How Far Is Atlanta to Columbus, GA? Your Clear Guide to Distance, Routes, and Travel Times

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and need to get to Columbus, GA, you’re looking at a trip that’s close enough for a day visit but far enough to plan ahead—especially for traffic, routes, and timing.

Here’s exactly how far Atlanta is from Columbus, plus what that means whether you’re driving, taking a bus, or flying into Atlanta first and then heading to Columbus.

The Basic Distance: Atlanta to Columbus, GA

From Downtown Atlanta to Downtown Columbus, GA:

• Distance by road: roughly 100–110 miles
• Typical drive time: about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and your exact starting point

Most people traveling between the two cities use Interstate 85 (I‑85) and Interstate 185 (I‑185), which provide a direct, mostly interstate route.

Main Driving Routes from Atlanta to Columbus

1. Fastest and Most Common Route (I‑85 S to I‑185 S)

For most Atlanta residents and visitors, this is the default route.

General pattern:

1. Start on I‑85 South from Atlanta (often via:
   • I‑75/85 through Downtown, or
   • I‑285 if you’re skirting the city)
2. Near LaGrange, take Exit 21 to merge onto I‑185 South
3. Continue on I‑185 S straight into Columbus

Approximate details:

• Mileage: about 105 miles from central Atlanta
• Time: about 1 hour 45 minutes in light-to-moderate traffic
• Road type: mostly interstate, steady speeds when traffic is clear

This route works well if you’re leaving from:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• South Atlanta or College Park, East Point, or Union City

2. Alternate Route via GA‑85 or US‑27

Some drivers use a more rural route to avoid parts of the interstate, especially if there’s heavy congestion on I‑85.

Common variations include:

• GA‑85 South from the Fayetteville / Riverdale / Fairburn area
• US‑27 / GA‑1 further west

Pros:

• Can be more scenic and less stressful than the interstate
• May be beneficial if there’s a major incident on I‑85/I‑185

Cons:

• Often slower than the main interstate route
• More small towns, traffic lights, and lower speed limits

For most Atlanta travelers, the I‑85/I‑185 route is still the most efficient.

How Long Does It Really Take? (By Starting Area in Atlanta)

Use this overview to get a more realistic sense of timing from different parts of the metro.

*Times reflect typical conditions without severe traffic or weather delays.

Traffic Considerations: When to Leave Atlanta

Traffic in Atlanta can add 20–45 minutes (or more) if you travel at peak times.

Heavier traffic windows:

• Weekday mornings: roughly 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., especially heading out of the city
• Weekday evenings: roughly 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., especially on I‑85 South

Tips to save time:

• 🕐 Leave mid-morning or early afternoon when possible
• 🔄 Use I‑285 to bypass central Atlanta if you’re coming from the north side
• 📱 Check a real-time traffic app before you commit to a route

If you’re on a tight schedule—for example, a scheduled event in Columbus—build in extra buffer time if you must leave during rush hour.

Starting from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Many travelers land in Atlanta first and then head to Columbus by car or shuttle.

Distance and Drive Time from ATL

From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Columbus, GA:

• Distance: about 95–100 miles
• Typical drive time: about 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes

You’ll typically:

1. Exit the airport area toward I‑85 South
2. Stay on I‑85 S until the I‑185 S split
3. Take I‑185 S into Columbus

Ground Transportation Options from ATL to Columbus

From Atlanta’s airport, people commonly:

• Rent a car from on-site rental centers (most major agencies are at ATL)
• Use shuttle or bus services that run between ATL and Columbus (check current schedules directly with providers)
• Arrange private transportation through professional car services

Because services and schedules can change, it’s wise to confirm details with your chosen provider before your trip.

Is There a Direct Bus from Atlanta to Columbus?

There are frequently intercity buses operating between the Atlanta metro area and Columbus, often connecting near:

• Downtown Atlanta transit areas or
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

These services typically:

• Take about 2–2.5 hours, depending on stops and traffic
• Require advance ticket purchase or reservation
• Have limited daily departures, so timing matters

If you’re staying in Atlanta, you may need to:

• Use MARTA (Atlanta’s public transit) to reach the bus pickup point
• Or use a ride-hail or taxi to connect to the bus terminal or airport area

Because bus operators, routes, and times can change, check current options directly with the companies operating in the Atlanta–Columbus corridor.

Is There a Train Between Atlanta and Columbus?

There is no direct passenger train service between Atlanta and Columbus, GA at this time.

If you’re specifically looking for train travel:

• Atlanta’s primary passenger rail station is the Peachtree Station (Amtrak) at
  1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Columbus does not currently have regular intercity passenger rail service

For trips between Atlanta and Columbus, driving or bus/shuttle is usually the practical option.

Flying Between Atlanta and Columbus

Technically, you can fly between the two cities, but most travelers find it unnecessary given the short distance by road.

Key points:

• Columbus is served by Columbus Airport (CSG) in Muscogee County
• From Atlanta, nearly all commercial flights would route through Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL)
• By the time you factor in airport arrival, security, boarding, and ground time, you often save more time by driving

Flying might make sense if:

• You’re connecting from another city and your airline offers a convenient onward connection
• You have specific needs that make air travel more appropriate

For most people originally in the Atlanta area, driving is faster and more flexible.

Getting Around Once You Reach Columbus, GA

Once you arrive in Columbus from Atlanta, you’ll want to think about local transportation.

Common options include:

• Driving your own car or rental: most flexible for visiting neighborhoods, the Riverwalk, or areas beyond downtown
• Taxi and ride-hail services: generally available in and around the city
• Local bus service: operated in the Columbus area; best for fixed routes and basic commuting

If you’re traveling for a day trip from Atlanta, many visitors simply drive in, park downtown, and explore on foot, especially around the Chattahoochee River and central district.

How to Decide: Drive, Bus, or Other?

Here’s a quick comparison for someone starting in or passing through Atlanta:

• Driving yourself

  • Best for: flexibility, day trips, small groups, tight schedules
  • Travel time: typically under 2 hours from central Atlanta
  • Consider: gas, parking, and comfort with interstate driving

• Bus or shuttle

  • Best for: travelers without a car, those who prefer not to drive, some airport connections
  • Travel time: around 2–2.5 hours
  • Consider: fixed schedules and need to get to/from pickup locations in Atlanta and Columbus

• Flying

  • Best for: specific connection needs or special circumstances
  • Travel time door-to-door: often not faster than driving for most Atlanta-based travelers

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Distance: Atlanta to Columbus, GA is about 100–110 miles by road
• Drive time: plan on about 1 hour 45 minutes in typical conditions
• Main route:I‑85 South to I‑185 South is the most direct and common path
• From ATL airport: slightly shorter—about 95–100 miles and roughly 1.5 hours
• No direct train: travel is mainly by car, bus, or shuttle
• Best timing: avoid Atlanta’s peak rush hours when possible to keep the drive smooth

With a bit of planning around route and timing, getting from Atlanta to Columbus, GA is a straightforward trip that comfortably fits into a single morning or afternoon.