How Far Is Alabama from Atlanta? Distances, Drive Times, and Travel Options
If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city and wondering, “How far is Alabama from Atlanta?”, the answer depends on where in Alabama you’re headed. Alabama is a neighboring state directly west of Georgia, so it’s relatively close, but distances can range from a quick day trip to a longer road journey.
Below is a practical breakdown tailored to Atlanta travelers.
At a Glance: Distances from Atlanta to Major Alabama Cities
| From Atlanta, GA to… | Approx. Distance (by road) | Typical Drive Time* | Main Route(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama State Line (westbound on I-20) | ~90 miles | 1.5 hours | I-20 W |
| Anniston, AL | ~90–100 miles | 1.5–2 hours | I-20 W |
| Birmingham, AL | ~145–150 miles | 2.5–3 hours | I-20 W |
| Montgomery, AL | ~160–170 miles | 2.5–3 hours | I-85 S → US-80 W / AL routes |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | ~200–210 miles | 3–3.5 hours | I-20 W / I-59 S |
| Mobile, AL | ~320–330 miles | 4.5–5.5 hours | I-85 S → US-231 / I-65 S (various options) |
| Huntsville, AL | ~200–210 miles | 3–3.5 hours | I-75 N → GA-20 / AL routes or I-20 W → US-431 N (various options) |
*Drive times are typical ranges in normal traffic and good weather. Atlanta rush hour, road work, and weather can add time.
How Close Is the Alabama State Line to Atlanta?
If you’re just asking how far it is from Atlanta to “Alabama” in general, the nearest point is the Alabama–Georgia state line along I-20.
- From Downtown Atlanta (Five Points area) to the Alabama border on I-20:
Around 90 miles, usually about 1.5 hours without heavy traffic. - This makes Alabama an easy day trip destination from Atlanta.
Once you cross the border, Anniston is one of the first larger Alabama cities you reach, a few more miles past the state line.
Most Common Alabama Destinations from Atlanta
Different parts of Alabama are popular with Atlanta residents and visitors for work, college visits, sports, and quick getaways.
Atlanta to Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham is one of the most common Alabama destinations for people coming from Atlanta.
- Distance: About 145–150 miles
- Typical drive:2.5–3 hours
- Main route:
- Take I-20 West straight from Atlanta past Douglasville and Tallapoosa into Alabama, then continue toward Birmingham.
This route is mostly straightforward interstate driving and is heavily used for college visits, medical appointments, and business trips.
Atlanta to Montgomery, Alabama
Montgomery is Alabama’s capital and another frequent destination from Atlanta.
- Distance: About 160–170 miles
- Typical drive:2.5–3 hours
- Common route options:
- I-85 South from Atlanta toward Columbus/LaGrange, then connect to Alabama highways and US routes (such as US-80 W) leading into Montgomery.
Depending on where you start in the Atlanta area (inside the Perimeter vs. south metro), your precise route may vary, but expect a similar time commitment to Birmingham.
Atlanta to Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville, in northern Alabama, is a bit more out of the way but still reachable in half a day.
- Distance: About 200–210 miles
- Typical drive:3–3.5 hours
- Various route choices, often involving:
- A combination of I-75, US-411, US-431, or other state highways, or
- I-20 West part of the way, then turning north on major U.S. routes.
Travel time depends more heavily on which route you choose and how much non-interstate driving is involved.
Atlanta to Mobile, Alabama
Mobile is on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, so it’s one of the farthest major Alabama cities from Atlanta.
- Distance: Around 320–330 miles
- Typical drive:4.5–5.5 hours
- Route options commonly include:
- I-85 South toward Montgomery, then I-65 South to Mobile, or
- Other combinations using US highways if you’re aiming for specific beach or coastal areas.
Mobile is often used as a gateway to Gulf Coast beaches, so traffic can be heavier during holidays and peak vacation seasons.
Atlanta to Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Tuscaloosa is home to the University of Alabama, drawing many Atlanta-area students, parents, and fans.
- Distance: About 200–210 miles
- Typical drive:3–3.5 hours
- Main route:
- I-20 West / I-59 South from Atlanta, passing through Birmingham and then continuing southwest to Tuscaloosa.
On football game weekends, plan for added drive time and potentially heavy traffic around Tuscaloosa and on I-20/I-59.
Driving from Atlanta to Alabama: What to Expect
Typical Travel Time from Metro Atlanta
Where you start in the Atlanta area makes a noticeable difference:
- From Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:
Distances listed above are fairly accurate. - From North Atlanta suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Sandy Springs, Roswell):
Add 15–30 minutes to reach I-20 West or I-85 South depending on your route. - From South metro (e.g., College Park, Union City, Fayetteville):
You may save time getting onto I-85 South but add a bit when going toward I-20 West.
