Origin
Ellijay, GA
Afternoon in Ellijay on Friday
Local time
12:39 PM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Ellijay, GA to Augusta, GA
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 16m
Distance
194.2 mi
313 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 4m
★
6 AM
4h 17m
8 AM
4h 43m
10 AM
4h 26m
12 PM
4h 23m
3 PM
4h 27m
5 PM
4h 42m
8 PM
4h 9m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Ellijay, GA
Wikimedia Commons
Augusta, GA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Ellijay to Augusta is 194.2 miles and takes about 4h 16m via Carl Sanders Highway and US 78, with a fuel budget near $30 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This journey traverses the Southeast region, staying within the state of Georgia. It's a practical drive, suitable for a single day without feeling overly rushed. You'll experience a mixed driving profile, offering a bit of variety on your way to Augusta. Consider this trip when you need a straightforward route connecting these two Georgian locales.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
97.1 miles from Ellijay, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 19m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 16m. Total distance: 194.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 16m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Drive Character
This route offers a mixed drive, meaning you won't be on a single type of road for the entire journey. With 44% of the drive on highways, expect some stretches of faster travel. The longest uninterrupted segment you'll encounter is 26.6 miles on Carl Sanders Highway, providing a good opportunity to settle into a rhythm. As you progress, the road character shifts, blending highway sections with other types of roads like Lexington Road, so be prepared for changes in speed and scenery. This variety keeps the drive engaging without being overly demanding.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 42 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 0.2 miles in near GA 2; GA 52 / River Street.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 194.2 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 0.2 miles (GA 2; GA 52 / River Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 22.2 miles (GA 136): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 94.5 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 21 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
GA 2; GA 52 / River Street
Enter roundabout onto GA 2; GA 52 / River Street
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
6
22.2 mi into trip
|
~32m in
|
GA 136
Keep slight left at fork onto GA 136
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
94.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 15m 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
97 mi into trip
|
~2h 19m 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
161.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 38m 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 Ellijay, GA to Augusta, GA, road signs begin pointing toward Lexington along the way.
Lexington
94.5 mi in
|
~2h 15m
|
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 |
| Highway 52 East | 18.2 mi | 25m |
| GA 136 | 15.7 mi | 21m |
| Athens Highway | 14.3 mi | 17m |
| Washington Road | 11.7 mi | 14m |
Longest stretch:
Carl Sanders Highway
— 26.6 mi, about 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ellijay, GA and Augusta, GA.
1
Start on North Church Street
419 ft
·
24 sec
·
North Church Street
2
Turn left onto North Main Street
412 ft
·
15 sec
·
North Main Street
3
Enter roundabout onto GA 2; GA 52
311 ft
·
17 sec
·
River Street
4
Continue on GA 2; GA 52
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
River Street
Use the straight lane.
5
Continue on GA 52
18 mi
·
25 min
·
Highway 52 East
Use the left / straight lanes.
6
Enter roundabout onto GA 183
43 ft
·
0 sec
·
Elliott Family Parkway
7
Continue on GA 183
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Elliott Family Parkway
8
Keep slight left at fork onto GA 136
16 mi
·
21 min
·
GA 136
Use the straight lane.
9
Turn left onto US 19; GA 400
0.5 mi
·
33 sec
·
US 19; GA 400
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on US 19; GA 400
127 ft
·
1 sec
·
US 19; GA 400
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
11
Continue on US 19; GA 400
418 ft
·
5 sec
·
US 19; GA 400
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
12
Turn right onto Henry Grady Highway
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Henry Grady Highway
13
Turn left onto GA 136
8.5 mi
·
15 min
·
Price Road
14
Turn right onto GA 60
5.3 mi
·
6 min
·
Thompson Bridge Road
15
Continue on GA 60
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Green Street Northeast
16
Continue on GA 11 Business; GA 60
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
E. E. Butler Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Continue on US 129; GA 11
14 mi
·
17 min
·
Athens Highway
Use the straight lane.
