Masters traffic: Milledgeville to Augusta

Question

Can anyone suggest a good route we should take from Milledgeville to Augusta on Masters Wednesday to avoid the Atlanta crowd?

Also, if we leave our hotel around 6am do you think we'll find decent parking? We don't mind walking a while if needed. Should we leave earlier? First time staying in Milledgeville.

Thank you for your time!

Answer

Driving from Milledgeville to Augusta on Masters Wednesday can be a bit tricky due to the heavy traffic around Augusta and Atlanta during the Masters Tournament. Here’s some advice to help you avoid the worst of the congestion and ensure a smooth trip:

Route Suggestions to Avoid Atlanta Traffic:
- Option 1: Take Highway 22 to Highway 278: This is a more scenic, slower route but avoids the Atlanta area altogether. From Milledgeville, you can take Highway 22 west towards Sparta, then merge onto Highway 278, which leads to Highway 20 south and eventually into Augusta. This route will likely add some extra time, but you’ll bypass much of the Atlanta area traffic.
- Option 2: Highway 16 to Interstate 20: If you prefer to stick to major highways, you can take Highway 16 west from Milledgeville towards Gray, then pick up Interstate 20 east toward Augusta. Although this route takes you through some rural areas, it's generally a faster option than driving directly through Atlanta. Be aware that there might still be some congestion near the outskirts of Augusta.
- Option 3: Take Highway 44 to Highway 278: Another route you can consider is taking Highway 44 west from Milledgeville to Highway 278, which will bring you south toward Augusta. This option also avoids the Atlanta traffic and is a reasonable alternative if you’re looking for less congestion.
Parking Tips for Masters Wednesday:
- Leave Early: Given the popularity of the Masters and the traffic congestion leading up to the event, leaving at 6am is a good plan, but leaving earlier (around 5:30am or 5:45am) could give you a better chance of securing parking closer to the venue. Augusta is known for its limited parking, and the earlier you arrive, the better the odds of finding a spot.
- Expect a Walk: Even if you arrive early, you may need to walk a little to get to the Augusta National. Many of the parking lots near the venue fill up quickly, and the further you park, the longer the walk. There are usually shuttle services from remote lots, but if you don’t mind walking, you can find parking at a reasonable distance.
- Consider Parking in Downtown Augusta: If you’re okay with a longer walk, you might consider parking in downtown Augusta. There are often public parking areas, and many local businesses open up their lots for Masters visitors during the tournament. Just be sure to plan for the additional walk from downtown to the course.
Additional Tips:
- Traffic Around Augusta: Even if you avoid Atlanta, expect heavy traffic as you approach Augusta, especially on Masters Wednesday. Plan for possible delays as everyone converges on the city for the event.
- Plan for Some Buffer Time: While 6am is a good start time, it’s always wise to leave yourself some buffer time to account for unexpected delays, particularly when navigating the final stretch into Augusta.

Conclusion: Your best bet to avoid heavy Atlanta traffic is to take a more rural route like Highway 22 or Highway 16. These options will get you to Augusta without the headache of driving through the city. Leaving at 6am is a reasonable plan, but consider leaving a little earlier to secure a better parking spot. Expect to walk a bit, and don’t forget to enjoy the excitement of the Masters when you arrive!

Masters traffic: Milledgeville to Augusta

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