How Far Is Tallahassee From Atlanta? Your Distance, Time, and Travel Options Guide

If you live in Atlanta, are planning a trip here, or are heading out from the city for a quick getaway, you may be wondering: how far is Tallahassee from Atlanta, and what’s the best way to get between the two?

Here’s a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to distance, drive time, routes, and travel options.

The Basic Answer: Distance From Atlanta to Tallahassee

The distance from Atlanta, Georgia to Tallahassee, Florida depends on your route and starting point in the metro area, but for most travelers:

• Driving distance: About 260–275 miles
• Typical drive time: Around 4 to 4.5 hours in normal traffic
• Route type: Mostly interstate and major highways

Most people use either I‑75 south + US‑319 or I‑85 south + I‑185 + US‑27 to get from metro Atlanta down to Tallahassee.

Main Driving Routes From Atlanta to Tallahassee

Because the Atlanta region is large, your exact route may shift a bit depending on where you start (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, the airport, or the suburbs). These are the most commonly used paths.

1. I‑75 South + US‑319 Route (Often the Fastest)

For many intown and east-side drivers, this is a straightforward option.

Typical path:

1. Start on I‑75/85 through Downtown Atlanta.
2. Continue on I‑75 South toward Macon.
3. Near Tifton, take US‑319 South toward Moultrie and Thomasville.
4. Continue to Tallahassee, entering from the northeast side.

Approximate stats:

• Distance: ~270 miles (from Downtown Atlanta)
• Time: About 4 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic around Atlanta and Macon

Why Atlanta travelers like it:

• Long stretches of interstate driving on I‑75
• Usually predictable, especially once you’re south of Macon
• Easy access from Downtown, Midtown, and East Atlanta via the Connector

2. I‑85 South + I‑185 + US‑27 Route (Good for West/Northwest Atlanta)

If you live around West Midtown, Smyrna, Vinings, or the I‑85 corridor, this route may be more convenient.

Typical path:

1. Take I‑85 South from Atlanta toward LaGrange.
2. Transition to I‑185 South near LaGrange/Columbus.
3. Continue via US‑27 South and connected highways toward Tallahassee.

Approximate stats:

• Distance: ~260–270 miles, depending on exact route
• Time: Also roughly 4 to 4.5 hours

Pros for Atlanta drivers:

• Good if you’re starting near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, College Park, or west-side suburbs
• Avoids some I‑75 congestion between Atlanta and Macon

At-a-Glance Comparison

Both routes are similar in total time from Atlanta. Your starting neighborhood usually matters more than the specific route.

Travel Time Factors Atlanta Residents Should Expect

From an Atlanta perspective, the most variable part of the trip is usually getting out of the metro area.

Key factors affecting your drive:

• Rush hour in Atlanta:

  • Morning: roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.
  • Evening: roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.
  • I‑75/85 through Downtown and I‑285 interchanges can add 30+ minutes.

• Construction and incidents:

  • Major interstates like I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285 often have lane closures or accidents, especially near choke points like Downtown Connector, Cobb Cloverleaf, and airport area.

• Weather:

  • Heavy rain or storms can slow traffic significantly, especially in and around Atlanta.

• Small-town speed limits:

  • Once you leave the interstates and move onto US‑routes (like US‑319 or US‑27), expect reduced speeds and occasional stoplights.

To keep your total travel time closer to four hours, many Atlanta drivers try to:

• Leave before morning rush or after evening rush
• Avoid Friday afternoons and holiday weekends, when southbound routes are busier

Flying From Atlanta to Tallahassee

If you’re in Atlanta, you also have the option to fly instead of drive.

Flight Basics

• Departure airport:
  Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

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

• Flight time (in the air): Around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes

When you factor in:

• Getting to ATL
• Security screening
• Boarding, taxiing, and potential delays
• Getting from TLH into Tallahassee

…door-to-door travel time often comes out to about 3–4 hours total, somewhat comparable to driving, but with less time behind the wheel.

