How Far Is Atlanta to Augusta? Your Practical Travel Guide Between the Two Georgia Cities

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering how far it is to Augusta, you’re not alone. Whether you’re planning a day trip to the Masters Tournament, visiting friends and family, or heading there for business, knowing the distance, travel time, and best ways to get from Atlanta to Augusta can save you stress and help you plan better.

The Basics: Distance and Travel Time

Straight-line distance (as the crow flies):

• Roughly 130 miles between downtown Atlanta and downtown Augusta.

Driving distance:

• Typically 145–150 miles, depending on your exact starting and ending points.

Average driving time:

• Around 2 to 2.5 hours via the main highway, Interstate 20 (I‑20), in normal traffic.

Most Atlanta residents and visitors use I‑20 East as the primary route. It’s a direct, multi-lane interstate connecting metro Atlanta to Augusta with clear signage the entire way.

Main Driving Route From Atlanta to Augusta

I‑20 East: The Standard Route

From downtown Atlanta:

1. Get onto I‑75/85 (the Downtown Connector).
2. Merge onto I‑20 East toward Augusta.
3. Stay on I‑20 East for about 140 miles.
4. Follow signs for Augusta, then take local exits to your specific destination (e.g., downtown Augusta, Augusta University, or Augusta National area).

You’ll pass familiar points for Atlanta-area drivers, such as:

• I‑285 (Perimeter) – if you’re starting from neighborhoods like Sandy Springs, Decatur, or College Park, you’ll likely use I‑285 to connect to I‑20 East.
• Towns along the way such as Conyers, Covington, Madison, and Thomson.

📝 Key takeaway:
For most people in or visiting Atlanta, the trip from Atlanta to Augusta is about 2–2.5 hours by car on I‑20 East, with a driving distance of roughly 145 miles.

Typical Travel Time by Time of Day

Even though the distance doesn’t change, Atlanta traffic can affect your total travel time, especially getting out of the city.

Leaving Atlanta in the Morning

• Weekday rush (6:30–9:30 a.m.):
  Add 20–45 minutes if you’re leaving from central areas like Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead.
• If you can, start your drive after 9:30 a.m. for a smoother exit from Atlanta.

Leaving Atlanta in the Afternoon or Evening

• Afternoon rush (3:30–7:00 p.m.):
  Similar delays, especially if you’re coming from Perimeter Center, Cumberland, or central Atlanta.
• Evening trips after 7:00–7:30 p.m. are usually closer to the textbook 2-hour drive.

Once you’re past the metro area (after Conyers/Covington), traffic tends to stay light all the way to Augusta.

Sample Travel Times From Common Atlanta Starting Points

These are typical one-way drive times to Augusta in normal conditions:

These times can stretch during major events in either city (for example, Masters week in Augusta or a large event at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta).

Is There a Bus or Train From Atlanta to Augusta?

Bus Options

Intercity buses sometimes operate between Atlanta and Augusta, but schedules and operators can change.

Common patterns Atlanta travelers use:

• Depart from near Downtown Atlanta or Hartsfield–Jackson and arrive at a stop in or near downtown Augusta.
• Travel time is typically 2.5–3.5 hours, depending on stops and routing.

Since routes shift over time, many Atlantans:

• Check bus availability by searching for “Atlanta to Augusta bus” with their preferred provider.
• Compare departure points (some leave from areas near Downtown or the airport).

Train Options

There is no direct passenger train connecting Atlanta and Augusta today.

If you prefer not to drive or take a bus:

• Some travelers combine Atlanta transit or rideshare with regional buses.
• Others rent a car in Atlanta (often from locations around the airport or Downtown) for more flexibility.

Flying From Atlanta to Augusta

Even though Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is a major hub, flying from Atlanta to Augusta is uncommon for local travelers because:

• The driving distance is short enough (about 145 miles) that flying rarely saves time once you include check-in, security, and boarding.
• Many flights to Augusta (if any are available at a given time) may route through other cities, making the trip longer overall.

For most people who are already in Atlanta, driving or taking a bus is usually more practical than flying for this specific route.

Atlanta–Augusta Trip Planning Tips

1. When to Leave Atlanta

• Best windows:
  • Mid-morning (around 10 a.m. – noon)
  • Early afternoon (around 1–3 p.m.)
• Avoid peak rush hours leaving Atlanta when possible, especially if you’re on a tight schedule for an event in Augusta.

2. Fuel and Rest Stops on I‑20

There are multiple towns along I‑20 with fuel, food, and restrooms, including:

• Conyers
• Covington
• Madison
• Greensboro
• Thomson

Many Atlanta drivers like stopping halfway near Madison or Greensboro for a quick break.

3. Weather and Road Conditions

• Summer: Heat and heavy rainstorms are common; sudden downpours can slow traffic.
• Winter: Snow and ice are rare but can affect bridges and overpasses along I‑20 when they do occur.
• Before you leave Atlanta, it’s common to:
  • Check a traffic or navigation app for congestion, accidents, or lane closures.
  • Review Georgia DOT travel advisories if weather looks rough.

Getting From Hartsfield–Jackson to Augusta

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

1. Pick up a rental car at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
2. Follow signs to I‑85 North, then connect to I‑285 East and then I‑20 East toward Augusta.
3. Plan for around 2–2.5 hours of drive time once you leave the airport area.

Many visitors treat Atlanta as their gateway city, then drive to Augusta for:

• The Masters Tournament
• Tournaments, concerts, or conferences
• Visits to Augusta University or medical centers

How Atlanta Locals Typically Make the Trip

People living in metro Atlanta often:

• Drive themselves using I‑20 East, especially for same-day trips.
• Carpool with friends or coworkers when heading to events in Augusta.
• Leave extra time during high-demand weekends like Masters week, when both I‑20 and Augusta itself can be busier than usual.

For day trips, a common pattern is:

• Leave Atlanta around 8–10 a.m.
• Spend the day in Augusta
• Drive back in the evening, arriving in Atlanta late that night.

Quick Reference: Atlanta to Augusta at a Glance

• Driving distance: About 145 miles via I‑20 East
• Typical drive time:2–2.5 hours from central Atlanta
• Main route:I‑20 East the entire way
• Public transport: Bus options may exist; no direct train
• Flying: Usually not time-efficient for travelers already in Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia, you can think of Augusta as a manageable two-hour highway drive to the east, making it a realistic day trip or easy weekend getaway by car.