Atlanta to Birmingham: Distance, Drive Time, and Best Ways to Get There

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Birmingham, Alabama, the good news is that it’s a relatively easy, straightforward route. Whether you’re visiting friends, going for a concert, or planning a quick weekend getaway, it helps to know exactly how far it is from Atlanta to Birmingham and what to expect on the way.

How Far Is It From Atlanta to Birmingham?

In simple terms:

• Driving distance: About 145–150 miles
• Typical driving time: About 2.5 to 3 hours by car
• Route: Mostly along Interstate 20 (I‑20 West)

The exact distance and time can vary depending on:

• Where you start in the Atlanta area (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, suburbs)
• Traffic conditions on I‑20 and around the Downtown Connector (I‑75/I‑85)
• Road work, weather, and time of day

If you’re leaving from Downtown Atlanta (near Five Points or Georgia State University) and heading to Downtown Birmingham, you’ll usually be looking at a roughly 147‑mile drive.

Main Driving Route: Atlanta to Birmingham on I‑20

For most people in Atlanta, the fastest and most direct way to Birmingham is:

1. Get onto I‑20 West from your part of the metro area.
2. Stay on I‑20 West all the way into Birmingham.
3. Follow signs for Downtown Birmingham or your specific neighborhood exit.

Typical Starting Points Around Atlanta

Here’s a quick look at approximate distances and drive times from common Atlanta starting areas to Downtown Birmingham:

*Times assume normal highway conditions with no major delays.

What to Expect on the Drive

Driving from Atlanta to Birmingham is mostly straight highway with a mix of urban and rural stretches.

Traffic Patterns Leaving Atlanta

From an Atlanta perspective, the biggest variable is getting out of the city:

• Weekday morning rush (6:30–9:00 a.m.) leaving Atlanta can be slow, especially near:
  • Downtown Connector (I‑75/85)
  • I‑20 interchanges near Downtown and West Atlanta
• Evening rush (3:30–7:00 p.m.) can also affect westbound I‑20.

If you want a smoother trip, many Atlanta drivers aim to:

• Leave after 9:00 a.m. and before 3:00 p.m., or
• Travel later in the evening after peak rush

Road Conditions Between Atlanta and Birmingham

Along I‑20 you’ll pass through:

• West Metro Atlanta (e.g., Lithia Springs, Douglasville)
• Smaller Georgia towns (Villa Rica, Bremen, Tallapoosa)
• Alabama border near the state line, then on to Anniston/Oxford area and over to Birmingham

The terrain is mostly rolling hills and forested areas, with occasional construction zones. Most of the way is 70 mph or similar in rural stretches, with lower limits approaching both cities.

Atlanta to Birmingham by Car: Practical Tips

Here are some Atlanta-specific tips if you’re driving:

• Plan your route from your neighborhood:

  • From Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Grant Park, you’ll usually take I‑75/85 to connect with I‑20 West.
  • From Buckhead or Brookhaven, you may use GA‑400 or surface streets to get over to I‑20.
  • From South Atlanta or near Hartsfield–Jackson, you can often join I‑20 more quickly via I‑285.

• Watch for I‑285 options:
  If you’re starting far north or east of the city, it can be faster to use I‑285 to reach I‑20 West rather than crossing straight through Downtown.

• Fuel and rest stops:
  There are plenty of gas and food options in:

  • Douglasville, GA
  • Villa Rica, GA
  • Oxford/Anniston, AL

• Weather considerations:
  Heavy rain or storms can slow traffic significantly, especially around the Downtown Connector and low-visibility stretches in rural areas.

Are There Other Ways to Travel From Atlanta to Birmingham?

Driving is the most common and flexible option for Atlanta residents and visitors, but there are a few alternatives.

Bus Options

Intercity bus services typically connect Atlanta and Birmingham along the I‑20 corridor. Schedules and availability can change, but in general:

• Buses usually depart from central Atlanta locations, commonly near or within reach of:
  • Downtown Atlanta transit connections
  • MARTA rail stations such as Garnett or areas close to Five Points

From Atlanta, you can often:

• Take MARTA to a central station (like Five Points or Garnett)
• Walk or use a local ride service to the bus departure point
• Ride about 3–3.5 hours by bus depending on stops and traffic

If you don’t have a car or prefer not to drive, buses can be a budget-friendly way to cover the Atlanta–Birmingham distance.

