Origin
Clarkston, GA
Afternoon in Clarkston on Saturday
Local time
3:24 PM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Clarkston, GA to Albany, GA
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 33m
Distance
186.2 mi
300 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$29
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 21m
★
6 AM
3h 34m
8 AM
3h 59m
10 AM
3h 43m
12 PM
3h 40m
3 PM
3h 44m
5 PM
3h 57m
8 PM
3h 26m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Clarkston, GA
Vitaliy Mitrofanenko
Albany, GA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 186.2-mile journey from Clarkston, GA to Albany, GA is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 33 minutes. The route predominantly utilizes major roadways like the Fall Line Freeway and I-75, with Georgia-Florida Parkway also playing a part, making up 81% of the drive. With a projected fuel cost of around $29, this trip is an economical option for a quick excursion within the Southeast region. Its efficiency makes it ideal for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
93.1 miles from Clarkston, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 44m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Line Freeway | 56.9 mi | 1h |
| I 75 | 49.3 mi | 53m |
| Georgia-Florida Parkway | 35.1 mi | 43m |
| Larry Justice Highway | 16.1 mi | 17m |
| Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter | 11.7 mi | 13m |
| Terrell Starr Parkway | 10.2 mi | 11m |
| East Oglethorpe Boulevard | 2.9 mi | 4m |
| East Ponce de Leon Avenue | 0.6 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Fall Line Freeway
— 56.9 mi, about 1h
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clarkston, GA and Albany, GA.
1
Start on Market Street
54 ft
·
9 sec
·
Market Street
2
Turn left onto East Ponce de Leon Avenue
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Ponce de Leon Avenue
3
Turn left onto Mell Avenue
143 ft
·
7 sec
·
Mell Avenue
4
Turn right onto Church Street
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
Church Street
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward I 285 South
6
Merge onto I 285
12 mi
·
13 min
·
Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
1.1 mi
·
2 min
Exit 52
Toward I 675 South: Macon
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 675
10 mi
·
11 min
·
Terrell Starr Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 75
49 mi
·
53 min
·
I 75
Use the straight lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 475
16 mi
·
17 min
·
Larry Justice Highway
Exit 177
Toward I 475 South: Valdosta
Use the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto I 75; GA 540
57 mi
·
1 hr
·
Fall Line Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Exit 99
Toward GA 300 South: Georgia-Florida Parkway, Albany
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Turn right onto GA 300
35 mi
·
43 min
·
Georgia-Florida Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Continue on Cordele Road
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
Cordele Road
Use the straight lane.
15
Turn right onto Old Cordele Road
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
Old Cordele Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Turn straight onto US 82 Business; GA 520 Business
449 ft
·
10 sec
·
Sylvester Highway
17
Continue on US 82 Business; GA 520 Business
2.9 mi
·
4 min
·
East Oglethorpe Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Turn right onto South Broadway Street
365 ft
·
16 sec
·
South Broadway Street
Use the right lane.
19
Turn left onto East Broad Avenue
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
·
East Broad Avenue
Use the left lane.
20
Turn right onto North Front Street
510 ft
·
12 sec
·
North Front Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Enter roundabout onto Pine Avenue
110 ft
·
2 sec
·
Pine Avenue
22
Continue on Pine Avenue
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
·
Pine Avenue
23
Arrive at destination
Pine Avenue
Trip Plan
Given that this 186.2-mile trip is estimated to take just 3 hours and 33 minutes, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience. Consider an early start to maximize your daylight hours upon arrival in Albany. With the longest stretch on the Fall Line Freeway being 56.9 miles, plan for a single, efficient fuel and rest stop if needed, keeping in mind the estimated $29 fuel cost. The predominantly highway nature means you'll cover ground quickly, so being mindful of your fuel gauge before embarking on longer segments is a practical tip for this journey.
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 93.1 miles from Clarkston, GA, or about 1h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 56.9 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 41 miles or 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 93.1 miles or 1h 44m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 49m
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 Clarkston, 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 Clarkston, GA
This is one driving day of about 186.2 miles and 3h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 41 miles from Clarkston, 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 Fall Line Freeway for about 56.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
93 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 41 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 93.1 miles from Clarkston, GA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 165 decision points cluster between mile 0.9 and 182 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.9 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Take the ramp toward I 285 South
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
Toward I 285 South
7
12.7 mi into trip
|
~15m in
Take the exit toward I 675 South: Macon
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 52
Toward I 675 South: Macon
8
73.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 23m in
|
I 475 / Larry Justice Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 475 / Larry Justice Highway toward I 475 South: Valdosta
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 177
Toward I 475 South: Valdosta
8
146.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 41m 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
182 mi into trip
|
~3h 26m in
|
Old Cordele Road
Turn right onto Old Cordele Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$29.12 one way
$58.24 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
65 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $31.84 | $63.67 |
| premium | $4.70 | $34.46 | $68.92 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $41.11 | $82.22 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 65.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 55.9 | 0 | $19.55 | $8.94 |
| Efficient EV | 46.6 | 0 | $16.29 | $7.45 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 74.5 | 0 | $26.07 | $11.92 |
Gas CO2
65 kg
EV CO2
22 kg (66% 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
Albany, GA
Afternoon in Albany on Saturday
Local time
3:24 PM
EDT
Current temp
54°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
2 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
3h 33m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Welcome to Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park & Preservation District where a young boy grows up in a time of segregation. He was moved by destiny to lead the modern civil rights movemen...
6 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 12.8
View on nps.gov
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...
8 mi from route
~19 min detour
Free
near mile 83.5
View on nps.gov
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
Today the river valley attracts us for so many reasons. Take a solitary walk to enjoy nature’s display, raft leisurely through the rocky shoals with friends, fish the misty waters as the sun comes up,...
13 mi from route
~33 min detour
$5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience for the majority of this drive, with 81% of the route on faster roads. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 56.9 miles on the Fall Line Freeway, offering a sustained period of steady travel. While primarily on high-speed highways, the route may offer some variation as you transition between the Fall Line Freeway, I-75, and Georgia-Florida Parkway. This blend ensures a generally efficient pace for most of the 186.2-mile trip, minimizing time spent on slower local roads.
81% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 56.9 mi on Fall Line Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Fall Line Freeway and I 75. You will hit about 16 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.9 miles in.
Driving Effort
6/10
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 186.2 miles you will encounter 16 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 0.9 miles: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 12.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 73.3 miles (I 475 / Larry Justice Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
About the Cities
Arriving in Albany, GA
Full guide →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.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 33m. Total distance: 186.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (81%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 56.9 miles on Fall Line Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.9 miles: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 12.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 73.3 miles (I 475 / Larry Justice Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park and Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Albany, GA, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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