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

If you’re spending time in Atlanta, Georgia, it’s very common to plan a day trip or commute to Alpharetta. The two cities are closely connected, but how far they feel depends a lot on where you start, when you go, and how you travel.

Below is a clear breakdown of distance, typical drive times, and the best ways to get from Atlanta to Alpharetta and back.

The Short Answer: Distance from Atlanta to Alpharetta

Alpharetta is roughly 25–30 miles north of downtown Atlanta, depending on your exact starting and ending points.

• Downtown Atlanta (Five Points / State Capitol area) to Downtown Alpharetta:
  About 26 miles via I‑75/I‑85 North, then GA‑400 North.
• Midtown Atlanta to Alpharetta:
  Typically 24–28 miles, depending on which Midtown street you start from.
• Buckhead to Alpharetta:
  Often closer to 20–24 miles, since Buckhead is already north of downtown.

In terms of time, that can mean:

• Around 30–35 minutes in light traffic.
• 45–60+ minutes during heavy rush hour.

Traffic on GA‑400 is the main factor that makes Alpharetta feel “close” or “far” from Atlanta on any given day.

Driving from Atlanta to Alpharetta

Main Driving Route

Most people travel between the two cities on GA‑400, sometimes called “Georgia 400” or just “400.”

Typical route from Downtown Atlanta:

1. Head north on the Downtown Connector (I‑75/I‑85 North).
2. Take the exit for GA‑400 North.
3. Continue on GA‑400 for about 15–20 miles, depending on where in Alpharetta you’re going.
4. Use exits such as:
   • Exit 9 – Haynes Bridge Road (for North Point area, many offices, and retail)
   • Exit 10 – Old Milton Parkway (for central Alpharetta, Avalon, and medical offices)
   • Exit 11 – Windward Parkway (for many corporate campuses and neighborhoods)

Typical Drive Times

These are general patterns; actual times vary day to day.

Key tip:
If you’re trying to estimate “how far” Alpharetta is in practical terms, it’s more accurate to think of it as half an hour away without traffic, and closer to an hour during peak rush hour.

Public Transit Options from Atlanta to Alpharetta

There is no MARTA rail station in Alpharetta itself, but you can get fairly close using a combination of MARTA train + MARTA bus or park‑and‑ride lots.

1. MARTA Train + GA‑400 Bus

You can ride the MARTA Red Line train north, then transfer to a MARTA bus heading up GA‑400.

Common path from central Atlanta:

1. Take the MARTA train (Red or Gold Line) from a downtown or Midtown station (like Five Points, Peachtree Center, Midtown, or Arts Center).
2. Ride the Red Line north toward North Springs Station.
3. At North Springs Station (7010 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30328), transfer to a MARTA bus serving the GA‑400 corridor.

Buses and routes change occasionally, but there are usually commuter routes that serve North Point, Old Milton Parkway, and nearby office parks in or near Alpharetta. Travel time depends on the route and time of day, but expect about 60–90 minutes total from central Atlanta.

2. Park-and-Ride, Then Bus or Carpool

Many Atlanta-area commuters drive part of the way and then transfer to MARTA or carpools from a station or park‑and‑ride lot closer to GA‑400, such as:

• Dunwoody Station (Red Line)
  1200 Hammond Dr, Dunwoody, GA 30328
• North Springs Station (Red Line, main GA‑400 park‑and‑ride)
  7010 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30328

From there, you can:

• Take a bus further north.
• Join a carpool to an Alpharetta office or event.
• Connect with private shuttles run by some employers (if applicable).

Rideshare, Taxi, and Shuttle Options

If you don’t want to drive, rideshare services and taxis are commonly used between Atlanta and Alpharetta.

Typical Travel and Cost Range

• Time: Similar to driving yourself, typically 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.
• Cost: Often significantly more than a short in-city trip because of the distance (20+ miles), but varies widely depending on time of day, surge pricing, and pickup location (airport vs Midtown vs Westside, etc.).