Train Options

There is an Amtrak route that passes through both Atlanta and Birmingham, but:

• It typically runs less frequently than daily shuttle-style services.
• Timing may not be ideal for same-day round-trips.
• Total travel time is often longer than driving, due to stops and schedule patterns.

For many Atlanta travelers, trains are more of a scenic or occasional option rather than a daily commuter choice between the two cities.

Flights

Even though both Atlanta (Hartsfield–Jackson) and Birmingham have airports, the distance between the two cities is relatively short for flying.

• By the time you:
  • Travel to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  • Go through security
  • Wait at the gate
  • Fly a short hop
  • Travel from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport into downtown

…you will often spend as much time, or more, than simply driving 2.5–3 hours from Atlanta.

Most people in Atlanta only consider flying if it’s part of a longer multi-city trip, not for a simple Atlanta–Birmingham run.

Getting From Different Parts of Atlanta to Birmingham

Atlanta is a large metro area, so where you start can affect your route and timing.

From Downtown or Midtown Atlanta

• Distance: About 147–150 miles to Downtown Birmingham
• Typical time:2.5–3 hours
• Route:
  • Hop on I‑20 West directly from Downtown or via the Downtown Connector
  • Stay on I‑20 West into Birmingham

This is the most direct and commonly used route for many Atlanta workers and visitors staying near:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• Georgia State University
• Georgia Tech
• Hotels in Downtown or Midtown

From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

If you’re flying into Atlanta and then heading on to Birmingham by ground:

• Distance: About 140–145 miles to Downtown Birmingham
• Typical time:2 hr 25–40 min, depending on airport traffic
• Route:
  • Head north or west to reach I‑285 or I‑85
  • Connect to I‑20 West
  • Continue toward Birmingham

Many travelers rent a car at the airport and drive directly. If you’re using a shuttle or private service, they’ll usually take this same general route.

From Atlanta Suburbs

If you live or are staying in the suburbs:

• West/Northwest suburbs (Austell, Douglasville, Powder Springs):

  • You’re already closer to I‑20 West, so you might save time compared to driving from central Atlanta.

• East/Northeast suburbs (Stone Mountain, Decatur, Tucker, Gwinnett County):

  • You’ll need to cross the metro area or use I‑285 to reach I‑20 West, which can add 20–40 minutes during rush hour.

• South suburbs (College Park, East Point, Union City, Fayetteville):

  • Many drivers use I‑285 to connect with I‑20, or cut across using surface roads depending on traffic.

Atlanta Transit Connections for Longer Trips

If you’re staying in Atlanta without a car and want to get to Birmingham:

• Use MARTA (Atlanta’s rapid transit system) to reach central departure points:
  • Five Points Station: Major transfer hub for all rail lines.
  • Garnett Station: Often used for connections to intercity bus services.

From there, you can connect to:

• Intercity bus services heading toward Birmingham
• Rideshares or taxis that can take you to car rentals or shuttle pickup points

Helpful contact for local transit information:

• MARTA Customer Service
  • Phone: 404-848-5000
  • Main Rail Hub: Five Points Station, 30 Alabama St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

They can provide up-to-date details on how to reach your chosen Atlanta departure point for Birmingham.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Distance: Atlanta to Birmingham is roughly 145–150 miles.
• Drive time: Plan on 2.5 to 3 hours by car under normal conditions.
• Best route:I‑20 West is the main and most direct corridor.
• Alternatives: Buses and trains exist but are usually slower or less frequent than driving; flying is generally not time-efficient for this short route.
• Atlanta-specific factor: The biggest variable is typically Atlanta traffic when leaving or returning, so timing your departure can make a noticeable difference.

If you’re in Atlanta and wondering how far it is to Birmingham, you can think of it as a comfortable half-day trip—far enough to feel like you’re getting away, but close enough to manage in a single morning or afternoon drive.