How Far Is Atlanta to Athens, GA? A Local’s Guide to Distance, Drive Time, and Getting There

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering how far it is to Athens, GA—for a UGA game, a concert, or a quick day trip—you’re looking at a relatively easy, straightforward route between two of Georgia’s best-known cities.

The Basic Answer: Distance from Atlanta to Athens, GA

Atlanta to Athens, GA is roughly:

• 70–75 miles by road (one way), depending on your exact starting point in Atlanta
• About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes of driving in normal traffic

Most people travel between the two cities using US-78 / GA-316 or I-85 + GA-316, which makes it a popular and manageable drive for both locals and visitors.

Main Driving Routes from Atlanta to Athens

Your exact route will depend on where you are in the Atlanta area (Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, Decatur, Gwinnett, etc.). Here are the most common options:

1. From Downtown or Midtown Atlanta

Most drivers use this approach:

1. Take I-85 North out of Atlanta.
2. Exit onto GA-316 East toward Lawrenceville / Athens.
3. Continue on GA-316 until it merges toward US-29/78/10 Loop leading into Athens.

• Approximate Distance: 72–75 miles
• Typical Drive Time: 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, depending on traffic

This route is usually the most direct if you’re close to Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.

2. From East Atlanta / Decatur / I-20 East Area

If you’re already on the east side of the city:

1. Use I-285 or surface streets to get to US-78 East (Stone Mountain Freeway).
2. Continue following US-78 east toward Athens.
3. Connect with Athens’ loop (US-10 Loop / GA-316 / US-78) as you approach the city.

• Approximate Distance: 70–75 miles
• Typical Drive Time: 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes

This can be convenient if you’re starting in Decatur, East Atlanta Village, or near Stone Mountain.

3. From North Atlanta / Gwinnett County

If you’re in Norcross, Duluth, Lawrenceville, or nearby:

• Get on GA-316 East directly (many local roads feed into it).

• Stay on GA-316 until it brings you into the Athens area.

• Approximate Distance from central Lawrenceville: ~50 miles

• Typical Drive Time: 55 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes

For travelers staying or living in northeast metro Atlanta, this is often the fastest route.

Quick Distance & Time Snapshot

Approximate one-way distance and time from common Atlanta starting points:

*Times assume typical, not rush-hour, traffic and no major accidents.

How Traffic Affects the Atlanta–Athens Drive

The distance between Atlanta and Athens doesn’t change—but the drive time definitely can, especially if you’re leaving during Atlanta rush hour.

When the Drive Is Usually Fastest

You’ll generally save time if you:

• Leave after morning rush hour (after about 9:30 a.m.)
• Avoid weekday evenings between about 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. leaving Atlanta
• Travel on weekends, except on big event days (UGA football, large concerts, festivals)

When the Drive Can Take Longer

Expect extra time if:

• You’re leaving Downtown or Midtown Atlanta during peak rush hour
• There’s a UGA home football game or a major event in Athens (traffic can back up near GA-316 and the Athens loop)
• There’s construction or a crash on I-85 or GA-316

➡️ Tip: If you have a fixed arrival time in Athens—for example, a UGA campus tour, Sanford Stadium game, or a show at the Georgia Theatre—build in at least 30 extra minutes beyond the estimated drive time.

Is There Public Transportation from Atlanta to Athens?

There is no direct MARTA train or bus from Atlanta to Athens, but you do have a few options if you don’t want to drive.

1. Regional Bus Services

Several regional buses operate between the Atlanta area and Athens, often targeting university riders but open to the general public. These can:

• Depart from areas near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Downtown Atlanta, or the northeast suburbs
• Arrive near UGA campus or central Athens

Since schedules and pick-up locations can change, it’s wise to:

• Check current routes and times online before planning
• Arrive early, especially on busy weekends or game days

2. Rideshare and Taxis

You can request Uber, Lyft, or a taxi for the entire trip from Atlanta to Athens.

• Distance: about 70–75 miles
• Pros: Door-to-door service, no parking worries
• Cons: Can be relatively expensive, especially during surge pricing or event weekends

This is often considered for:

• Groups splitting the fare
• People who don’t want to drive back late at night
• Visitors staying in Downtown Atlanta without a rental car

3. Atlanta Airport to Athens

If you’re flying into Atlanta (ATL) and heading straight to Athens:

• Some shuttles and buses operate from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Athens.
• Allow about 2 to 2.5 hours total from landing to arrival in Athens, accounting for airport time plus transit.

You’ll typically meet these services at designated ground transportation areas within the airport.

How Far Is Athens from Popular Atlanta Landmarks?

While “Atlanta to Athens” is usually measured from the city center, you might be starting from a specific neighborhood or attraction.

Here are approximate distances:

• From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Athens:
  • 80–85 miles
  • 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, depending on I-285/I-85 traffic
• From Georgia State Capitol (Downtown) to Athens:
  • About 72–75 miles
• From Lenox Square (Buckhead) to Athens:
  • About 70–75 miles
• From Downtown Decatur to Athens:
  • About 70–73 miles

These are driving distances using the most common routes at typical times.

Parking and Arrival in Athens (What Atlantans Should Know)

Once you’ve made the drive, parking and getting around Athens can feel different from Atlanta, especially near the University of Georgia.

UGA Campus and Game Days

If you’re heading to UGA:

• On normal weekdays, expect campus traffic and limited free parking near central buildings.
• On football game days, many lots are reserved or prepaid, and traffic control is in place around Sanford Stadium.

Planning ahead for:

• Parking permits or game-day passes
• Walking time from your parking spot to your destination
• Extra congestion before and after major events

Downtown Athens

Downtown Athens is compact and walkable:

• Several public parking decks and metered spots are available.
• Walking between restaurants, bars, shops, and venues like the Georgia Theatre is usually easy once you’re parked.

If you’re used to Midtown Atlanta or Downtown Atlanta driving, Athens will often feel smaller and simpler, but can still be busy on weekends and event nights.

Day Trip vs. Overnight from Atlanta to Athens

Because Atlanta and Athens are only about 70–75 miles apart, many people treat Athens as either:

• A same-day trip:

  • Leave Atlanta mid-morning
  • Spend the day in Athens
  • Drive back in the evening

• An overnight getaway:

  • Stay near Downtown Athens or UGA campus
  • Enjoy nightlife, shows, and restaurants without driving back late

For those living in Intown Atlanta or the northeast suburbs, traveling between the two cities is common for:

• UGA sports and alumni events
• Concerts and festivals
• Campus visits and orientations
• Work, conferences, or academic collaborations

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

If you’re in the Atlanta area and wondering how far it is to Athens, GA, keep these core points in mind:

• Distance: About 70–75 miles from central Atlanta to Athens by road
• Drive Time: Typically 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, longer in heavy traffic
• Main Routes:
  • I-85 North → GA-316 East → Athens
  • US-78 East from Decatur/East Atlanta
• Public Transit: No MARTA, but regional buses, airport shuttles, and rideshare services connect the two cities
• Planning Tip: Add extra time for rush hour, UGA game days, and major events in either city

With a relatively short drive and straightforward routes, Athens makes an easy trip from Atlanta, whether you’re a local heading to a game or a visitor looking to explore another Georgia city.