How far is Thunderbolt, GA from Macon, GA?
The driving distance from Thunderbolt, GA to Macon, GA is about 169 miles (272 km), with a travel time of about 02h 39m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 160.6 miles (258.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 19m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
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 02h 39m.
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.
Human settlement in Emanuel County, Georgia, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Thunderbolt and Macon.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Thunderbolt and Macon.
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1
Start on River Drive
67 m · 16 sec · River Drive
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2
Turn left onto East Victory Drive
1.8 mi · 3 min · East Victory Drive
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3
Turn right onto Bee Road
1770 ft · 42 sec · Bee Road
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4
Turn left onto East 37th Street
2.2 mi · 4 min · East 37th Street
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5
Turn slight right
140 m · 10 sec
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6
Take the ramp straight
3120 ft · 1 min
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7
Merge slight right onto Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
163 mi · 2 hr 56 min · Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward GA 22: Second Street, Macon
720 ft · 18 sec
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9
Turn right onto 2nd Street
3066 ft · 1 min · 2nd Street
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10
Turn right onto Mulberry Street
1713 ft · 58 sec · Mulberry Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Mulberry Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Thunderbolt and Macon.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
Merge slight right onto Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
163 mi · 02h 56m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Thunderbolt and Mostly Sunny near Macon.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Thunderbolt to Macon?
The road trip is about 169 miles (272 km) and usually takes 02h 39m 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?
Nunez is a useful midpoint, sitting about 84.4 miles from Thunderbolt and 84.6 miles from Macon.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 160.6 miles (258.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.4 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 1:10 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.61 one way or $47.22 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 53 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Thunderbolt and Mostly Sunny near Macon.
Stop Ideas Near Nunez
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 Nunez.
Jesup
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Thunderbolt and Macon. Straight-line distance: 160.59 mi (258.44 km).
#1 Thunderbolt
Town in Chatham County, Georgia, United States
| Population | 2,601 |
| Coordinates | 32.0335400, -81.0498300 |
| Altitude | 6 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Macon
The second most populous city in Georgia.
| Population | 152,663 |
| Coordinates | 32.8406900, -83.6324000 |
| Altitude | 112 |
| Country | United States |
End: Mulberry Street (-83.632388, 32.840703)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 272 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 37m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 13m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 06m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $23.61 | $47.22 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $26.40 | $52.79 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $28.48 | $56.95 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $33.52 | $67.04 |
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 · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.