How Far Is It From Atlanta to St. Simons Island? Your Complete Trip Guide

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and dreaming of a coastal escape, St. Simons Island on the Golden Isles is one of the most popular options. Here’s exactly how far it is from Atlanta to St. Simons Island, how long it usually takes, and the best ways to get there.

Distance From Atlanta to St. Simons Island

If you’re starting in downtown Atlanta (around Five Points or the Georgia State Capitol) and heading to the main village area on St. Simons Island, here’s what to expect:

• Driving distance: About 300–320 miles one way
• Typical drive time: Around 4.5 to 5.5 hours by car, depending on traffic and your exact starting point
• Direction: Generally southeast from Atlanta toward the Georgia coast

Most Atlantans reach St. Simons by driving I‑75 and I‑16 or I‑75 and U.S. 341, then connecting to U.S. 17 and the F.J. Torras Causeway into the island.

Quick Distance & Time Snapshot

Best Driving Routes From Atlanta to St. Simons Island

For most people in Atlanta, driving is the simplest and most flexible way to get to St. Simons Island.

1. I‑75 → I‑16 → I‑95 (Common “Fast” Route)

This is a typical choice if you prefer staying on major interstates:

1. Start on I‑75 South from Atlanta.
2. Take I‑675 (optional) to help bypass some south-side congestion.
3. Continue to I‑16 East toward Savannah.
4. Near Savannah, connect to I‑95 South.
5. Exit toward Brunswick / St. Simons Island (using U.S. 17 and then the F.J. Torras Causeway).

• Miles: ~320
• Time: About 5 hours, can be longer during holiday weekends or rush hour departures
• Pros: Wide interstates, more rest areas and services
• Cons: Slightly longer distance than some back‑road options

2. I‑75 → U.S. 341 Through South Georgia

This route often feels more direct and can be more scenic and less congested once you’re out of metro Atlanta:

1. Take I‑75 South from Atlanta.
2. Exit toward U.S. 341 South (typically around the Macon / Perry area, depending on your chosen connection).
3. Follow U.S. 341 through towns like Perry, Hawkinsville, Eastman, and Baxley.
4. Near Brunswick, connect to U.S. 17 and then the F.J. Torras Causeway into St. Simons.

• Miles: Around 300–310
• Time: Roughly 4.5–5 hours in good conditions
• Pros: Can avoid some interstate congestion; more small-town stops
• Cons: More two‑lane roads, slower traffic in town centers

When Leaving Atlanta Matters

From an Atlanta perspective, departure time can change your actual travel time as much as the route:

• Weekday mornings (6:30–9:30 a.m.): Southbound traffic on I‑75/85 and the Downtown Connector can add 30–60 minutes just to get out of the city.
• Friday afternoons (3–7 p.m.): Popular time to leave Atlanta for the coast; expect delays on the Perimeter and major interstates.
• Early Saturday departures: Often the smoothest for a weekend beach trip.

If you live in Cobb, Gwinnett, or North Fulton, consider using a Perimeter (I‑285) segment that lets you join I‑75 South with fewer urban bottlenecks.

Can You Fly From Atlanta to St. Simons Island?

You can fly, but there are some details Atlanta travelers should know.

1. Flying into Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (BQK)

• From:Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• To:Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (BQK), which serves the St. Simons / Brunswick area
• Flight time: Usually about 1 hour in the air
• Drive from BQK to St. Simons: About 20–30 minutes (roughly 10–15 miles)

For Atlantans who live close to the airport or are connecting from another flight, this can be convenient. However:

• Total trip time (security, boarding, waiting, baggage, rental car or taxi) often ends up closer to 3–4 hours door to door.
• Schedules and availability can be more limited than major hub routes.

2. Flying into Jacksonville (JAX) and Driving North

Another option is to:

1. Fly from ATL to Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) in Florida.
2. Rent a car and drive north on I‑95 to Brunswick and St. Simons.

• Flight time: Around 1–1.5 hours
• Drive from JAX to St. Simons: About 1.5 hours

This can make sense if:

• You’re already flying through Atlanta and find a better connection into Jacksonville.
• You’re combining a Florida and Georgia coastal trip.

For most Atlanta-based travelers starting at home, driving the full way is usually simpler unless you strongly prefer flying or are already at the airport for other reasons.

