Origin
Augusta, GA
Late night in Augusta on Wednesday
Local time
5:43 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Augusta, GA to Russell, GA
Data updated 3 hours ago
Drive Time
2h 26m
Distance
119.4 mi
192 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$19
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 17m
★
6 AM
2h 27m
8 AM
2h 47m
10 AM
2h 34m
12 PM
2h 32m
3 PM
2h 35m
5 PM
2h 46m
8 PM
2h 21m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Augusta, GA
Wikimedia Commons
Russell, GA
Piotr Kowalonek
Trip Overview
This 119.4-mile drive from Augusta, GA to Russell, GA is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 26 minutes. You'll primarily navigate US 78 and the Carl Sanders Highway, with a portion on Washington Road. With a fuel cost estimated at $19, this is an economical journey through the Southeast. The mixed driving profile means you'll experience a variety of road types, so it's best to plan for the entire trip without needing an overnight stop. This route offers a straightforward way to cover ground between these two Georgia locations.
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
59.7 miles from Augusta, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 11m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Your journey will feature a mixed drive profile, with 48% of the route on highways. Expect a solid stretch of 42.6 miles on US 78, which will likely feel like the most continuous part of your drive. The Carl Sanders Highway and Washington Road will introduce different driving conditions as you progress. This isn't a completely monotonous interstate experience, but rather a blend that keeps things interesting as you travel across the landscape.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 78 is the longest continuous segment at about 42.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 5.8 miles in near I 20 / Carl Sanders Highway.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 119.4 miles you will encounter 12 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 5.8 miles (I 20 / Carl Sanders Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 32.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 96.9 miles (US 78): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
5.8 mi into trip
|
~9m in
|
I 20 / Carl Sanders Highway
Merge onto I 20 / Carl Sanders Highway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
32.7 mi into trip
|
~38m in
Take the exit toward US 78, GA 17: Thomson, Washington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 78, GA 17: Thomson, Washington
5
96.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 57m in
|
US 78
Turn left onto US 78 toward US 129 South, US 441 South, US 29 South, GA 10 Loop South, US 78 West, GA 10 West
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 129 South, US 441 South, US 29 South,...
5
97.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 57m in
|
US 29; US 78; US 129; US 441; GA 8; GA 10 Loop; GA 15 / Inner Loop 10
Merge onto US 29; US 78; US 129; US 441; GA 8; GA 10 Loop; GA 15 / Inner Loop 10
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
103.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 4m in
|
US 29; US 78; GA 8
Take the exit onto US 29; US 78; GA 8 toward US 29 South, US 78 West, GA 316 West: Atlanta, 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 1
Toward US 29 South, US 78 West, GA 316 West: At...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Augusta, GA and Russell, GA, road signs point toward Washington and Monroe.
Washington
32.7 mi in
|
~38m
Monroe
103.2 mi in
|
~2h 4m
|
via US 29; US 78; GA 8
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 78 | 42.6 mi | 51m |
| Carl Sanders Highway | 26.9 mi | 28m |
| Washington Road | 13.3 mi | 17m |
| University Parkway | 12.2 mi | 15m |
| Thomson Road | 11 mi | 13m |
| Inner Loop 10 | 5.9 mi | 6m |
| Hog Mountain Road | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| Calhoun Expressway | 1.7 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
US 78
— 42.6 mi, about 51m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Augusta, GA and Russell, GA.
1
Start on Walton Way
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Walton Way
2
Turn straight
235 ft
·
8 sec
3
Turn right onto 15th Street
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
15th Street
4
Turn slight left
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
5
Merge onto GA 28
1.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Calhoun Expressway
6
Continue on GA 28
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Washington Road
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
8
Merge onto I 20
27 mi
·
28 min
·
Carl Sanders Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Toward US 78, GA 17: Thomson, Washington
10
Turn right onto GA 17
11 mi
·
12 min
·
Washington Road
11
Continue on US 78; GA 10; GA 17
11 mi
·
13 min
·
Thomson Road
12
Turn left onto US 78; GA 10
42 mi
·
51 min
·
US 78; GA 10
13
Turn left onto US 78
0.4 mi
·
29 sec
·
US 78
Toward US 129 South, US 441 South, US 29 South, GA 10 Loop South, US 78 West, GA 10 West
14
Merge onto US 29; US 78; US 129; US 441; GA 8; GA 10 Loop; GA 15
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Inner Loop 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit onto US 29; US 78; GA 8
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
·
US 29; US 78; GA 8
Exit 1
Toward US 29 South, US 78 West, GA 316 West: Atlanta, Monroe
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
At end of road, turn left onto University Parkway
12 mi
·
15 min
·
University Parkway
Use the left lane.
17
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 27
Toward GA 53: Hog Mountain Road
18
Turn slight right
137 ft
·
3 sec
19
Turn right onto GA 8; GA 53
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Hog Mountain Road
20
Continue on East Midland Avenue
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
East Midland Avenue
21
Turn right
236 ft
·
17 sec
22
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 2-hour 26-minute duration, you can comfortably depart Augusta, GA, any time of day and reach Russell, GA within the same day. With no designated stops, you have the flexibility to pull over as needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the 42.6-mile stretch on US 78, to ensure you have enough to reach your destination without needing to search for a gas station. The estimated fuel cost of $19 makes this an affordable trip, so budget accordingly.
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 59.7 miles from Augusta, GA, or about 1h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 42.6 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 80 miles or 1h 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 59.7 miles or 1h 11m 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 58m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Russell, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Augusta, 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 Augusta, GA
This is one driving day of about 119.4 miles and 2h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Augusta, 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 US 78 for about 42.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 59.7 mi from Augusta, GA · 1h 11m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
60 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 59.7 miles from Augusta, GA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Russell, GA
The final approach into Russell, 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 Russell, 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
$18.67 one way
$37.34 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
42 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $20.42 | $40.83 |
| premium | $4.70 | $22.10 | $44.20 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $26.36 | $52.72 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$19
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 41.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 35.8 | 0 | $12.54 | $5.73 |
| Efficient EV | 29.9 | 0 | $10.45 | $4.78 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 47.8 | 0 | $16.72 | $7.64 |
Gas CO2
42 kg
EV CO2
14 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.
Destination
Russell, GA
Late night in Russell on Wednesday
Local time
5:43 AM
EDT
Current temp
91°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
27 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
2h 26m 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 Augusta, GA to Russell, GA covers 119.4 miles and takes about 2h 26m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 78, Carl Sanders Highway, Washington Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 59.7 miles from Augusta, GA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $18.67 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.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 119.4 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.8 miles (I 20 / Carl Sanders Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 32.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 96.9 miles (US 78): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Augusta, GA and Russell, GA, road signs point toward Washington and Monroe.
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