Origin
Sardis, GA
Night in Sardis on Thursday
Local time
10:42 PM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Sardis, GA to Macon, GA
Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026
Drive Time
1h 47m
Distance
71.1 mi
114 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$11
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 40m
★
6 AM
1h 48m
8 AM
2h 3m
10 AM
1h 53m
12 PM
1h 52m
3 PM
1h 54m
5 PM
2h 3m
8 PM
1h 43m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Sardis, GA
Enam Sape
Macon, GA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 71.1-mile drive from Sardis, GA, to Macon, GA, is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take about 1 hour and 47 minutes. You'll primarily navigate via GA 74 and Yatesville Highway, with a portion on Pleasant Hill Street. With only 37% of the drive on highways, expect a varied experience. The estimated fuel cost is around $11, making it an economical journey. Since there are no recommended stops and the drive is relatively short, you have plenty of flexibility in your schedule. This trip stays within the Southeast region, offering a consistent feel throughout.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
35.6 miles from Sardis, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 53m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 47m. Total distance: 71.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (37%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile.
Drive Character
The character of this drive is a mixed bag, offering a blend of highway speeds and more local road cruising. With 37% of the route on highways, you'll experience some faster stretches, but the majority of your time will be on country roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 19.7 miles along GA 74. As you progress, you'll notice the transition from more open highway driving to navigating through local streets as you approach Macon.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
GA 74 is the longest continuous segment at about 19.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in near GA 116.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 71.1 miles you will encounter 14 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 0.7 miles (GA 116): Lane positioning matters here; at 24.6 miles (GA 36; GA 74 / South Bethel Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 60 miles (GA 74 / Thomaston Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.7 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
GA 116
Turn left onto GA 116
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
6
24.6 mi into trip
|
~38m in
|
GA 36; GA 74 / South Bethel Street
Turn left onto GA 36; GA 74 / South Bethel Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
60 mi into trip
|
~1h 27m in
|
GA 74 / Thomaston Road
Enter roundabout onto GA 74 / Thomaston Road toward Macon
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Toward Macon
7
69.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 43m in
Take the exit toward US 41 Business, GA 19: Downtown
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.
Toward US 41 Business, GA 19: Downtown
9
69.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 43m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 41 Business South: Downtown, Mercer University
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 41 Business South: Downtown, Mercer U...
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| GA 74 | 19.7 mi | 27m |
| Yatesville Highway | 14.7 mi | 20m |
| Pleasant Hill Street | 12.1 mi | 17m |
| Mercer University Drive | 4.7 mi | 8m |
| 1st Street | 4 mi | 5m |
| GA 116 | 3.8 mi | 5m |
| Thomaston Road | 3.7 mi | 5m |
| South Green Street | 1.9 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
GA 74
— 19.7 mi, about 27m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sardis, GA and Macon, GA.
1
Start on Chestnut Grove Road
0.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Chestnut Grove Road
2
Turn left onto GA 116
3.8 mi
·
5 min
·
GA 116
Use the straight / left lanes.
3
Turn right onto GA 41
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
GA 41
4
Turn left onto GA 36
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
Main Street
5
Continue on GA 36
4.0 mi
·
5 min
·
1st Street
6
Continue on GA 36
12 mi
·
17 min
·
Pleasant Hill Street
7
Continue on GA 36
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
South Green Street
8
Turn right onto GA 36; GA 74
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
·
West Gordon Street
9
Turn left onto GA 36; GA 74
305 ft
·
10 sec
·
South Bethel Street
Use the left lane.
10
Turn right onto GA 74
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
East Main Street
11
Continue on GA 74
15 mi
·
20 min
·
Yatesville Highway
Use the straight lane.
12
Enter roundabout onto GA 74
146 ft
·
5 sec
·
GA 74
13
Continue on GA 74
20 mi
·
26 min
·
GA 74
14
Enter roundabout onto GA 74
335 ft
·
6 sec
·
Thomaston Road
Toward Macon
15
Continue on GA 74
3.6 mi
·
5 min
·
Thomaston Road
Toward Macon
16
Continue on GA 74
4.7 mi
·
8 min
·
Mercer University Drive
Use the straight lane.
17
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward I 75 North: Atlanta
18
Merge onto I 75; GA 540
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Fall Line Freeway
19
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
Toward US 41 Business, GA 19: Downtown
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork
347 ft
·
8 sec
Toward US 41 Business South: Downtown, Mercer University
Use the slight right lane.
21
Turn straight onto US 41 Business; GA 19
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Forsyth Street
22
Turn left onto US 41 Business; GA 19
0.3 mi
·
56 sec
·
College Street
23
Turn right onto US 41 Business; GA 19
0.3 mi
·
49 sec
·
Georgia Avenue
24
Continue on Mulberry Street
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
·
Mulberry Street
25
Continue on Mulberry Street
0.1 mi
·
27 sec
·
Mulberry Street
26
Arrive at destination
Mulberry Street
Trip Plan
Given the short duration of just under two hours, this trip is perfectly suited for a single day, allowing for a flexible departure time. Consider leaving in the morning to maximize your day in Macon or depart later to avoid early traffic. With no specific stops recommended, you can easily break up the journey with brief pauses as needed, perhaps at a gas station or for a quick stretch. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially during the 19.7-mile stretch on GA 74, as services might be spaced out on this section.
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 35.6 miles from Sardis, GA, or about 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 19.7 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 16 miles or 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 35.6 miles or 53m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Macon, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Sardis, GA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Sardis, GA
This is one driving day of about 71.1 miles and 1h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 miles from Sardis, GA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on GA 74 for about 19.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 35.6 mi from Sardis, GA · 53m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
36 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 16 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 35.6 miles from Sardis, GA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Macon, GA
The final approach into Macon, GA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$11.12 one way
$22.24 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
25 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $12.16 | $24.31 |
| premium | $4.70 | $13.16 | $26.32 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $15.70 | $31.40 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$11
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$36–$61
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 24.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 21.3 | 0 | $7.47 | $3.41 |
| Efficient EV | 17.8 | 0 | $6.22 | $2.84 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 28.4 | 0 | $9.95 | $4.55 |
Gas CO2
25 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (68% 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
Macon, GA
Night in Macon on Thursday
Local time
10:42 PM
EDT
Current temp
51°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
32 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 47m 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 Sardis, GA to Macon, GA covers 71.1 miles and takes about 1h 47m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are GA 74, Yatesville Highway, Pleasant Hill Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 35.6 miles from Sardis, GA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $11.12 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 71.1 miles you will encounter 14 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 0.7 miles (GA 116): Lane positioning matters here; at 24.6 miles (GA 36; GA 74 / South Bethel Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 60 miles (GA 74 / Thomaston Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.
The route from Sardis, GA to Macon, GA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Macon, GA
More trips to Macon, GA
Explore more options from Sardis, GA or browse trips ending in Macon, GA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse GA road trips.
Explore maps for Sardis, GA or Macon, GA on MapSof.net.