This 163.1-mile drive from Dawsonville, GA to Augusta, GA is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take around 3 hours and 32 minutes. You'll navigate through a mix of roads, including portions of the Carl Sanders Highway and US 78, with about 36% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is $26, making it an economical option for exploring Georgia. This route offers a practical way to travel between the Southeast regions, suitable for a straightforward journey 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
81.5 miles from Dawsonville, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 56m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 32m. Total distance: 163.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
Expect a mixed drive on this 163.1-mile route. While 36% of the journey is on highways, you'll also encounter local roads like Lexington Road. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 26.6 miles on the Carl Sanders Highway, offering a good opportunity to settle in. This route provides a varied driving experience, transitioning between potentially faster highway sections and more localized road segments as you make your way across Georgia.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 34 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Carl Sanders Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 26.6 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 7.3 miles in near GA 53 / State Route 53.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 163.1 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 7.3 miles (GA 53 / State Route 53): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 22.8 miles (GA 60; GA 369 / Jesse Jewell Parkway Southwest): Lane positioning matters here; at 63.4 miles (US 129; US 441; 10 Loop; 15 / Inner Loop 10): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
5
7.3 mi into trip|~12m in|GA 53 / State Route 53
Enter roundabout onto GA 53 / State Route 53
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
22.8 mi into trip|~36m in|GA 60; GA 369 / Jesse Jewell Parkway Southwest
Turn left onto GA 60; GA 369 / Jesse Jewell Parkway Southwest
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
63.4 mi into trip|~1h 31m in|US 129; US 441; 10 Loop; 15 / Inner Loop 10
Take the exit onto US 129; US 441; 10 Loop; 15 / Inner Loop 10 toward US 129 South, US 441 South, GA 10 Loop Inner: Watkinsville, Lexington
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 10C
Toward US 129 South, US 441 South, GA 10 Loop I...
8
65.9 mi into trip|~1h 35m in
Take the exit toward US 78, GA 10: Oconee Street, Lexington Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 8
Toward US 78, GA 10: Oconee Street, Lexington R...
7
130.2 mi into trip|~2h 54m in
Take the ramp toward I-20 East: Augusta
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I-20 East: Augusta
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 Dawsonville, GA to Augusta, GA, road signs begin pointing toward Lexington along the way.
Lexington
63.4 mi in|~1h 31m|via US 129; US 441; 10 Loop; 15
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Carl Sanders Highway
26.6 mi
28m
Lexington Road
23.3 mi
29m
US 78
21.9 mi
27m
US 129
21.4 mi
31m
Athens Highway
14.3 mi
17m
Dawsonville Highway
13 mi
19m
Washington Road
11.7 mi
14m
Athens Road
8.4 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
Carl Sanders Highway
— 26.6 mi, about 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dawsonville, GA and Augusta, GA.
1
Start on GA 9; GA 53
0.1 mi·19 sec·GA 9; GA 53
Use the straight / left lanes.
2
Turn slight right onto GA 53
7.2 mi·12 min·GA 53
Use the slight right lane.
3
Enter roundabout onto GA 53
132 ft·2 sec·State Route 53
4
Continue on GA 53
1.6 mi·2 min·State Route 53
5
Continue on GA 53
13 mi·19 min·Dawsonville Highway
6
Continue on GA 53 Connector
0.7 mi·1 min·John W Morrow Parkway
7
Turn left onto GA 60; GA 369
0.5 mi·55 sec·Jesse Jewell Parkway Southwest
Use the straight lane.
8
Turn right onto US 129 Business; GA 11
1.8 mi·3 min·E. E. Butler Parkway
9
Continue on US 129; GA 11
14 mi·17 min·Athens Highway
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on US 129; GA 11
8.1 mi·11 min·US 129; GA 11
Use the straight lane.
11
Continue on US 129; GA 15 Alternate
13 mi·18 min·US 129; GA 15 Alternate
Use the straight / right lanes.
12
Take the exit onto US 129
0.5 mi·1 min·US 129
13
Merge onto US 129; GA 10 Loop
2.7 mi·3 min·Inner Loop 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit onto US 129; US 441; 10 Loop; 15
2.5 mi·3 min·Inner Loop 10
Exit 10CToward US 129 South, US 441 South, GA 10 Loop Inner: Watkinsville, LexingtonUse the slight right lane.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·13 sec
Exit 8Toward US 78, GA 10: Oconee Street, Lexington RoadUse the right lane.
