Origin
McDonough, GA
Night in McDonough on Sunday
Local time
10:31 PM
EDT
Current temp
89°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from McDonough, GA to Roswell, GA
Drive Time
1h 11m
Distance
51.8 mi
83 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$8
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 6m
★
6 AM
1h 12m
8 AM
1h 23m
10 AM
1h 16m
12 PM
1h 15m
3 PM
1h 16m
5 PM
1h 22m
8 PM
1h 8m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
McDonough, GA
Plastic Lines
Roswell, GA
Dmitry Daltonik
Trip Overview
If you are planning a trip from McDonough to Roswell, you are looking at a straightforward 51.8-mile journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 11 minutes. Because this drive is relatively short, it is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, meaning you won't need to worry about overnight logistics. You should budget approximately $8 for fuel to cover the distance between these two Southeast Georgia locations. Staying entirely within the state, you will rely primarily on I-75, the T Harvey Mathis Parkway, and the Turner McDonald Parkway to reach your destination. It is a highly practical transit route that prioritizes efficiency over sightseeing, making it an ideal choice if you need to get from point A to point B without unnecessary delays.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
25.9 miles from McDonough, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 34m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a very highway-focused experience, as 84% of this 51.8-mile route consists of high-speed transit. You will spend the bulk of your time navigating major arteries, with the longest uninterrupted stretch covering 28.8 miles specifically on I-75. The road personality here is functional and fast-paced, shifting from interstate travel onto the T Harvey Mathis and Turner McDonald Parkways as you approach Roswell. While you won't find winding backroads here, the transition between these major thoroughfares keeps the drive moving steadily. Prepare for a consistent, monotonous grind that demands steady attention to highway traffic rather than technical maneuvering.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 75 is the longest continuous segment at about 28.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and T Harvey Mathis Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near GA 20; GA 81 / Keys Ferry Street.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 51.8 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: near the start (GA 20; GA 81 / Keys Ferry Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 10.3 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 33.1 miles (I 85 / Northeast Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
GA 20; GA 81 / Keys Ferry Street
Turn left onto GA 20; GA 81 / Keys Ferry Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
8
10.3 mi into trip
|
~15m in
|
I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward I 75 North: Atlanta, Birmingham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward I 75 North: Atlanta, Birmingham
8
33.1 mi into trip
|
~43m in
|
I 85 / Northeast Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 85 / Northeast Expressway toward I 85 North: Greenville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Exit 251B
Toward I 85 North: Greenville
9
35.8 mi into trip
|
~47m in
|
GA 400 / T Harvey Mathis Parkway
Keep slight right at fork onto GA 400 / T Harvey Mathis Parkway toward GA 400 North: Buckhead, Cumming
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 87
Toward GA 400 North: Buckhead, Cumming
8
48.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 3m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Dunwoody Place
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Dunwoody Place
Towns Along This Route
Between McDonough, GA and Roswell, GA, road signs point toward Birmingham and Cumming.
Birmingham
10.3 mi in
|
~15m
|
via I 75
Cumming
35.8 mi in
|
~47m
|
via GA 400
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 75 | 28.8 mi | 35m |
| T Harvey Mathis Parkway | 7.1 mi | 8m |
| Turner McDonald Parkway | 5 mi | 6m |
| Jonesboro Road | 3.2 mi | 5m |
| Northeast Expressway | 2.7 mi | 3m |
| Roswell Road | 1.7 mi | 3m |
| Dunwoody Place | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| North Atlanta Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 28.8 mi, about 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between McDonough, GA and Roswell, GA.
1
Start on US 23; GA 20; GA 42; GA 81
127 ft
·
10 sec
·
Atlanta Street
2
Turn left onto GA 20; GA 81
261 ft
·
13 sec
·
Keys Ferry Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
3
Turn left onto US 23; GA 42
250 ft
·
14 sec
·
Macon Street
4
Turn left onto GA 20; GA 81
266 ft
·
8 sec
·
John Frank Ward Boulevard
Use the straight / left lanes.
5
Continue on GA 20; GA 81
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Jonesboro Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
6
Enter roundabout onto Jonesboro Road
133 ft
·
2 sec
·
Jonesboro Road
7
Continue on Jonesboro Road
3.2 mi
·
5 min
·
Jonesboro Road
Use the none lane.
8
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
Toward I 75 North
Use the right lane.
9
Merge onto I 75
6.0 mi
·
6 min
·
I 75
Use the straight lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
23 mi
·
28 min
·
I 75
Toward I 75 North: Atlanta, Birmingham
Use the none lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 85
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Northeast Expressway
Exit 251B
Toward I 85 North: Greenville
Use the none lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto GA 400
7.1 mi
·
8 min
·
T Harvey Mathis Parkway
Exit 87
Toward GA 400 North: Buckhead, Cumming
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on GA 400
5.0 mi
·
6 min
·
Turner McDonald Parkway
Use the none / right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
47 sec
Exit 6
Toward Northridge Road
Use the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
Toward Dunwoody Place
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn right onto Dunwoody Place
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Dunwoody Place
Use the right lane.
17
Turn right onto GA 9
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Roswell Road
Use the right lane.
18
Continue on GA 9; GA 120
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
North Atlanta Street
Use the none lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto GA 9; GA 120
393 ft
·
9 sec
·
North Atlanta Street
20
Arrive at destination
GA 9; GA 120
Trip Plan
Since this is a quick 1-hour and 11-minute trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though you should keep typical commuter traffic patterns in mind when navigating these major parkways. You likely won't need to schedule any formal stops given the short duration, but having your $8 fuel budget ready ensures you can top off before heading out. Because the majority of your time is spent on I-75, stay alert for lane changes and heavy merging as you transition toward the Turner McDonald Parkway. Use the lack of required stops to your advantage by keeping a steady pace, allowing you to reach Roswell refreshed and ready for your next set of plans.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 25.9 miles from McDonough, GA, or about 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 28.8 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 51.8 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 25.9 miles or 34m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 57m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Roswell, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving McDonough, 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 McDonough, GA
This is one driving day of about 51.8 miles and 1h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from McDonough, GA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on I 75 for about 28.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 25.9 mi from McDonough, GA · 34m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
26 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 51.8 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 25.9 miles from McDonough, GA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Roswell, GA
The final approach into Roswell, 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 Roswell, 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
$8.29 one way
$16.58 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
18 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $9.03 | $18.06 |
| premium | $4.78 | $9.74 | $19.49 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $11.51 | $23.02 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$8
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$33–$58
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 18.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $5 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 15.5 | 0 | $5.44 | $2.49 |
| Efficient EV | 13 | 0 | $4.53 | $2.07 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 20.7 | 0 | $7.25 | $3.32 |
Gas CO2
18 kg
EV CO2
6 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
Roswell, GA
Night in Roswell on Sunday
Local time
10:31 PM
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
25 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 11m 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 McDonough, GA to Roswell, GA covers 51.8 miles and takes about 1h 11m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 75, T Harvey Mathis Parkway, Turner McDonald Parkway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 25.9 miles from McDonough, GA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $8.29 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 51.8 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: near the start (GA 20; GA 81 / Keys Ferry Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 10.3 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 33.1 miles (I 85 / Northeast Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between McDonough, GA and Roswell, GA, road signs point toward Birmingham and Cumming.
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