Origin
Macon, GA
Late night in Macon on Wednesday
Local time
2:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Macon, GA to Montgomery, GA
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
3h 15m
Distance
174.3 mi
280 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 4m
★
6 AM
3h 16m
8 AM
3h 40m
10 AM
3h 24m
12 PM
3h 22m
3 PM
3h 25m
5 PM
3h 39m
8 PM
3h 9m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Macon, GA
Wikimedia Commons
Montgomery, GA
Enam Sape
Trip Overview
This 174.3-mile drive from Macon, Georgia, to Montgomery, Georgia, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. You'll be spending about 95% of your time on highways, making it a straightforward journey through the Southeast. With an estimated fuel cost of $27, this route is quite budget-friendly. The primary roads you'll navigate include Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway and William F. Lynes Parkway. This drive is ideal for those seeking an efficient and uncomplicated transit between two points within the same state, offering a clear path with minimal detours.
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
87.1 miles from Macon, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 35m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive for this 174.3-mile stretch, with 95% of the journey occurring on high-speed roads. The longest uninterrupted segment you'll encounter is 161 miles, primarily on the Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway. This suggests a consistent pace for a significant portion of your travel. The profile indicates a smooth, direct experience, likely involving limited interactions with local traffic or slower-paced roads, allowing you to maintain a steady speed for most of the trip.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 16 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway is the longest continuous segment at about 161 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway and William F. Lynes Parkway. You will hit about 8 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near US 129; GA 11; GA 87 / Riverside Drive.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 174.3 miles you will encounter 8 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (US 129; GA 11; GA 87 / Riverside Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 1 miles: Navigation decision point; at 1.2 miles (I 16 / Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 8 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
|
US 129; GA 11; GA 87 / Riverside Drive
Turn right onto US 129; GA 11; GA 87 / Riverside Drive
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Take the ramp toward I 16 East: Savannah
Navigation decision point
Toward I 16 East: Savannah
5
1.2 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
I 16 / Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
Merge onto I 16 / Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
162.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 56m in
Take the exit toward I 516 East, US 80 East, US 17 South, GA 21 South: Lynes Parkway
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 164A
Toward I 516 East, US 80 East, US 17 South, GA...
8
162.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 56m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 516 East, US 80 East, US 17 South, GA 21 South: Lynes Parkway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 164A
Toward I 516 East, US 80 East, US 17 South, GA...
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway | 161 mi | 2h 53m |
| William F. Lynes Parkway | 4 mi | 5m |
| Whitefield Avenue | 3.7 mi | 7m |
| Waters Avenue | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| West Derenne Avenue | 1.3 mi | 1m |
| Riverside Drive | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Waters Drive | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Spring Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
— 161 mi, about 2h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Macon, GA and Montgomery, GA.
1
Start on Mulberry Street
76 ft
·
2 sec
·
Mulberry Street
2
Continue on Spring Street
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
Spring Street
3
Turn right onto US 129; GA 11; GA 87
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Riverside Drive
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Turn left onto US 80; GA 87
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
Toward I 16 East: Savannah
6
Merge onto I 16
161 mi
·
2 hr 53 min
·
Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Exit 164A
Toward I 516 East, US 80 East, US 17 South, GA 21 South: Lynes Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 164A
Toward I 516 East, US 80 East, US 17 South, GA 21 South: Lynes Parkway
9
Merge onto I 516; US 17; US 80; GA 21; GA 25; GA 26
4.0 mi
·
5 min
·
William F. Lynes Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on GA 21
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
West Derenne Avenue
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
11
Turn right onto Waters Avenue
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
Waters Avenue
12
Continue on Waters Drive
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
Waters Drive
13
Continue on Waters Avenue
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Waters Avenue
14
Continue on GA 204 SPUR
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Whitefield Avenue
15
Continue on Whitefield Avenue
2.1 mi
·
5 min
·
Whitefield Avenue
16
Arrive at destination
Whitefield Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 3 hours and 15 minutes for this 174.3-mile drive, you have excellent flexibility in planning your departure. Leaving in the morning will get you to Montgomery with plenty of daylight remaining. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of around $27, you can easily manage this trip in one go. Pay attention to signage for Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway and William F. Lynes Parkway to ensure you stay on track. A practical tip is to fill up your fuel tank before departing Macon, as the longest stretch is over 160 miles, minimizing the need for unplanned stops.
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 87.1 miles from Macon, GA, or about 1h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 161 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 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 87.1 miles or 1h 35m 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 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Montgomery, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Macon, 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 Macon, GA
This is one driving day of about 174.3 miles and 3h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Macon, 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 Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway for about 161 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 87.1 mi from Macon, GA · 1h 35m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
87 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 87.1 miles from Macon, GA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 161 miles.
Arriving in Montgomery, GA
The final approach into Montgomery, 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 Montgomery, GA.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.26 one way
$54.51 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
61 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $29.80 | $59.61 |
| premium | $4.70 | $32.26 | $64.52 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $38.48 | $76.97 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 61 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 52.3 | 0 | $18.30 | $8.37 |
| Efficient EV | 43.6 | 0 | $15.25 | $6.97 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 69.7 | 0 | $24.40 | $11.16 |
Gas CO2
61 kg
EV CO2
20 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.
Destination
Montgomery, GA
Late night in Montgomery on Wednesday
Local time
2:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
65°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 15m 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 Macon, GA to Montgomery, GA covers 174.3 miles and takes about 3h 15m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway, William F. Lynes Parkway, Whitefield Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 87.1 miles from Macon, GA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $27.26 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 174.3 miles you will encounter 8 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (US 129; GA 11; GA 87 / Riverside Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 1 miles: Navigation decision point; at 1.2 miles (I 16 / Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Macon, GA to Montgomery, GA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Montgomery, GA
Explore more options from Macon, GA or browse trips ending in Montgomery, GA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse GA road trips.
Explore maps for Macon, GA or Montgomery, GA on MapSof.net.