Traffic Considerations in Atlanta
🚗 Key timing tips from the Atlanta side:
- Avoid peak rush hours when leaving Atlanta:
- Morning inbound/outbound: roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.
- Evening: roughly 4–7 p.m.
- Major choke points on the way out:
- Downtown Connector (I-75/85) through central Atlanta
- I-20 West near I-285 on the west side
- I-85 South near the airport and I-285
Leaving before 6 a.m. or after 7 p.m. often makes the trip to the Alabama line or Montgomery/Birmingham considerably smoother.
Non-Driving Options: Getting from Atlanta to Alabama Without a Car
If you’re in Atlanta and don’t want to drive, you still have options to reach Alabama.
Bus Service
Long-distance bus companies frequently operate between Atlanta and major Alabama cities like Birmingham, Montgomery, and sometimes Mobile.
- Typical bus travel time from Atlanta to Birmingham:
Around 3–4 hours, depending on stops and route. - Departure/arrival points in Atlanta are often near:
- Downtown or the Midtown area, often close to the MARTA rail network, making it easier to get there without a car.
If you plan to connect from MARTA:
- Five Points Station (MARTA) in Downtown Atlanta is a major rail hub.
- Check the nearest MARTA station to the bus terminal you’re using, then ride MARTA in.
Train (Amtrak)
Amtrak service can connect Atlanta to parts of Alabama, particularly Birmingham, depending on current routes and schedules.
- The main Atlanta passenger rail stop is:
- Amtrak Peachtree Station
1688 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
- Amtrak Peachtree Station
Travel times by train are usually longer than driving, but some travelers prefer it for comfort and the ability to work or relax en route.
Flying
For shorter Alabama trips (like Birmingham or Montgomery), flying from Atlanta is often not time-efficient once you factor in:
- Travel to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Security and boarding time
- Getting from the Alabama airport to your final destination
However, flying can make sense if:
- You’re going to Mobile, Huntsville, or other Alabama airports and need to connect from elsewhere.
- You’re already at ATL or including Alabama as part of a multi-leg trip.
ATL is at:
- 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
Accessible by:
- MARTA rail (Airport Station at the end of the Red/Gold lines)
- Ride-hail, taxis, and airport shuttles.
Day Trips vs. Weekend Trips from Atlanta to Alabama
From Atlanta, some Alabama destinations work well as true day trips, while others are better as overnights.
Good Day-Trip Ranges
These are generally within 3 hours or less one way:
- Alabama state line on I-20
- Anniston
- Birmingham
- Parts of eastern Alabama near the Georgia line
You can comfortably:
- Leave Atlanta in the morning
- Spend several hours in Alabama
- Return the same evening
Better as Weekend or Overnight Trips
These usually involve 3.5+ hours one way, so many Atlanta travelers spread them over 2+ days:
- Montgomery (possible as a long day trip, but often done as overnight)
- Tuscaloosa, especially on event or game days
- Huntsville
- Mobile
- Gulf Coast / beach destinations via Alabama
If you’re departing from central or north Atlanta during peak traffic, build in extra time when planning hotel check-ins or event start times.
Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Heading to Alabama
1. Plan Around Atlanta Traffic
- If possible, depart early (before 7 a.m.) or later in the evening.
- Use major beltway routes like I-285 strategically:
- Sometimes going around the city on I-285 to connect to I-20 or I-85 is faster than cutting through the Downtown Connector, especially during rush hour.
2. Allow Time for the Alabama Side
While interstates are consistent, once you exit toward smaller cities or rural areas, you may find:
- Two-lane highways
- Lower speed limits
- Occasional construction or agricultural traffic
This can add 15–45 minutes beyond what the pure mileage might suggest.
3. Know Your Return Options to Atlanta
When you’re heading back:
- Evening traffic entering Atlanta on I-20 East or I-85 North can be slow, especially on Sunday evenings and after holiday weekends.
- If you’re returning late at night, many Atlanta-area gas stations and services along major interstates remain open, but in rural stretches, refuel before leaving a larger Alabama city.
Key Takeaways for “How Far Is Alabama from Atlanta?”
- The closest point of Alabama is roughly 90 miles west of Downtown Atlanta on I-20, usually about 1.5 hours by car.
- Major Alabama cities from Atlanta:
- Birmingham: ~145–150 miles, about 2.5–3 hours
- Montgomery: ~160–170 miles, about 2.5–3 hours
- Huntsville or Tuscaloosa: ~200–210 miles, about 3–3.5 hours
- Mobile: ~320–330 miles, about 4.5–5.5 hours
- Driving is the most common way Atlanta residents and visitors reach Alabama, but bus and train options exist for certain cities.
- For someone based in Atlanta, many parts of Alabama are realistic day trips, while others are better planned as weekend getaways.
Understanding these distances and typical travel times can help you decide whether Alabama fits into your Atlanta trip – or how to plan your next cross-state drive efficiently.