How Far Is It from Atlanta to Augusta? Your Local Guide to the Drive, Distance & Travel Options

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and need to get to Augusta, whether for the Masters, a weekend trip, or visiting family, the first question is usually: how far is it, and what’s the best way to get there?

Here’s a clear breakdown of the distance from Atlanta to Augusta, typical travel times, best routes, and what Atlanta residents and visitors should know before making the trip.

How Far Is Atlanta to Augusta?

In simple terms:

• Driving distance: About 145–155 miles
• Typical drive time: Around 2 to 2.5 hours in normal traffic
• Main route:I‑20 East from Atlanta to Augusta

The exact mileage depends on where in Atlanta you start (Downtown, Buckhead, the Airport, etc.) and where in Augusta you’re headed, but most trips fall right in that 2‑ to 2.5‑hour window.

Quick Distance & Travel Time Snapshot

From Atlanta to Augusta (typical starting points):

*Times assume normal traffic and weather, with no major incidents on I‑20.

Best Driving Route from Atlanta to Augusta

Primary Route: I‑20 East

For nearly everyone traveling from Atlanta to Augusta, the simplest and fastest route is:

1. Get onto I‑20 East from your part of Atlanta
2. Stay on I‑20 East for about 140 miles
3. Follow signs into Augusta, typically using exits for Downtown Augusta, Washington Road, or Bobby Jones Expressway (I‑520) depending on your final destination

Key points along the way:

• You’ll pass near Conyers, Covington, Madison, Greensboro, and Thomson
• The drive is mostly interstate, with steady highway speeds once you’re out of metro Atlanta
• Expect the slowest part of the trip to be getting onto I‑20 and leaving Atlanta traffic behind

What Affects Atlanta‑to‑Augusta Drive Times?

Even though the distance is fairly fixed, Atlanta traffic and timing can change how long the trip takes.

1. Time of Day

• Morning rush (about 7–9 a.m.) and evening rush (about 4–7 p.m.) in Atlanta can add 20–45 minutes just to clear the city
• Midday, late evening, or early morning are often easier times to start the drive

2. Direction of Travel

• Heading eastbound on I‑20 to Augusta:
  • Heaviest congestion is usually inside I‑285 and near major interchanges (Downtown Connector, I‑285 loops)
• Returning westbound to Atlanta:
  • Afternoon and early evening westbound traffic into the city can slow the last 10–20 miles

3. Event and Holiday Traffic

Some situations can add significant time:

• Masters Tournament week in Augusta (early April):
  Traffic around Augusta increases, especially near Washington Road and I‑20 exits serving the course.
• Holiday weekends (Thanksgiving, Christmas, major three-day weekends):
  I‑20 can see heavier volumes leaving and entering Atlanta.

Planning a little extra buffer—30 to 60 minutes—around these times is usually wise.

Is There a Scenic or Alternate Route?

Most people stick with I‑20 East because it’s direct and simple. However, if you’re not in a hurry, you can use a more scenic option:

• From the east side of metro Atlanta, you can follow some US highways and state routes that roughly parallel I‑20.
• These routes may take you through smaller Georgia towns and rural landscapes, but they typically add time compared with the interstate.

For anyone trying to arrive by a particular time (sports event, appointment, tee time, etc.), I‑20 remains the most reliable choice.

Getting from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Augusta

If you’re flying into Atlanta and heading directly to Augusta, here’s what to expect.

Distance & Route from the Airport

• Distance: About 155 miles
• Drive time: Around 2.25–2.75 hours, depending on traffic leaving the airport area
• Route:
  1. From the airport terminals, follow signs to I‑285 or directly to I‑20 East, depending on your navigation
  2. Connect to I‑20 East and continue straight to Augusta

Because the airport is on the south side of Atlanta, you may have a short drive on I‑285 or local connectors before reaching I‑20.

Ground Transportation Options from the Airport

• Rental car:
  Most visitors choose to rent a car at Hartsfield‑Jackson and drive. This gives flexibility once you’re in Augusta.
• Shared ride or taxi:
  A direct rideshare or taxi to Augusta is possible but can be expensive due to the distance.
• Bus connections:
  Long‑distance bus services that operate between Atlanta and Augusta often make stops near central Atlanta rather than directly at the airport, so you’d usually:
  1. Take MARTA or a shuttle into town
  2. Connect to a bus service heading to Augusta

Because of the distance, driving yourself from the airport is often the most practical option, especially for couples, families, or small groups.

Driving Tips for Atlanta Residents Heading to Augusta

If you live in metro Atlanta and are planning a drive to Augusta, these local points are helpful.

