The Joy of Road-tripping from Atlanta, Georgia to West Melbourne, Florida

It’s time for another road trip! This time, we’re taking a trip from Atlanta, Georgia to West Melbourne, Florida. This may not be the longest trip but sometimes time is of the essence, which means we should be thinking about the time it will take to get to our destination before setting out.

The Fastest Route

Driving from Atlanta, Georgia to West Melbourne, Florida can be done in a few different ways. The fastest option would be to take I-75 S and I-4 E, which comes in at a distance of 446 miles. There are various online maps that suggest this route should take around 6 hours on the road, depending on traffic patterns and season.

During peak travel times, it can take longer. If you plan to travel during the holidays or summer months, expect higher traffic and more delays. Give yourself extra time if you need to arrive somewhere by a certain time and try to avoid those peak periods.

The Scenic Route

If you have time to spare, it may be worth taking the scenic route. Following US-27 S is the longest route at 507 miles, but it can offer some incredible scenery to make up for it. On this route, the drive through Florida countryside is peaceful and littered with quaint, small communities. Plan for longer driving times here as this route may take around 7-8 hours.

Best Time of Day

To get a better sense of how long it will take under different circumstances, it’s best to consider the time of day as well. In general, traffic is lightest around 6 AM to 9 AM and 3 PM to 6 PM. This is when most people are leaving or coming back from work. If you want to avoid traffic and rush hour, this would be the ideal time to hit the road.

However, if you need to beat the traffic, you can always leave before 6 AM. This would mean you’ll have to skip breakfast, but you can grab snacks and breakfast on the go. If you arrive early, go grab quick brunch at a restaurant after you finish your trek.

Remember, the main benefit of taking road trips over airplanes and trains: You’re more in control of the timing, can take spontaneous detours, and you can make up for delays somewhere along your trip. Enjoy the adventure!