How Far Is Atlanta From Augusta, GA? A Local’s Guide to Distance, Drive Times, and Travel Options

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Augusta, GA—for the Masters Tournament, a day trip along the Savannah River, or to visit friends and family—it helps to know exactly how far it is and the best ways to get there.

The Short Answer: Distance From Atlanta to Augusta

The distance from Atlanta, GA to Augusta, GA depends slightly on your route:

• By car (most common route, I‑20 East):
  About 145–150 miles from Downtown Atlanta to Downtown Augusta
• Typical driving time:
  2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and your starting point in the metro area

For most people in Atlanta, you’ll take Interstate 20 East (I‑20 E) almost the entire way, making this one of the more straightforward intercity drives in Georgia.

At-a-Glance Travel Overview

Times can vary with Atlanta rush hour traffic, weather, and construction along I‑20.

Driving From Atlanta to Augusta: What to Expect

Main Route: I‑20 East

From most parts of Atlanta, the standard route is:

1. Get onto I‑20 East (often via:
   • I‑75/85 from Downtown or Midtown
   • I‑285 from outer neighborhoods, or
   • I‑85 / GA 400 then connecting to I‑20).
2. Stay on I‑20 East all the way to Augusta.
3. Use Augusta exits toward Downtown Augusta or your specific destination.

You’ll pass areas like:

• Lithonia and Covington in the eastern Atlanta metro
• Madison and Greensboro
• Thomson before you reach the Augusta area

The drive is mostly multi-lane interstate, with rest areas and gas stations at regular intervals.

Typical Drive Times From Popular Atlanta Areas

• Downtown / Georgia State Capitol area:
  About 145 miles, typically 2–2.25 hours in light traffic.
• Midtown Atlanta:
  Very similar to Downtown; add 5–10 minutes to connect to I‑20.
• Buckhead:
  Plan for 2.25–2.5 hours, especially if you’re navigating surface streets or GA 400 to reach I‑20.
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):
  Add 10–30 extra minutes to your drive vs. leaving from Downtown, depending on whether you circle around on I‑285 or cut directly through the city.

👉 Rush hour tip: Leaving Atlanta between 7–9 a.m. or 4–7 p.m. can easily add 30–45 minutes to your trip, especially around the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) and the I‑20 / I‑285 interchanges.

How Long Is the Drive Really?

Under ideal conditions:

• Fastest realistic time: About 2 hours door to door from central Atlanta to central Augusta
• More typical window:2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes

You may be closer to 3 hours if:

• You leave during peak traffic
• There are construction zones on I‑20
• You’re starting from farther north or west in the metro Atlanta area (e.g., Marietta, Kennesaw, or Lawrenceville)

If you have a specific appointment or event in Augusta (such as a tee time, meeting, or performance), it’s wise to plan at least 2.5–3 hours of travel time from most Atlanta locations.

Other Ways to Travel Between Atlanta and Augusta

There is no major passenger rail line directly connecting Atlanta and Augusta, and commercial flights between the two are not common because the distance is relatively short. Most travelers use cars or buses.

1. Driving Your Own Car or a Rental

For most people in Atlanta, driving is the easiest and most flexible option. It allows you to:

• Pick your own departure time
• Stop in Madison, Greensboro, or Thomson for food or gas
• Enter Augusta through whatever side of town best fits your plans (Downtown, Augusta University, Augusta National area, etc.)

If you’re flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and then heading to Augusta, car rentals are available on-site at the:

• ATL Rental Car Center
  2200 Rental Car Center Parkway
  College Park, GA 30337

You reach it via the SkyTrain from the main terminal.

2. Bus Service

If you don’t want to drive, you can look for intercity bus service between Atlanta and Augusta. Bus options can vary but commonly:

• Depart from near Downtown Atlanta (often close to major transit corridors or bus stations)
• Arrive at locations in or near Downtown Augusta

Depending on the provider and schedule:

• Travel time may be similar to driving (around 2.5–3 hours), sometimes longer due to stops
• You’ll typically need to arrive a bit early to check in and board

Check current schedules, pick-up/drop-off points, and fares directly with the bus company or at major transportation hubs in Atlanta.

3. Rideshare or Private Shuttle

For certain events—especially around The Masters Tournament in Augusta—some travelers in Atlanta arrange:

• Private shuttles
• Rideshare trips (though the cost for a 150‑mile trip can be high)
• Chartered vans for group travel

These options can be useful if:

• You’re traveling as part of a group
• You don’t want to deal with parking in Augusta
• You’re going for a single day and returning to Atlanta the same night

Atlanta Transit & Connections Before You Hit the Road

While there’s no MARTA train directly from Atlanta to Augusta, MARTA can help you get to your starting point, rental car, or bus:

• MARTA Rail System serves:
  • Hartsfield-Jackson ATL Airport
  • Downtown (Five Points)
  • Midtown
  • Buckhead
  • Several park-and-ride locations around I‑285

You might:

• Take MARTA to a station near your rental car pickup
• Use MARTA to reach a Downtown bus departure point
• Park at a MARTA park-and-ride and start your drive from near I‑20

For system maps and schedules, you can contact:

• MARTA Headquarters
  2424 Piedmont Road NE
  Atlanta, GA 30324
  Customer Info Line: (404) 848‑5000

Planning Your Trip: Practical Tips From an Atlanta Perspective

Best Times to Leave Atlanta

To keep the Atlanta to Augusta drive as smooth as possible:

• Better departure windows:
  • Mid-morning (after 9:30 a.m.)
  • Early afternoon (before 3 p.m.)
  • Later evening (after 7 p.m.)
• Times to avoid if possible:
  • Weekday mornings (7–9 a.m.) heading out of the city
  • Weekday late afternoons (4–7 p.m.) around I‑75/85 and I‑285

If you’re heading to a major event in Augusta (especially in spring), expect more traffic not just in Atlanta but as you approach Augusta on I‑20.

Fuel, Food, and Rest Stops Along I‑20

Between Atlanta and Augusta, you’ll find:

• Multiple exits with gas stations, fast food, and convenience stores
• Small towns like Madison, Greensboro, and Thomson that make convenient stops

If you’re leaving central Atlanta, consider:

• Fueling up before you hit I‑20
• Grabbing water and snacks, especially if you’re traveling with kids

Weather and Seasonal Considerations

From an Atlanta standpoint:

• Summer:
  Heat and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Heavy rain can slow traffic on I‑20.
• Winter:
  Atlanta and east Georgia occasionally see ice or snow, which can cause delays and closures, especially bridges and overpasses.
• Spring (Masters season):
  Augusta’s visitor traffic surges. Book lodging early and allow extra drive time, especially near the Augusta exits.

Checking the forecast for both Atlanta and Augusta before you leave is a smart move.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• How far is Atlanta from Augusta, GA? Roughly 145–150 miles by road.
• How long is the drive? Usually 2–2.5 hours, longer in heavy traffic or during major events.
• Main route:I‑20 East almost the entire way.
• Primary travel modes: Personal car, rental car, or intercity bus; no direct passenger train service.
• From an Atlanta perspective: Plan your departure around rush hours, use MARTA if needed to connect to your starting point, and give yourself extra time if you’re traveling during peak event seasons or bad weather.

With a bit of planning, the Atlanta to Augusta trip is a manageable and straightforward drive for residents, visitors, and anyone using Atlanta as a hub.