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Trip from Thomson, GA to Albany, GA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 14m

Distance

194.3 mi

313 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$30

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
4h 2m ★
6 AM
4h 15m
8 AM
4h 41m
10 AM
4h 24m
12 PM
4h 21m
3 PM
4h 25m
5 PM
4h 40m
8 PM
4h 7m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Thomson, GA, GA

Thomson, GA

Huynh Van

city in and county seat of Dougherty County, Georgia, United States

Albany, GA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 194-mile journey from Thomson, Georgia, to Albany, Georgia, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 14 minutes to complete. Primarily utilizing the Fall Line Freeway, Georgia-Florida Parkway, and GA 49, this route offers a straightforward drive through the Southeast region. With an estimated fuel cost of $30, it's an economical option for a quick getaway or transit. You'll encounter one designated stop, and the overall feel is that of a highway-focused drive, making it an efficient way to cover the distance between these two Georgia cities.

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

97.2 miles from Thomson, GA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 20m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Fall Line Freeway 66 mi 1h 11m
Georgia-Florida Parkway 35.1 mi 43m
GA 49 24.5 mi 34m
Macon Highway 22.9 mi 32m
Sparta Highway 12.3 mi 19m
Milledgeville Highway 11.7 mi 16m
Thomson Highway 5.5 mi 8m
Warrenton Highway 3.9 mi 5m
Longest stretch: Fall Line Freeway — 66 mi, about 1h 11m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Thomson, GA and Albany, GA.

1

Start on GA 150

75 ft · 9 sec · Gordon Street
2

Turn left onto GA 17; GA 223

0.4 mi · 1 min · Main Street
3

Continue on GA 17

0.2 mi · 37 sec · Jackson Street
4

Turn right onto US 278; GA 12

0.7 mi · 59 sec · Hill Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
5

Continue on US 278; GA 12

3.9 mi · 5 min · Warrenton Highway
6

Continue on US 278; GA 12

5.5 mi · 8 min · Thomson Highway
7

Continue on US 278; GA 12

0.8 mi · 1 min · East Main Street
8

Turn slight left onto GA 16

23 mi · 32 min · Macon Highway
9

Continue on GA 15; GA 16

1.1 mi · 2 min · Broad Street
10

Continue on GA 22

12 mi · 16 min · Milledgeville Highway
11

Continue on GA 22

12 mi · 19 min · Sparta Highway
Use the straight lane.
12

Continue on GA 49

25 mi · 34 min · GA 49
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
13

Continue on GA 49

2.7 mi · 4 min · Shurling Drive
Use the straight lane.
14

Turn left onto US 129; GA 11; GA 22; GA 49

0.9 mi · 1 min · Gray Highway
Use the left lane.
15

Continue on US 129; GA 11; GA 49

0.2 mi · 24 sec · North Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
16

Take the exit onto GA 540

0.8 mi · 1 min · GA 540
Toward I 16:west: Atlanta, Valdosta Use the right lane.
17

Keep slight left at fork onto GA 540

1.0 mi · 1 min · Fall Line Freeway
Toward I 75 South, GA 540 West: Valdosta Use the left / straight lanes.
18

Keep slight left at fork onto GA 540

65 mi · 1 hr 10 min · Fall Line Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
19

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Exit 99 Toward GA 300 South: Georgia-Florida Parkway, Albany Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Turn right onto GA 300

35 mi · 43 min · Georgia-Florida Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
21

Continue on Cordele Road

0.3 mi · 41 sec · Cordele Road
Use the straight lane.
22

Turn right onto Old Cordele Road

0.2 mi · 21 sec · Old Cordele Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
23

Turn straight onto US 82 Business; GA 520 Business

449 ft · 10 sec · Sylvester Highway
24

Continue on US 82 Business; GA 520 Business

2.9 mi · 4 min · East Oglethorpe Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
25

Turn right onto South Broadway Street

365 ft · 16 sec · South Broadway Street
Use the right lane.
26

Turn left onto East Broad Avenue

0.4 mi · 46 sec · East Broad Avenue
Use the left lane.
27

Turn right onto North Front Street

510 ft · 12 sec · North Front Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
28

