Springfield, GA to Sandy Springs, GA is 236.9 miles and takes about 4h 55m via Purple Heart Highway and Carl Sanders Highway, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip takes you through the Southeast region, moving from one part of Georgia to another. The drive is mostly highway but includes some surface roads, offering a mixed driving experience. With a recommended one-day drive, you can expect a straightforward trip with a manageable duration and cost.
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
118.4 miles from Springfield, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 39m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Purple Heart Highway
46.6 mi
50m
Carl Sanders Highway
39.9 mi
42m
GA 21
31.6 mi
36m
GA 24
30.5 mi
43m
George Massey Road
22.7 mi
31m
GA 80
19.5 mi
26m
Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
18.8 mi
21m
Atlanta Highway
7.2 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
Purple Heart Highway
— 46.6 mi, about 50m
Traffic on I-285
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 194 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~6,196 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~746 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.3×
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 Springfield, GA and Sandy Springs, GA.
1
Start on Gum Street
136 ft·12 sec·Gum Street
2
Turn right onto East Madison Street
0.3 mi·50 sec·East Madison Street
3
Continue on GA 119
0.3 mi·36 sec·State Road 119
4
Turn right onto GA 21; I 3 FUT
32 mi·36 min·GA 21; I 3 FUT
Use the right lane.
5
Turn right onto GA 21 Business
1.5 mi·2 min·South Main Street
6
Continue on US 301 Business; GA 73; GA 21 Business
1.0 mi·1 min·North Main Street
7
Turn slight left onto US 301 Business; GA 73
299 ft·6 sec·US 301 Business; GA 73
8
Turn right onto US 301; GA 73 Loop
4.5 mi·5 min·US 301; GA 73 Loop
9
Take the exit onto GA 24
30 mi·43 min·GA 24
10
Turn left onto GA 24; GA 56; GA 80
1.3 mi·1 min·West 6th Street
11
Enter roundabout onto GA 24; GA 80
107 ft·1 sec·GA 24; GA 80
12
Continue on GA 24; GA 80
0.2 mi·20 sec·GA 24; GA 80
13
Turn right onto GA 80
23 mi·31 min·George Massey Road
14
At end of road, turn left onto GA 80; GA 88
0.8 mi·1 min·Stapleton Highway
15
Turn right onto GA 17; GA 80
1.9 mi·2 min·Thomson Highway
Use the right lane.
16
Turn left onto GA 80
19 mi·26 min·GA 80
17
At end of road, turn left onto US 278 Truck; GA 12 Bypass
0.8 mi·1 min·Legion Road
18
Continue on US 278 Truck; GA 12 Bypass
0.4 mi·41 sec·Jones Circle
19
Continue on US 278; GA 12
0.7 mi·1 min·Main Street
20
Continue on US 278; GA 12
0.9 mi·1 min·Norwood Road
21
Continue on US 278; GA 12
2.3 mi·3 min·Jefferson Davis Memorial Highway
22
Continue on US 278; GA 12
7.2 mi·10 min·Atlanta Highway
23
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·54 sec
Toward I-20 West: Atlanta
24
Merge onto I 20
40 mi·42 min·Carl Sanders Highway
25
Continue on I 20
47 mi·50 min·Purple Heart Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.4 mi·57 sec
Exit 67BToward I 285 Bypass North: Greenville, ChattanoogaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Merge onto I 285
19 mi·21 min·Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
518 ft·12 sec
Exit 25; 27BToward US 19 South, GA 400 North: Roswell Road, Sandy SpringsUse the slight right lane.
29
Continue on this road
1.4 mi·2 min·this road
Exit 25Toward US 19 South: Roswell Road
30
Keep slight right at fork onto US 19
0.2 mi·24 sec·US 19
Toward US 19 South: Roswell Road, Sandy SpringsUse the slight right lane.
31
Turn right onto GA 9
0.8 mi·1 min·Roswell Road
Use the right lane.
32
Turn right onto Mount Vernon Highway
180 ft·3 sec·Mount Vernon Highway
33
Arrive at destination
Mount Vernon Highway
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 55m estimated drive time, leaving Springfield, GA in the morning will allow you to reach Sandy Springs, GA with plenty of daylight to spare. This route is well-suited for a single-day trip, with only one recommended stop, offering flexibility in when you choose to break up the drive. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the 46.6-mile stretch on Purple Heart Highway, as services can be spaced out. The fuel cost is estimated at $37, so plan accordingly.
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 118.4 miles from Springfield, GA, or about 2h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 46.6 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 52 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 118.4 miles or 2h 39m 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 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sandy Springs, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Springfield, 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 Springfield, GA
This is one driving day of about 236.9 miles and 4h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Springfield, 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 Purple Heart Highway for about 46.6 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.6 and 235.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.6 mi into trip|~1m in|GA 21; I 3 FUT
Turn right onto GA 21; I 3 FUT
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
5
94.7 mi into trip|~2h 6m in|GA 17; GA 80 / Thomson Highway
Turn right onto GA 17; GA 80 / Thomson Highway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
8
215.2 mi into trip|~4h 27m in
Take the exit toward I 285 Bypass North: Greenville, Chattanooga
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 67B
Toward I 285 Bypass North: Greenville, Chattano...
8
234.4 mi into trip|~4h 50m in
Take the exit toward US 19 South, GA 400 North: Roswell Road, Sandy Springs
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 25; 27B
Toward US 19 South, GA 400 North: Roswell Road,...
8
235.9 mi into trip|~4h 52m in|US 19
Keep slight right at fork onto US 19 toward US 19 South: Roswell Road, Sandy Springs
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 19 South: Roswell Road, Sandy Springs
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.03 one way
$74.05 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg83 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.35
$40.55
$81.11
premium
$4.72
$44.02
$88.04
diesel
$6.28
$58.53
$117.07
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
71.1
0
$24.87
$11.37
Efficient EV
59.2
0
$20.73
$9.48
EV Truck/SUV
94.8
1
$33.17
$15.16
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Springfield, GA
Morning
in Springfield on Thursday
Local time
7:25 AM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Sunny
N 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 19 at 2:44AM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:26AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Destination
Sandy Springs, GA
Morning
in Sandy Springs on Thursday
Local time
7:25 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Sunny
NE 0 to 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 19 at 2:44AM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:26AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
78°F
Washington, GA
118 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
2 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 55m 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,...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
$5
near mile 247.5
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
~19 min detour
Free
near mile 238.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
About 36% of this drive is on highways, with the remaining portion on surface roads. You'll encounter a stretch of 46.6 miles on Purple Heart Highway before transitioning to other roads. Expect a mix of driving conditions, including potentially dense exits as you approach urban areas and more open cruising on the highway segments.
36% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 46.6 mi on Purple Heart Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.6 miles in near GA 21; I 3 FUT.
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 20 significant decision points across 236.9 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 0.6 miles (GA 21; I 3 FUT): Lane positioning matters here; at 94.7 miles (GA 17; GA 80 / Thomson Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 215.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,091 ft81 ft
Total Climb
1,054 ft
Total Descent
44 ft
Highest Point
1,091 ft
~256.3 mi in
Elevation Range
1,010 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 Springfield, GA to Sandy Springs, GA, road signs begin pointing toward Chattanooga along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 55m. Total distance: 236.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 46.6 miles on Purple Heart Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 7 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 Sandy Springs, 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 7 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.6 miles (GA 21; I 3 FUT): Lane positioning matters here; at 94.7 miles (GA 17; GA 80 / Thomson Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 215.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Sandy Springs, GA, but most travelers stay overnight.
