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Trip from Union City, GA to Macon, GA

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

1h 42m

Distance

84.1 mi

135 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$13

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 23 min
4 AM
1h 35m ★
6 AM
1h 43m
8 AM
1h 58m
10 AM
1h 48m
12 PM
1h 47m
3 PM
1h 49m
5 PM
1h 57m
8 PM
1h 38m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

city in Fulton County, Georgia, United States

Union City, GA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Macon, GA, GA

Macon, GA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

If you are planning a trip from Union City to Macon, you are looking at a 85.4-mile journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 26 minutes to complete. Because this route is quite manageable, it serves perfectly as a straightforward day trip, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $13 for fuel to cover the distance between these two Southeast Georgia locations. Since the entire drive stays within the same region, you can expect a consistent atmosphere throughout your travel. This trip is ideal for those who prefer a direct, local transit experience over a long-haul highway expedition.

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

42 miles from Union City, GA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 53m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise, as this route features 0% highway travel. Your journey relies on navigating Limerick Drive, Kilkenny Drive, and Bally Shannon Drive to reach your destination. Because the longest stretch on any single road is 0 miles on Limerick Drive, you will find yourself frequently transitioning between these local arteries. Behind the wheel, this means constant engagement and a more technical driving experience than you would find on a major expressway. Prepare for a road environment that prioritizes local connectivity over high-speed, long-distance stretches.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 26 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 69.4 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Riverside Drive. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.8 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 84.1 miles you will encounter 22 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 4.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 6.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 22 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

7
4.8 mi into trip | ~9m in

Take the exit toward GA 279: Old National Highway

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 69B Toward GA 279: Old National Highway
8
6.2 mi into trip | ~11m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 285 East: Atlanta International Airport, Macon

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 285 East: Atlanta International Airpor...
8
7.8 mi into trip | ~13m in

Keep slight right at fork toward GA 139 South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward GA 139 South
8
69.6 mi into trip | ~1h 23m in | I 75

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward Macon, Savannah

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward Macon, Savannah
8
80.1 mi into trip | ~1h 35m in

Take the exit toward US 23, GA 87: Riverside Drive

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 167 Toward US 23, GA 87: Riverside Drive

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Union City, GA to Macon, GA, road signs begin pointing toward Savannah along the way.

Savannah

69.6 mi in | ~1h 23m | via I 75

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 75 69.4 mi 1h 15m
Riverside Drive 3.1 mi 5m
I 85 2.3 mi 2m
Forest Parkway 2.3 mi 4m
Flat Shoals Road 1.8 mi 4m
Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter 1 mi 1m
GA 14 Connector 0.7 mi <1m
Spring Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 75 — 69.4 mi, about 1h 15m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Union City, GA and Macon, GA.

1

Start on Bantry Circle

267 ft · 18 sec · Bantry Circle
2

Turn left onto Limerick Drive

0.1 mi · 29 sec · Limerick Drive
3

At end of road, turn left onto Kilkenny Drive

205 ft · 11 sec · Kilkenny Drive
4

Turn right onto Bally Shannon Drive

498 ft · 27 sec · Bally Shannon Drive
5

Turn left onto Flat Shoals Road

1.8 mi · 4 min · Flat Shoals Road
6

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 45 sec
Toward I 85 North: Atlanta Use the left lane.
7

Merge onto I 85

2.3 mi · 2 min · I 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 69B Toward GA 279: Old National Highway Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Merge onto GA 14 Connector

0.7 mi · 48 sec · GA 14 Connector
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 51 sec
Toward I 285 East: Atlanta International Airport, Macon Use the slight left lane.
11

Merge onto I 285

1.0 mi · 1 min · Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
12

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 24 sec
Exit 60 Toward GA 139: Riverdale Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight right at fork

163 ft · 4 sec
Toward GA 139 South Use the slight right lane.
14

Turn straight onto GA 139

467 ft · 10 sec · Riverdale Road
15

Turn left onto Forest Parkway

2.3 mi · 4 min · Forest Parkway
Use the left lane.
16

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 18 sec
Toward I 75 Use the slight right lane.
17

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 45 sec
Toward I 75 South: Macon Use the straight lane.
18

Merge onto I 75

59 mi · 1 hr 4 min · I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75

11 mi · 11 min · I 75
Toward Macon, Savannah Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 55 sec
Exit 167 Toward US 23, GA 87: Riverside Drive Use the slight right lane.
21

Turn left onto US 23; GA 87

3.1 mi · 5 min · Riverside Drive
Use the straight lane.
22

Turn right onto GA 19; Ga 49

0.2 mi · 30 sec · Spring Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
23

Continue on Spring Street

142 ft · 4 sec · Spring Street
Use the left lane.
24

Turn left onto 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

Since this is a short trip with zero planned stops, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. You can easily complete the 85.4-mile distance in one go, but keep in mind that the turn-heavy nature of the route requires your full attention. Because you aren't dealing with highway stretches, plan for a slower pace and ensure your vehicle is ready for frequent turns rather than high-speed cruising. Before heading out from Union City, double-check your fuel levels to ensure you stay within your $13 estimate. A helpful tip for this specific drive is to map out your transitions between Limerick, Kilkenny, and Bally Shannon Drives ahead of time to stay on course.

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 42 miles from Union City, GA, or about 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 69.4 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 19 miles or 28m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 42 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 25m

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 Union City, GA so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Union City, GA

This is one driving day of about 84.1 miles and 1h 42m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Union City, GA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 75 for about 69.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 42 mi from Union City, GA · 53m into the drive

city in and the county seat of Henry County, Georgia, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

McDonough, GA

42 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

Morrow, GA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Locust Grove, GA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 42 miles from Union City, GA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 69.4 miles.

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

$13.15 one way

$26.30 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 29 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $14.38 $28.76
premium $4.70 $15.57 $31.13
diesel $5.61 $18.57 $37.14

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$13

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$38–$63

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 29.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 25.2 0 $8.83 $4.04
Efficient EV 21 0 $7.36 $3.36
EV Truck/SUV 33.6 0 $11.77 $5.38

Gas CO2

29 kg

EV CO2

10 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Union City, GA

Evening in Union City on Wednesday

Local time

8:40 PM

EDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Macon, GA

Evening in Macon on Wednesday

Local time

8:40 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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

1h 42m 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 Union City, GA to Macon, GA covers 84.1 miles and takes about 1h 42m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 75, Riverside Drive, I 85. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 42 miles from Union City, GA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $13.15 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 84.1 miles you will encounter 22 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 4.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 6.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Union City, GA to Macon, GA, road signs begin pointing toward Savannah along the way.

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