People often use rideshare to:

• Travel between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Alpharetta.
• Move between Atlanta neighborhoods (Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead) and Alpharetta attractions such as Avalon, the Alpharetta City Center, or Ameris Bank Amphitheatre.

Flying In? Distance from Atlanta Airport to Alpharetta

If you’re arriving at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and heading directly to Alpharetta:

• Approximate distance:
  About 35–40 miles from the airport to central Alpharetta.
• Typical drive time:
  Around 45–70 minutes, depending on time of day and route (often via I‑85/I‑75 North → GA‑400 North).

You can get there by:

• Driving or rental car
• Rideshare or taxi from the airport’s ground transportation area
• MARTA from the airport to North Springs, then bus, shuttle, or rideshare the rest of the way

How Alpharetta Feels from Different Parts of Atlanta

“How far is Alpharetta from Atlanta?” can feel different depending on where you are in the metro area.

From Downtown and Midtown

If you’re staying or working in Downtown or Midtown:

• Expect Alpharetta to feel like a suburban day trip.
• Plan for 40–60 minutes in normal commuter windows.
• It’s common to visit Alpharetta for:
  • Concerts at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
  • Shopping and dining at Avalon or Alpharetta City Center
  • Work meetings at corporate offices

From Buckhead or Sandy Springs

If you’re already in Buckhead or Sandy Springs:

• You’re much closer to GA‑400.
• Alpharetta may feel like just up the road, often 20–35 minutes depending on traffic.
• Many people commute daily along the GA‑400 corridor between these north Atlanta neighborhoods and Alpharetta office parks.

From Other Atlanta Neighborhoods

From areas like West Midtown, East Atlanta, Decatur, or South Atlanta, you’ll typically:

• Navigate through local streets or surface highways first.
• Then connect to I‑75, I‑85, or I‑285, and finally GA‑400 North.
• This usually adds extra time, so the door‑to‑door trip to Alpharetta can be 50–75 minutes during busy periods.

When Is the Best Time to Travel Between Atlanta and Alpharetta?

Because GA‑400 and the Perimeter area (I‑285) can be heavily congested, timing your drive makes a big difference.

Generally easier windows:

• Late morning (about 9:30 am–11:30 am)
• Mid‑afternoon (about 1:30 pm–3:30 pm)
• Later evening (after about 7:00 pm, outside of big event times)

Heavier traffic windows:

• Southbound mornings (Alpharetta → Atlanta, 7:00–9:00 am)
• Northbound evenings (Atlanta → Alpharetta, 4:00–7:00 pm)
• Around major events in Atlanta or Alpharetta (concerts, big games, festivals)

If you’re planning a time‑sensitive trip—like catching a show in Alpharetta after work or making a morning meeting downtown—build in a buffer of at least 20–30 minutes beyond your ideal drive time.

Using Alpharetta as a Day Trip from Atlanta

For visitors staying in Atlanta who are curious about exploring the northern suburbs, Alpharetta is close enough to feel like a simple day trip.

Common reasons people go from Atlanta to Alpharetta for the day include:

• Shopping and dining at Avalon or in Downtown Alpharetta
• Outdoor time on the Big Creek Greenway or nearby parks
• Concerts and events at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
• Visiting friends or family who live in north Fulton County

In planning your day:

• Budget at least 1–1.5 hours of travel each way if you’re moving during common rush periods.
• If possible, arrive before 10:00 am and head back after 7:00 pm to avoid the most intense traffic.

Quick Reference: How Far Is Alpharetta from Key Atlanta Spots?

• Downtown Atlanta → Alpharetta: ~26 miles, usually 35–60 minutes
• Midtown Atlanta → Alpharetta: ~24–28 miles, usually 35–55 minutes
• Buckhead → Alpharetta: ~20–24 miles, usually 25–45 minutes
• Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport → Alpharetta: ~35–40 miles, usually 45–70 minutes

In everyday Atlanta terms, Alpharetta is a northern suburb that’s about half an hour away without traffic and roughly an hour away during typical rush hours, connected primarily by GA‑400 and supported by MARTA rail + bus options for those who prefer not to drive.