Trip from California, GA to Blackshear, GA

Drive Time

5h 35m

Distance

266 mi

428 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$43

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

5h 22m ★

6 AM

5h 35m

8 AM

6h 2m

10 AM

5h 44m

12 PM

5h 42m

3 PM

5h 46m

5 PM

6h 0m

8 PM

5h 27m

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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California, GA

Lesli Whitecotton

Blackshear, GA

aboodi vesakaran

Trip Overview

Spanning 266 miles through the Southeast, this journey from California to Blackshear, Georgia, takes approximately 5 hours and 35 minutes of driving time. Because the route is straightforward and manageable, you can easily complete it in a single day, making it an efficient choice for those looking to reach their destination without an overnight split. You should budget about $43 for fuel to cover the trip. Navigating primarily via I-75, I-16, and Blackshear Highway Southeast, you will find this to be a highway-focused drive that prioritizes speed and directness over rural detours. Whether you are traveling for business or a quick visit, the path is designed for steady progress across the Georgia landscape.

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

133 miles from California, GA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 36m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a trip dominated by high-speed interstate travel, with 79% of the route consisting of highway driving. You will spend a significant portion of your time on I-75, which features the longest uninterrupted stretch of the journey at 77.1 miles. As you transition from the interstate onto Blackshear Highway Southeast, the pace of the drive shifts from the monotonous grind of major thoroughfares to the localized feel of state roads. This mix provides a predictable rhythm, allowing you to cover the majority of the 266-mile distance with ease. Staying alert is key, as the transition between major highways and local roads marks the most significant change in road character.

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

There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 75 is the longest continuous segment at about 77.1 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and I 16. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2 miles in near US 278; GA 6 / Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway.

Route Complexity 9/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 266 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 2 miles (US 278; GA 6 / Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway): Lane positioning matters here; at 27.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 27.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 17 key points

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

2 mi into trip | ~3m in | US 278; GA 6 / Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway

Turn left onto US 278; GA 6 / Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight left lanes.

27.4 mi into trip | ~38m in

Take the exit toward I 75 North, I 85 North, I 75 South, I 85 South: Chattanooga, Greenville, Macon, Montgomery

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 57 Toward I 75 North, I 85 North, I 75 South, I 85...

27.6 mi into trip | ~39m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 75 South, I 85 South: Macon, Montgomery

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 South, I 85 South: Macon, Montgomer...

96.3 mi into trip | ~1h 56m in | I 75

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward Macon, Savannah

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

Use the none lane. Toward Macon, Savannah

108.6 mi into trip | ~2h 10m in

Take the exit toward I 16 East: Jim Gillis Highway, Savannah

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 165 Toward I 16 East: Jim Gillis Highway, Savannah

Towns Along This Route

Between California, GA and Blackshear, GA, road signs point toward Greenville, Macon, Montgomery, Savannah and Vidalia.

Greenville

27.4 mi in | ~38m

Macon

27.4 mi in | ~38m

Montgomery

27.4 mi in | ~38m

Savannah

96.3 mi in | ~1h 56m | via I 75

Vidalia

175.3 mi in | ~3h 22m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 75	77.1 mi	1h 25m
I 16	65.6 mi	1h 10m
Blackshear Highway Southeast	34.5 mi	51m
GA 29	20.6 mi	26m
US 1	13.1 mi	15m
Tom Murphy Freeway	12.2 mi	14m
Cedar Crossing Road	10.4 mi	21m
GA 135	9.2 mi	13m

Longest stretch: I 75 — 77.1 mi, about 1h 25m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between California, GA and Blackshear, GA.

Start on GA 92

2.0 mi · 3 min · Hiram Acworth Highway

Use the none lane.

Turn left onto US 278; GA 6

0.9 mi · 1 min · Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway

Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Continue on US 278; GA 6

1.0 mi · 1 min · Wendy Bagwell Parkway

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 278; GA 6

7.4 mi · 10 min · C H James Parkway

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 278; GA 6

3.5 mi · 5 min · Thornton Road

Use the straight / right lanes.

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min

Toward I 20 East: Atlanta Use the right lane.

