How Far Is Atlanta From Montgomery? A Local’s Guide to the Trip

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or are planning a road trip, you might be wondering: how far is Atlanta from Montgomery, Alabama—and what’s the best way to get there?

Here’s a clear breakdown of distances, travel times, and transportation options, all from an Atlanta-focused point of view.

The Basic Distance: Atlanta to Montgomery

The distance between Atlanta, GA and Montgomery, AL depends a bit on your exact starting and ending points, but most travelers use Downtown Atlanta to Downtown Montgomery as the standard measure.

Approximate Distance and Drive Time

*Drive times assume normal traffic and weather. Rush hour, construction, and incidents can increase travel time.

Key takeaway:
From Atlanta, Montgomery is roughly 2.5 to 3 hours away by car, making it a comfortable day trip or weekend getaway.

Driving From Atlanta to Montgomery

For most people in Atlanta, driving is the simplest and most flexible way to get to Montgomery.

Main Driving Route

From Downtown Atlanta:

1. Get onto I-75/85 (the Downtown Connector).
2. Take I-85 South toward Columbus/Montgomery.
3. Stay on I-85 South into Alabama.
4. Continue on I-85 until it merges into I-65 near Montgomery.
5. Follow signs into Downtown Montgomery or your specific neighborhood.

From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):

1. Follow airport signs to I-85 South.
2. Stay on I-85 all the way to Montgomery, then follow local exits.

What to Expect on the Road

• Typical time: Around 2.5 hours with light traffic.
• Rush hour: Leaving Atlanta between 7–9 a.m. or 4–7 p.m. can add 30–60 minutes or more.
• Traffic hot spots:
  • The Downtown Connector (I-75/85)
  • Interchanges near I-285
  • Construction zones along I-85, which can change over time

Tips for a Smoother Drive

• 🚗 Leave after morning rush (around 9:30–10:00 a.m.) or midday to avoid heavy city traffic.
• ⛽ Fuel up in metro Atlanta or just outside (like Newnan or LaGrange) if you prefer major, well-lit exits.
• 🌧️ Check weather: Summer thunderstorms or heavy rain can slow traffic on I-85.
• 📱 Use a navigation app for real-time detours around accidents or congestion.

Public Transportation and Bus Options

There is no direct MARTA or local rail connecting Atlanta to Montgomery. However, you can use long-distance buses that depart from Atlanta and arrive in Montgomery.

Intercity Bus (Atlanta to Montgomery)

Major intercity bus companies typically operate from or near:

• Atlanta Bus Station (Greyhound)
  232 Forsyth St SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303

Some services may also use stops near Downtown or near Hartsfield-Jackson Airport depending on the carrier.

General expectations:

• Travel time: Around 3 to 4 hours, depending on route and stops.
• Frequency: Often once or a few times per day, but schedules can vary.
• Comfort: Usually basic seating with restrooms; many buses offer Wi‑Fi and power outlets.

➡️ For someone in Atlanta without a car, the bus is typically the most practical non-driving option for getting to Montgomery.

Flying From Atlanta to Montgomery

Both cities have airports:

• Atlanta: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Montgomery: Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM)

However, fly time is very short between such nearby cities, and not all airlines run frequent nonstop flights on this route at all times.

Even when flights are available:

• Flight time: Around 40–50 minutes in the air.
• Door-to-door time: Often 2.5–4 hours once you include:
  • Getting to ATL
  • Security screening
  • Boarding and taxi time
  • Deplaning and leaving MGM

For most Atlanta-based travelers, driving is usually faster, cheaper, and more convenient than flying to Montgomery—unless you are connecting from another flight at ATL.

How Far Is Atlanta From Montgomery by Different Measures?

If you’re trying to plan your schedule precisely, here are the main ways to think about the distance.

By Car (Most Common)

• Distance: About 160–170 miles
• Time:2.5–3 hours (longer in heavy traffic)

By Bus

• Distance traveled: Similar to the driving route on I‑85
• Time: Roughly 3–4 hours, depending on schedule and stops

By Air

• Direct flight distance (as the crow flies): Around 145–160 miles
• In-air time: Under 1 hour
• Total trip time from city to city: Often comparable to driving once airport processes are included

When Does the Distance Matter Most?

Planning a Day Trip From Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta and want to visit Montgomery for a day, the distance makes this very doable:

• Leave Atlanta around 8–9 a.m.
• Arrive in Montgomery late morning.
• Spend the day at sites like the Civil Rights Memorial, Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, or the Montgomery Riverfront.
• Drive back and be in Atlanta by evening or late evening.

Many Atlanta residents treat Montgomery as a manageable same-day destination if they’re comfortable with 5–6 hours of total round-trip driving.

Weekend or Overnight Trips

If you want a more relaxed experience, the 2.5–3 hour drive makes it easy to:

• Leave Atlanta Friday afternoon or Saturday morning.
• Stay overnight in Montgomery.
• Drive back to Atlanta on Sunday without a long road slog.

Getting to the Starting Point in Atlanta

Your exact starting point in Atlanta will change your total travel time slightly.

From Downtown or Midtown Atlanta

• Quick access to I‑75/85 and then I‑85 South.
• Add 10–20 minutes for local Atlanta traffic depending on your location and time of day.

From Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or North Atlanta

• You’ll need to:
  • Take GA‑400 or surface streets to connect to I‑85 South or I‑285, then merge onto I‑85 South.
• Add 20–40 minutes to reach the main I‑85 corridor toward Montgomery in heavier traffic.

From Hartsfield-Jackson Airport

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

• The airport is already on the south side of the metro area, close to I‑85.
• You skip most city-center congestion.
• Expect around 2.5 hours to Montgomery once you’re on the road.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Heading to Montgomery

• Plan for Atlanta traffic first. The biggest unknown in your total time is often getting out of Atlanta, not the open-road part of I‑85.
• Use rest areas and major exits. I‑85 has several rest areas and exits with gas and food between Atlanta and Montgomery, particularly near Newnan, LaGrange, and Opelika/Auburn.
• Check time zone. Atlanta and Montgomery are both in the Central Time Zone part-way through the drive?
  • Atlanta starts in Eastern Time.
  • Alabama is in Central Time.
  • When you cross into Alabama, you gain one hour. This is important if you have appointments or tours booked in Montgomery.
• Watch for speed changes. Speed limits can drop near towns, construction, or when approaching Montgomery.

Quick Reference: Atlanta to Montgomery at a Glance

• City-to-city distance: About 160–170 miles
• Typical drive time:2.5–3 hours via I‑85 South
• By bus: Around 3–4 hours, departing from central Atlanta bus locations
• By air: Under 1 hour in the air, but often not time-saving once airport processes are included
• Time zone change:
  • Leave Atlanta (Eastern Time)
  • Arrive in Montgomery (Central Time) and gain 1 hour

From an Atlanta standpoint, Montgomery is relatively close—far enough to feel like a different city, but close enough for a convenient day trip, an easy weekend, or a straightforward intercity commute when needed.