This 107.4-mile drive from Washington, GA to Sandy Springs, GA takes approximately 2 hours and 13 minutes, making it a very manageable one-day trip. You'll primarily travel on University Parkway, Lexington Road, and Washington Road. With a projected fuel cost of around $17, it's an economical option for a quick getaway or a practical commute. The mixed drive profile suggests a varied experience, not a monotonous journey. Since it's a single-day drive, you have the flexibility to depart when you choose and take your time reaching your destination in the Southeast region.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
53.7 miles from Washington, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 6m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 13m. Total distance: 107.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (46%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
Expect a mixed drive on this 107.4-mile route, with 46% of it being highway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 39.5 miles along University Parkway. This suggests a blend of faster-paced highway driving and potentially more local road sections as you progress. The road character will likely shift, offering a dynamic experience rather than a uniform drive from start to finish. Be prepared for varying speed limits and road conditions throughout the journey.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
University Parkway is the longest continuous segment at about 39.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 48.2 miles in near US 29; US 78; GA 8.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 107.4 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 48.2 miles (US 29; US 78; GA 8): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 98.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 98.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
48.2 mi into trip|~59m in|US 29; US 78; GA 8
Take the exit onto US 29; US 78; GA 8 toward US 29 South, US 78 West, GA 316 West: Atlanta, Monroe
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 1
Toward US 29 South, US 78 West, GA 316 West: At...
8
98.1 mi into trip|~1h 59m in
Take the exit toward I 285 West Bypass: Chattanooga, Birmingham
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 95B
Toward I 285 West Bypass: Chattanooga, Birmingh...
8
98.7 mi into trip|~2h 1m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 285 West: Chattanooga, Birmingham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 285 West: Chattanooga, Birmingham
8
104.9 mi into trip|~2h 8m in
Take the exit toward US 19 South, GA 400 North: Roswell Road, Sandy Springs
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 25; 27B
Toward US 19 South, GA 400 North: Roswell Road,...
8
106.4 mi into trip|~2h 11m in|US 19
Keep slight right at fork onto US 19 toward US 19 South: Roswell Road, Sandy Springs
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 19 South: Roswell Road, Sandy Springs
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Washington, GA and Sandy Springs, GA, road signs point toward Monroe and Birmingham.
Monroe
48.2 mi in|~59m|via US 29; US 78; GA 8
Birmingham
98.1 mi in|~1h 59m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
University Parkway
39.5 mi
49m
Lexington Road
21.8 mi
27m
Washington Road
9.3 mi
10m
I 85
9 mi
9m
Athens Road
8.4 mi
9m
Inner Loop 10
5.9 mi
6m
Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
5.7 mi
6m
Main Street
0.9 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
University Parkway
— 39.5 mi, about 49m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Washington, GA and Sandy Springs, GA.
1
Start on US 78 BUS; GA 10 BUS; GA 47
0.5 mi·1 min·East Robert Toombs Avenue
2
Turn right onto GA 44
0.6 mi·1 min·North Mercer Street
3
At end of road, turn left onto US 78; GA 10
15 mi·16 min·Lexington Road
4
Continue on US 78; GA 10
9.3 mi·10 min·Washington Road
5
Continue on US 78; GA 10; GA 22
0.9 mi·58 sec·Main Street
6
Continue on US 78; GA 10; GA 22
8.4 mi·9 min·Athens Road
7
Continue on US 78; GA 10
5.8 mi·8 min·Lexington Road
8
Continue on US 78; GA 10
0.2 mi·24 sec·Lexington Highway
9
Continue on US 78; GA 10
1.4 mi·2 min·Lexington Road
10
Continue on US 78; GA 10
0.1 mi·19 sec·Oconee Street
11
Turn left onto US 78
0.4 mi·29 sec·US 78
Toward US 129 South, US 441 South, US 29 South, GA 10 Loop South, US 78 West, GA 10 West
12
Merge onto US 29; US 78; US 129; US 441; GA 8; GA 10 Loop; GA 15
5.9 mi·6 min·Inner Loop 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit onto US 29; US 78; GA 8
0.3 mi·40 sec·US 29; US 78; GA 8
Exit 1Toward US 29 South, US 78 West, GA 316 West: Atlanta, MonroeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
At end of road, turn left onto University Parkway
40 mi·49 min·University Parkway
Use the left lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Toward I 85 South: Atlanta
16
Merge onto I 85
9.0 mi·9 min·I 85
Use the straight lane.