18
Continue on US 129; GA 11
8.1 mi
·
11 min
·
US 129; GA 11
Use the straight lane.
19
Continue on US 129; GA 15 Alternate
13 mi
·
18 min
·
US 129; GA 15 Alternate
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Take the exit onto US 129
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
US 129
21
Merge onto US 129; GA 10 Loop
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Inner Loop 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit onto US 129; US 441; 10 Loop; 15
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Inner Loop 10
Exit 10C
Toward US 129 South, US 441 South, GA 10 Loop Inner: Watkinsville, Lexington
Use the slight right lane.
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
13 sec
Exit 8
Toward US 78, GA 10: Oconee Street, Lexington Road
Use the right lane.
24
Turn right onto US 78 Business; GA 10
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
Oconee Street
Use the right lane.
25
Continue on US 78 Business; GA 10
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Lexington Road
Use the straight lane.
26
Continue on US 78; GA 10
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
Lexington Highway
27
Continue on US 78; GA 10
5.8 mi
·
8 min
·
Lexington Road
Use the left lane.
28
Continue on US 78; GA 10
8.4 mi
·
9 min
·
Athens Road
29
Continue on US 78; GA 10; GA 22
0.9 mi
·
58 sec
·
Main Street
30
Continue on US 78; GA 10; GA 22
9.3 mi
·
10 min
·
Washington Road
31
Continue on US 78; GA 10
16 mi
·
18 min
·
Lexington Road
32
Turn right onto US 78; GA 10; GA 17
22 mi
·
27 min
·
US 78; GA 10; GA 17
Use the straight lane.
33
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Toward I-20 East: Augusta
Use the left lane.
34
Merge onto I 20
27 mi
·
28 min
·
Carl Sanders Highway
Use the straight lane.
35
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 199
Toward GA 28: Augusta
36
Keep slight right at fork
481 ft
·
11 sec
37
Turn straight onto GA 28
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
Washington Road
38
Turn straight onto GA 28
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Calhoun Expressway
39
Continue on GA 28
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
·
Greene Street
40
Turn right onto 11th Street
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
·
11th Street
41
Turn right onto Walton Way
225 ft
·
3 sec
·
Walton Way
42
Arrive at destination
Walton Way
Trip Plan
Given the drive duration of just over 4 hours, this trip is easily manageable in a single day, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. You'll want to factor in one planned stop to break up the journey and refuel if necessary, especially considering the $30 fuel cost estimate. Pay attention to the transitions between the main roads, particularly when moving from Carl Sanders Highway to other routes like Lexington Road or US 78. Starting your drive earlier in the day will give you ample time to reach Augusta comfortably before evening.
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 97.1 miles from Ellijay, GA, or about 2h 19m 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 43 miles or 1h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 97.1 miles or 2h 19m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 35m
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 Ellijay, 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 Ellijay, GA
This is one driving day of about 194.2 miles and 4h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 miles from Ellijay, 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 97.1 mi from Ellijay, GA · 2h 19m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
97 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 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 97.1 miles from Ellijay, GA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Augusta, GA
The final approach into Augusta, 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 Augusta, 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
$30.37 one way
$60.74 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
68 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $33.21 | $66.41 |
| premium | $4.70 | $35.94 | $71.88 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $42.88 | $85.75 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 67.9 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 | 58.3 | 0 | $20.39 | $9.32 |
| Efficient EV | 48.6 | 0 | $16.99 | $7.77 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 77.7 | 0 | $27.19 | $12.43 |
Gas CO2
68 kg
EV CO2
23 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
Augusta, GA
Afternoon in Augusta on Friday
Local time
12:39 PM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
50°F
Gainesville, GA
97 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
32 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
4h 16m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Ellijay, GA to Augusta, GA covers 194.2 miles and takes about 4h 16m 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 97.1 miles from Ellijay, GA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $30.37 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 194.2 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 0.2 miles (GA 2; GA 52 / River Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 22.2 miles (GA 136): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 94.5 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 Ellijay, GA to Augusta, GA, road signs begin pointing toward Lexington along the way.
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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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