How Far Is Atlanta From Nashville? Your Complete Distance & Travel Guide

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and thinking about a trip to Nashville, Tennessee, the two cities are close enough for a weekend getaway but far enough that you’ll want to plan ahead. Here’s exactly how far Atlanta is from Nashville, plus what that means for driving, flying, and getting around.

The Basic Distance: Atlanta to Nashville

The distance between Atlanta and Nashville depends on how you travel and where you start in the metro area.

By Road (Most Common Route)

For most people in Atlanta, the main route is I‑75 N to I‑24 W through Chattanooga.

  • Driving distance: about 250–265 miles
  • Typical drive time: about 4 to 4.5 hours in normal traffic
  • Start point: Downtown Atlanta (near Five Points, Georgia State Capitol)
  • End point: Downtown Nashville (near Broadway, Bridgestone Arena)

Because Atlanta traffic can be heavy at rush hour, it’s smart to add extra time if you’re leaving:

  • Weekday mornings (south and east of downtown heading in)
  • Weekday afternoons (leaving Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead northbound)

Quick Comparison: Distance & Time by Travel Mode

Travel ModeApprox. DistanceTypical Time (One Way)Notes
Driving250–265 miles4–4.5 hoursMost flexible; watch I‑75/I‑24 traffic
Direct Flight~215 air miles~1 hour in the airAdd time for airport security & transit
Bus~250–265 milesAbout 4.5–6.5 hoursOften cheaper than flying, less flexible

Driving From Atlanta to Nashville

Main Route: I‑75 N → I‑24 W

From central Atlanta (Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead), the standard route is:

  1. Take I‑75/85 North out of Atlanta.
  2. Continue on I‑75 North toward Chattanooga.
  3. Near Chattanooga, take I‑24 West toward Nashville.
  4. Follow I‑24 W into the Nashville metro, then into downtown.

This is the route most Atlanta drivers use because it’s:

  • Direct: Fewer turns and highways to manage.
  • Well‑traveled: Regular services, rest areas, and gas stations.
  • Scenic in parts: Particularly as you pass through the Tennessee hills.

How Long the Drive Really Takes From Atlanta

From common Atlanta starting points to downtown Nashville:

  • Downtown Atlanta: ~4 to 4.5 hours
  • Midtown or Buckhead: ~4 to 4.75 hours (depends on getting to I‑75)
  • Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport area: ~3.75 to 4.25 hours (you’re already south of downtown and near I‑75)

Traffic in Atlanta and around Chattanooga can add time, so it’s useful to check a navigation app the day you travel.

Best Times to Drive From Atlanta

To make the trip smoother:

  • Aim for:
    • Late morning or early afternoon departures on weekdays
    • Early morning departures on weekends
  • Try to avoid:
    • Leaving Atlanta between 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on weekdays
    • Passing Chattanooga during evening rush if you can time around it

Common Stops Along the Way

If you’re leaving from Atlanta, popular break points along I‑75 and I‑24 include:

  • Cartersville, GA: Food, gas, quick rest stop about an hour from Atlanta.
  • Dalton, GA: Another convenient stop before crossing into Tennessee.
  • Chattanooga, TN: Roughly halfway; many travelers stop here for meals or a brief visit.

Flying From Atlanta to Nashville

If you prefer to fly, Atlanta to Nashville is a short hop.

Flight Distance & Time

  • Air distance: roughly 215 miles
  • Flight time (in the air): about 1 hour
  • Total trip time door-to-door from central Atlanta: commonly 3 to 4 hours, once you add:
    • Travel to Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
    • Check‑in and security
    • Boarding and deplaning
    • Transit from Nashville International Airport (BNA) into downtown Nashville

For many Atlanta residents, flying makes the most sense when:

  • You’re already near ATL (for example, staying by the airport)
  • You want to avoid a longer drive
  • You’re connecting to another airline itinerary

Getting to ATL From Around Atlanta

Key access points in Atlanta:

  • From Downtown/Midtown:

    • Take MARTA (Red or Gold Line) directly to Airport Station inside the terminal.
    • Or drive via I‑75/85 South to the domestic terminal.

