Tybee Island, GA to Albany, GA is 242.3 miles and takes about 5h 6m via Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway and Georgia-Florida Parkway, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip primarily stays within Georgia, moving from the coast inland. Expect a drive that's mostly highway, making it a straightforward journey. It’s a solid choice if you need to get from one side of southern Georgia to the other efficiently, with a manageable distance for a single day. Consider this route for its directness and predictable travel time.
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
121.2 miles from Tybee Island, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 22m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
116 mi
2h 5m
Georgia-Florida Parkway
35.1 mi
43m
GA 257
22.5 mi
32m
Hawkinsville Road
15.7 mi
21m
Cordele Highway
9.4 mi
12m
Empire-Chester Highway
8.8 mi
11m
State Route 26
7.6 mi
11m
US 80
4.7 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
— 116 mi, about 2h 5m
Traffic on I-16
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 36 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~973 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,371
Quietest
1 AM
~108 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
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 Tybee Island, GA and Albany, GA.
At end of road, turn right onto US 23; GA 87; GA 257
0.4 mi·31 sec·Eastman Cochran Highway
19
Continue on US 23; GA 87; GA 257
455 ft·13 sec·Golden Isles Highway
20
Turn left onto GA 257
8.7 mi·11 min·GA 257
21
Continue on US 129 Alternate; GA 26; GA 112; GA 257
1.2 mi·2 min·US 129 Alternate; GA 26; GA 112; GA 257
Use the left / right lanes.
22
Take the ramp onto US 129 Alternate; GA 26; GA 112; GA 257
0.1 mi·17 sec·US 129 Alternate; GA 26; GA 112; GA 257
23
Continue on US 341; US 129 Alternate; GA 26; GA 27; GA 112; GA 230; GA 257
0.7 mi·1 min·US 341; US 129 Alternate; GA 26; GA 27; GA 112; GA 230; GA 257
24
Continue on US 341; US 129 Alternate; GA 26; GA 27; GA 112; GA 230; GA 257
0.1 mi·17 sec·US 341; US 129 Alternate; GA 26; GA 27; GA 112; GA 230; GA 257
25
At end of road, turn right onto US 341; US 129 Alternate; GA 27; GA 112; GA 230; GA 257
0.5 mi·1 min·Broad Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
26
Turn left onto GA 27; GA 257
0.8 mi·1 min·McCormick Avenue
Use the left lane.
27
Continue on GA 27; GA 257
3.0 mi·4 min·Vienna Highway
28
Turn slight left onto GA 257
9.4 mi·12 min·Cordele Highway
29
Continue on GA 257
16 mi·21 min·Hawkinsville Road
30
Turn left
0.5 mi·59 sec
Toward I-75 South: ValdostaUse the left lane.
31
Merge onto I 75
2.1 mi·2 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Exit 99Toward GA 300 South: Georgia-Florida Parkway, AlbanyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Turn right onto GA 300
35 mi·43 min·Georgia-Florida Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
34
Continue on Cordele Road
0.3 mi·41 sec·Cordele Road
Use the straight lane.
35
Turn right onto Old Cordele Road
0.2 mi·21 sec·Old Cordele Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
36
Turn straight onto US 82 Business; GA 520 Business
449 ft·10 sec·Sylvester Highway
37
Continue on US 82 Business; GA 520 Business
2.9 mi·4 min·East Oglethorpe Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
38
Turn right onto South Broadway Street
365 ft·16 sec·South Broadway Street
Use the right lane.
39
Turn left onto East Broad Avenue
0.4 mi·46 sec·East Broad Avenue
Use the left lane.
40
Turn right onto North Front Street
510 ft·12 sec·North Front Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
41
Enter roundabout onto Pine Avenue
110 ft·2 sec·Pine Avenue
42
Continue on Pine Avenue
0.4 mi·44 sec·Pine Avenue
43
Arrive at destination
Pine Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 6m duration, starting your drive from Tybee Island in the morning is your best bet to ensure you reach Albany with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop, plan to fuel up before you leave or early in your journey, as the $38 fuel cost estimate suggests. The longest stretch without a major road change is 116 miles, so be prepared for extended time on the Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before entering longer segments on GA 257.
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 121.2 miles from Tybee Island, GA, or about 2h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 116 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 53 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 121.2 miles or 2h 22m 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 9m
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 Tybee Island, 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 Tybee Island, GA
This is one driving day of about 242.3 miles and 5h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Tybee Island, 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 Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway for about 116 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 170.4 and 241.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
170.4 mi into trip|~3h 29m in|US 341; US 129 Alternate; GA 27; GA 112; GA 230; GA 257 / Broad Street
At end of road, turn right onto US 341; US 129 Alternate; GA 27; GA 112; GA 230; GA 257 / Broad Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
7
199.9 mi into trip|~4h 11m in
Turn left toward I-75 South: Valdosta
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I-75 South: Valdosta
8
202.4 mi into trip|~4h 14m 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...
6
238.1 mi into trip|~4h 59m in|Old Cordele Road
Turn right onto Old Cordele Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
241.9 mi into trip|~5h 5m in|Pine Avenue
Enter roundabout onto Pine Avenue
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.77 one way
$71.55 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg85 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$39.31
$78.62
premium
$4.49
$42.85
$85.70
diesel
$4.80
$45.75
$91.50
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 84.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
72.7
0
$25.44
$11.63
Efficient EV
60.6
0
$21.20
$9.69
EV Truck/SUV
96.9
1
$33.92
$15.51
Gas CO2
85 kg
EV CO2
28 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Tybee Island, GA
Late night
in Tybee Island on Sunday
Local time
3:06 AM
EDT
Current temp
91°F
Sunny
S 10 to 18 mph2% 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
Albany, GA
Late night
in Albany on Sunday
Local time
3:06 AM
EDT
Current temp
94°F
Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
WNW 0 to 5 mph48% 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
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
3 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
5h 6m 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.
Fort Pulaski National Monument
National Monument
For much of the 19th century, masonry fortifications were the United States’ main defense against overseas enemies. However, during the Civil War, new technology proved its superiority over these fort...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway-focused, with 80% of the drive utilizing faster roads. You'll experience a highway-style travel for significant portions, including the longest stretch of 116 miles along the Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway. While the profile suggests a highway-centric experience, be aware that you will also be using roads like GA 257, which may offer a slightly different feel as you progress. The overall character is one of steady movement, designed for covering ground efficiently rather than for leisurely scenic touring.
80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
43 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 116 mi on Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway and Georgia-Florida Parkway. You will hit about 22 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 170.4 miles in near US 341; US 129 Alternate; GA 27; GA 112; GA 230; GA 257 / Broad Street.
Driving Effort6/10
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 242.3 miles you will encounter 22 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 170.4 miles (US 341; US 129 Alternate; GA 27; GA 112; GA 230; GA 257 / Broad Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 199.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 202.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 6m. Total distance: 242.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 116 miles on Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 20 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 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. There are 20 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 170.4 miles (US 341; US 129 Alternate; GA 27; GA 112; GA 230; GA 257 / Broad Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 199.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 202.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Fort Pulaski National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Albany, GA before the return drive.
