Origin
Thomson, GA
Late night in Thomson on Wednesday
Local time
2:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Thomson, GA to Alpharetta, GA
Data updated 2 hours ago
Drive Time
2h 39m
Distance
139 mi
224 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 29m
★
6 AM
2h 39m
8 AM
3h 0m
10 AM
2h 46m
12 PM
2h 44m
3 PM
2h 48m
5 PM
2h 59m
8 PM
2h 33m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Thomson, GA
Huynh Van
Alpharetta, GA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 139-mile drive from Thomson, Georgia, to Alpharetta, Georgia, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 39 minutes. You'll navigate primarily on the Carl Sanders Highway and Purple Heart Highway, with a portion on the Atlanta Bypass/The Perimeter. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $22. Given its relatively short duration and the nature of the drive, it's a straightforward transit within the Southeast region. This route is well-suited for those looking for an efficient trip 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
69.5 miles from Thomson, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 18m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive for much of this 139-mile journey. While 7% of the route utilizes highway travel, the majority involves navigating local roads and highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 54.7 miles on the Carl Sanders Highway. This means you'll experience a more varied driving experience, with frequent changes in speed and direction, rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. Be prepared for a dynamic road experience as you transition between different types of thoroughfares.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 20 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 54.7 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 106.6 miles in.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 139 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 106.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 124.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 125.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
106.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 58m 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...
7
124.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 19m in
Take the exit toward GA 400 North, GA 400 South, Peachtree Dunwoody Road, US 19 North: Cumming, Dahlonega, Atlanta
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 GA 400 North, GA 400 South, Peachtree Du...
6
125.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 20m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 19 North, GA 400 North, GA 400 South: Cumming, Dahlonega, Atlanta
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 19 North, GA 400 North, GA 400 South:...
8
125.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 21m 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
136.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 34m 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 Thomson, GA and Alpharetta, GA, road signs point toward Chattanooga, Dahlonega and Atlanta.
Chattanooga
106.6 mi in
|
~1h 58m
Dahlonega
124.8 mi in
|
~2h 19m
Atlanta
124.8 mi in
|
~2h 19m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Carl Sanders Highway | 54.7 mi | 58m |
| Purple Heart Highway | 46.6 mi | 50m |
| Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter | 17.8 mi | 20m |
| Turner McDonald Parkway | 9.1 mi | 11m |
| Cedar Rock Road | 3.6 mi | 6m |
| Haynes Bridge Road | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| Three Points Road | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| South Main Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Carl Sanders Highway
— 54.7 mi, about 58m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Thomson, GA and Alpharetta, GA.
1
Start on GA 150
75 ft
·
3 sec
·
Gordon Street
2
Continue on Tom Watson Way
0.3 mi
·
30 sec
·
Tom Watson Way
3
Continue on Hickory Hill Drive
0.3 mi
·
27 sec
·
Hickory Hill Drive
4
Continue on Cedar Rock Road
3.6 mi
·
6 min
·
Cedar Rock Road
5
Turn right onto Three Points Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Three Points Road
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
7
Merge onto I 20
55 mi
·
58 min
·
Carl Sanders Highway
8
Continue on I 20
47 mi
·
50 min
·
Purple Heart Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
57 sec
Exit 67B
Toward I 285 Bypass North: Greenville, Chattanooga
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 285
18 mi
·
20 min
·
Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
Toward GA 400 North, GA 400 South, Peachtree Dunwoody Road, US 19 North: Cumming, Dahlonega, Atlanta
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi
·
47 sec
Toward US 19 North, GA 400 North, GA 400 South: Cumming, Dahlonega, Atlanta
13
Keep slight right at fork
2.0 mi
·
2 min
Toward US 19 North, GA 400 North: Cumming, Dahlonega
Use the slight right lane.
14
Merge onto US 19; GA 400
9.1 mi
·
11 min
·
Turner McDonald Parkway
Use the straight lane.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 9
Toward Alpharetta, Haynes Bridge Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn left onto Haynes Bridge Road
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Haynes Bridge Road
Use the left lane.
17
Turn left onto GA 120
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
Old Milton Parkway
Use the left lane.
18
Turn right onto GA 9
0.3 mi
·
52 sec
·
South Main Street
19
Turn right onto Academy Street
139 ft
·
3 sec
·
Academy Street
20
Arrive at destination
Academy Street
Trip Plan
For this 2-hour and 39-minute drive, starting your journey in the morning will allow you to reach Alpharetta with ample time to spare. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of about $22, planning is minimal. The longest stretch without a significant change in direction is 54.7 miles on the Carl Sanders Highway, so keep an eye on your fuel level before embarking on this segment. Given the turn-heavy nature, staying alert to navigation is key to a smooth arrival.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 69.5 miles from Thomson, GA, or about 1h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 54.7 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 80 miles or 1h 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 69.5 miles or 1h 18m 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 7m
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 Thomson, 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 Thomson, GA
This is one driving day of about 139 miles and 2h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Thomson, 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 54.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 69.5 mi from Thomson, GA · 1h 18m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
70 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 69.5 miles from Thomson, GA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.74 one way
$43.47 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
49 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $23.77 | $47.53 |
| premium | $4.70 | $25.73 | $51.45 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $30.69 | $61.38 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 48.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 41.7 | 0 | $14.59 | $6.67 |
| Efficient EV | 34.8 | 0 | $12.16 | $5.56 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 55.6 | 0 | $19.46 | $8.90 |
Gas CO2
49 kg
EV CO2
16 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
Alpharetta, GA
Late night in Alpharetta on Wednesday
Local time
2:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
77°F
Cleveland, TN
70 mi in
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
2h 39m 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 Thomson, GA to Alpharetta, GA covers 139 miles and takes about 2h 39m 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 69.5 miles from Thomson, GA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.74 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.
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 13 significant decision points across 139 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 106.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 124.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 125.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Thomson, GA and Alpharetta, GA, road signs point toward Chattanooga, Dahlonega and Atlanta.
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