Waycross, GA to Smyrna, GA is 204.8 miles and takes about 4h 38m via US 441, US 319, and US 23, with a fuel budget near $31 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Georgia, traversing the Southeast region. You'll find the route offers a mix of highway cruising and surface roads, making it a straightforward drive. Consider this an easy, single-day option if you're looking to cover ground without a major time commitment.
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
102.4 miles from Waycross, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 22m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 441
55.3 mi
1h 9m
US 319
29.5 mi
40m
US 23
17.6 mi
26m
East Golden Isles Highway
16 mi
22m
North Pierce Street
15.2 mi
17m
Alma Highway
14 mi
18m
US 441 Bypass
8.3 mi
11m
Madison Road
6.6 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
US 441
— 55.3 mi, about 1h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waycross, GA and Smyrna, GA.
1
Start on Church Street
94 ft·5 sec·Church Street
2
Turn right onto Albany Avenue
488 ft·15 sec·Albany Avenue
3
Turn left onto US 84; US 1 Business; GA 38
282 ft·12 sec·Plant Avenue
Use the left lane.
4
Turn left onto US 1 Business
0.4 mi·41 sec·State Street
Use the left lane.
5
Continue on US 1 Business
1.2 mi·2 min·Ossie Davis Parkway
6
Continue on US 1 Business
1.8 mi·2 min·State Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Continue on US 1 Business
14 mi·18 min·Alma Highway
Use the left lane.
8
Continue on US 1; US 23; GA 4
15 mi·17 min·North Pierce Street
9
Turn left onto US 23; GA 19
18 mi·26 min·US 23; GA 19
Use the left lane.
10
Turn right onto US 23; GA 19
301 ft·5 sec·Larry Contos Boulevard
11
Continue on US 23; GA 19
0.8 mi·1 min·Tallahassee Street
12
At end of road, turn left onto US 23; US 341; GA 19; GA 27
0.5 mi·55 sec·East Jarman Street
Use the left lane.
13
Continue on US 23; US 221; US 341; GA 19; GA 27; GA 135
1.0 mi·1 min·West Coffee Street
14
Continue on US 23; US 341; GA 19; GA 27
5.3 mi·7 min·Lumber City Highway
15
Continue on US 23; US 341; GA 19; GA 27
16 mi·22 min·East Golden Isles Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Continue on US 23; US 341; GA 27
0.8 mi·1 min·East Oak Street
Use the straight lane.
17
Turn slight right onto US 23; US 341; GA 27
0.8 mi·1 min·Railroad Street
18
Turn right onto US 280; US 319; US 441; GA 30; GA 31
1.6 mi·2 min·South 3rd Avenue
Use the right lane.
19
Turn left onto US 319; US 441; GA 31
28 mi·38 min·US 319; US 441; GA 31
Use the left lane.
20
Continue on US 319; US 441; GA 31; GA 117
1.2 mi·2 min·US 319; US 441; GA 31; GA 117
Use the straight lane.
21
Turn left onto US 441 Bypass; GA 117
8.3 mi·11 min·US 441 Bypass; GA 117
Use the left lane.
22
Continue on US 441; GA 29
44 mi·55 min·US 441; GA 29
Use the straight lane.
23
Turn left onto US 441; GA 24
4.7 mi·7 min·North Columbia Street
Use the left lane.
24
Continue on US 441; GA 24
11 mi·14 min·US 441; GA 24
25
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 24
4.5 mi·6 min·James Marshall Bypass
26
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 24
3.8 mi·5 min·Madison Road
27
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 24
1.5 mi·2 min·Madison Highway
28
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 24
0.5 mi·40 sec·Madison Road Highway
29
Continue on US 129; US 441; 24
2.9 mi·3 min·Madison Road
30
Continue on US 129; US 441; 24
2.2 mi·2 min·Madison Highway
31
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 24
1.3 mi·1 min·US 129; US 441; GA 24
32
Turn right onto Seven Islands Road
1.1 mi·2 min·Seven Islands Road
33
Turn left onto Bethany Church Road
2.6 mi·3 min·Bethany Church Road
34
Turn straight onto Bethany Road
3.7 mi·5 min·Bethany Road
35
Turn right onto US 129 Bypass; US 441 Bypass; 24 Bypass
2.6 mi·3 min·Madison Bypass
36
Turn right onto US 278; GA 12
3.0 mi·4 min·Greensboro Road
Use the right lane.
