How Far Is It from Atlanta to Nashville? Distance, Drive Time, and Best Ways to Go

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and thinking about a trip to Nashville, Tennessee, you’re looking at a route that’s popular for weekend getaways, concerts, SEC games, and quick road trips. Here’s exactly how far Atlanta is from Nashville, how long it usually takes, and the best ways to get between the two cities.

How Far Is Atlanta to Nashville?

The distance between Atlanta and Nashville depends a bit on your exact starting point in Atlanta and your route, but most travelers use two main numbers:

• By road (driving distance):
  ≈ 250 miles from Downtown Atlanta to Downtown Nashville via I‑75 and I‑24
• By air (straight line / flight distance):
  ≈ 215–230 miles as the crow flies

For most people in Atlanta, this is a half‑day drive or a quick flight.

Typical Drive Time from Atlanta to Nashville

Average Driving Time

On a normal day with moderate traffic, most drivers report:

• Driving time: about 3.5 to 4 hours
• Route: I‑75 North → I‑24 West

If you’re leaving from major Atlanta areas:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta to Nashville:
  About 250 miles, usually 3.5–4 hours
• Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Nashville:
  Very similar distance and time—add extra time for airport traffic
• Suburbs on the north side (e.g., Sandy Springs, Marietta):
  You may save 10–20 minutes since you’re closer to I‑75 northbound

Factors That Affect Drive Time

Your actual time from Atlanta to Nashville can change based on:

• Traffic in Atlanta:
  Congestion on the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85), I‑285, or I‑75 North can easily add 30–60 minutes, especially:
  • Weekday mornings: roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.
  • Weekday evenings: roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.
• Road conditions near Chattanooga:
  You’ll pass through Chattanooga, TN, where I‑24 can get backed up, especially on weekends and around holidays.
• Weather in the mountains:
  The stretch between North Georgia and Chattanooga has hilly terrain. Heavy rain, fog, or winter weather can slow you down.
• Construction and lane closures:
  Long‑term work sometimes affects I‑75 or I‑24. Checking conditions before you leave can prevent long delays.

Quick Reference: Atlanta to Nashville Distance & Time

*Times assume typical conditions and minimal stops.

Best Driving Route from Atlanta to Nashville

Standard Route Most Atlanta Drivers Use

For most people leaving from central or south Atlanta:

1. Start on I‑75 North
   • If you’re downtown, you’ll get onto I‑75/85 (Downtown Connector), then continue on I‑75 North.
2. Continue toward Chattanooga
   • Stay on I‑75 North through Marietta and Kennesaw.
3. Take I‑24 West near Chattanooga
   • Around Chattanooga, merge onto I‑24 West toward Nashville.
4. Follow I‑24 West into Nashville
   • This takes you right into the Nashville metro area and close to downtown.

This is usually the fastest and most direct route from Atlanta to Nashville.

Alternative Route Options

Some Atlanta drivers occasionally choose alternate paths to avoid traffic or for scenery:

• I‑85 North → US‑441 / back roads (scenic, not fast):
  This can be more scenic through North Georgia and Tennessee, but is generally longer and slower. It’s mainly for people who want a leisurely drive, not a quick trip.
• I‑75 North → US‑27 / back roads around Chattanooga:
  Sometimes used if there’s a serious backup on I‑24. It’s helpful if traffic apps show major delays.

For most trips, I‑75 North + I‑24 West remains the best choice.

Flying from Atlanta to Nashville

If you’re trying to move quickly between the cities, flying can be appealing—especially if you’re already near Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

Flight Distance and Time

• Flight distance: about 215–230 miles
• Typical nonstop flight time:
  Around 1 hour in the air

However, when you factor in:

• Travel to ATL
• Security screening
• Boarding and taxi time
• Baggage claim and transportation from Nashville International Airport (BNA) into the city

…your door‑to‑door time from most parts of Atlanta often ends up around 3–4 hours total, similar to driving.

When Flying Makes Sense from Atlanta

Flying Atlanta to Nashville may be worthwhile if:

• You’re already at or near ATL for another trip.
• You prefer to avoid highway driving, especially through the mountains near Chattanooga.
• You find very low airfare and don’t mind airport logistics.

