Origin
Madison, GA
Night in Madison on Friday
Local time
9:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Madison, GA to Albany, GA
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 31m
Distance
169.1 mi
272 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 19m
★
6 AM
3h 32m
8 AM
3h 56m
10 AM
3h 40m
12 PM
3h 38m
3 PM
3h 42m
5 PM
3h 55m
8 PM
3h 24m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Madison, GA
Wikimedia Commons
Albany, GA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Madison, GA to Albany, GA is 169.1 miles and takes about 3h 31m via Fall Line Freeway, with a fuel budget near $26 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive takes you through the Southeast region, staying entirely within Georgia. It's a straightforward, highway-focused journey that's perfect for a single day of travel. Plan for a fairly direct trip with minimal detours, making it a convenient option if you're looking to get from point A to point B efficiently.
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
84.5 miles from Madison, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 51m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 31m. Total distance: 169.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (73%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This highway-focused drive features a 73% highway share, meaning you'll spend most of your time on faster routes. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 66 miles along the Fall Line Freeway, offering a significant period of consistent travel. You'll also navigate portions of Georgia-Florida Parkway and US 129. Expect a generally smooth and direct driving experience, with the character of the road remaining fairly consistent throughout the 169.1-mile journey.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Fall Line Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 66 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Fall Line Freeway and Georgia-Florida Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 25.1 miles in near US 129.
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 16 significant decision points across 169.1 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 25.1 miles (US 129): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 51.7 miles (US 129; GA 11; GA 22 / Gray Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 62.4 miles (GA 540): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
25.1 mi into trip
|
~36m in
|
US 129
Take the exit onto US 129 toward US 129 South, GA 44 South: Gray, Macon
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward US 129 South, GA 44 South: Gray, Macon
6
51.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 12m in
|
US 129; GA 11; GA 22 / Gray Highway
Turn right onto US 129; GA 11; GA 22 / Gray Highway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
62.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 26m in
|
GA 540
Take the exit onto GA 540 toward I 16:west: Atlanta, Valdosta
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward I 16:west: Atlanta, Valdosta
8
63.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 27m in
|
GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto GA 540 / Fall Line Freeway toward I 75 South, GA 540 West: Valdosta
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left / straight lanes.
Toward I 75 South, GA 540 West: Valdosta
8
129.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 39m in
Take the exit toward GA 300 South: Georgia-Florida Parkway, Albany
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 99
Toward GA 300 South: Georgia-Florida Parkway, A...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Madison, GA and Albany, GA, road signs point toward Macon and Valdosta.
Macon
25.1 mi in
|
~36m
|
via US 129
Valdosta
62.4 mi in
|
~1h 26m
|
via GA 540
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Line Freeway | 66 mi | 1h 11m |
| Georgia-Florida Parkway | 35.1 mi | 43m |
| US 129 | 21.4 mi | 29m |
| Gray Road Southwest | 21.2 mi | 29m |
| Gray Highway | 10.7 mi | 14m |
| Gray Bypass | 5.1 mi | 6m |
| Eatonton Road | 2.9 mi | 5m |
| East Oglethorpe Boulevard | 2.9 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
Fall Line Freeway
— 66 mi, about 1h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Madison, GA and Albany, GA.
1
Start on US 129; US 278; US 441; GA 12; GA 24
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
North Main Street
2
Keep slight left at fork onto US 129; US 278; US 441; GA 12; GA 24; GA 83
2.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Eatonton Road
3
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 24
21 mi
·
29 min
·
US 129; US 441; GA 24
4
Take the exit onto US 129
247 ft
·
7 sec
·
US 129
Toward US 129 South, GA 44 South: Gray, Macon
Use the right lane.
5
Merge onto US 129; GA 44
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
Gray Highway
6
Continue on US 129; GA 44
21 mi
·
29 min
·
Gray Road Southwest
7
Enter roundabout onto US 129; GA 22
50 ft
·
0 sec
·
Gray Bypass
8
Continue on US 129; GA 22
5.1 mi
·
6 min
·
Gray Bypass
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
Turn right onto US 129; GA 11; GA 22
11 mi
·
13 min
·
Gray Highway
Use the right lane.
10
Continue on US 129; GA 11; GA 49
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
North Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Take the exit onto GA 540
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
GA 540
Toward I 16:west: Atlanta, Valdosta
Use the right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto GA 540
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Fall Line Freeway
Toward I 75 South, GA 540 West: Valdosta
Use the left / straight lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto GA 540
65 mi
·
1 hr 10 min
·
Fall Line Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Exit 99
Toward GA 300 South: Georgia-Florida Parkway, Albany
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Turn right onto GA 300
35 mi
·
43 min
·
Georgia-Florida Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Continue on Cordele Road
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
Cordele Road
Use the straight lane.
17
Turn right onto Old Cordele Road
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
Old Cordele Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Turn straight onto US 82 Business; GA 520 Business
449 ft
·
10 sec
·
Sylvester Highway
19
Continue on US 82 Business; GA 520 Business
2.9 mi
·
4 min
·
East Oglethorpe Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Turn right onto South Broadway Street
365 ft
·
16 sec
·
South Broadway Street
Use the right lane.
21
Turn left onto East Broad Avenue
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
·
East Broad Avenue
Use the left lane.
22
Turn right onto North Front Street
510 ft
·
12 sec
·
North Front Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
23
Enter roundabout onto Pine Avenue
110 ft
·
2 sec
·
Pine Avenue
24
Continue on Pine Avenue
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
·
Pine Avenue
25
Arrive at destination
Pine Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short 3h 31m duration, you have flexibility with your departure time. Leaving Madison, GA in the morning will get you to Albany, GA with plenty of daylight to spare. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $26, you won't need to overthink logistics. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 66-mile stretch on the Fall Line Freeway, to ensure you don't need to backtrack for a gas station.
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 84.5 miles from Madison, GA, or about 1h 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 66 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 37 miles or 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 84.5 miles or 1h 51m 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 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Albany, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Madison, 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 Madison, GA
This is one driving day of about 169.1 miles and 3h 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Madison, 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 Fall Line Freeway for about 66 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 84.5 mi from Madison, GA · 1h 51m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
85 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 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 84.5 miles from Madison, GA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Fall Line Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 66 miles.
Arriving in Albany, GA
The final approach into Albany, 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 Albany, 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
$26.44 one way
$52.89 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
59 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $28.91 | $57.83 |
| premium | $4.70 | $31.30 | $62.59 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $37.34 | $74.67 |
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: 59.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 50.7 | 0 | $17.76 | $8.12 |
| Efficient EV | 42.3 | 0 | $14.80 | $6.76 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 67.6 | 0 | $23.67 | $10.82 |
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 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
Albany, GA
Night in Albany on Friday
Local time
9:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
54°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 31m 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 Madison, GA to Albany, GA covers 169.1 miles and takes about 3h 31m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Fall Line Freeway, Georgia-Florida Parkway, US 129. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 84.5 miles from Madison, GA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $26.44 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 16 significant decision points across 169.1 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 25.1 miles (US 129): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 51.7 miles (US 129; GA 11; GA 22 / Gray Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 62.4 miles (GA 540): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Madison, GA and Albany, GA, road signs point toward Macon and Valdosta.
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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