  • From Buckhead/Sandy Springs:

    • Drive via GA‑400 → I‑85 South → I‑75/85 South, or
    • Take MARTA from Buckhead, Lenox, or North Springs to the Airport Station.

Bus & Other Ground Transportation Options

If you prefer not to drive yourself and don’t want to fly, long‑distance bus service is another way to cover the Atlanta to Nashville distance.

Bus Travel Basics

  • Route: Similar roadway distance as driving (about 250–265 miles)
  • Time: About 4.5 to 6.5 hours, depending on route and stops
  • Departure: Typically from central Atlanta bus facilities or near Downtown

For people staying in Downtown Atlanta, the bus option can be convenient because you avoid the need to park at the airport or drive on I‑75 and I‑24 yourself.

How Atlanta Traffic Affects Your Trip to Nashville

When you’re asking “how far is Atlanta from Nashville,” it’s important to think in time, not just miles.

Key Atlanta Traffic Considerations

  • Downtown Connector (I‑75/85):
    This stretch can be slow during rush hour and when events are happening at:

    • Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
    • State Farm Arena
    • Georgia World Congress Center

  • I‑75 North toward Marietta and Kennesaw:
    Expect heavier traffic:

    • Northbound in the afternoon/early evening
    • Southbound weekday mornings

If you’re starting from Atlanta neighborhoods like Decatur, East Atlanta, or Virginia‑Highland, getting to I‑75/85 may be the slowest part of your trip. Once you’re clear of metro Atlanta, the drive often becomes more predictable.

Distance From Different Parts of Metro Atlanta

Not everyone leaves from Downtown. Here’s how the drive to Nashville changes by starting point:

  • Hartsfield‑Jackson Airport area:
    • Shorter drive from the south side, often around 3.75–4.25 hours.
  • Buckhead/Brookhaven:
    • Easy access to I‑75/85; expect about 4–4.75 hours with local traffic.
  • Sandy Springs/Dunwoody:
    • You may join I‑285 and then I‑75 N; timing is similar to Buckhead.
  • Marietta/Kennesaw/Acworth (northwest suburbs):
    • Already closer to I‑75 N; travel time can be 3.5–4 hours in lighter traffic.

This matters if you’re planning a same‑day round trip—northwest metro residents can often manage it more comfortably than someone starting deep in the south or east parts of the metro area.

Is Atlanta to Nashville a Day Trip or a Weekend Trip?

Based on the distance and travel time:

  • One‑way drive: around 4–4.5 hours
  • Same‑day round trip by car: often 8–10 hours on the road
  • Most common choice from Atlanta: an overnight or weekend trip

If you’re leaving from Atlanta early in the morning and comfortable with longer drives, a same‑day there-and-back is possible, but many Atlanta travelers prefer:

  • Leave Friday evening or early Saturday
  • Return Sunday afternoon or evening

This schedule works well whether you’re in Midtown, Buckhead, or the suburbs and reduces the pressure of doing the whole round trip in a single day.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

  • Straight-line distance between Atlanta and Nashville: about 215 miles (air).
  • Driving distance: about 250–265 miles, usually via I‑75 N and I‑24 W.
  • Drive time: about 4–4.5 hours from central Atlanta in normal conditions.
  • Flight time: about 1 hour in the air, but allow 3–4 hours total door‑to‑door from most Atlanta neighborhoods.
  • From much of the Atlanta metro, Nashville works best as a weekend or overnight trip, rather than a quick day trip, unless you’re comfortable with long days of travel.

Knowing these distances and times from Atlanta helps you decide whether to drive, fly, or take a bus—and how to schedule your departure so your trip to Nashville is as smooth as possible.