Origin
Clarkston, GA
Afternoon in Clarkston on Saturday
Local time
1:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Clarkston, GA to Augusta, GA
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 42m
Distance
144.5 mi
233 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$23
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 32m
★
6 AM
2h 43m
8 AM
3h 4m
10 AM
2h 50m
12 PM
2h 48m
3 PM
2h 51m
5 PM
3h 3m
8 PM
2h 36m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Clarkston, GA
Vitaliy Mitrofanenko
Augusta, GA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 144.5-mile journey from Clarkston, GA to Augusta, GA takes approximately 2 hours and 42 minutes and is best suited for a single day trip. You'll primarily navigate the Carl Sanders Highway, Purple Heart Highway, and the Atlanta Bypass/The Perimeter. With an estimated fuel cost of $23, this route offers a straightforward drive within the Southeast region. The overall feel is that of a turn-heavy local drive, so keep that in mind as you plan your departure. Given its manageable distance and duration, this trip is ideal for a single day's adventure without the need for an overnight stay.
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
72.2 miles from Clarkston, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 22m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Carl Sanders Highway | 84.9 mi | 1h 30m |
| Purple Heart Highway | 45.2 mi | 48m |
| Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter | 3.3 mi | 3m |
| Calhoun Expressway | 2.7 mi | 3m |
| Washington Road | 2.4 mi | 4m |
| Covington Highway | 1.8 mi | 2m |
| Wesley Chapel Road | 1.7 mi | 2m |
| East Ponce de Leon Avenue | 0.6 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Carl Sanders Highway
— 84.9 mi, about 1h 30m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clarkston, GA and Augusta, 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
3.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 43
Toward US 278: Covington Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Turn left onto US 278; GA 12
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Covington Highway
Use the straight lane.
9
Turn right onto Wesley Chapel Road
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Wesley Chapel Road
Use the right lane.
10
Turn left
0.4 mi
·
59 sec
Toward I 20 East
Use the left lane.
11
Merge onto I 20
45 mi
·
48 min
·
Purple Heart Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 20
85 mi
·
1 hr 30 min
·
Carl Sanders Highway
Use the straight lane.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 199
Toward GA 28: Augusta
14
Keep slight right at fork
481 ft
·
11 sec
15
Turn straight onto GA 28
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
Washington Road
16
Turn straight onto GA 28
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Calhoun Expressway
17
Continue on GA 28
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
·
Greene Street
18
Turn right onto 11th Street
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
·
11th Street
19
Turn right onto Walton Way
225 ft
·
3 sec
·
Walton Way
20
Arrive at destination
Walton Way
Trip Plan
For this 2 hour and 42 minute drive, leaving early can help you avoid potential traffic, especially around the Atlanta Bypass. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing your journey. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $23 for the 144.5 miles. A specific tip for this route: be prepared for the 'turn-heavy' nature of the drive, particularly as you transition between the Carl Sanders Highway and the Purple Heart Highway. This will help you maintain a steady pace and enjoy the drive.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 72.2 miles from Clarkston, GA, or about 1h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 84.9 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 32 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 72.2 miles or 1h 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 2h 11m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Augusta, 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 144.5 miles and 2h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 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 Carl Sanders Highway for about 84.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
72 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 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 72.2 miles from Clarkston, GA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Carl Sanders Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 84.9 miles.
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 145 decision points cluster between mile 0.9 and 8 — 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
5
1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
I 285 / Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
Merge onto I 285 / Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
4.4 mi into trip
|
~6m in
Take the exit toward US 278: Covington Highway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 43
Toward US 278: Covington Highway
5
6.4 mi into trip
|
~9m in
|
Wesley Chapel Road
Turn right onto Wesley Chapel Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
8 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Turn left toward I 20 East
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I 20 East
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$22.60 one way
$45.19 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
51 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $24.71 | $49.41 |
| premium | $4.70 | $26.74 | $53.49 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $31.90 | $63.81 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 50.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 43.4 | 0 | $15.17 | $6.94 |
| Efficient EV | 36.1 | 0 | $12.64 | $5.78 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 57.8 | 0 | $20.23 | $9.25 |
Gas CO2
51 kg
EV CO2
17 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
Augusta, GA
Afternoon in Augusta on Saturday
Local time
1:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
52°F
Madison, GA
72 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
31 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 42m 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...
8 mi from route
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 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 drive characterized by frequent turns, making it feel more like a local exploration than a monotonous interstate grind. While you'll encounter some highway stretches, including an 84.9-mile segment on the Carl Sanders Highway, the overall profile suggests a dynamic driving experience. The highway share is moderate, indicating a mix of faster travel and more involved local road navigation. As you progress, the road's character will shift, requiring your attention through various segments.
Only 2% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 84.9 mi on Carl Sanders Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.9 miles in.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 144.5 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 0.9 miles: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 1 miles (I 285 / Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 4.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 42m. Total distance: 144.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 84.9 miles on Carl Sanders Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Augusta, 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 1 miles (I 285 / Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 4.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Augusta, GA before heading back.
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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