Trip from Athens, GA to Marietta, GA

Drive Time

1h 39m

Distance

77.2 mi

124 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$12

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 23 min

4 AM

1h 32m ★

6 AM

1h 40m

8 AM

1h 55m

10 AM

1h 45m

12 PM

1h 44m

3 PM

1h 46m

5 PM

1h 54m

8 PM

1h 35m

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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Athens, GA

Efrem Efre

Trip Overview

Spanning 77.2 miles, the drive from Athens to Marietta typically takes about 1 hour and 39 minutes. Because this is a relatively short trip through Georgia, it functions perfectly as a straightforward day trip, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. Expect to spend approximately $12 on fuel for the journey. You will navigate a mix of roads including University Parkway, I-85, and the Atlanta Bypass, also known as The Perimeter. Since both the origin and destination are located in the Southeast, the drive remains within a familiar regional landscape. It is a practical, efficient route that connects two major hubs without requiring a multi-day commitment.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

0 planned breaks

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

38.6 miles from Athens, GA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 51m into the drive .

Drive Character

This trip features a mixed driving profile, transitioning between varied road types as you head toward Marietta. You will spend about 60% of your time on highways, providing a balanced experience behind the wheel. The longest uninterrupted stretch occurs early on, covering 35.2 miles along University Parkway. As you transition onto the Atlanta Bypass and I-85, the pace shifts to accommodate heavier traffic patterns common to the metropolitan area. The road personality changes from the more open stretches near Athens to the busier, more complex interchanges that characterize the approach to the Perimeter.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

University Parkway is the longest continuous segment at about 35.2 miles.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

1,124 ft 656 ft

Total Climb

1,069 ft

Total Descent

699 ft

Highest Point

1,124 ft

~77.2 mi in

Elevation Range

468 ft

How Hard Is This Drive?

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 5.7 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 77.2 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 5.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 55.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 55.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 21 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

5.7 mi into trip | ~9m in

Take the exit toward US 78 Business, GA 10: Atlanta Highway, Monroe

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 18 Toward US 78 Business, GA 10: Atlanta Highway,...

55.2 mi into trip | ~1h 10m in

Take the exit toward I 285 West Bypass: Chattanooga, Birmingham

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 95B Toward I 285 West Bypass: Chattanooga, Birmingh...

55.8 mi into trip | ~1h 12m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 285 West: Chattanooga, Birmingham

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 285 West: Chattanooga, Birmingham

68.3 mi into trip | ~1h 27m in

Take the exit toward I 75: Atlanta, Marietta, Chattanooga

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 20 Toward I 75: Atlanta, Marietta, Chattanooga

68.6 mi into trip | ~1h 27m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 75 North: Marietta, Chattanooga

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

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 75 North: Marietta, Chattanooga

Towns Along This Route

Between Athens, GA and Marietta, GA, road signs point toward Monroe, Birmingham and Chattanooga.

Monroe

5.7 mi in | ~9m

Birmingham

55.2 mi in | ~1h 10m

Chattanooga

68.3 mi in | ~1h 27m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
University Parkway	35.2 mi	43m
Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter	12 mi	14m
I 85	9 mi	9m
Larry McDonald Memorial Highway	4.8 mi	5m
Outer Loop 10	3.2 mi	3m
Atlanta Highway	2.3 mi	4m
Prince Avenue	2.1 mi	4m
North Marietta Parkway	1.8 mi	3m

Longest stretch: University Parkway — 35.2 mi, about 43m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Athens, GA and Marietta, GA.

Start on North Lumpkin Street

101 ft · 6 sec · North Lumpkin Street

Turn right onto West Dougherty Street

0.2 mi · 29 sec · West Dougherty Street

Continue on Prince Avenue

2.1 mi · 4 min · Prince Avenue

Use the straight / right lanes.

Turn left

0.2 mi · 25 sec

Toward GA 10 Loop South Use the left lane.