16
Turn right onto US 78 Business; GA 10
0.1 mi·14 sec·Oconee Street
Use the right lane.
17
Continue on US 78 Business; GA 10
1.5 mi·2 min·Lexington Road
Use the straight lane.
18
Continue on US 78; GA 10
0.2 mi·24 sec·Lexington Highway
19
Continue on US 78; GA 10
5.8 mi·8 min·Lexington Road
Use the left lane.
20
Continue on US 78; GA 10
8.4 mi·9 min·Athens Road
21
Continue on US 78; GA 10; GA 22
0.9 mi·58 sec·Main Street
22
Continue on US 78; GA 10; GA 22
9.3 mi·10 min·Washington Road
23
Continue on US 78; GA 10
16 mi·18 min·Lexington Road
24
Turn right onto US 78; GA 10; GA 17
22 mi·27 min·US 78; GA 10; GA 17
Use the straight lane.
25
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward I-20 East: AugustaUse the left lane.
26
Merge onto I 20
27 mi·28 min·Carl Sanders Highway
Use the straight lane.
27
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 199Toward GA 28: Augusta
28
Keep slight right at fork
481 ft·11 sec
29
Turn straight onto GA 28
2.4 mi·4 min·Washington Road
30
Turn straight onto GA 28
2.7 mi·3 min·Calhoun Expressway
31
Continue on GA 28
0.1 mi·13 sec·Greene Street
32
Turn right onto 11th Street
0.4 mi·44 sec·11th Street
33
Turn right onto Walton Way
225 ft·3 sec·Walton Way
34
Arrive at destination
Walton Way
Trip Plan
With a driving time of just over 3.5 hours, this trip from Dawsonville to Augusta offers flexibility. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize your day, and plan for one stop along the way to break up the 163.1 miles. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is 26.6 miles on the Carl Sanders Highway, so keep an eye on your fuel levels before embarking on this segment. The $26 fuel estimate is a good baseline, but it's always wise to have a little extra for unexpected detours or local exploration.
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 81.5 miles from Dawsonville, GA, or about 1h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 26.6 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 36 miles or 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 81.5 miles or 1h 56m 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 58m
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 Dawsonville, 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 Dawsonville, GA
This is one driving day of about 163.1 miles and 3h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Dawsonville, 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 26.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 81.5 mi from Dawsonville, GA
· 1h 56m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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,...
28 mi from route
~69 min detour
$5
near mile 11.2
Park Closure: Island Ford Trail Closures Winter 2025-2026
Park Closure: Restrooms and Water Fountains Unavailable at Powers Island and Akers Mill
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.51 one way
$51.01 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg57 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$27.89
$55.78
premium
$4.70
$30.19
$60.37
diesel
$5.61
$36.01
$72.02
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 57.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
48.9
0
$17.13
$7.83
Efficient EV
40.8
0
$14.27
$6.52
EV Truck/SUV
65.2
0
$22.83
$10.44
Gas CO2
57 kg
EV CO2
19 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.
Forecast as of Apr 17, 2026
Origin
Dawsonville, GA
Evening
in Dawsonville on Friday
Local time
5:05 PM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Augusta, GA
Evening
in Augusta on Friday
Local time
5:05 PM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Mostly Clear
SW 2 mph0% chanceLive forecast
75°F
Jefferson, GA
82 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
13 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 32m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Dawsonville, GA to Augusta, GA covers 163.1 miles and takes about 3h 32m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Carl Sanders Highway, Lexington Road, US 78. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 81.5 miles from Dawsonville, GA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.51 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 17 significant decision points across 163.1 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 7.3 miles (GA 53 / State Route 53): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 22.8 miles (GA 60; GA 369 / Jesse Jewell Parkway Southwest): Lane positioning matters here; at 63.4 miles (US 129; US 441; 10 Loop; 15 / Inner Loop 10): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Dawsonville, GA to Augusta, GA, road signs begin pointing toward Lexington along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
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.
