How Far Is Birmingham From Atlanta? Your Complete Travel Distance & Time Guide
If you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or are planning a quick trip west, you might be wondering: how far is Birmingham from Atlanta, really, and what’s the easiest way to get there?
Here’s a clear, Atlanta-focused breakdown of distance, driving time, transportation options, and practical tips for traveling between Atlanta, Georgia and Birmingham, Alabama.
How Far Is Birmingham From Atlanta?
The distance between Atlanta, GA and Birmingham, AL depends slightly on your exact starting and ending points, but here’s the typical range:
- By road (car or bus): about 145–150 miles
- By air (straight-line distance): about 135 miles
Most travelers in Atlanta think of the distance in terms of driving time on I‑20, since that’s the main route between the two cities.
Driving From Atlanta to Birmingham
Main Route
From central Atlanta (for example, leaving near Downtown or Midtown), the most common route is:
- I‑20 West all the way from Atlanta to Birmingham
You’ll pass through or near cities like Douglasville, Villa Rica, Carrollton (via connector roads), and Oxford/Anniston, Alabama before reaching Birmingham.
Typical Driving Time
Under normal conditions:
- Drive time: about 2 hours to 2.5 hours
- Distance: roughly 145 miles via I‑20 W
Your exact time will depend on:
- Time of day (Atlanta rush hours can add 20–40 minutes just getting out of the city)
- Weather and road work along I‑20
- Departure point in Atlanta (e.g., Buckhead vs. Hartsfield-Jackson vs. the suburbs)
Quick Distance & Time Snapshot
| Trip Type | Approx. Distance | Typical Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving (I‑20 W) | 145–150 miles | 2–2.5 hours | Most common and flexible option |
| Bus (Atlanta–Birmingham) | Similar to driving | 2.5–3.5 hours | Time varies by company and stops |
| Flying (ATL–BHM) | ~135 miles (air) | 45–60 min in air + airport time | Often only worth it for connections |
Key Starting Points in Atlanta
Your starting point in Atlanta changes the feel of the trip more than the raw mileage.
From Downtown / Midtown Atlanta
If you’re near landmarks like Georgia State Capitol, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or Peachtree Center:
- Expect about 145 miles and 2–2.5 hours of driving.
- You’ll join I‑20 W quickly from central interchanges around the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85).
From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Starting from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):
- The drive is still around 145–150 miles to Birmingham.
- You can access I‑20 W via I‑285 or I‑85/I‑75 depending on your route out of the airport area.
- If you’re renting a car at the airport, the drive to Birmingham is a straightforward interstate trip that many visitors find manageable, even on their first time in Atlanta.
From Atlanta Suburbs
If you’re in western or northwestern suburbs like Douglasville, Austell, or Lithia Springs:
- You’re already closer to Birmingham.
- Your drive may be as short as 2 hours or even a bit under, depending on traffic, since you avoid downtown congestion.
If you’re starting from Decatur, Stone Mountain, or Gwinnett County, you’ll add extra time to get around the city and onto I‑20 W.
Taking the Bus From Atlanta to Birmingham
If you prefer not to drive, it’s possible to travel from Atlanta to Birmingham by intercity bus, usually along a similar I‑20 route.
What to Expect
- Time: Usually 2.5–3.5 hours, depending on:
- Number of stops
- Time of day
- Traffic around Atlanta and Birmingham
- Distance: Still about 145–150 miles
Buses generally depart from stations in or near Downtown Atlanta. When planning, consider:
- How you will reach the bus station (MARTA, rideshare, taxi, or parking)
- Arrival location in Birmingham and how you’ll continue to your final destination there
Bus travel can be a good option if:
- You don’t want to deal with I‑20 traffic
- You prefer to work, read, or rest during the trip
- You’re a visitor in Atlanta without a rental car
Flying From Atlanta to Birmingham
Technically, you can fly from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM).
Distance & Flight Time
- Air distance: about 135 miles
- Flight time (in the air): usually 45–60 minutes
However, consider the total travel time from an Atlanta perspective:
- Arriving at ATL 1–2 hours before departure
- Security screening and walking to your gate
- Boarding, taxiing, and potential delays
- Deplaning and reaching ground transportation in Birmingham
By the time all of that is added up, the total door-to-door time often equals or exceeds driving, especially if you live in the metro Atlanta area and have easy highway access.
For most Atlanta travelers, flying only makes sense if:
- You’re connecting in Atlanta from another city and continuing on to Birmingham
- Your airfare is bundled as part of a multi-city or business itinerary
- You prefer not to drive and value air travel convenience over total time
Understanding Travel Time vs. Distance
Even though Atlanta and Birmingham are only about 145–150 miles apart, your actual travel time can vary based on typical Atlanta factors:
1. Traffic Leaving Atlanta
Peak congestion periods around Atlanta include:
- Morning rush: roughly 6:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
- Evening rush: roughly 3:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
If you’re starting from busy areas like Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, getting onto I‑20 W can add noticeable time. Once you’re west of I‑285, the drive tends to move faster.
2. Weather
- Heavy rain or storms can slow traffic along I‑20.
- In rare cases, winter weather may lead to slowdowns or closures between Georgia and Alabama.
For a smoother trip, many Atlanta drivers check:
- Weather forecasts for both Atlanta and Birmingham
- Traffic conditions along I‑20 before departure
Common Reasons Atlantans Travel to Birmingham
Understanding why you’re going can help you choose the best way to travel.
People in Atlanta often go to Birmingham for:
- Weekend getaways or short road trips
- Visiting friends or family in Alabama
- College visits (such as to the University of Alabama at Birmingham and nearby campuses)
- Work trips, meetings, or conferences
- Sporting events, concerts, or cultural activities
Because the cities are relatively close, many Atlanta residents treat Birmingham as a day-trip or overnight destination—another reason driving is usually preferred.
Practical Tips for an Atlanta–Birmingham Road Trip
If you’re leaving from Atlanta by car:
- Plan your departure time:
Aim to leave after the morning rush or before the evening rush when possible. - Fuel and rest stops:
Towns like Douglasville, Villa Rica, and Anniston offer easy exits for gas, food, and restrooms. - Navigation:
The route is straightforward—mainly I‑20 West—but using GPS helps with:- Real-time traffic rerouting
- Finding nearby services quickly
- Parking in Birmingham:
If you’re going to downtown Birmingham, plan for where you’ll park—garages, surface lots, or street parking near your destination.
Quick FAQ for Atlanta Travelers
How many miles is it from Atlanta to Birmingham by car?
Generally 145–150 miles, depending on your exact start and end points.
How long does it take to drive from Atlanta to Birmingham?
Usually 2 to 2.5 hours under normal traffic and weather conditions.
Is driving faster than flying from Atlanta to Birmingham?
For most Atlanta-area residents, yes. Once you account for airport check-in, security, and ground transport, driving is typically as fast or faster door to door.
Can I do Atlanta to Birmingham as a day trip?
Yes. Many people in Atlanta treat Birmingham as a reasonable day-trip destination, especially if they’re comfortable with a 4–5 hour round-trip drive plus time at their destination.
In everyday terms, Birmingham is a little over two hours west of Atlanta by car, along I‑20, at a distance of roughly 145–150 miles. For most people living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, driving is the most practical, flexible, and time-efficient way to make the trip.