37
Turn right onto Buckhead Road
103 ft·2 sec·Buckhead Road
38
Arrive at destination
Buckhead Road
Trip Plan
With a drive time under 5 hours, this trip is easily completed in a single day. Leaving Waycross in the morning should allow ample time to reach Smyrna before evening. The route has a recommended stop, suggesting a good point to stretch your legs or refuel. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 55.3-mile stretch on US 441, as services might be more spread out in that section. The estimated fuel cost is $31, 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 102.4 miles from Waycross, GA, or about 2h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 55.3 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 45 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102.4 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 3h 47m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Smyrna, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Waycross, 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 Waycross, GA
This is one driving day of about 204.8 miles and 4h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Waycross, 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 US 441 for about 55.3 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 77.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|US 84; US 1 Business; GA 38 / Plant Avenue
Turn left onto US 84; US 1 Business; GA 38 / Plant Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
0.2 mi into trip|~0m in|US 1 Business / State Street
Turn left onto US 1 Business / State Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
51.3 mi into trip|~1h 9m in|US 23; US 341; GA 19; GA 27 / East Jarman Street
At end of road, turn left onto US 23; US 341; GA 19; GA 27 / East Jarman Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
75.8 mi into trip|~1h 45m in|US 280; US 319; US 441; GA 30; GA 31 / South 3rd Avenue
Turn right onto US 280; US 319; US 441; GA 30; GA 31 / South 3rd Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
77.3 mi into trip|~1h 48m in|US 319; US 441; GA 31
Turn left onto US 319; US 441; GA 31
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.24 one way
$60.47 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg72 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$33.23
$66.46
premium
$4.49
$36.22
$72.44
diesel
$4.80
$38.67
$77.34
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: 71.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
61.4
0
$21.50
$9.83
Efficient EV
51.2
0
$17.92
$8.19
EV Truck/SUV
81.9
1
$28.67
$13.11
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (67% 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 Jul 19, 2026
Origin
Waycross, GA
Morning
in Waycross on Sunday
Local time
7:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Mostly Clear
SW 0 to 3 mph6% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 9:35PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 9:23PM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
Destination
Smyrna, GA
Morning
in Smyrna on Sunday
Local time
7:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
0 mph20% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 9:35PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 9:23PM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 38m 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.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
24 mi from route
~61 min detour
Free
near mile 141.2
Caution: River Trail periodically closed under I-16
Park Closure: BOARDWALK CLOSED along the River Trail
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This 204.8-mile route is about 55% highway, meaning you'll experience around 2 hours and 30 minutes of faster-paced travel. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is 55.3 miles on US 441. Expect to transition from highway sections to surface roads, which can involve more frequent speed changes and intersections as you get closer to your destination.
55% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
38 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 55.3 mi on US 441.
How Hard Is This Drive?
4/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near US 84; US 1 Business; GA 38 / Plant Avenue.
Driving Effort4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 4h 38m drive. You will face about 15 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (US 84; US 1 Business; GA 38 / Plant Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.2 miles (US 1 Business / State Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 51.3 miles (US 23; US 341; GA 19; GA 27 / East Jarman Street): Lane positioning matters here.
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 55.3 miles on US 441. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 10 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.
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 0.1 miles (US 84; US 1 Business; GA 38 / Plant Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.2 miles (US 1 Business / State Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 51.3 miles (US 23; US 341; GA 19; GA 27 / East Jarman Street): Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Smyrna, GA, but most travelers stay overnight.
