How Far Is Atlanta From Athens, GA? Your Complete Distance and Travel Guide

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering how far Atlanta is from Athens, you’re not alone. Whether you’re planning a day trip to see the University of Georgia, heading to a game, or visiting friends, it helps to understand distance, travel time, and the best ways to get there.

The Basic Answer: Distance From Atlanta to Athens

In everyday terms, Atlanta is about 70–75 miles from Athens, Georgia, depending on your exact starting and ending points.

• Downtown Atlanta to Downtown Athens: roughly 70 miles
• Midtown Atlanta to Athens: about 70–75 miles
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Athens: about 80–85 miles

Most people use GA-316 East or I-85 North plus GA-316 to get from metro Atlanta to Athens.

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

For most Atlanta residents or visitors, driving is the easiest and most common way to get to Athens.

Typical Driving Time

• Average drive time: about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
• Fastest conditions (light traffic): sometimes close to 1 hour 10 minutes
• Heavy traffic or bad weather: can stretch to 2 hours or more

Factors That Affect Your Travel Time

Several Atlanta-specific issues can change your actual door-to-door time:

• Rush hour traffic:
  Morning (about 7–9 a.m.) and evening (about 4–7 p.m.) near downtown, Midtown, and along I-85 can slow you down.
• Game days and events:
  UGA home football games, concerts, and festivals in Athens can cause heavy traffic near Athens Perimeter (Loop 10) and downtown Athens.
• Construction & incidents:
  Ongoing road work on I-85, I-285, or GA-316 sometimes impacts travel.

If you’re leaving from central Atlanta, it’s smart to allow at least 1.5 hours, and more if you’re traveling during peak times.

Main Driving Routes From Atlanta to Athens

1. GA-316 Route (Common for Many Atlanta Drivers)

From many parts of the metro area, especially northeast Atlanta, Decatur, Brookhaven, Doraville, or Chamblee, this is often the cleanest route:

1. Get on I-85 North from your part of Atlanta.
2. Take Exit 106 for GA-316 East toward Athens.
3. Follow GA-316 until it merges toward US-29/University Parkway and into Athens.
4. Follow signs for Athens/UGA/Downtown.

This route is straightforward and mostly highway-style driving.

2. I-20 / Back Roads (Less Common, More Scenic)

From southeastern or eastern parts of metro Atlanta, some drivers prefer a more rural path:

1. Take I-20 East out of Atlanta.
2. Connect to state highways that angle northeast toward Athens (for example, GA-138, US-78, or other regionals).

This may add some time but can be less congested and more scenic.

Quick Reference: Distance and Time From Key Atlanta Spots

Times assume reasonable traffic and direct routes.

Is There Public Transportation From Atlanta to Athens?

There is no single MARTA train or direct heavy rail line that runs from Atlanta to Athens. However, there are regional bus services that connect the two cities.

Regional Bus Options

Services and schedules can change, but in general intercity and regional buses:

• Run from Atlanta (often near downtown or major transit centers)
• Travel to Athens (typically near downtown or major local bus hubs)
• Take roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on stops and traffic

These buses are commonly used by:

• Students traveling between UGA and Atlanta
• Visitors without a car
• Residents who prefer not to drive

If you’re starting in the city:

• You might use MARTA rail or bus to reach the bus departure point in Atlanta.
• Once in Athens, you can often connect to the Athens Transit System or walk if your destination is downtown or near the University of Georgia.

🔎 Tip: If you rely on transit, build in extra time for connections between MARTA and regional buses, as schedules may not line up perfectly.

Can You Take a Train From Atlanta to Athens?

At this time, there is no passenger train route that runs directly from Atlanta to Athens.

• MARTA trains serve only the Atlanta metro area, not Athens.
• Long-distance passenger rail options that exist in Georgia do not currently stop in Athens.

If you prefer rail, you would still need a bus or car for the Atlanta–Athens part of your trip.

Rideshare and Taxi Options Between Atlanta and Athens

Using Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

You can request a rideshare from Atlanta to Athens, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Distance-based cost: A 70–80 mile ride is significantly more expensive than short in-city trips.
• Driver availability: Not all drivers may accept a long-distance ride.
• Return trip: In Athens, rideshare options may be limited at certain times of day, so plan ahead if you need a same-day round trip.

This can be a useful option if:

• You’re traveling with a group and splitting the cost.
• You’re not comfortable driving and bus schedules don’t work for you.
• You’re flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and going straight to Athens.

Taxi Services

Traditional taxi companies in Atlanta might offer long-distance trips, but they’re usually:

• More expensive than regional buses
• Less predictable to arrange than a pre-booked shuttle or bus

If you’re considering a taxi, it’s wise to call ahead, get a fare estimate, and confirm whether they regularly serve the Athens route.

Driving From ATL Airport to Athens

If you’re flying into Atlanta and heading straight to Athens, you’ll start at:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 North Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

Distance and Time

• Distance: about 80–85 miles
• Typical travel time:1.5 to 2 hours

General Route

1. From the airport, follow signs for I-85 North or I-75/I-85 North into Atlanta.
2. Continue on I-85 North.
3. Take Exit 106 for GA-316 East toward Athens.
4. Continue on GA-316 into the Athens area, then follow signs for Athens/UGA/Downtown.

Many visitors rent a car at the airport. Major rental car companies operate out of the ATL Rental Car Center, connected to the terminals by the SkyTrain.

Parking and Getting Around Once You Reach Athens

If you’re traveling from Atlanta with UGA, downtown Athens, or a concert or game in mind, parking and transit in Athens are worth understanding.

Parking Near Downtown and UGA

• Downtown Athens and the UGA campus have a mix of:
  • Parking decks and garages
  • Metered street parking
  • Permit-only university lots

On busy days (like home football games), spots fill quickly. Many Atlanta visitors:

• Arrive early and park once
• Walk between downtown, campus, and nearby neighborhoods

Local Transit in Athens

Athens has its own bus system, commonly used by locals and students:

• Helps you get from park-and-ride lots or outer areas into central Athens
• Can be helpful if you’re leaving your car at a hotel or residential area

If you’re planning multiple trips between Atlanta and Athens, it can be helpful to learn a few key bus routes and main stops in Athens and compare that to where you’ll be staying or visiting.

When Is the Best Time to Drive From Atlanta to Athens?

If you have flexibility, you can save yourself frustration by choosing your travel time carefully.

Better Times to Travel

• Late morning or early afternoon on weekdays:
  After the morning rush, before the evening rush.
• Midday on weekends:
  Typically smoother, except on big event or game days in Athens.

Times to Be Cautious

• Weekday rush hours: leaving Atlanta between 7–9 a.m. or 4–7 p.m.
• UGA home football game days: heavy traffic both in Athens and on main access routes
• Holiday weekends: more cars on the road between Atlanta suburbs and Athens

If you must travel during busier times, give yourself extra buffer time—especially if you have tickets, appointments, or check-in times in Athens.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Distance: Atlanta to Athens is about 70–75 miles, depending on where you start.
• Drive time: Usually 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, longer with traffic.
• Main route: Most drivers use I-85 North to GA-316 East into Athens.
• Transit: No direct rail; regional buses connect Atlanta and Athens, sometimes combined with MARTA on the Atlanta side.
• Other options: Rideshare and taxis are possible but can be costly for the distance.
• From the airport: Hartsfield–Jackson to Athens is about 80–85 miles, or 1.5 to 2 hours by car.

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting the city, Athens is well within day-trip range, and with a little planning around traffic and timing, the drive is manageable and straightforward.