How Far Is It From Atlanta to Tallahassee? A Practical Guide for Atlanta Travelers

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Tallahassee, Florida, you’re looking at a manageable regional journey—close enough for a weekend, but far enough that you’ll want to plan ahead. Here’s exactly how far it is from Atlanta to Tallahassee, how long it usually takes, and what Atlanta residents and visitors should know about getting there.

The Basic Distance: Atlanta to Tallahassee

From Downtown Atlanta (around Five Points or the Georgia State Capitol) to Downtown Tallahassee (near the Florida State Capitol):

• Driving distance: about 260–270 miles
• Typical driving time: about 4 to 4.5 hours in normal traffic
• Direction: mostly south–southwest from Atlanta into Florida’s Panhandle

The most common route is:

• I‑75 South out of Atlanta
• Then US‑319 South toward Tallahassee

This keeps the drive straightforward and mostly on major highways.

Driving From Atlanta to Tallahassee

For most Atlanta residents, driving is the easiest and most flexible way to get to Tallahassee.

Main Route Overview

A typical route looks like this:

1. Start on I‑75 South from central Atlanta.
2. Continue past Macon toward Tifton.
3. Near Tifton, head onto US‑319 South toward Moultrie and then into Florida.
4. Follow US‑319 into Tallahassee.

You can also connect via US‑19 in South Georgia, but US‑319 is a common choice for many drivers from metro Atlanta.

Approximate Drive Times From Different Parts of Atlanta

These times assume steady highway speeds and no major incidents. Rush-hour traffic inside Atlanta can easily add 30–60 minutes before you even clear the metro area.

When Traffic Matters Most

• Leaving Atlanta on a weekday morning (6–9 a.m.): expect delays on the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85), I‑285, and I‑75 South.
• Friday afternoons/evenings: can be slow getting out of town, especially if you’re starting from Midtown, Buckhead, or Perimeter areas.
• Once you’re south of Macon, traffic usually thins out, but you may still see slowdowns near construction zones or small towns with lower speed limits.

Flying From Atlanta to Tallahassee

If you’re short on time or don’t want to drive, flying from Atlanta to Tallahassee can be quick and convenient.

Flight Distance and Time

• Air distance (straight line): roughly 225–235 miles
• Flight time (in the air): about 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Total airport-to-airport time including boarding and taxiing: often 1.5–2 hours

Flights depart from:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

…and arrive at:

• Tallahassee International Airport (TLH)
  3300 Capital Cir SW, Tallahassee, FL 32310

Keep in mind:

• You’ll need to add time for check‑in, security, and travel to/from each airport.
• From many neighborhoods inside the Perimeter, getting to ATL can take 20–45 minutes or more, depending on traffic.
• From TLH, it’s typically a short drive (around 15–20 minutes) into downtown Tallahassee.

If you prefer not to drive long distances, flying can make the total door‑to‑door trip time competitive with driving, especially if you live close to MARTA or the airport.

Bus and Other Ground Transportation Options

There are intercity bus services that connect Atlanta and Tallahassee, sometimes with a transfer in another city (such as Macon or Albany). These options can be helpful if:

• You don’t drive.
• You want to avoid rental car costs.
• You prefer to read, work, or rest while traveling.

Typical Bus Travel Time

• Approximate distance: similar to driving (260–280 miles by road)
• Typical duration: often 5.5–8 hours, depending on:
  • Route and number of stops
  • Time of day
  • Whether you have to transfer

Buses typically depart from or near:

• Downtown Atlanta or the Atlanta bus terminal area (often close to central transit hubs or major corridors)

If you’re already in Downtown Atlanta, Midtown, or near a MARTA rail station, it’s often easy to reach bus departure points using MARTA trains or local buses.

Comparing Ways to Travel From Atlanta to Tallahassee

Here’s a quick comparison to help Atlanta travelers choose the best option:

The actual time door to door from Atlanta to Tallahassee depends heavily on:

• Where you start in metro Atlanta (e.g., Decatur, Sandy Springs, College Park).
• Time of day (rush hour vs. mid‑day).
• Whether you hit delays on I‑75, at ATL, or along the bus route.

Planning Your Route From Atlanta

Since Atlanta is a large, spread‑out metro area, your exact distance to Tallahassee will vary slightly based on your starting point.

If You’re Inside the Perimeter (ITP)

Neighborhoods like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia‑Highland, Inman Park, and West End are all relatively close to the major interstates:

• Plan for 10–30 minutes just to get from your neighborhood to I‑75 South or the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85).
• Once you’re clear of the central city and I‑285 area, the drive becomes much more predictable.

If You’re Outside the Perimeter (OTP)

From areas like Marietta, Kennesaw, Alpharetta, Duluth, or Snellville:

• Your total distance to Tallahassee may be 10–30 miles longer than from Downtown Atlanta.
• You’ll often spend more time on I‑285 before joining I‑75 South.
• In heavy traffic, this can add 30–45 minutes to your travel time.

Leaving From Hartsfield–Jackson

If you’re renting a car or flying from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):

• ATL is already on the south side of the metro, close to I‑75 and I‑285.
• Starting from ATL by car can shorten the drive to Tallahassee to around 4 hours.
• If you’re connecting directly from a flight into ATL, this can be a convenient launch point for the drive.

What Atlanta Travelers Should Expect on the Drive

While the distance from Atlanta to Tallahassee is moderate, it helps to know what kind of trip you’re in for.

Road Type and Scenery

• The route is mostly interstate and major U.S. highways.
• After you pass Macon and Tifton, you’ll see more rural landscapes, farms, and small towns as you move into South Georgia.
• Speed limits are generally 65–70 mph on interstates, with lower speeds when you pass through smaller communities.

Common Stopover Points for Atlanta Drivers

Many people from Atlanta choose to stop in or near:

• Macon, GA – roughly 1.5 hours from Atlanta
• Tifton, GA – roughly midway between Atlanta and Tallahassee
• Thomasville, GA – closer to Florida, not far from Tallahassee

These towns commonly offer fuel, food, and rest stops, making them convenient break points on the trip.

How the Distance Feels in Real Terms for Atlantans

To put the Atlanta–Tallahassee distance in context:

• It’s shorter than driving from Atlanta to many Florida beach cities on the Atlantic side, such as Jacksonville or Daytona Beach, depending on your route.
• It’s comparable to, or a bit longer than, a drive from Atlanta to Savannah, but without as much coastal traffic.
• For many in Atlanta, Tallahassee feels like a doable weekend trip—especially for:
  • Visiting students at Florida State University (FSU) or Florida A&M University (FAMU)
  • Attending sports events or conferences
  • Exploring the Florida Panhandle region

If you leave Atlanta in the morning, it’s realistic to be in Tallahassee by lunchtime or early afternoon, even with a short stop.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• The driving distance from Atlanta to Tallahassee is roughly 260–270 miles, usually taking about 4 to 4.5 hours by car.
• Flying shortens the in‑air time to about an hour, with additional time for airport procedures and ground transportation.
• Bus options exist and typically take 5.5–8 hours, depending on the route and transfers.
• Your exact trip time depends on where in Atlanta you start and when you travel, especially given Atlanta’s well‑known rush‑hour patterns.
• For most people living in or visiting Atlanta, Tallahassee is close enough for a manageable regional trip, whether you’re driving, flying, or riding a bus.