How Far Is Atlanta From Marietta? A Local’s Guide to Distance, Drive Time, and Getting Around

If you live in the metro area or you’re planning a visit, you’ll quickly notice how closely connected Atlanta and Marietta are. They’re separate cities, but they function like neighboring communities within the same urban area.

Here’s exactly how far Atlanta is from Marietta, how long it typically takes to travel between them, and the best ways to get around.

The Basics: Distance Between Atlanta and Marietta

The distance between Downtown Atlanta and Marietta Square (Marietta’s historic center) is roughly:

• By road:18–22 miles, depending on your exact start and end points
• Straight line (“as the crow flies”): about 16–17 miles

Because both cities are spread out, your actual distance can vary:

• Midtown Atlanta to Marietta Square: usually around 18–20 miles
• Buckhead to Marietta Square: often 15–18 miles
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Marietta Square: roughly 30–35 miles

How Long Does It Take to Get From Atlanta to Marietta?

Travel time depends heavily on traffic and time of day.

Typical drive times

On a normal weekday:

• Off-peak (late morning, mid-day, late evening):
  25–35 minutes by car
• Rush hour (weekday mornings and late afternoons):
  35–60+ minutes, especially if there are delays on I‑75 or the Downtown Connector
• Weekends (non-event days):
  Often closer to 25–40 minutes, though game days or major events can slow things down

Quick reference table

*Times can be longer during heavy traffic, crashes, or major events.

Main Driving Routes Between Atlanta and Marietta

Most people travel between Atlanta and Marietta using Interstate 75 (I‑75), sometimes combined with the Downtown Connector (I‑75/I‑85) and I‑285.

Common routes

1. From Downtown or Midtown Atlanta to Marietta:

• Head north on I‑75 from the Downtown Connector
• Continue on I‑75 North toward Marietta/Chattanooga
• Take one of the Marietta exits, such as:
  • Exit 265 – North Marietta Parkway (GA‑120 Loop)
  • Exit 263 – South Marietta Parkway (GA‑120 Loop)

2. From Buckhead to Marietta:

You have two main options:

• Option A (via I‑75):
  • Take I‑75 North from the Buckhead area (using local connectors or I‑85/I‑75 ramps)
  • Continue to your preferred Marietta exit
• Option B (via I‑285 and I‑75):
  • Head to I‑285 West/North
  • Merge onto I‑75 North near the Cumberland/Vinings area
  • Continue into Marietta

3. From the Airport to Marietta:

• Take I‑85 North from the airport
• Merge onto the Downtown Connector (I‑75/I‑85 North)
• Stay right to continue on I‑75 North
• Follow I‑75 North to your Marietta exit

Is Marietta Considered Part of Atlanta?

Marietta is its own city and the county seat of Cobb County, but it’s widely considered part of metro Atlanta. Many people:

• Live in Marietta and commute to jobs in Atlanta
• Travel frequently between the two for sports games, shopping, dining, and events
• View Marietta as the northwest suburban hub of the Atlanta area

If you’re staying in Atlanta, visiting Marietta often feels like going to a close-by neighborhood rather than a far-off town.

Public Transportation Between Atlanta and Marietta

While Atlanta and Marietta are close, they’re served by different transit systems:

• MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) mainly covers Fulton and DeKalb counties (including most of Atlanta).
• CobbLinc serves Cobb County, including Marietta.

You can still travel between Atlanta and Marietta using a combination of MARTA and CobbLinc.

1. Using MARTA + CobbLinc

A common way to get from Atlanta to Marietta without driving:

1. Take MARTA rail or bus to a station near the Cobb County line, often:

   • Arts Center Station (MARTA rail, Midtown)
   • Civic Center Station or North Avenue Station can also work depending on your route

2. Transfer to CobbLinc (usually at designated stops or bus transfer points). CobbLinc routes connect to key areas in Marietta, including near Marietta Square.

CobbLinc information is generally available through:

• CobbLinc Customer Service: often reachable via county transportation lines
• Main transit points near Marietta include the Marietta Transfer Center close to downtown Marietta.

🚌 Tip: Schedules for MARTA and CobbLinc may not always line up perfectly. Build in buffer time, especially for evening or weekend trips.

2. Park-and-Ride Options

Many Atlanta-area commuters who live or work in Marietta use:

• Park-and-ride lots along I‑75 or I‑285
• Carpool and vanpool programs offered through regional transportation agencies

These options can reduce drive time stress and parking costs if you’re going back and forth frequently.

Ride-Sharing, Taxis, and Private Shuttles

If you don’t want to drive or deal with transfers:

• Ride-share services (like app-based car services) regularly operate between Atlanta and Marietta.
  • Travel time is similar to driving yourself, but you avoid parking.
• Taxi services and some private shuttle or car services also cover this corridor, especially for:
  • Airport trips from Marietta hotels or residences
  • Event transportation (for example, from Downtown Atlanta to the Truist Park area, which is just southeast of central Marietta)

Costs can vary widely based on traffic, time of day, and surge pricing, but the distance of 18–35 miles usually places the fare in a mid-range for local trips.

What Affects Travel Time Between Atlanta and Marietta?

Even though the distance is relatively short, several Atlanta-specific factors affect how fast you can get between the two cities.

1. Rush Hour

Morning rush (about 6:30–9:30 a.m.) and evening rush (about 3:30–7:00 p.m.) can cause:

• Slowdowns on I‑75 North and South
• Heavy congestion near the Downtown Connector, I‑285 interchange, and Cumberland/Truist Park area

2. Events and Game Days

You may see extra traffic when:

• The Atlanta Braves are playing at Truist Park (near I‑75/I‑285, just southeast of Marietta)
• Major concerts or events are happening at State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or Cobb Galleria Centre

On these days, it may take significantly longer than usual to get between Atlanta and Marietta, especially in the late afternoon and evening.

3. Weather and Road Incidents

Atlanta is known for:

• Heavy rainstorms that can slow traffic and reduce visibility
• Occasional winter weather issues that can cause major delays
• Crashes or stalled vehicles on I‑75 or I‑285 that can quickly back up traffic

Checking a traffic app or local traffic reports before you leave can prevent unexpected delays.

When Does It Make Sense to Stay in Marietta vs. Atlanta?

Because the distance is relatively short, many visitors to Atlanta choose hotels in both cities depending on their plans.

You might want to stay in or near Marietta if:

• You’re attending events or games near Truist Park or Cobb Galleria Centre
• You plan to spend time around Marietta Square, Kennesaw Mountain, or other Cobb County attractions
• You prefer a quieter, more suburban base while still accessing Atlanta

You might prefer to stay in Atlanta (Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead) if:

• Most of your activities are in central Atlanta (museums, major attractions, business meetings)
• You plan to rely heavily on MARTA rail
• You want to minimize driving and focus on walking or short rides within the city

Because the two cities are only about 20 miles apart, many visitors comfortably split their time between them in a single trip.

Key Takeaways: How Far Is Atlanta From Marietta?

• Distance: Around 18–22 miles by road between central Atlanta and central Marietta
• Drive time: Typically 25–45 minutes, longer in heavy traffic or during major events
• Main route:I‑75 North/South, often with the Downtown Connector (I‑75/I‑85) and sometimes I‑285
• Transit: Possible via a combination of MARTA and CobbLinc, though driving or ride-sharing is usually faster and more direct
• Practical reality: Atlanta and Marietta are separate cities but feel like close neighbors within the same metro area

For anyone living in, visiting, or planning around Atlanta, Georgia, Marietta is near enough to visit easily in a single afternoon—yet far enough to feel like a distinct community just up the interstate.