How Far Is Atlanta From Alabama? Distances, Drive Times, and Travel Tips

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering how far it is to Alabama, the answer depends on where in Alabama you’re headed. Atlanta sits close to the Georgia–Alabama state line, so some Alabama destinations are a quick drive, while others take several hours.

Below is a clear breakdown of distances, typical travel times, and the best ways to get from Atlanta to Alabama (and back), with a focus on what’s most useful for people who live in or are visiting Atlanta.

How Close Is Atlanta to the Alabama State Line?

The closest point of Alabama is just across the state line west of Georgia.

  • Atlanta to the Alabama border (near I-20):
    • Approx. 75–85 miles
    • About 1 hour 15 minutes–1 hour 30 minutes by car in normal traffic

In practical terms, that means you can leave Downtown Atlanta after breakfast and be across the Alabama state line well before lunch, assuming traffic on I-20 West is moving normally.

Distances From Atlanta to Major Alabama Cities

Here’s a quick guide to how far Atlanta is from some of the most commonly visited cities in Alabama by road.

Driving Distances & Times From Atlanta

From Atlanta (Downtown) To…Approx. Distance (miles)Typical Drive Time*Main Route(s)
Anniston, AL~90–1001.5–2 hoursI-20 W
Birmingham, AL~145–1502.5–3 hoursI-20 W / I-59 N
Gadsden, AL~135–1452.5–3 hoursI-20 W, US-431
Montgomery, AL~160–1702.5–3 hoursI-85 S, US-80 W
Tuscaloosa, AL~200–2103.5–4 hoursI-20 W / I-59 S
Mobile, AL~320–3305–6 hoursI-85 S, I-65 S
Huntsville, AL~190–2003.5–4 hoursI-75 N, US-72 W or I-20 W / I-65 N

*Drive times assume typical conditions, not accounting for rush-hour congestion, construction, or severe weather.

Best Routes From Atlanta Into Alabama

1. I-20 West: The Main Corridor

If you’re heading to Anniston, Birmingham, or Tuscaloosa, you’ll almost always use Interstate 20 West:

  • Starting in Atlanta:
    • From Downtown / Midtown, take the I-20 West entrance (e.g., via the I-75/85 connector).
    • From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, take I-85 North or I-285 West to I-20 West.

  • Key Alabama Destinations Along I-20 W:
    • Anniston/Oxford – first major Alabama stop after crossing the state line.
    • Birmingham – farther west, major city and common destination for business and events.
    • Tuscaloosa – connect from Birmingham via I-59 South / I-20 West.

This is often the most straightforward and most heavily traveled route between Atlanta and central Alabama.

2. I-85 South and US-80 West: Toward Montgomery

For Montgomery, many Atlanta travelers use I-85 South:

  • From Downtown Atlanta, head south on I-75/85, then continue on I-85 South.
  • Near Phenix City, AL / Columbus, GA, you can connect via US-80 West into Montgomery.

This path is common if you’re on the south side of metro Atlanta or near Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.

3. Toward Mobile and the Gulf Coast

If you’re driving to Mobile or the Alabama Gulf Coast from Atlanta:

  • Take I-85 South toward Montgomery.
  • From Montgomery, continue on I-65 South to Mobile.

Many Atlanta residents use this route when driving to beaches in Alabama or to connect to the Florida Panhandle.

How Far Is Alabama by Plane From Atlanta?

If you’re flying out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Alabama, the physical distance is short, and flight times are usually under an hour in the air, depending on the destination.

Common Flight Patterns From Atlanta

  • Atlanta to Birmingham (BHM):
    • Roughly 140–150 air miles
    • About 35–45 minutes of flight time (not including boarding, taxiing, and security)

  • Atlanta to Huntsville (HSV), Montgomery (MGM), or Mobile (MOB):
    • Generally 200–300 air miles
    • Often 45–60 minutes in the air

For many Atlanta travelers, the choice between driving vs. flying to Alabama comes down to:

  • How far into Alabama you’re going
  • Whether you already need a car upon arrival
  • How comfortable you are with Atlanta traffic vs. airport logistics

Public Transportation Options From Atlanta to Alabama

There are limited but workable non-driving options from Atlanta to Alabama.

Intercity Bus Services

Several intercity bus companies operate from the Atlanta area to various Alabama cities, most commonly:

  • Atlanta → Birmingham
  • Atlanta → Montgomery
  • Atlanta → Mobile (often via transfers)

Buses typically:

  • Depart from central bus terminals in or near Downtown Atlanta
  • Take 3–5 hours depending on the route and stops
  • Cost less than flying, but may take longer than driving yourself

Train Service

Long-distance passenger rail between Atlanta and Alabama is limited and may require indirect routes or transfers. Schedules, routes, and availability vary and often change over time, so many travelers rely more on cars or buses between Atlanta and most Alabama destinations.

Factors That Affect Your Travel Time From Atlanta to Alabama

Even though Alabama can be physically close, your actual travel time from Atlanta can vary quite a bit.

1. Atlanta Traffic

  • Morning and evening rush hours around I-20, the Downtown Connector (I-75/85), and I-285 can add 30 minutes or more to your trip.
  • Heavy congestion is common on Friday afternoons, especially if you’re leaving Atlanta for a weekend trip to Alabama.

2. Construction & Road Work

  • Long-term construction projects on I-20 West or near key interchanges can slow travel.
  • It’s helpful to check real-time traffic maps or local traffic updates before leaving.

3. Weather

  • Heavy rain or severe storms, especially common in the Southeast, can reduce visibility and speed.
  • During rare winter weather events, sections of interstates between Atlanta and Alabama may experience delays or closures.

4. Starting Point in Metro Atlanta

  • Leaving from Downtown or Midtown is usually faster for reaching I-20.
  • If you’re in North Fulton, Cobb, or Gwinnett County, plan extra time to navigate to the right interstate.
  • Traveling from south metro (e.g., College Park, East Point, Union City) generally gives you easier access to I-85 South for Montgomery or Mobile-bound trips.

Quick Reference: How Far Is Atlanta From Alabama?

If you just want the short, practical answer:

  • To the Alabama state line by car:
    • Around 80 miles
    • About 1.5 hours in normal traffic

  • To major Alabama cities from Atlanta:
    • Anniston: ~1.5–2 hours
    • Birmingham: ~2.5–3 hours
    • Montgomery: ~2.5–3 hours
    • Tuscaloosa: ~3.5–4 hours
    • Huntsville: ~3.5–4 hours
    • Mobile: ~5–6 hours

  • By plane from ATL to major Alabama airports:
    • Around 35–60 minutes in the air, depending on the city

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Heading to Alabama

  • Plan around rush hour:
    Leaving Atlanta before 7:00 a.m. or after the main evening rush often saves significant time.

  • Fuel and rest stops:
    There are numerous travel plazas and exits along I-20 West between Atlanta and the Alabama state line, making it easy to stop for gas, food, or restrooms.

  • Check your route in advance:
    Use a navigation app or GPS before departure to see current conditions and whether an alternate route (for example, using parts of I-285 to bypass congestion) could help.

  • Allow extra time for airport connections:
    If you’re flying from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Alabama, factor in security, check-in, and possible delays, not just flight time.

In everyday terms, Alabama is relatively close to Atlanta—the border is just over an hour away by car, and the largest Alabama cities are within a half-day’s drive or less. For Atlanta residents and visitors, that makes Alabama a very accessible option for day trips, weekend getaways, business travel, and family visits.