If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Auburn, Alabama—whether for a football game, a campus visit, or a quick weekend getaway—it helps to know exactly how far Atlanta is from Auburn and the best ways to make the trip.
The distance between Atlanta, GA and Auburn, AL depends slightly on where you start in Atlanta, but for most travelers:
Most people measure the trip from Downtown or Midtown Atlanta to Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, which falls right in this distance range.
Here’s a simple snapshot of the typical Atlanta–Auburn trip:
| From (Atlanta) | To (Auburn) | Distance (approx.) | Typical Drive Time* | Main Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown (Centennial Olympic Park area) | Auburn University campus | 115 miles | 1 hr 50 min | I‑85 S |
| Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport | Auburn University campus | 105–110 miles | 1 hr 40–45 min | I‑85 S |
| Buckhead | Auburn University campus | 120 miles | ~2 hours | I‑85 S |
*Times assume steady conditions and no major delays.
For most Atlanta residents and visitors, the fastest and simplest way to get to Auburn is:
Get to I‑85 South from your part of Atlanta
Stay on I‑85 South toward Montgomery
Take Exit 51 (AL‑147/South College Street) toward Auburn
Traffic patterns matter more than distance. For a 2‑hour drive, consider:
On Auburn football game days, traffic on I‑85 and around Exit 51 can be much heavier, so many Atlanta fans leave earlier than usual and allow an extra 30–60 minutes.
If you’re flying into Atlanta and heading straight to Auburn:
This route is direct and popular for people attending Auburn University events, campus tours, or conferences who fly into Atlanta because of the larger flight selection.
There are no direct major-city commuter trains or subways connecting Atlanta and Auburn, so options are more limited than local Atlanta transit. Still, there are a few alternatives to driving yourself.
Over time, different bus companies have offered routes between the Atlanta area and Auburn. These typically:
If you’re considering a bus:
From Atlanta, some people choose to book a ride-share or private car for special trips, such as:
Considerations:
If you’re flying into Atlanta or live in the city without a car, renting a car can make sense:
The distance on paper—about 110–120 miles—only tells part of the story. Plan your door-to-door time from Atlanta to Auburn like this:
From intown Atlanta neighborhoods (Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward):
From farther suburbs north of the city (e.g., Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Alpharetta):
For time-sensitive events in Auburn (kickoff, campus tour, ceremony), many Atlanta travelers aim to arrive in town 1–2 hours early, building in a cushion for:
Here are some practical pointers tailored to people starting in or flying through Atlanta:
Check I‑85 conditions before you leave.
Use a real-time traffic app to see if there are crashes or major slowdowns leaving Atlanta or near the Alabama state line.
Fuel up in Georgia if you prefer.
Many drivers from Atlanta top off gas in places like Newnan or LaGrange, where there are plenty of services right off I‑85.
Mind Eastern vs. Central Time.
Atlanta is on Eastern Time, while Auburn is on Central Time, one hour behind.
For visitors staying in Atlanta:
If you’re based in a hotel around Downtown, Midtown, or near the airport, the most straightforward route is still I‑85 South; hotel staff are typically familiar with the Auburn route and can help with basic directions.
For most people in the Atlanta area, Auburn is comfortably within day-trip distance:
In practical terms, Atlanta is roughly a 2‑hour drive from Auburn under normal conditions. With smart timing around rush hours and events, the trip is straightforward and manageable whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or are connecting through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport on your way to Auburn.