1. Choose Your I‑20 Entry Point

Depending on where you live, you’ll hop onto I‑20 East in different places:

• Intown Atlanta / Midtown / Downtown:
  Use on‑ramps near the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) to connect to I‑20 East
• Eastside (Decatur, East Lake, Lithonia, Stonecrest):
  You may join I‑20 at Glenwood Road, Panola Road, Evans Mill Road, or near the I‑285/I‑20 East interchange
• Northside / Buckhead / Sandy Springs / Brookhaven:
  You can use I‑285 to get down to I‑20 East, or drive south through the intown connectors depending on real‑time traffic

Local drivers often check navigation apps before departure to choose the least congested path to I‑20.

2. Fuel and Rest Stops

Once you’re on I‑20 East, there are many places to stop:

• Conyers and Covington: Early fuel and food options once you’re out of the core metro area
• Madison / Greensboro area: Convenient midpoint for a quick stretch or snack
• Thomson: Final major stop before Augusta

For most vehicles, it’s easy to do the whole drive on one tank of gas, but families or larger groups often plan one short break about halfway.

3. Weather Considerations

• In heavy rain, visibility can drop significantly on I‑20, especially in more rural stretches
• Occasionally, construction zones near or outside Atlanta can reduce speeds
• During heat waves, long drives can be harder on vehicles; ensuring your tires and coolant are in good shape is wise before hitting a 150‑mile interstate run

Public Transportation Options: Atlanta to Augusta

There is no direct MARTA or local Atlanta transit option that will take you from Atlanta all the way to Augusta. However, a few intercity options exist.

Bus Services

Several long‑distance bus companies typically run between major Georgia cities, including:

• Downtown or Midtown Atlanta pickup points (often near major transit hubs or central locations)
• Drop‑offs in Augusta, sometimes near central areas or park‑and‑ride locations

What to keep in mind:

• Travel time: Usually longer than driving yourself, due to pickups, drop‑offs, and scheduled stops
• Cost: Often less expensive than renting a car or taking a private car service
• Flexibility: Fixed schedules; better for travelers who don’t mind set departure and arrival times

If you’re already in Atlanta without a car and don’t want to rent one, these buses can be a practical alternative.

Is There a Train from Atlanta to Augusta?

At present, there is no direct passenger rail service connecting Atlanta and Augusta for everyday travelers.

• Amtrak service in Georgia primarily runs through Atlanta and other corridors, but not directly to Augusta.
• For most people, the realistic options remain driving or taking an intercity bus.

Some travelers who strongly prefer rail travel may combine Amtrak segments with car or bus connections, but that is rarely time‑efficient for the specific Atlanta‑to‑Augusta route.

Flying from Atlanta to Augusta

Because the distance between Atlanta and Augusta is relatively short, most people do not fly between the two cities.

Still, a few points:

• Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is a major hub
• Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field (AGS) serves the Augusta area

Direct flights between ATL and AGS, when offered, are generally:

• Short in the air but
• Longer door‑to‑door once you factor in:
  • Security
  • Check‑in
  • Boarding
  • Possible layovers or timing gaps

Most Atlanta‑based travelers find that driving or taking a bus is more straightforward and, in many cases, quicker overall.

How Far Is Downtown Atlanta to Downtown Augusta?

If you’re going from central Atlanta (around the Five Points or Downtown area) straight to Downtown Augusta:

• Distance: Around 150 miles
• Estimated time: About 2–2.5 hours, depending on:
  • Time of day
  • Traffic leaving Downtown Atlanta
  • Any slowdowns on I‑20

This is the most common comparison when people ask, “How far is Atlanta to Augusta?”, since many events, courts, festivals, and government offices are downtown in both cities.

When to Leave Atlanta for an On‑Time Arrival in Augusta

If you must arrive in Augusta by a specific time, here’s a general planning guide for Atlanta residents and visitors:

• Appointment or event at 10:00 a.m. in Augusta:
  • Aim to leave Atlanta between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m. to build in a buffer for traffic and a quick stop
• Evening event (6:00–7:00 p.m.) in Augusta:
  • Leaving Atlanta between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. often avoids the worst of afternoon congestion
• Masters Tournament days:
  • Add extra time beyond your usual buffer, especially if you’ll be near heavily used exits like Washington Road

Everyone’s tolerance for “cutting it close” is different, but many regular drivers between the cities recommend planning 2.5–3 hours total if your schedule is strict.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Distance from Atlanta to Augusta: About 145–155 miles, depending on your starting point in Atlanta
• Main route:I‑20 East, which runs directly from metro Atlanta to Augusta
• Typical time:2–2.5 hours in normal conditions; allow more if leaving during rush hour or traveling during busy holiday or Masters periods
• Best option: For most people in or visiting Atlanta, driving is the most practical, time‑efficient way to get to Augusta

Understanding the distance and travel options from Atlanta to Augusta helps you plan your schedule, choose the right departure time, and know what to expect on the road.