Merge onto GA 10 Loop

3.2 mi · 3 min · Outer Loop 10

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 32 sec

Exit 18 Toward US 78 Business, GA 10: Atlanta Highway, Monroe Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

268 ft · 6 sec

Toward GA 10, US 78 Bus

Turn right onto US 78 Business; GA 10

2.3 mi · 4 min · Atlanta Highway

Use the left / straight lanes.

Turn slight left onto US 78 Business; GA 10

1.2 mi · 1 min · Monroe Highway

Use the left lane.

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min

Toward US 29 West, GA 316 West: Atlanta Use the right lane.

Merge onto US 29; GA 8; GA 316

35 mi · 43 min · University Parkway

Use the left lane.

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 1 min

Toward I 85 South: Atlanta

Merge onto I 85

9.0 mi · 9 min · I 85

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min

Exit 95B Toward I 285 West Bypass: Chattanooga, Birmingham Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 32 sec

Toward I 285 West: Chattanooga, Birmingham Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 285

12 mi · 14 min · Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 27 sec

Exit 20 Toward I 75: Atlanta, Marietta, Chattanooga Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.9 mi · 1 min

Toward I 75 North: Marietta, Chattanooga Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 21 sec

Toward I 75 North: Marietta, Chattanooga Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 75

4.8 mi · 5 min · Larry McDonald Memorial Highway

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 30 sec

Exit 265 Toward GA 120 Alternate: North Marietta Parkway Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn left onto GA 120 ALT

1.8 mi · 3 min · North Marietta Parkway

Use the left / straight lanes.

Turn left onto Church Street

0.4 mi · 59 sec · Church Street

Use the left lane.

Arrive at destination

West Park Square

Trip Plan

For the smoothest experience, plan your departure to avoid peak congestion on the Atlanta Bypass, as traffic density can significantly impact your travel time. Since the total drive is under two hours, you have the flexibility to complete the journey without any mandatory stops, though keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is wise given the $12 estimated cost. If you are traveling during standard commuting hours, prepare for slower speeds on I-85. Use the first 35.2 miles on University Parkway to settle into your drive before navigating the more intricate highway junctions. Embracing this route's brevity allows you to maximize your time once you arrive at your destination in Marietta.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.

The halfway point lands around 38.6 miles from Athens, GA, or about 51m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 35.2 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 77.2 miles or 1h 39m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 38.6 miles or 51m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 23m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Marietta, GA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Athens, 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 Athens, GA

This is one driving day of about 77.2 miles and 1h 39m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Athens, GA.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.

The longest stretch is on University Parkway for about 35.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 38.6 mi from Athens, GA · 51m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cleveland, TN

39 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

Centre, AL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 77.2 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Cleveland, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 38.6 miles from Athens, GA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Marietta, GA

The final approach into Marietta, GA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Marietta, GA.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$12.36 one way

$24.71 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 27 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.43	$13.46	$26.92
premium	$4.78	$14.52	$29.04
diesel	$5.64	$17.15	$34.30

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$12

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$37–$62

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 27 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	23.2	$8.11	$3.71
Efficient EV	19.3	$6.76	$3.09
EV Truck/SUV	30.9	$10.81	$4.94

Gas CO2

27 kg

EV CO2

9 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 data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

Athens, GA

Evening in Athens on Sunday

Local time

8:14 PM

EDT

Current temp

89°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Marietta, GA

Evening in Marietta on Sunday

Local time

8:14 PM

EDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

64°F

Cleveland, TN

39 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

26 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

1h 39m 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Athens, GA to Marietta, GA covers 77.2 miles and takes about 1h 39m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are University Parkway, Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter, I 85. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 38.6 miles from Athens, GA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $12.36 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

Between Athens, GA and Marietta, GA, road signs point toward Monroe, Birmingham and Chattanooga.

Gently rolling terrain. The route ranges from 656 ft to 1,124 ft elevation with about 1,069 ft of total climbing.

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Return Trip

Marietta, GA to Athens, GA

Plan the drive back the other way.

78.5 mi 1h 41m

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Trip from Athens, GA to Marietta, GA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

Elevation Profile

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Marietta, GA

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Athens, GA

Marietta, GA

Same local time

26 degrees cooler at arrival

1h 39m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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