But if you live in metro Atlanta and are starting from home or work, many residents find driving is simpler and just as fast overall.

Bus and Other Ground Transportation Options

If you prefer not to drive yourself from Atlanta to Nashville, you have a few ground transportation choices.

Intercity Bus Services

Several bus companies operate routes between the two cities, often departing from:

• Downtown Atlanta or near Hartsfield‑Jackson ATL Airport

While schedules and providers change over time, the general pattern is:

• Travel time: Often 4.5–6 hours, depending on stops and route
• Distance: Similar to driving—around 250 miles
• Pros:
  • No need to drive or manage parking
  • Often less expensive than flying
• Cons:
  • Less flexible timing
  • You may arrive at a central bus station in Nashville and need additional transportation to your final destination

If you’re considering a bus from Atlanta, it’s wise to:

• Review departure locations in Downtown Atlanta, near Five Points, or near the airport
• Check how close the arrival point in Nashville is to where you need to be

Comparing Options: Drive vs. Fly vs. Bus from Atlanta

Here’s a simple way to think about it from an Atlanta traveler’s perspective:

Driving (I‑75 / I‑24)

• Distance: ~250 miles
• Time: 3.5–4 hours
• Best for: Flexibility, groups, weekend trips, carrying luggage, stopping in Chattanooga or other towns along the way

Flying (ATL → BNA)

• Distance (air): ~215–230 miles
• Time in air: ~1 hour
• Door‑to‑door: often 3–4 hours total
• Best for: Those already at ATL, or who prefer not to drive at all

Bus

• Distance: ~250 miles
• Time: 4.5–6 hours
• Best for: Budget travel and people comfortable with set schedules and shared transit

Tips for Atlanta Drivers Heading to Nashville 🚗

If you’re planning to drive from Atlanta to Nashville, a few local‑focused tips can make the trip easier:

1. Pick the Right Departure Time

From Atlanta’s perspective, the biggest time‑saver is avoiding local rush hour:

• Leaving before 6:30 a.m. on a weekday can get you ahead of traffic.
• Leaving after 7:00 p.m. often avoids the worst evening congestion.
• On Fridays, especially before holidays or big events, heavy traffic may extend later into the evening.

If you’re starting from areas like Gwinnett, Cobb, or DeKalb County, factor in extra time just to reach I‑75 North.

2. Plan a Stop Around Chattanooga

Chattanooga falls roughly midway between Atlanta and Nashville. Many Atlanta drivers like to:

• Refuel and eat
• Stretch legs
• Check traffic or weather for the I‑24 mountain stretch heading into Middle Tennessee

It’s a natural break point on the route.

3. Watch Weather in the North Georgia / Tennessee Corridor

In winter or during heavy storms, conditions between:

• Northern Metro Atlanta (Kennesaw / Cartersville area)
• Through Chattanooga
• And up into central Tennessee

…can change quickly. Atlanta drivers often find:

• Heavy rain or fog makes the mountainous curves on I‑24 slower
• Winter precipitation can cause delays or temporary closures

Checking road conditions from Atlanta before departure is a good idea.

How This Trip Fits Into Atlanta Travel Planning

Whether you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and using the city as your base, Nashville is close enough for:

• A same‑day round trip (with an early start)
• A one‑ or two‑night weekend getaway
• A quick trip for a concert, sporting event, or festival

From an Atlanta point of view, the Atlanta–Nashville route is:

• Farther than typical in‑state drives (like Atlanta to Athens or Macon)
• Shorter than a full‑day drive like Atlanta to South Florida
• Manageable for most drivers without needing an overnight stop, as long as you’re comfortable with 3.5–4 hours each way

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Driving distance from Atlanta to Nashville is about 250 miles, mostly via I‑75 North and I‑24 West.
• Most trips by car take around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on Atlanta traffic and conditions near Chattanooga.
• Flight distance is around 215–230 miles, with about 1 hour of flying time, but total travel time often ends up similar to driving once you factor in airport logistics.
• Bus services provide a budget‑friendly option, usually taking 4.5–6 hours.
• For many people in Atlanta, driving is the most straightforward and flexible way to get to Nashville.

If you’re planning from an Atlanta starting point—whether that’s Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or the suburbs—you can expect Nashville to feel like a half‑day away, not an all‑day trek.