Atlanta to Tallahassee: Distance, Drive Time, and Best Ways to Travel

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Tallahassee, Florida, the first thing you’ll want to know is how far it is and how long it will take. Whether you’re driving from Midtown, flying out of Hartsfield-Jackson, or comparing options from the Atlanta suburbs, the details below are tailored to what an Atlanta-based traveler actually needs.

How Far Is Atlanta From Tallahassee?

In simple terms:

• Driving distance: About 260–275 miles
• Typical drive time: Around 4 to 4.5 hours in normal traffic
• Straight-line (“as the crow flies”) distance: About 230 miles

Most Atlanta travelers reach Tallahassee by car via I‑75 South and US‑319 or US‑27, which keeps the route straightforward and relatively fast.

Main Driving Routes From Atlanta to Tallahassee

For most people starting in Atlanta proper or nearby areas like Decatur, Sandy Springs, or College Park, there are two common routes.

1. I‑75 South → US‑319 (Via Tifton and Thomasville)

This is one of the most common choices from central and south Atlanta.

Typical route:

1. Get on I‑75 South (via Downtown Connector/I‑75/85, I‑285, or your closest interchange).
2. Continue on I‑75 S through Macon and toward Tifton.
3. Near Tifton, take the exit for US‑319 South toward Thomasville.
4. Continue on US‑319 S into Tallahassee.

Approximate details:

• Distance: ~270 miles
• Time: ~4 to 4.5 hours, depending on Atlanta traffic and stops
• Pros:
  • Mostly interstate driving
  • Easy to follow, good for first-timers
• Cons:
  • Traffic leaving Atlanta and around Macon can slow you down during peak times

2. I‑75 South → US‑27 South (Via Columbus or Albany Area Segments)

Some drivers prefer a mix of interstate and U.S. highways, especially from west or southwest Atlanta.

Common variations include:

• I‑75 S → connectors toward US‑19/US‑27 near Albany, then US‑27 S into Tallahassee
• Or partial use of I‑185/US‑280/US‑27 if coming from farther west of Atlanta

Approximate details:

• Distance: ~260–280 miles (varies by exact path)
• Time: ~4–5 hours
• Pros:
  • Can be less congested in certain stretches than I‑75 through all major hubs
• Cons:
  • More highway changes, more small towns and speed changes

How Long Does the Drive Take From Different Parts of Atlanta?

Drive time depends heavily on where in the Atlanta area you start and when you leave.

*Times assume generally clear weather and no major incidents. Rush hour, construction, and weekend traffic can add significant delays near Atlanta and Macon.

Best Time to Leave Atlanta for Tallahassee

To keep the trip closer to that 4–4.5 hour estimate:

• Avoid Atlanta rush hours
  • Morning: roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.
  • Evening: roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.
• Consider a mid-morning departure (around 9:30–11:00 a.m.)
  • You miss the morning crush and usually reach Tallahassee before evening traffic.
• Late evening departures can also be smoother but require night driving, which some travelers prefer to avoid.

If you’re starting near Downtown (close to the I‑75/85 Connector) or Buckhead, factor in extra time just to clear the core of the city, especially on weekdays.

Driving From Specific Atlanta Landmarks

From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

If you’re flying into Atlanta and immediately driving to Tallahassee:

• Starting point: Hartsfield-Jackson, 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Route:
  • Head to I‑85 South or directly to I‑285 and then connect to I‑75 South
  • Continue on I‑75 S → US‑319 S (or US‑27 variation) to Tallahassee
• Estimate: ~255–270 miles, roughly 3.75–4.25 hours depending on traffic

From Downtown / Midtown Atlanta

If you’re near Downtown, Midtown, or Georgia State/Georgia Tech:

• Take the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85 South)
• Follow signs for I‑75 South toward Macon
• Continue toward Tifton → US‑319 S → Tallahassee

Plan for 4–4.5 hours of driving time, plus any stop for gas or food.

Is Flying From Atlanta to Tallahassee Worth It?

There are nonstop flights between Atlanta (ATL) and Tallahassee International Airport (TLH).