Merge onto I 20

12 mi · 14 min · Tom Murphy Freeway

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 21 sec

Exit 57 Toward I 75 North, I 85 North, I 75 South, I 85 South: Chattanooga, Greenville, Macon, Montgomery Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min

Toward I 75 South, I 85 South: Macon, Montgomery Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 75; I 85

1.0 mi · 1 min · Downtown Connector

Continue on I 75; I 85

2.3 mi · 3 min · James Wendell George Parkway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75

65 mi · 1 hr 11 min · I 75

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75

12 mi · 13 min · I 75

Toward Macon, Savannah Use the none lane.

Take the exit

1.1 mi · 1 min

Exit 165 Toward I 16 East: Jim Gillis Highway, Savannah Use the slight right lane.

Continue on I 16

66 mi · 1 hr 10 min · I 16

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec

Exit 67 Toward GA 29: Soperton, Vidalia

Turn right onto GA 29

21 mi · 26 min · GA 29

Use the none lane.

Continue on GA 135

9.2 mi · 13 min · GA 135

At end of road, turn left onto 135

0.3 mi · 32 sec · West Broad Street

Turn right onto 135

308 ft · 6 sec · 135

Turn left onto East Broad Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · East Broad Street

Continue on Cedar Crossing Road

10 mi · 21 min · Cedar Crossing Road

Turn right onto US 1; GA 4; GA 15

3.7 mi · 4 min · US 1; GA 4; GA 15

Continue on US 1; 4; 15

1.4 mi · 1 min · Plant Hatch Parkway

Continue on US 1; GA 4; GA 15

9.4 mi · 10 min · US 1; GA 4; GA 15

Use the straight / right lanes.

Turn left onto 15

35 mi · 51 min · Blackshear Highway Southeast

Arrive at destination

GA 15; GA 121

Trip Plan

To keep your energy levels consistent, plan for at least one dedicated stop during your 5 hour and 35 minute trek. Since the route relies heavily on major arteries, departing early in the morning can help you avoid potential congestion on the interstate sections. Monitor your fuel gauge before leaving the more remote stretches of the highway, as keeping your budget near the $43 estimate is easier when you avoid unnecessary idling in heavy traffic. Given that this is a one-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time based on your personal preference for morning or afternoon driving. Make sure to double-check your route navigation when transitioning from I-16 onto Blackshear Highway Southeast to ensure a smooth final leg.

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 133 miles from California, GA, or about 2h 36m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 77.1 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 38m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 133 miles or 2h 36m 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 28m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving California, 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 California, GA

This is one driving day of about 266 miles and 5h 35m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from California, 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 I 75 for about 77.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 133 mi from California, GA · 2h 36m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Dadeville, AL

133 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

Dadeville, AL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Dadeville, AL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 133 miles from California, GA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 77.1 miles.

Arriving in Blackshear, GA

The final approach into Blackshear, 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 Blackshear, 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

$42.57 one way

$85.14 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 93 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.43	$46.38	$92.76
premium	$4.78	$50.04	$100.07
diesel	$5.64	$59.10	$118.19

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$43

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$68–$93

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 93.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	79.8	0	$27.93	$12.77
Efficient EV	66.5	0	$23.28	$10.64
EV Truck/SUV	106.4	1	$37.24	$17.02

Gas CO2

93 kg

EV CO2

31 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 data refreshed 1 day ago

Origin

California, GA

Night in California on Sunday

Local time

9:22 PM

EDT

Current temp

89°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Blackshear, GA

Night in Blackshear on Sunday

Local time

9:22 PM

EDT

Current temp

59°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

30 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

5h 35m 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from California, GA to Blackshear, GA covers 266 miles and takes about 5h 35m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 75, I 16, Blackshear Highway Southeast. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 133 miles from California, GA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $42.57 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Between California, GA and Blackshear, GA, road signs point toward Greenville, Macon, Montgomery, Savannah and Vidalia.

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Return Trip

Blackshear, GA to California, GA

Plan the drive back the other way.

265.9 mi 5h 34m

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Trip from California, GA to Blackshear, GA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

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 Blackshear, GA

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

California, GA

Blackshear, GA

Same local time

30 degrees cooler at arrival

5h 35m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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