Bus and Other Ground Transportation Options

If you don’t want to drive yourself:

Bus to the Brunswick Area

Long-distance bus services sometimes operate between Atlanta and Brunswick or nearby cities along I‑95. From there you would:

• Take a taxi, rideshare, or local shuttle to reach St. Simons Island over the causeway.

Keep in mind:

• Total travel time can run 6–8 hours or more, depending on connections.
• Schedules may not line up perfectly with weekend or holiday plans.
• You’ll likely still need a car or ride on the island unless you stay where you can walk or bike.

For Atlantans who don’t drive or are avoiding long car trips, this can be a workable but slower alternative.

How Far Is It From Key Atlanta Areas?

Because metro Atlanta is spread out, your starting point inside Atlanta changes your distance and time slightly:

• Downtown Atlanta (Five Points, State Capitol):
  ~300–320 miles | 4.5–5.5 hours
• Midtown (near Georgia Tech, Piedmont Park):
  Similar distance; add 10–20 minutes for local traffic, especially on weekdays.
• Buckhead (Lenox, Peachtree Road area):
  Add 20–30 minutes to reach I‑75 South during rush hour.
• Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport area:
  Shaves off about 20–30 minutes versus leaving from Midtown or Buckhead if you go straight onto I‑75 South.

If you’re staying at a hotel near Downtown or the Airport before heading to St. Simons, you’ll have a relatively straightforward hop onto the major southbound routes.

Planning Your Drive From Atlanta: Practical Tips

Atlanta drivers heading to St. Simons often care less about the exact miles and more about how the trip feels. These pointers can help:

1. When to Leave

• For a weekend trip:
  • ⭐ Best: Early Saturday morning or midday Friday (if you can leave before peak traffic).
  • ⚠ Trickiest: Late Friday afternoon from anywhere inside the Perimeter.
• For holiday drives (spring break, summer, major holidays):
  • Allow extra time for heavy congestion south of Atlanta and near coastal exits.

2. Fuel and Food Stops

Common places Atlanta drivers like to stop on the way:

• Macon / Warner Robins area: Good midpoint if you’re on I‑75 or heading toward U.S. 341.
• Dublin or Metter: Handy stops if you went the I‑16 route.
• Jesup or Baxley: Typical small-town breaks along U.S. 341.

Planning one longer stop versus multiple short ones often keeps total travel time down.

3. Weather Considerations

From Atlanta to the coast, you cross diverse weather zones:

• Summer: Heavy afternoon storms can slow I‑75 and two‑lane highways.
• Winter: Rare, but icy conditions in North or Middle Georgia can make driving hazardous while the coast stays milder.
• Hurricane season (mainly late summer to fall): If visiting during this period, check coastal conditions around Brunswick and St. Simons before you leave Atlanta.

Do You Need a Car Once You’re on St. Simons Island?

From an Atlanta point of view, bringing your own car is often the easiest option:

• The island has spread-out beaches, lodging, and restaurants.
• Many Atlantans like to visit nearby Jekyll Island or head into Brunswick for shopping or dining, which is much smoother with your own vehicle.

If you decide to fly from Atlanta instead of drive:

• Plan on renting a car at Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (BQK) or Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) to comfortably explore.
• Some hotels and inns may offer limited shuttle options, but having your own transportation gives you more flexibility.

How Long Should You Plan for an Atlanta–St. Simons Trip?

Because the one-way drive is around 4.5–5.5 hours, Atlantans often plan:

• Weekend trips:
  • Leave Atlanta Friday midday or evening, return Sunday afternoon.
  • You’ll get one full beach day and two partial days.
• Long weekend (3–4 days):
  • More relaxed pace, easier to avoid peak traffic both leaving and returning.
• Full week:
  • Common choice for families, especially during summer break or school holidays.

The distance from Atlanta to St. Simons is long enough that it feels like a true getaway, but close enough to do as a short coastal escape without needing to fly.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Distance: Roughly 300–320 miles from Atlanta to St. Simons Island.
• Drive time: Typically 4.5–5.5 hours one way, depending on route and Atlanta traffic.
• Main routes from Atlanta:
  • I‑75 → I‑16 → I‑95 (more interstate driving)
  • I‑75 → U.S. 341 → U.S. 17 (more direct, more small-town driving)
• Flying is possible from ATL to BQK or JAX, but overall time savings versus driving can be modest once airport logistics are included.
• For most people living in or visiting Atlanta, driving is the most straightforward and flexible way to reach St. Simons Island.