If you’re driving long-distance and want to avoid driving through downtown Atlanta, you’re not alone. Traffic on I‑75, I‑85, and the Downtown Connector can be intimidating, especially during rush hour, holidays, or major events.
The good news: yes, there are bypass options around Atlanta. The details depend on:
Below is a practical guide to the main Atlanta bypass routes, how they work, and when they make sense.
There is no single full beltway that completely circles Atlanta the way some cities have. However, there are two main types of “bypass” drivers commonly use:
For most travelers, I‑285 is the practical bypass. For those who truly want to stay away from Atlanta traffic, outer bypass combinations can work but require more planning and usually add time and miles.
I‑285, also called “The Perimeter”, is a loop highway that encircles much of Atlanta and its close-in suburbs, connecting:
Instead of staying on I‑75 or I‑85 through the Downtown Connector, you can usually:
The experience of driving I‑285 can vary a lot depending on which segment you’re on.
| I‑285 Segment | General Area | Typical Use | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| North (between I‑75 & I‑85) | Cumberland, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody | East–west bypass across top of metro | Very busy, lots of interchanges, frequent congestion |
| East (between I‑85 & I‑20) | Doraville, Tucker, Stone Mountain | North–south bypass east of city | Moderate to heavy traffic, mix of commuters and trucks |
| South (between I‑20 & I‑75/I‑85) | Forest Park, Hartsfield‑Jackson area | Bypass under the city, airport access | Lots of truck traffic, construction at times |
| West (between I‑20 & I‑75) | Six Flags area, Smyrna | North–south bypass west of city | Can be smoother than north side but still busy |
Key takeaway:
I‑285 is technically a bypass, but it can be just as congested as the Downtown Connector during peak times. It usually works best outside rush hour or when crashes or construction are blocking lanes downtown.
Using I‑285 to bypass downtown Atlanta is often a good idea if:
Travelers heading:
If you’re just driving through the Atlanta area, here’s how a bypass typically looks, depending on your route.
Most common option:
When to consider this:
You can also use I‑285 East, but the west side is often preferred by drivers headed to or from the northwest states.
If you stay on I‑85 through town, you must pass through the Downtown Connector. To bypass:
Or do the reverse traveling southbound.
To avoid central Atlanta:
Coming from the east (Augusta):
Coming from the west (Birmingham):
Many drivers prefer the south arc of I‑285 to avoid the more crowded northern suburbs.
Some drivers want to bypass not only downtown but the entire Atlanta metro area. There is no single marked “outer loop,” but there are a few popular outer-bypass corridors that stay well clear of the city.
These are especially common for:
A common pattern (northbound):
This approach:
Because the exact routing depends on where you’re coming from, many drivers rely on current GPS routing with traffic turned on and then confirm that US‑27 and connector state routes look reasonable for their vehicle size.
If you’re traveling between Florida and the Carolinas or Mid‑Atlantic and want to stay well east of Atlanta, some drivers:
These eastern routes can:
For many drivers, I‑285 is still the best balance of speed and simplicity. Outer bypasses are most appealing if:
If you live in Atlanta or are staying in the metro area, “bypass” can also mean routes that sidestep the worst interchanges during daily life.
Locals sometimes avoid segments of I‑285 or the Downtown Connector by using:
These aren’t full bypasses of the city, but they can help:
If you’re visiting Atlanta, ask a local or check navigation apps for “avoid highways” options during peak times if you’re only traveling a few exits.
Sometimes, going through downtown is faster than using I‑285, especially:
The Downtown Connector (I‑75/I‑85) is heavily monitored, and traffic often moves surprisingly well outside rush hour. Lanes are clearly marked, and electronic message boards frequently post travel times for both the Connector and I‑285, which can help you compare in real time.
Here are some simple guidelines to help you decide:
Check live traffic before you commit.
Use navigation tools to compare:
Consider the time of day.
Know your comfort level.
Watch for signage.
Approaching Atlanta on I‑75, I‑85, or I‑20, overhead signs will clearly mark:
If you regularly drive through or around Atlanta, it can help to know which local organizations oversee major roadways and traffic info.
Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
Oversees interstates like I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, and I‑285, plus many state routes around Atlanta.
Atlanta-area 511 Traffic Service
Georgia’s traveler information service is commonly referred to as “511”, which offers:
Using these resources before a long drive through or around Atlanta can help you decide whether a bypass route is worth it on a given day.
In practical terms, if you’re asking, “Is there a bypass around Atlanta?” the usable options are:
Your best choice depends on your route, timing, and comfort with metro vs. rural driving, but you do have ways to avoid driving straight through downtown Atlanta.