Enter roundabout onto Pine Avenue

110 ft · 2 sec · Pine Avenue
29

Continue on Pine Avenue

0.4 mi · 44 sec · Pine Avenue
30

Arrive at destination

Pine Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour and 14-minute duration, this trip works well as a single-day excursion from Thomson to Albany. Aim to depart in the morning to make the most of daylight and allow ample time for your single planned stop. With a fuel cost estimated at $30, keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is always wise, especially during the 66-mile stretch on the Fall Line Freeway where services might be less frequent. This route's highway-centric nature means you can maintain a steady pace, but staying aware of the transitions between the Fall Line Freeway, Georgia-Florida Parkway, and GA 49 will ensure a smooth continuation of your journey.

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 97.2 miles from Thomson, GA, or about 2h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 66 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 43 miles or 1h 3m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 97.2 miles or 2h 20m 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 28m

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 Thomson, 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 Thomson, GA

This is one driving day of about 194.3 miles and 4h 14m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 miles from Thomson, 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 Fall Line Freeway for about 66 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Macon, GA, GA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Macon, GA

97 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

Sparta, GA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Macon, GA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 97.2 miles from Thomson, GA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Fall Line Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 66 miles.

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 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.6 and 154.4 — 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 | US 278; GA 12 / Hill Street

Turn right onto US 278; GA 12 / Hill Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
7
87.7 mi into trip | ~2h 9m in | GA 540

Take the exit onto GA 540 toward I 16:west: Atlanta, Valdosta

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Toward I 16:west: Atlanta, Valdosta
8
88.4 mi into trip | ~2h 10m in | GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway toward I 75 South, GA 540 West: Valdosta

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left / straight lanes. Toward I 75 South, GA 540 West: Valdosta
6
89.5 mi into trip | ~2h 12m in | GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
8
154.4 mi into trip | ~3h 22m 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...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$30.38 one way

$60.77 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 68 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $33.22 $66.44
premium $4.70 $35.96 $71.92
diesel $5.61 $42.90 $85.80

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$30

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$55–$80

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 68 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 58.3 0 $20.40 $9.33
Efficient EV 48.6 0 $17.00 $7.77
EV Truck/SUV 77.7 0 $27.20 $12.44

Gas CO2

68 kg

EV CO2

23 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.

Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Thomson, GA

Late night in Thomson on Tuesday

Local time

5:09 AM

EDT

Current temp

88°F

Sunny

W 2 to 6 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 5:50AM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 15 at 8:01PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA

Destination

Albany, GA

Late night in Albany on Tuesday

Local time

5:09 AM

EDT

Current temp

86°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

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 14m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

The character of this drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 65% of the route utilizing higher-speed roads. You'll experience a significant stretch of 66 miles on the Fall Line Freeway, offering a consistent pace for a good portion of your trip. While the majority is highway, expect some transitions as you navigate using Georgia-Florida Parkway and GA 49. This mix means the road's personality can shift, but the overall emphasis remains on covering ground efficiently rather than a winding, scenic exploration.

65% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 66 mi on Fall Line Freeway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Fall Line Freeway and Georgia-Florida Parkway. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.6 miles in near US 278; GA 12 / Hill 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 194.3 miles you will encounter 13 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 0.6 miles (US 278; GA 12 / Hill Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 87.7 miles (GA 540): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 88.4 miles (GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 Thomson, GA to Albany, GA, road signs begin pointing toward Valdosta along the way.

Valdosta

87.7 mi in | ~2h 9m | via GA 540

About the Cities

Arriving in Albany, GA

Full guide →

Founded 1836

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.

Top landmarks

  • • Albany Municipal Auditorium — concert hall and multi-use auditorium in Albany, Georgia
  • • Old St. Teresa Catholic Church — church building in Albany, United States of America
  • • United States Post Office and Courthouse — historic building in Albany, Georgia

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 4h 14m. Total distance: 194.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 66 miles on Fall Line Freeway. 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 0.6 miles (US 278; GA 12 / Hill Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 87.7 miles (GA 540): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 88.4 miles (GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 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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