How far is Thomson, GA from Atlanta, GA?
Fastest route
The route from Thomson, Georgia 30824, USA to Atlanta, Georgia, USA is approximately 117 miles and takes about 1 hour and 51 minutes via I-20 W. The fastest route currently avoids a road closure on Capitol Sq SW.
Directions
- Get on I-20 W from GA-223 W.
- Head west on Gordon St toward Main St.
- Continue onto Tom Watson Way.
- Continue onto GA-223 W/Hickory Hill Dr.
- Continue to follow GA-223 W. Turn right onto 3 Points Rd.
- Turn left to merge onto I-20 W.
- Follow I-20 W to Capitol Ave SE in Atlanta. Take exit 58A from I-20 W.
- Keep left to stay on I-20 W.
- Take exit 58A for Capitol Ave toward Capital Ave/Downtown.
- Use the right 2 lanes to turn right onto Capitol Ave SE.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Make sure to follow the signs for I-20 W when getting on the highway from GA-223 W.
- 🗺️ Take note of landmarks like Gordon St and Tom Watson Way to stay on the correct route.
- ⛽ Plan for any necessary fuel stops along the way.
- 🚧 Stay updated on road closures or detours that may affect the route by checking for real-time traffic updates.
- 🕑 Leave ample time for the journey, considering traffic conditions and potential delays.
- 📱 Use navigation apps or maps for turn-by-turn directions during the trip.
- 📍 Follow the signs and instructions for the specific exit and lane changes mentioned in the directions.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 46m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Town in Morgan County, Georgia, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Thomson and Atlanta.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Thomson and Atlanta.
-
1
Start on Gordon Street
23 m · 4 sec · Gordon Street
-
2
Continue on Tom Watson Way
1530 ft · 31 sec · Tom Watson Way
-
3
Continue on Hickory Hill Drive
1374 ft · 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
1.1 km · 1 min · Three Points Road
-
6
Take the ramp left
1592 ft · 39 sec
-
7
Merge slight left onto Carl Sanders Highway
54.7 mi · 59 min · Carl Sanders Highway
-
8
Continue on Purple Heart Highway
46.9 mi · 50 min · Purple Heart Highway
-
9
Continue on Ralph David Abernathy Freeway
9.3 mi · 11 min · Ralph David Abernathy Freeway
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward Capital Avenue, Downtown
3227 ft · 1 min
-
11
Turn right onto Capitol Avenue Southeast
1401 ft · 32 sec · Capitol Avenue Southeast
-
12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Capitol Avenue Southeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Thomson and Atlanta.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Carl Sanders Highway
Merge slight left onto Carl Sanders Highway
54.7 mi · 00h 59m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Thomson and Mostly Sunny near Atlanta.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Thomson to Atlanta?
The road trip is about 118 miles (189.9 km) and usually takes 01h 46m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Madison is a useful midpoint, sitting about 58.4 miles from Thomson and 59.6 miles from Atlanta.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 110 miles (177.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 8 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:58 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.48 one way or $32.96 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Thomson and Mostly Sunny near Atlanta.
Stop Ideas Near Madison
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Madison.
Gainesville
Peachtree Station
Toccoa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Thomson and Atlanta. Straight-line distance: 110.07 mi (177.14 km).
#1 Thomson
City in and the county seat of McDuffie County, Georgia, United States
| Population | 6,463 |
| Coordinates | 33.4706900, -82.5045700 |
| Altitude | 162 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Atlanta
The most populous city in Georgia and the center of the Atlanta metropolitan area.
| Population | 512,550 |
| Coordinates | 33.7490000, -84.3879800 |
| Altitude | 320 |
| Country | United States |
End: Capitol Avenue Southeast (-84.387507, 33.748861)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 190 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $16.48 | $32.96 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $18.42 | $36.85 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $19.88 | $39.75 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $23.40 | $46.79 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Georgia · May 14, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.