17
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 95BToward I 285 West Bypass: Chattanooga, BirminghamUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·32 sec
Toward I 285 West: Chattanooga, BirminghamUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto I 285
5.7 mi·6 min·Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
518 ft·12 sec
Exit 25; 27BToward US 19 South, GA 400 North: Roswell Road, Sandy SpringsUse the slight right lane.
21
Continue on this road
1.4 mi·2 min·this road
Exit 25Toward US 19 South: Roswell Road
22
Keep slight right at fork onto US 19
0.2 mi·24 sec·US 19
Toward US 19 South: Roswell Road, Sandy SpringsUse the slight right lane.
23
Turn right onto GA 9
0.8 mi·1 min·Roswell Road
Use the right lane.
24
Turn right onto Mount Vernon Highway
180 ft·3 sec·Mount Vernon Highway
25
Arrive at destination
Mount Vernon Highway
Trip Plan
With a driving time of just over two hours, this trip is easily completed in a single day, so you can leave whenever it suits you best. Consider departing earlier in the morning to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach Sandy Springs. Since there are no designated stops mentioned, plan for a brief pause if needed, perhaps around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel level; the estimated cost is $17, but it's always wise to start with a full tank. A specific tip for this route: be aware that the 39.5-mile stretch on University Parkway is the longest uninterrupted section, so plan any brief stops before or after this segment.
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 53.7 miles from Washington, GA, or about 1h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 39.5 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 24 miles or 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 53.7 miles or 1h 6m 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 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sandy Springs, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Washington, 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 Washington, GA
This is one driving day of about 107.4 miles and 2h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 24 miles from Washington, GA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on University Parkway for about 39.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 53.7 mi from Washington, GA
· 1h 6m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
Today the river valley attracts us for so many reasons. Take a solitary walk to enjoy nature’s display, raft leisurely through the rocky shoals with friends, fish the misty waters as the sun comes up,...
6 mi from route
~15 min detour
$5
near mile 103.7
Park Closure: Island Ford Trail Closures Winter 2025-2026
Park Closure: Restrooms and Water Fountains Unavailable at Powers Island and Akers Mill
Welcome to Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park & Preservation District where a young boy grows up in a time of segregation. He was moved by destiny to lead the modern civil rights movemen...
12 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 103.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$16.79 one way
$33.59 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg38 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$18.36
$36.73
premium
$4.70
$19.88
$39.75
diesel
$5.61
$23.71
$47.43
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$42–$67
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 37.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
32.2
0
$11.28
$5.16
Efficient EV
26.9
0
$9.40
$4.30
EV Truck/SUV
43
0
$15.04
$6.87
Gas CO2
38 kg
EV CO2
13 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
Washington, GA
Morning
in Washington on Saturday
Local time
8:40 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Sandy Springs, GA
Morning
in Sandy Springs on Saturday
Local time
8:40 AM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Athens, GA
54 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
23 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
2h 13m 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 Washington, GA to Sandy Springs, GA covers 107.4 miles and takes about 2h 13m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are University Parkway, Lexington Road, Washington Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 53.7 miles from Washington, GA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $16.79 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 107.4 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 48.2 miles (US 29; US 78; GA 8): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 98.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 98.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Washington, GA and Sandy Springs, GA, road signs point toward Monroe and Birmingham.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park.
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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