Flight basics:

• Air time: Usually around 1 hour
• Total door-to-door time from Atlanta: Often 3–4 hours
  • Check-in/security at ATL (plan at least 1–1.5 hours)
  • Flight itself (~1 hour)
  • Deplaning and ground transport in Tallahassee (~30–60 minutes)

For many Atlanta residents, driving vs. flying comes down to:

• Driving is often better if:

  • You’re traveling with family or a group
  • You want flexibility and your own car in Tallahassee
  • You’re starting in the suburbs and don’t want to deal with airport parking, security, and boarding times

• Flying may be better if:

  • You strongly dislike long drives
  • You can get a convenient flight time and fair price
  • You’re staying near downtown Tallahassee and won’t need a car much

Bus or Other Ground Transportation Options

From Atlanta, some travelers consider intercity bus services to reach Tallahassee.

Typical experience:

• Departure points in Atlanta:
  • Often near Downtown, Midtown, or the airport area, depending on provider
• Travel time: Generally 6–8 hours, longer than driving yourself
• Pros:
  • No need to drive or rent a car
  • Can be cost-effective for solo travelers
• Cons:
  • Less schedule flexibility
  • Slower due to stops and routing
  • Limited control over when you depart and arrive

This option can be useful if you don’t drive or don’t want to handle a multi-hour road trip yourself.

How the Drive Feels: What to Expect on the Road

When you drive from Atlanta to Tallahassee, the experience is mostly:

• Interstate highway for the first half or more of the trip (I‑75)
• Rural and small-town stretches once you’re on US‑319 or US‑27

Along the way, you’ll generally find:

• Frequent gas stations and food options along I‑75 (especially near Macon, Perry, Tifton)
• Less frequent, more spread-out services on US‑highway segments closer to Florida, but still enough for comfort at normal intervals

👍 Tip: Fill up your gas tank and grab snacks before leaving the Atlanta area or near Macon so you’re not stuck searching in more rural stretches.

Atlanta‑Area Prep Tips Before You Hit the Road

Because Atlanta traffic and weather can add unpredictability, it helps to plan with local conditions in mind.

1. Check Traffic and Construction

Before you head out:

• Look at traffic specifically around:
  • Downtown Connector (I‑75/85)
  • I‑285 interchanges with I‑75
  • I‑75 South toward Macon

Incidents in these locations can easily add 30–60 minutes to your trip.

2. Consider Weather

The route between Atlanta and Tallahassee can be affected by:

• Heavy rain and thunderstorms, especially in warmer months
• Occasional tropical system remnants closer to Florida
• Rare winter weather in the Atlanta area (ice or snow) that can make the first leg of the trip difficult

Build extra time into your schedule if the forecast looks rough, especially when leaving Atlanta.

3. Plan Your Stops

From Atlanta, common stop points include:

• Macon – about 1.5 hours south of Atlanta; good for fuel, food, and restrooms
• Tifton or Valdosta area (depending on route) – good mid- or late-trip break

Stopping once or twice on a 4–4.5 hour drive is usually enough for most drivers.

Quick Answers to Common Atlanta-to-Tallahassee Questions

Is Atlanta close to Tallahassee?
They’re relatively close for a regional trip—about 4–4.5 hours by car and roughly 230 miles in a straight line. It’s very manageable as a same-day round trip if you’re comfortable with long drives, and an easy weekend trip for many Atlanta residents.

Can I do a same-day round trip from Atlanta to Tallahassee by car?
It’s possible: 4–4.5 hours each way means 8–9 hours of total drive time, plus time at your destination. For many Atlanta drivers, this feels like a long but doable day, particularly in spring or fall when daylight is longer.

What’s the fastest realistic way to get from Atlanta to Tallahassee?
In pure travel time, a nonstop flight from ATL to TLH can be fastest door-to-door if you’re already near the airport and moving efficiently through check-in and security. However, for many people elsewhere in metro Atlanta, driving is just as fast or only slightly slower once you factor in getting to and from the airports.

In practical terms, Atlanta is about a half-day’s drive from Tallahassee, and the trip is straightforward whether you’re leaving from Downtown, the airport, or the suburbs. With basic timing and route planning, most Atlanta-based travelers can make the journey comfortably in a single stretch.