This 250.8-mile drive from Waycross, GA, to Atlanta, GA, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 51 minutes of driving time. You'll primarily be on I-75 Business and I-75, with a portion on US 82, making it an 88% highway-focused journey. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $39, offering an economical way to travel between these two points in the Southeast. Given its manageable length and highway profile, this route is well-suited for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
125.4 miles from Waycross, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 32m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 51m. Total distance: 250.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 51m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 88% of the drive occurring on major roadways like I-75 Business and I-75. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 92.3 miles on I-75 Business, indicating a significant period of consistent travel. While the profile is largely highway, the inclusion of US 82 suggests a potential for varied driving conditions as you transition between these main arteries. This drive offers a straightforward path with efficient travel times for most of its duration.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 75 Business is the longest continuous segment at about 92.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 Business and I 75. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 165.9 miles in near I 475 / Larry Justice Highway.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 250.8 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: at 165.9 miles (I 475 / Larry Justice Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 231.3 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 249.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
165.9 mi into trip|~3h 15m in|I 475 / Larry Justice Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 475 / Larry Justice Highway toward I 475 North: Atlanta
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 156
Toward I 475 North: Atlanta
8
231.3 mi into trip|~4h 26m 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 straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 75 North: Atlanta, Birmingham
8
249.5 mi into trip|~4h 48m in
Take the exit toward Fulton Street, Central Avenue, Georgia State University
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 246
Toward Fulton Street, Central Avenue, Georgia S...
8
249.7 mi into trip|~4h 48m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Fulton Street, Zoo Atlanta
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Fulton Street, Zoo Atlanta
6
250.2 mi into trip|~4h 49m in|Fulton Street Southwest
Turn right onto Fulton Street Southwest
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / right lanes.
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 Waycross, GA to Atlanta, GA, road signs begin pointing toward Birmingham along the way.
Birmingham
231.3 mi in|~4h 26m|via I 75
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75 Business
92.3 mi
1h 38m
I 75
67.7 mi
1h 15m
US 82
55.8 mi
1h 9m
Larry Justice Highway
15.9 mi
17m
Albany Highway
6.6 mi
7m
Albany Avenue
4.8 mi
8m
South Georgia Parkway
3.3 mi
3m
East 2nd Street
1 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 75 Business
— 92.3 mi, about 1h 38m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waycross, GA and Atlanta, GA.
1
Start on Church Street
94 ft·10 sec·Church Street
2
Turn left onto Albany Avenue
4.8 mi·8 min·Albany Avenue
3
Turn right onto Fulford Road
0.5 mi·49 sec·Fulford Road
4
Turn left onto US 82; GA 520
3.3 mi·3 min·South Georgia Parkway
Use the left lane.
5
Continue on US 82; GA 520
6.6 mi·7 min·Albany Highway
6
Continue on US 82; GA 520
3.4 mi·3 min·US 82; GA 520
7
Continue on US 82; GA 520
5.1 mi·6 min·US 82; GA 520
8
Continue on US 82; GA 520
4.6 mi·5 min·US 82; GA 520
9
Continue on US 82; GA 520
4.5 mi·6 min·US 82; GA 520
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Continue on US 82; GA 520
21 mi·24 min·US 82; GA 520
11
Continue on US 82; GA 520
0.7 mi·1 min·US 82; GA 520
12
Continue on US 82; US 129; GA 11; GA 520
1.1 mi·1 min·US 82; US 129; GA 11; GA 520
13
Continue on US 82; GA 520
15 mi·18 min·US 82; GA 520
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on US 82; US 319; GA 35; GA 520
0.7 mi·1 min·US 82; US 319; GA 35; GA 520
Use the straight lane.
15
Take the exit onto East 2nd Street
1.0 mi·2 min·East 2nd Street
16
Turn right onto Forrest Avenue
0.8 mi·2 min·Forrest Avenue
17
At end of road, turn left onto US 41; I 75 Business; GA 7
459 ft·11 sec·West 12th Street
18
Continue on US 41; I 75 Business; GA 7
0.7 mi·1 min·US Highway 41 North
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Take the ramp onto I 75 Business
92 mi·1 hr 38 min·I 75 Business
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 475
16 mi·17 min·Larry Justice Highway
Exit 156Toward I 475 North: AtlantaUse the slight left lane.
21
Merge onto I 75
49 mi·53 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
18 mi·21 min·I 75
Toward I 75 North: Atlanta, BirminghamUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 246Toward Fulton Street, Central Avenue, Georgia State UniversityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·59 sec
Toward Fulton Street, Zoo AtlantaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Turn right onto Fulton Street Southwest
0.2 mi·27 sec·Fulton Street Southwest
Use the left / right lanes.
26
Turn left onto Capitol Avenue Southeast
0.5 mi·56 sec·Capitol Avenue Southeast
27
Arrive at destination
Capitol Avenue Southeast
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4-hour, 51-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Waycross to avoid potential traffic as you approach Atlanta. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 92.3 miles, you have flexibility in pacing. Plan your fuel stops strategically, keeping the $39 estimated cost in mind, and note that I-75 Business is where you'll experience the longest continuous driving segment. This route is efficient enough that you won't need to split it, but be prepared for increased traffic density closer to your Atlanta destination.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 125.4 miles from Waycross, GA, or about 2h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 92.3 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 55 miles or 1h 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 125.4 miles or 2h 32m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 58m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Atlanta, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Waycross, 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 Waycross, GA
This is one driving day of about 250.8 miles and 4h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Waycross, 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 I 75 Business for about 92.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 125.4 mi from Waycross, GA
· 2h 32m 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.
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 250.8
Welcome to Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. This park is a prehistoric American Indian site, where many different American Indian cultures occupied this land for thousands of years. American...
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,...
18 mi from route
~45 min detour
$5
near mile 250.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.22 one way
$78.44 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg88 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$42.88
$85.77
premium
$4.70
$46.42
$92.84
diesel
$5.61
$55.37
$110.75
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 87.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
75.2
0
$26.33
$12.04
Efficient EV
62.7
0
$21.95
$10.03
EV Truck/SUV
100.3
1
$35.11
$16.05
Gas CO2
88 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Waycross, GA
Night
in Waycross on Friday
Local time
10:08 PM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Atlanta, GA
Night
in Atlanta on Friday
Local time
10:08 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°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
4 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
4h 51m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Waycross, GA to Atlanta, GA covers 250.8 miles and takes about 4h 51m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 75 Business, I 75, US 82. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 125.4 miles from Waycross, GA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $39.22 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 250.8 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: at 165.9 miles (I 475 / Larry Justice Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 231.3 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 249.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Waycross, GA to Atlanta, GA, road signs begin pointing toward Birmingham along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park and Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
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.
