Atlanta to Auburn: Distance, Drive Time, and Best Ways to Get There

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.

How Far Is Atlanta from Auburn?

The distance between Atlanta, GA and Auburn, AL depends slightly on where you start in Atlanta, but for most travelers:

• Approximate driving distance:110–120 miles
• Typical driving time:1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, in normal traffic
• Primary route:I‑85 South almost the entire way

Most people measure the trip from Downtown or Midtown Atlanta to Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, which falls right in this distance range.

Quick Trip Overview

Here’s a simple snapshot of the typical Atlanta–Auburn trip:

*Times assume steady conditions and no major delays.

Driving from Atlanta to Auburn

Main Route: I‑85 South

For most Atlanta residents and visitors, the fastest and simplest way to get to Auburn is:

1. Get to I‑85 South from your part of Atlanta

   • From Downtown/Midtown: Take the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) and follow signs for I‑85 South.
   • From Buckhead/North Atlanta: Head south on GA‑400 or local roads to connect with I‑85 South.
   • From Hartsfield–Jackson Airport: Follow airport signs to I‑85 South.

2. Stay on I‑85 South toward Montgomery

   • You’ll pass Newnan, LaGrange, and cross into Alabama.

3. Take Exit 51 (AL‑147/South College Street) toward Auburn

   • This exit is clearly marked for Auburn / Auburn University.
   • Follow South College Street into town and toward campus/downtown.

What to Expect on the Road

• Type of driving: Almost all interstate highway; straightforward and well-marked.
• Speed limits: Generally 65–70 mph for most of the route.
• Common slowdown points:
  • Leaving Atlanta during rush hour (especially where I‑75/85 meets I‑20).
  • Near airport exits if you’re coming from Hartsfield–Jackson.
• Rest stops & services:
  You’ll find gas stations, fast food, and rest areas around:
  • Newnan, GA
  • LaGrange, GA
  • Just over the Alabama line near Valley / Lanett

When to Leave Atlanta

Traffic patterns matter more than distance. For a 2‑hour drive, consider:

• 🚫 Times to avoid if possible:
  • Weekday mornings: 7:00–9:30 a.m.
  • Weekday afternoons: 4:00–6:30 p.m.
• ✅ Better windows:
  • Late morning: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
  • Midday to mid-afternoon: 12:00–3:00 p.m.
  • Later evenings after 7:00 p.m.

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.

Getting from Hartsfield–Jackson Airport to Auburn

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

• Distance: About 105–110 miles
• Driving time:Around 1 hour 40 minutes in light traffic
• Route:
  • Exit the airport area following signs for I‑85 South.
  • Continue on I‑85 South to Exit 51 in Alabama.

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.

Other Ways to Travel from Atlanta to Auburn

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.

1. Intercity Bus Options

Over time, different bus companies have offered routes between the Atlanta area and Auburn. These typically:

• Depart from central Atlanta or near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Arrive near Auburn University or in the Auburn–Opelika area
• Take about 2.5–3 hours, depending on stops and routing

If you’re considering a bus:

• Check current schedules and routes from major intercity bus providers serving:
  • Downtown Atlanta (near the central business district)
  • Auburn/Opelika region
• Plan your local transit in Atlanta:
  • You may need to use MARTA buses or trains to reach the bus pickup point.

2. Ride-Sharing or Private Car Services

From Atlanta, some people choose to book a ride-share or private car for special trips, such as:

• Game days in Auburn
• Campus visits for students and families
• Business meetings in the Auburn–Opelika area

Considerations:

• Cost is usually significantly higher than driving yourself.
• Travel time will be similar to regular driving—about 2 hours.
• It can be useful if you don’t want to rent a car or are traveling in a group and can share the cost.

3. Rental Car from Atlanta

If you’re flying into Atlanta or live in the city without a car, renting a car can make sense:

• Pickup points: Rental car centers at Hartsfield–Jackson or neighborhood rental locations around the metro area.
• Advantages:
  • Full flexibility for your time in Auburn (especially helpful if you plan to explore, visit nearby Opelika, or drive back late).
  • Often cheaper than repeated ride-shares for a multi-day trip.

How Long Should You Plan Door-to-Door?

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):

  • Local streets to I‑85: 10–25 minutes (more in rush hour)
  • I‑85 drive: 1 hr 45 min–2 hrs
  • Local streets in Auburn: 5–15 minutes
  • Total typical time:2–2.5 hours

• From farther suburbs north of the city (e.g., Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Alpharetta):

  • Drive to I‑85 South corridor: 20–40 minutes
  • I‑85 drive: 1 hr 45 min–2 hrs
  • Local streets in Auburn: 5–15 minutes
  • Total typical time:2.25–2.75 hours

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:

• Downtown Atlanta congestion
• Construction zones on I‑85
• Heavier traffic around Auburn on event days
• Parking and walking time once you arrive

Atlanta–Auburn Trip Tips

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.

  • If it’s 3:00 p.m. in Atlanta, it’s 2:00 p.m. in Auburn.
  • This can be important for game kickoffs, campus tours, or check-in times.

• 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.

How the Atlanta–Auburn Trip Fits into Your Plans

For most people in the Atlanta area, Auburn is comfortably within day-trip distance:

• You can leave Atlanta in the morning, spend the day in Auburn, and return the same evening.
• For late events (especially night games or performances), many Atlanta travelers:
  • Stay overnight in Auburn or Opelika, or
  • Drive back late at night, allowing extra time and planning safe rest breaks.

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.