Origin
Columbus, GA
Late night in Columbus on Wednesday
Local time
5:43 AM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Columbus, GA to Russell, GA
Data updated 3 hours ago
Drive Time
3h 7m
Distance
159.4 mi
256 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$25
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 56m
★
6 AM
3h 8m
8 AM
3h 31m
10 AM
3h 16m
12 PM
3h 13m
3 PM
3h 17m
5 PM
3h 30m
8 PM
3h 1m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Russell, GA
Piotr Kowalonek
Trip Overview
This 159.4-mile drive from Columbus, GA to Russell, GA is a straightforward, single-day adventure that should take about 3 hours and 7 minutes to complete. With a fuel cost estimated at $25, it's an economical option for a quick getaway within the Southeast region. The route utilizes a mix of major roads, including Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway, Chet Atkins Parkway, and University Parkway. Since it's a manageable distance, you can easily complete this trip in one go, giving you flexibility for stops along the way. It offers a practical way to travel between these two Georgia locations without requiring 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
79.7 miles from Columbus, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 29m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a mixed driving experience on this route, with 55% of the journey on highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 58.8 miles along Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway, offering a good opportunity to settle in for a solid period of driving. As you progress, the character of the roads will likely shift, transitioning between faster highway sections and potentially more varied local roads as you approach your destination. This blend means you'll experience different driving dynamics, keeping the journey engaging.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 58.8 miles.
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 0.7 miles in near 10th Avenue.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 159.4 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 0.7 miles (10th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.8 miles (Wynnton Road): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 111.3 miles (I 85 / Northeast Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.7 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
10th Avenue
Turn left onto 10th Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
0.8 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
Wynnton Road
Turn sharp right onto Wynnton Road
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
111.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 6m in
|
I 85 / Northeast Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 85 / Northeast Expressway toward I 85 North: Greenville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 251B
Toward I 85 North: Greenville
6
114 mi into trip
|
~2h 9m in
|
I 85 / Northeast Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 85 / Northeast Expressway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
132.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 30m in
Take the exit toward GA 316 East: Lawrenceville, Athens
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 106
Toward GA 316 East: Lawrenceville, Athens
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Columbus, GA to Russell, GA, road signs begin pointing toward Athens along the way.
Athens
132.6 mi in
|
~2h 30m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway | 58.8 mi | 1h 5m |
| Chet Atkins Parkway | 43.7 mi | 46m |
| University Parkway | 22 mi | 27m |
| Northeast Expressway | 12.4 mi | 15m |
| Interstate Highway 85 | 8.8 mi | 9m |
| Downtown Connector | 5.1 mi | 6m |
| Monroe Highway | 2.1 mi | 3m |
| Wynnton Road | 1.6 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway
— 58.8 mi, about 1h 5m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbus, GA and Russell, GA.
1
Start on US 27; GA 1
11 ft
·
5 sec
·
Veterans Parkway
2
Continue on US 27; GA 1
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
·
Veterans Parkway
Use the left lane.
3
Turn right onto 10th Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
10th Street
4
Turn left onto 10th Avenue
404 ft
·
16 sec
·
10th Avenue
Use the left lane.
5
Turn sharp right onto Wynnton Road
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Wynnton Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Continue on GA 22 Spur
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Macon Road
Use the left lane.
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Toward I 185 North
Use the left lane.
8
Merge onto I 185
44 mi
·
46 min
·
Chet Atkins Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 85
59 mi
·
1 hr 5 min
·
Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 75; I 85
5.1 mi
·
6 min
·
Downtown Connector
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 85
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Northeast Expressway
Exit 251B
Toward I 85 North: Greenville
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 85
9.7 mi
·
11 min
·
Northeast Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 85
8.8 mi
·
9 min
·
Interstate Highway 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
37 sec
Exit 106
Toward GA 316 East: Lawrenceville, Athens
15
Continue on GA 316
22 mi
·
27 min
·
University Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
419 ft
·
11 sec
Toward Harry McCarty Road
17
Turn slight left onto Harry McCarty Road
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
Harry McCarty Road
18
Continue on Harry Mc Carty Road
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Harry Mc Carty Road
19
Continue on Harry McCarty Road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Harry McCarty Road
20
At end of road, turn left onto GA 11
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Monroe Highway
21
Turn slight right
153 ft
·
5 sec
22
Turn slight right onto GA 8; GA 53
0.1 mi
·
10 sec
·
May Street
23
Continue on GA 8; GA 53
0.4 mi
·
34 sec
·
Atlanta Highway Southeast
24
Turn left onto Russell Cemetery Road
414 ft
·
20 sec
·
Russell Cemetery Road
25
Turn right onto East Midland Avenue
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
East Midland Avenue
26
Turn left
236 ft
·
17 sec
27
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour duration, starting your drive in the morning is a good idea, allowing you ample time to reach Russell, GA without feeling rushed. With only one recommended stop, you have plenty of flexibility to decide when and where you'd like to pull over for a break or a quick bite. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 58.8-mile stretch on Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway, as services might be less frequent. The $25 fuel estimate should cover the trip comfortably, but it's always wise to have a little extra buffer.
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 79.7 miles from Columbus, GA, or about 1h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 58.8 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 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 79.7 miles or 1h 29m 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 28m
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 Columbus, 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 Columbus, GA
This is one driving day of about 159.4 miles and 3h 7m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Columbus, 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 Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway for about 58.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 79.7 mi from Columbus, GA · 1h 29m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
80 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 79.7 miles from Columbus, 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
$24.93 one way
$49.85 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
56 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $27.25 | $54.51 |
| premium | $4.70 | $29.50 | $59.00 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $35.19 | $70.39 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 55.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 47.8 | 0 | $16.74 | $7.65 |
| Efficient EV | 39.9 | 0 | $13.95 | $6.38 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 63.8 | 0 | $22.32 | $10.20 |
Gas CO2
56 kg
EV CO2
19 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
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
12 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 7m 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 Columbus, GA to Russell, GA covers 159.4 miles and takes about 3h 7m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway, Chet Atkins Parkway, University Parkway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 79.7 miles from Columbus, GA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.93 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 159.4 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.7 miles (10th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.8 miles (Wynnton Road): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 111.3 miles (I 85 / Northeast Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
On the drive from Columbus, GA to Russell, GA, road signs begin pointing toward Athens along the way.
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