Origin
Covington, GA
Night in Covington on Sunday
Local time
11:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Covington, GA to Alpharetta, GA
Drive Time
1h 9m
Distance
57 mi
92 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$9
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 4m
★
6 AM
1h 9m
8 AM
1h 20m
10 AM
1h 13m
12 PM
1h 12m
3 PM
1h 14m
5 PM
1h 20m
8 PM
1h 6m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Covington, GA
Mr. Location Scout
Alpharetta, GA
Ramaz Bluashvili
Trip Overview
Traveling from Covington to Alpharetta covers 57 miles of Georgia terrain, typically taking about 1 hour and 9 minutes to complete. Because the trip is relatively short, it is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, eliminating the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $9 on fuel for the journey. The route stays entirely within the Southeast region, transitioning between two local hubs. It is a straightforward, practical drive that provides a direct connection between these two Georgia communities.
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
28.5 miles from Covington, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 33m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. You will spend 0% of your time on highways, navigating instead via local routes like Monticello Street Southwest, Washington Street Southwest, and Church Street. This configuration requires your full attention at the wheel, as the path relies on surface streets rather than high-speed lanes. Prepare for a more hands-on driving experience that keeps you engaged with the local road network from start to finish.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Purple Heart Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 22.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
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 24.5 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 57 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 24.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 42.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 43.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
24.5 mi into trip
|
~28m in
Take the exit toward I 285 Bypass North: Greenville, Chattanooga
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 67B
Toward I 285 Bypass North: Greenville, Chattano...
7
42.7 mi into trip
|
~50m in
Take the exit toward GA 400 North, GA 400 South, Peachtree Dunwoody Road, US 19 North: Cumming, Dahlonega, Atlanta
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.
Toward GA 400 North, GA 400 South, Peachtree Du...
6
43.1 mi into trip
|
~50m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 19 North, GA 400 North, GA 400 South: Cumming, Dahlonega, Atlanta
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 19 North, GA 400 North, GA 400 South:...
8
43.8 mi into trip
|
~51m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 19 North, GA 400 North: Cumming, Dahlonega
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 19 North, GA 400 North: Cumming, Dahl...
8
54.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 5m in
Take the exit toward Alpharetta, Haynes Bridge Road
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 9
Toward Alpharetta, Haynes Bridge Road
Towns Along This Route
Between Covington, GA and Alpharetta, GA, road signs point toward Chattanooga, Dahlonega and Atlanta.
Chattanooga
24.5 mi in
|
~28m
Dahlonega
42.7 mi in
|
~50m
Atlanta
42.7 mi in
|
~50m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Purple Heart Highway | 22.5 mi | 24m |
| Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter | 17.8 mi | 20m |
| Turner McDonald Parkway | 9.1 mi | 11m |
| Haynes Bridge Road | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| Highway 278 Northwest | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| US 278 | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Pace Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| South Main Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Purple Heart Highway
— 22.5 mi, about 24m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Covington, GA and Alpharetta, GA.
1
Start on this road
80 ft
·
1 sec
·
this road
2
Turn straight onto Monticello Street Southwest
101 ft
·
2 sec
·
Monticello Street Southwest
3
Turn left onto Washington Street Southwest
236 ft
·
4 sec
·
Washington Street Southwest
4
Keep slight left at fork onto Church Street
305 ft
·
6 sec
·
Church Street
5
Continue on Pace Street
0.4 mi
·
59 sec
·
Pace Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Turn left onto US 278; GA 12
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Highway 278 Northwest
Use the left lane.
7
Take the ramp onto US 278; GA 12
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
US 278; GA 12
Toward I 20 West: Atlanta
8
Merge onto I 20; US 278; GA 12
22 mi
·
24 min
·
Purple Heart Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
57 sec
Exit 67B
Toward I 285 Bypass North: Greenville, Chattanooga
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 285
18 mi
·
20 min
·
Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
Toward GA 400 North, GA 400 South, Peachtree Dunwoody Road, US 19 North: Cumming, Dahlonega, Atlanta
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi
·
47 sec
Toward US 19 North, GA 400 North, GA 400 South: Cumming, Dahlonega, Atlanta
13
Keep slight right at fork
2.0 mi
·
2 min
Toward US 19 North, GA 400 North: Cumming, Dahlonega
Use the slight right lane.
14
Merge onto US 19; GA 400
9.1 mi
·
11 min
·
Turner McDonald Parkway
Use the straight lane.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 9
Toward Alpharetta, Haynes Bridge Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn left onto Haynes Bridge Road
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Haynes Bridge Road
Use the none lane.
17
Turn left onto GA 120
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
Old Milton Parkway
Use the left lane.
18
Turn right onto GA 9
0.3 mi
·
52 sec
·
South Main Street
19
Turn right onto Academy Street
139 ft
·
3 sec
·
Academy Street
20
Arrive at destination
Academy Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a compact 57-mile trip, you have plenty of flexibility in your scheduling to avoid peak congestion. With no mandatory stops required to reach your destination, you can complete the drive in one consistent push. Keep an eye on local traffic patterns, as the reliance on town streets means your travel time can fluctuate based on local activity. For the most efficient experience, aim to depart outside of typical commuting hours to ensure you maintain that 1 hour and 9 minute pace. Budgeting $9 for fuel should comfortably cover your needs for this specific distance.
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 28.5 miles from Covington, GA, or about 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 22.5 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 57 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 28.5 miles or 33m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 57m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Alpharetta, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Covington, 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 Covington, GA
This is one driving day of about 57 miles and 1h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Covington, 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 Purple Heart Highway for about 22.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 28.5 mi from Covington, GA · 33m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
29 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 57 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 28.5 miles from Covington, GA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Alpharetta, GA
The final approach into Alpharetta, 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 Alpharetta, 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
$9.12 one way
$18.24 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
20 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $9.94 | $19.88 |
| premium | $4.78 | $10.72 | $21.44 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $12.66 | $25.33 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$9
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$34–$59
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 19.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 17.1 | 0 | $5.98 | $2.74 |
| Efficient EV | 14.3 | 0 | $4.99 | $2.28 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 22.8 | 0 | $7.98 | $3.65 |
Gas CO2
20 kg
EV CO2
7 kg (65% 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
Alpharetta, GA
Night in Alpharetta on Sunday
Local time
11:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
64°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
3 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
1h 9m 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 Covington, GA to Alpharetta, GA covers 57 miles and takes about 1h 9m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Purple Heart Highway, Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter, Turner McDonald Parkway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 28.5 miles from Covington, GA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $9.12 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 is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 57 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 24.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 42.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 43.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Covington, GA and Alpharetta, GA, road signs point toward Chattanooga, Dahlonega and Atlanta.
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