When Atlanta Travelers Might Prefer Flying

You may lean toward flying if:

• You’re connecting to or from another flight at ATL
• You prefer not to drive several hours
• You’re on a tighter schedule and flights align well with your plans

For domestic flight questions, Hartsfield-Jackson customer service can be reached via the main airport information line at (800) 897-1910 (automated and directory services are commonly used).

Bus and Other Ground Transportation Options

While many Atlanta residents drive between Atlanta and Tallahassee, some choose intercity buses or a mix of bus and rideshare.

Intercity Bus From Atlanta to Tallahassee

Services can change, but travelers often depart from near:

• Downtown Atlanta/Greyhound-type terminals or
• Nearby transit-accessible locations

These trips frequently involve:

• One or more transfers (for example in Macon or another hub)
• Total travel times typically longer than driving, often 6–8 hours or more

Bus travel can be useful if:

• You don’t have access to a car
• You prefer not to drive long distances
• You are flexible on timing and don’t mind longer travel

For trip planning, Atlanta residents sometimes combine:

• MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) to reach central bus terminals or pickup locations
• Then intercity bus for the long-distance portion

MARTA’s main customer service line is (404) 848-5000, which can help with figuring out how to get from your Atlanta neighborhood to bus departure points.

Planning Your Trip From an Atlanta Perspective

Whether you live in the city or you’re visiting Atlanta and heading down to Florida’s capital, here are practical planning tips.

1. Choosing the Best Departure Point

Where you start in metro Atlanta influences your route:

• Intown (Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park):
  • Often easiest to hop on the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) and head to I‑75 south, then transition to US‑319.
• Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee:
  • Quick access to I‑85 south; from there you can choose between the I‑85/I‑185 route or shift to I‑75 via the Perimeter if traffic looks better.
• Westside (West Midtown, Smyrna, Vinings, Marietta):
  • I‑285 gives you options: drop to I‑85 south or I‑75 south depending on congestion reports.
• Airport / College Park / South Fulton:
  • You’re already close to I‑85 south and I‑285, making both main Tallahassee routes accessible.

2. Timing Your Drive Out of Atlanta

To reduce stress and time in traffic:

• Aim to leave Atlanta mid-morning (roughly 9:30–11:00 a.m.) or early afternoon before the evening rush ramps up.
• If you must travel on Friday, especially holiday weekends, build in extra buffer—30–60 minutes more than usual.

3. Rest Stops and Breaks

On either main route, you’ll pass through multiple Georgia towns where you can stop for gas, food, or a quick leg stretch. Common stop areas for Atlanta drivers include:

• Along I‑75: Macon, Perry, Tifton
• Along I‑85/I‑185: Newnan, LaGrange, Columbus
• As you get closer to Tallahassee, smaller towns with basic services are frequent along US‑highways

Many travelers plan one short stop midway to keep the drive comfortable and alert.

Quick FAQ for Atlanta–Tallahassee Travel

How far is it from Atlanta to Tallahassee by car?
About 260–275 miles, usually 4 to 4.5 hours of driving.

Is there a direct interstate all the way from Atlanta to Tallahassee?
Not the entire way. You’ll use major interstates (I‑75 or I‑85/I‑185) for much of the trip and then transition to US‑routes like US‑319 or US‑27 as you approach Tallahassee.

Is flying from Atlanta to Tallahassee faster than driving?
The flight itself is about an hour, but when you include airport travel and waiting time, total door-to-door time is usually 3–4 hours, comparable to driving. It mostly comes down to comfort, cost, and schedule.

Can I use public transit within Atlanta to start my trip?
Yes. Many people use MARTA to reach Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, bus departure points, or rental car centers before continuing on to Tallahassee.

In practical terms for someone in Atlanta, Tallahassee is a half-day trip away by car and roughly an hour by plane. With a reasonable departure time and a good route choice based on where you are in the metro area, getting from Atlanta to Tallahassee is straightforward and manageable in a single day.