto GA 83
23 mi
·
32 min
·
Monticello Highway
7
Continue on GA 83
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
Madison Road
8
Continue on GA 83
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
·
Madison Street
9
Continue on GA 83
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
North Warren Street
10
Turn right onto GA 16; GA 83; GA 212
175 ft
·
6 sec
·
West Greene Street
11
Turn left onto GA 11; GA 16; GA 83; GA 212
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Forsyth Street
12
Continue on GA 83
5.4 mi
·
7 min
·
GA 83
13
Continue on GA 83
19 mi
·
26 min
·
GA Hwy 83
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on GA 42; GA 83
18 mi
·
26 min
·
North Lee Street
15
At end of road, turn left onto US 341; GA 7; GA 42
0.7 mi
·
57 sec
·
US 341; GA 7; GA 42
16
Turn right onto West Hopewell Road
7.1 mi
·
10 min
·
West Hopewell Road
17
Turn right onto US 80; GA 22
5.4 mi
·
7 min
·
US 80; GA 22
18
At end of road, turn left onto US 19; US 80; GA 3; GA 22
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
US 19; US 80; GA 3; GA 22
19
Continue on US 19; GA 3
12 mi
·
14 min
·
US 19; GA 3
20
Turn right onto GA 137
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
West Main Street
21
Keep slight left at fork onto GA 137
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Charing Road
22
Continue on GA 137
0.5 mi
·
51 sec
·
Buena Vista Highway
23
Take the ramp onto GA 137
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
GA 137
24
Continue on GA 96; GA 540; GA 137
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
GA 96; GA 540; GA 137
Use the uturn lane.
25
Continue on GA 137
16 mi
·
22 min
·
Buena Vista Highway
26
Continue on GA 137; GA 240
5.5 mi
·
7 min
·
Doctor Deryl Hart Road
27
Continue on GA 137
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Oliver Street
28
Turn right onto GA 137
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
3rd Avenue
29
Turn left onto GA 41 Connector
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
Baker Street
30
Turn right onto GA 26
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
6th Avenue
31
Continue on GA 26
15 mi
·
20 min
·
Clarke Duncan Highway
32
Turn left onto Wells Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Wells Street
33
Turn left onto Broad Street
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
Broad Street
34
Turn slight left onto Old Georgia Highway 137
169 ft
·
9 sec
·
Old Georgia Highway 137
35
Turn left onto McNaughton Street
153 ft
·
6 sec
·
McNaughton Street
36
Arrive at destination
McNaughton Street
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour, 23-minute duration, starting your drive in the morning is ideal to maximize daylight and allow for an unhurried arrival in Cusseta. With only one recommended stop, you have plenty of flexibility to pace yourself. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 23.3-mile stretch on Monticello Highway, as services might be less frequent there. This trip is well-suited for a single day, so you can depart at your leisure and enjoy the drive without the pressure of an overnight commitment.
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 71.5 miles from Smyrna, GA, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 23.3 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 31 miles or 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 71.5 miles or 1h 43m 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 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cusseta, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Smyrna, 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 Smyrna, GA
This is one driving day of about 143.1 miles and 3h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Smyrna, 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 Monticello Highway for about 23.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
72 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 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 71.5 miles from Smyrna, 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 175 decision points cluster between mile 5.3 and 143 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
5.3 mi into trip
|
~8m in
|
US 278; GA 12; GA 83 / South Main Street
Keep slight right at fork onto US 278; GA 12; GA 83 / South Main Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
4
30.2 mi into trip
|
~45m in
|
GA 16; GA 83; GA 212 / West Greene Street
Turn right onto GA 16; GA 83; GA 212 / West Greene Street
Navigation decision point
4
74 mi into trip
|
~1h 47m in
|
US 341; GA 7; GA 42
At end of road, turn left onto US 341; GA 7; GA 42
Navigation decision point
4
101.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 24m in
|
GA 137 / Charing Road
Keep slight left at fork onto GA 137 / Charing Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
5
143 mi into trip
|
~3h 23m in
|
McNaughton Street
Turn left onto McNaughton Street
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$22.38 one way
$44.76 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
50 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $24.47 | $48.94 |
| premium | $4.70 | $26.48 | $52.97 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $31.59 | $63.19 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 50.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 42.9 | 0 | $15.03 | $6.87 |
| Efficient EV | 35.8 | 0 | $12.52 | $5.72 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 57.2 | 0 | $20.03 | $9.16 |
Gas CO2
50 kg
EV CO2
17 kg (66% 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
Cusseta, GA
Late night in Cusseta on Sunday
Local time
12:42 AM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Jackson, GA
72 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
30 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 23m 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?
The drive features a 32% highway share, meaning you'll encounter a blend of faster-paced sections and more local road travel. The longest uninterrupted stretch spans 23.3 miles on Monticello Highway, offering a sustained period of cruising. As you progress, the character of the drive will shift, moving from more open highway to potentially more winding or community-focused roads as you approach your destination. This mixed profile keeps the driving experience engaging without being overly demanding.
32% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 23.3 mi on Monticello Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 17 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 5.3 miles in near US 278; GA 12; GA 83 / South Main Street.
Driving Effort
5/10
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 143.1 miles you will encounter 17 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 5.3 miles (US 278; GA 12; GA 83 / South Main Street): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 30.2 miles (GA 16; GA 83; GA 212 / West Greene Street): Navigation decision point; at 74 miles (US 341; GA 7; GA 42): Navigation decision point.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 23m. Total distance: 143.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (32%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 23.3 miles on Monticello Highway. 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.3 miles (US 278; GA 12; GA 83 / South Main Street): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 30.2 miles (GA 16; GA 83; GA 212 / West Greene Street): Navigation decision point; at 74 miles (US 341; GA 7; GA 42): Navigation decision point.
Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Cusseta, 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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