How Far Is Acworth from Atlanta? A Local’s Guide to Distance, Drive Time, and Getting Around

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering how far Acworth is—whether for a day trip, commute, or visiting friends—you’re really asking two things:

1. How many miles apart are Atlanta and Acworth?
2. How long does it actually take to get there, given Atlanta traffic and route options?

Here’s a clear, Atlanta-focused breakdown.

The Basics: Distance from Atlanta to Acworth

Acworth is about 30–35 miles northwest of Downtown Atlanta, depending on your exact starting and ending points.

• From Downtown Atlanta (Five Points / Centennial Olympic Park area) to Downtown Acworth:
  Typically around 33–35 miles by car using I-75 North.
• From Midtown Atlanta (around 10th–17th Street):
  Similar distance, usually 30–33 miles.
• From Buckhead (Lenox / Peachtree area):
  Slightly closer, often 28–32 miles, depending on your route.

Because Atlanta is spread out, your starting neighborhood can shift the distance by several miles. Someone leaving from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport will have a noticeably longer drive than someone leaving from Marietta or Smyrna.

How Long Does It Take to Drive from Atlanta to Acworth?

The mileage might be consistent, but drive time is all about traffic.

Typical Drive Times (One Way)

These are common ranges Atlanta drivers experience:

*Times assume typical conditions without major accidents or severe weather.

Peak vs. Off-Peak

• Morning rush (about 6:30–9:00 a.m.)
  Northbound traffic isn’t usually as heavy as southbound, but delays can still add 10–20 minutes.

• Evening rush (about 3:30–7:00 p.m.)
  Northbound on I-75 can be slow as commuters head home to Cobb County and beyond.
  Expect Acworth trips from Downtown or Midtown to lean toward 45–60+ minutes.

• Midday, late evening, or weekend mornings
  You may be closer to 30–40 minutes from central Atlanta under light traffic.

Main Driving Routes from Atlanta to Acworth

Most people traveling from Atlanta to Acworth go by interstate, but there are alternatives that some locals prefer during heavy traffic.

1. I-75 North: The Most Direct Route

From Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, the standard route is:

1. Get onto I-75 North (often via the Downtown Connector: I-75/I-85).
2. Continue on I-75 N through Cobb County.
3. Use exits in the Acworth / Highway 92 / Glade Road area to reach your exact destination in Acworth.

Pros:

• Fastest in light to moderate traffic.
• Simple, mostly straight shot.

Cons:

• Can slow significantly at known bottlenecks (around Cumberland / The Battery, Barrett Parkway, and Kennesaw).

2. I-75 North + Local Highways (Cobb Parkway / US-41)

Some Northside drivers prefer to mix interstate and surface roads:

• Take I-75 North from Atlanta.
• Exit earlier (for example, near Barrett Parkway or Cobb Parkway/US‑41).
• Continue on Cobb Parkway/US‑41 through Kennesaw into Acworth.

This can be useful if I-75 is heavily congested and side roads are moving better. It’s usually a bit slower in pure travel time, but sometimes more predictable.

3. From the East Side or South of Atlanta

If you’re coming from Decatur, East Atlanta, or south DeKalb, you’ll typically:

• Use I‑20 or local surface streets to connect to the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85).
• Then follow I‑75 North toward Acworth.

This adds extra time, so plan for 45–70 minutes depending on your starting point and traffic.

Is There Public Transit from Atlanta to Acworth?

There is no direct MARTA rail line to Acworth, and standard MARTA bus service does not extend into Acworth itself. However, there is a regional commuter bus option to nearby areas in Cobb County.

CobbLinc Commuter Service

CobbLinc, Cobb County’s transit system, operates commuter buses that connect parts of Cobb County with Downtown and Midtown Atlanta during peak hours.

Key points:

• Some routes serve Kennesaw and Acworth park-and-ride style lots, bringing riders toward central Atlanta in the morning and back in the evening.
• These services are primarily designed for weekday commuters, not late-night or weekend trips.
• To use this option, you would:
  • Drive or get dropped off at a CobbLinc park-and-ride near Acworth or Kennesaw.
  • Ride into Downtown/Midtown Atlanta.
  • Reverse the trip in the afternoon or evening.

For the most current route numbers, schedules, and park-and-ride locations, you can contact:

• CobbLinc Customer Service
  Phone: (770) 427-4444

Since schedules and stops can change, it’s wise to confirm details directly before planning a daily commute.

MARTA and Regional Connections

• MARTA Rail:
  The closest rail stations to the Acworth area are typically on the Northwest side, such as Arts Center Station or Midtown Station in Atlanta, or you may connect through Rail + CobbLinc bus combinations.
• Many Atlantans who work Downtown and live near Acworth simply drive the entire way, because rail and bus combinations can become lengthy and involve transfers.

If you’re staying in Atlanta without a car and want to visit Acworth for a day, you’ll usually find it simpler to use a rideshare or rental car than to piece together multiple transit systems.

Rideshare, Taxis, and Car Services

If you don’t want to drive:

• Rideshare (e.g., app-based services) is widely used between Atlanta and Acworth.

  • Travel time will mirror normal driving conditions: 30–60+ minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Cost will depend on time of day, surge pricing, and your exact pickup/drop-off locations.

• Traditional taxi services may operate between Atlanta and Cobb County, but most residents and visitors find rideshare apps more practical for this kind of cross-metro trip.

For longer-distance daily commutes, some people explore carpooling or vanpools organized through their workplaces or regional programs, to share costs and reduce solo driving.

When Is the Best Time to Drive Between Atlanta and Acworth?

If you have flexibility, timing your trip makes a big difference:

• ✅ Easier times to drive:

  • Mid-mornings (about 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.)
  • Early afternoons (about 1:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m.)
  • Later evenings (after about 7:30–8:00 p.m.)

• ⚠️ Times to expect delays:

  • Weekday mornings (6:30–9:00 a.m.), especially heading into the city.
  • Weekday afternoons/evenings (3:30–7:00 p.m.) heading north toward Acworth.

Even outside rush hour, allow extra time if:

• There’s major construction on I‑75 or around the I‑285 interchange.
• Weather is poor (heavy rain can slow traffic significantly).
• There’s a major event in the city, such as a game near The Battery Atlanta / Truist Park or Downtown.

Why People in Atlanta Travel to Acworth

If you’re planning the trip, it may help to know how Atlantans commonly use this route:

• Commuting:
  Many people live in or near Acworth, Kennesaw, and North Cobb and work in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead. For them, this 30–35 mile distance is a routine daily commute.

• Recreation and day trips:
  Acworth is often visited from Atlanta for:

  • Lake Acworth and nearby outdoor activities.
  • Small-town-style downtown dining and local shops.
  • Proximity to Lake Allatoona and other North Cobb recreation spots.

Because of this mix of commuting and leisure travel, traffic on I‑75 North can be steady throughout much of the day, not just during rush hour.

Quick Reference: Acworth–Atlanta Distance & Travel Snapshot

• Distance from central Atlanta to Acworth:
  Generally 30–35 miles northwest of Downtown Atlanta.
• Typical drive time:
  • Light traffic: about 30–40 minutes.
  • Rush hour: often 45–60+ minutes.
• Main route:
  I-75 North, sometimes combined with US‑41/Cobb Parkway.
• Public transit:
  No direct MARTA to Acworth; CobbLinc commuter buses serve parts of the area for weekday commuters.
• Best for most visitors:
  Driving or rideshare offers the most flexibility and simplest door-to-door trip.

With these details, you can gauge how far Acworth is from Atlanta in both miles and real-world travel time, and choose the option that fits your schedule and comfort level on Atlanta roads.