How Far Is Athens From Atlanta? Your Guide to Distance, Drive Time, and Best Routes

If you’re in Atlanta and planning a day trip, college visit, or weekend getaway, Athens, Georgia is one of the easiest and most popular destinations nearby. Here’s exactly how far Athens is from Atlanta, how long it takes to get there, and what to know about the drive and other travel options.

The Distance Between Atlanta and Athens

Straight-line distance (as the crow flies):

• Around 65–70 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta

Driving distance (most common routes):

• Typically 70–80 miles, depending on your exact starting and ending points

Most Atlanta–Athens trips start somewhere near Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or the I-285 Perimeter, and end near Downtown Athens or the University of Georgia (UGA) campus. That’s the basis for the times and mileage below.

How Long Does It Take to Drive From Atlanta to Athens?

For most drivers:

• Typical drive time:1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes
• In light traffic: As quick as 1 hour 15 minutes
• In heavy rush hour or game-day traffic: Up to 2 hours or more

Your actual time depends on:

• Where you start in Atlanta (Downtown vs. far west side, etc.)
• Time of day (I-85 and GA-316 can get busy)
• Weather and construction
• UGA events and football game days, when Athens traffic can back up

Quick Distance & Travel Time Overview

These are typical ranges for normal conditions and may vary day to day.

Main Driving Routes From Atlanta to Athens

If you’re wondering not just “how far” but how to get from Atlanta to Athens, here are the most commonly used routes.

1. I-85 North → GA-316 East (Most Common Route)

This is the standard route many Atlanta drivers use.

Basic directions:

1. From Downtown Atlanta, take I-85 North (or I-75/85 North then stay on I-85 North).
2. Continue on I-85 North past the I-285 Perimeter.
3. Exit onto GA-316 East toward Athens.
4. Stay on GA-316; it gradually transitions toward US-29/US-78/US-441 as you approach Athens.
5. Follow signs into Downtown Athens or UGA.

Why people like it:

• Usually the fastest and most direct route.
• Fewer traffic lights once you’re past the suburbs.
• Clearly signed for “Athens” on GA-316.

Watch for:

• Rush-hour backups near Gwinnett County.
• Speed changes and occasional enforcement on GA-316.

2. I-20 East → US-441 North (More Scenic / Alternate Route)

Some drivers prefer a slightly more scenic, less interstate-heavy route.

Basic directions:

1. From Atlanta, take I-20 East toward Augusta.
2. Exit onto US-441 North (near Madison).
3. Follow US-441 North toward Athens.

Why people use it:

• Passes through smaller towns and more rural areas.
• Can be a pleasant scenic drive if you’re not in a hurry.

Trade-offs:

• Often slightly longer in both distance and time.
• More local traffic, speed changes, and stops.

Driving From Key Atlanta Landmarks to Athens

Here’s how far Athens is from some places you might already know in Atlanta.

From Downtown Atlanta (Five Points / State Capitol)

• Distance: About 72–75 miles
• Typical time:1 hr 20–40 min
• Route: I-85 North → GA-316 East

If you’re leaving a hotel or office in downtown Atlanta, plan extra time for getting onto the interstate and navigating city traffic, especially on weekday mornings and afternoons.

From Midtown Atlanta (Georgia Tech, Piedmont Park)

• Distance: Around 70–75 miles
• Typical time:1 hr 20–35 min
• Route: I-75/85 North → I-85 North → GA-316 East

Midtown has quick access to both I-75/85 and GA-400, so you can usually get on the highway quickly, but local congestion can still add 10–15 minutes.

From Buckhead (Lenox Square / Phipps Plaza Area)

• Distance: About 75–80 miles
• Typical time:1 hr 25–45 min
• Route: GA-400 South or local surface streets to I-85 North → GA-316 East

Buckhead is slightly farther north and east than Downtown, but surface-street traffic can affect your total time. Leaving a bit early helps, especially on weekday evenings.

From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

• Distance: Around 80–85 miles
• Typical time:1 hr 30–50 min
• Route: I-85 North → GA-316 East

If you’re flying into Atlanta and heading straight to Athens:

• Rental car agencies are clustered near the airport Rental Car Center.
• Once you’re on I-85 North, you have a largely straightforward drive to Athens via GA-316.

Parking and Getting Around Once You Reach Athens

If you’re coming from Atlanta, it helps to know what to expect when you arrive.

Downtown Athens & UGA Area

The Downtown Athens / UGA campus area is compact, walkable, and can be busy, especially:

• When UGA is in session
• On football game days
• During concerts and festivals

Parking options typically include:

• Downtown parking decks (near the Classic Center and central business district)
• UGA visitor parking decks and surface lots (usually pay-to-park during business hours and on event days)
• Limited street parking with time limits

Traffic patterns and parking rules can shift during major events, so it is smart to:

• Allow extra time if coming from Atlanta for a specific event start time.
• Check signage when you park to avoid tickets or towing zones.

How Far Is Athens by Bus or Shuttle From Atlanta?

There is no direct MARTA rail between Atlanta and Athens, but there are bus and shuttle options that connect the two cities.

Regional Bus / Shuttle Services

Several regional bus and shuttle services operate between the Atlanta area and Athens, often with stops near:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Downtown or Midtown Atlanta
• Downtown Athens / UGA campus

Typical features:

• Travel time: About 1.5–2.5 hours, depending on route and stops.
• Pickup/drop-off: Often at designated lots or transportation centers.
• Best for: Students, visitors without cars, or anyone who prefers not to drive.

Availability, schedules, and exact pickup points can vary, so it’s useful to:

• Check current timetables before you travel.
• Arrive early for your scheduled departure, especially if you’re catching a flight afterward.

Is Athens a Day Trip or Overnight Trip From Atlanta?

Because Athens is only about 70–80 miles from Atlanta, many people:

• Drive up and back in the same day for:
  • UGA tours
  • Business appointments
  • Concerts and shows
  • Sporting events (when timing allows)

Others choose to stay overnight in Athens to:

• Explore the downtown music and dining scene
• Spend more time on UGA’s campus
• Avoid late-night driving back on GA-316

If you’re leaving late at night after an event, factor in:

• Your comfort with night driving on divided highways and rural stretches
• Weather (fog, rain) that can impact visibility

Tips for a Smoother Atlanta–Athens Trip

A few practical pointers if you’re starting from the Atlanta area:

• 🚗 Leave buffer time. Aim to leave 30 minutes earlier than your “must-arrive” calculation, especially for:
  • Weekday mornings (commuter traffic)
  • UGA game days and major events
• ⛽ Fuel up in Atlanta or a major suburb. You’ll find plenty of gas options along the way, but topping off before you leave can make the drive more relaxing.
• 📱 Use real-time navigation. Apps can help you adjust between I-85/GA-316 and alternate side roads if there are accidents or backups.
• 🍽 Plan stops. The corridor between Atlanta and Athens includes multiple exits with food, restrooms, and services, especially through Gwinnett and Barrow counties.

In everyday terms, Athens is about 1.5 hours and roughly 70–80 miles from Atlanta, making it close enough for a spontaneous day trip, but far enough to feel like a change of scene from the city.