This 177.8-mile drive from Hephzibah, GA to Alpharetta, GA is a manageable 3-hour and 22-minute journey, making it an ideal one-day trip. You'll navigate primarily via the Carl Sanders Highway and Purple Heart Highway, with a portion on the Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter. With a fuel cost estimated at $28, this route offers an economical way to travel within the Southeast region. The drive is characterized by its frequent turns, suggesting a more local feel rather than a constant interstate cruise. Given its duration and profile, it's perfectly suited for a single-day excursion 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
88.9 miles from Hephzibah, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 41m into the drive
.
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for this 177.8-mile trip, as indicated by the route's profile. While 9% of your journey will be on highways, the majority involves navigating local roads and managing frequent turns. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 82.2 miles on the Carl Sanders Highway, offering a period of more consistent travel before transitioning back to more varied road conditions. This isn't a monotonous interstate grind; rather, it's a route that requires your attention as you transition between different road types and manage more frequent directional changes.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 23 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 82.2 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 15.3 miles in near I 520 / Bobby Jones Expressway.
Route Complexity10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 177.8 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 15.3 miles (I 520 / Bobby Jones Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 145.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
15.3 mi into trip|~21m in|I 520 / Bobby Jones Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 520 / Bobby Jones Expressway toward I 20: Atlanta, Lexington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 20: Atlanta, Lexington
7
16 mi into trip|~22m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 20 West: Atlanta
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 20 West: Atlanta
8
145.3 mi into trip|~2h 41m 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...
8
164.6 mi into trip|~3h 4m 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
175.7 mi into trip|~3h 18m 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 Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Hephzibah, GA and Alpharetta, GA, road signs point toward Lexington, Chattanooga, Dahlonega and Atlanta.
Lexington
15.3 mi in|~21m|via I 520
Chattanooga
145.3 mi in|~2h 41m
Dahlonega
163.6 mi in|~3h 3m
Atlanta
163.6 mi in|~3h 3m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Carl Sanders Highway
82.2 mi
1h 28m
Purple Heart Highway
46.6 mi
50m
Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
17.8 mi
20m
Turner McDonald Parkway
9.1 mi
11m
Bobby Jones Expressway
6.8 mi
7m
Peach Orchard Road
6.1 mi
9m
Georgia 88
2.2 mi
3m
Haynes Bridge Road
1.3 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Carl Sanders Highway
— 82.2 mi, about 1h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hephzibah, GA and Alpharetta, GA.
1
Start on GA 88
2.2 mi·3 min·Georgia 88
2
Turn left onto US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT
1.7 mi·2 min·Peach Orchard Road
3
Continue on US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT
0.3 mi·21 sec·Nellie Drive
4
Continue on US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT
4.3 mi·6 min·Peach Orchard Road
5
Turn left
0.2 mi·22 sec
6
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
7
Merge onto I 520
6.1 mi·7 min·Bobby Jones Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 520
0.7 mi·53 sec·Bobby Jones Expressway
Toward I 20: Atlanta, LexingtonUse the straight lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 20 West: AtlantaUse the straight / slight left lanes.
10
Merge onto I 20
82 mi·1 hr 28 min·Carl Sanders Highway
Use the straight lane.
11
Continue on I 20
47 mi·50 min·Purple Heart Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi·57 sec
Exit 67BToward I 285 Bypass North: Greenville, ChattanoogaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 285
18 mi·20 min·Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward GA 400 North, GA 400 South, Peachtree Dunwoody Road, US 19 North: Cumming, Dahlonega, AtlantaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·47 sec
Toward US 19 North, GA 400 North, GA 400 South: Cumming, Dahlonega, Atlanta
16
Keep slight right at fork
2.0 mi·2 min
Toward US 19 North, GA 400 North: Cumming, DahlonegaUse the slight right lane.
17
Merge onto US 19; GA 400
9.1 mi·11 min·Turner McDonald Parkway
Use the straight lane.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Exit 9Toward Alpharetta, Haynes Bridge RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn left onto Haynes Bridge Road
1.3 mi·2 min·Haynes Bridge Road
Use the left lane.
20
Turn left onto GA 120
0.2 mi·21 sec·Old Milton Parkway
Use the left lane.
21
Turn right onto GA 9
0.3 mi·52 sec·South Main Street
22
Turn right onto Academy Street
139 ft·3 sec·Academy Street
23
Arrive at destination
Academy Street
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour and 22-minute drive, leaving in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic, especially as you approach Alpharetta. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to break up the 177.8 miles. Consider a brief pause around the 82.2-mile mark on the Carl Sanders Highway for a stretch. The estimated fuel cost of $28 is quite reasonable, so plan to fuel up before you leave Hephzibah to ensure you have a full tank for the entire trip. Keep an eye out for the transitions between the main roads like the Carl Sanders Highway and Purple Heart Highway, as these often signal changes in the driving environment.
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 88.9 miles from Hephzibah, GA, or about 1h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82.2 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 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 88.9 miles or 1h 41m 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 42m
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 Hephzibah, 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 Hephzibah, GA
This is one driving day of about 177.8 miles and 3h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Hephzibah, 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 82.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 88.9 mi from Hephzibah, GA
· 1h 41m into the drive
The midpoint is around 88.9 miles from Hephzibah, GA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before Carl Sanders Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 82.2 miles.
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.
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,...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
$5
near mile 171.7
Park Closure: Island Ford Trail Closures Winter 2025-2026
Park Closure: Restrooms and Water Fountains Unavailable at Powers Island and Akers Mill
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 147.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.80 one way
$55.61 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg62 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$30.40
$60.80
premium
$4.70
$32.91
$65.81
diesel
$5.61
$39.26
$78.51
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 62.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
53.3
0
$18.67
$8.53
Efficient EV
44.5
0
$15.56
$7.11
EV Truck/SUV
71.1
0
$24.89
$11.38
Gas CO2
62 kg
EV CO2
21 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.
Forecast data refreshed 5 days ago
Origin
Hephzibah, GA
Late night
in Hephzibah on Wednesday
Local time
12:54 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Alpharetta, GA
Late night
in Alpharetta on Wednesday
Local time
12:54 AM
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
2 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 22m 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 Hephzibah, GA to Alpharetta, GA covers 177.8 miles and takes about 3h 22m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Carl Sanders Highway, Purple Heart Highway, Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 88.9 miles from Hephzibah, GA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $27.80 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 177.8 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 15.3 miles (I 520 / Bobby Jones Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 145.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Hephzibah, GA and Alpharetta, GA, road signs point toward Lexington, Chattanooga, Dahlonega and Atlanta.
