How Far Is It From Atlanta to Montgomery, Alabama? A Local’s Guide to the Trip

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Montgomery, Alabama, you’re looking at a manageable drive that many Atlantans make for business, family visits, or quick weekend getaways.

Here’s exactly how far it is, how long it usually takes, and what you should know about routes, transportation options, and practical tips when traveling from Atlanta to Montgomery.

Distance From Atlanta to Montgomery, Alabama

The distance depends slightly on where you start and your exact route, but in general:

• Driving distance: About 160–170 miles
• Typical driving time: Around 2.5 to 3 hours in normal traffic

Most people travel between:

• Downtown Atlanta (Five Points / Peachtree Center area)
• Downtown Montgomery (near the Alabama State Capitol and riverfront)

Using those central points, the distance is roughly 160 miles.

Main Driving Route: Atlanta to Montgomery

For most drivers leaving Atlanta, the fastest and most direct route is:

1. Take I-85 South out of Atlanta
2. Continue on I-85 South through Newnan and LaGrange
3. Cross into Alabama, still on I-85
4. Stay on I-85 South until you reach Montgomery

Approximate Timing From Common Atlanta Starting Points

*Times can vary with traffic, construction, and weather.

What to Expect on the Drive

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, this is a relatively easy highway trip.

Traffic Considerations Leaving Atlanta

• Peak congestion: Weekday mornings (7–9 a.m.) and evenings (4–7 p.m.), especially:
  • Through Downtown Connector (I-75/85)
  • Around Hartsfield–Jackson Airport and I-285 interchanges
• If you can, aim to:
  • Leave after morning rush (around 9:30–10 a.m.), or
  • Head out before afternoon rush (by 3 p.m.)

Road Conditions and Stops

Once you’re past the main Atlanta metro area:

• The drive on I-85 South becomes more relaxed and less congested
• You’ll pass through or near:
  • Newnan, GA
  • LaGrange, GA
  • Valley, AL
  • Auburn/Opelika, AL (a common stop, especially during Auburn University events)

You’ll find gas stations, fast food, and rest areas at regular intervals along I-85, so you don’t need to overplan stops.

Traveling From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Many visitors fly into Atlanta and then continue on to Montgomery.

Distance and Time From the Airport

• Distance: About 150 miles from Hartsfield–Jackson to downtown Montgomery
• Drive time: Around 2.25–2.75 hours, depending on traffic

Ground Transportation Options From ATL to Montgomery

From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320), you can:

1. Rent a Car

   • Most major rental companies operate from the Rental Car Center, accessible by the ATL SkyTrain.
   • This is the most flexible option if you plan to move around both cities or stop along the way.

2. Take an Intercity Bus

   • Long-distance buses typically depart from facilities in or near downtown Atlanta, not directly from the airport.
   • You can:
     • Take MARTA (Atlanta’s rail system) from the airport station to Five Points or Garnett Station
     • Walk or take a short rideshare to the bus terminal, depending on carrier
   • Travel time by bus is usually 3–4 hours, depending on stops and traffic.

3. Use Rideshare/Taxi (Less Common)

   • A direct rideshare or taxi from ATL to Montgomery is technically possible but usually expensive due to the distance.
   • More practical for one-way, special situations than routine travel.

Is There a Train From Atlanta to Montgomery?

From an Atlanta perspective:

• There is no direct passenger train from Atlanta to Montgomery currently.
• Atlanta’s main passenger rail hub is:
  • Peachtree Station (1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309)
• If you prefer rail, your options between these specific cities are very limited, so driving or bus travel is usually more realistic.

Is There a Flight From Atlanta to Montgomery?

There have been periodic regional flights between Atlanta (ATL) and Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM), but:

• Flight availability can change based on airline schedules and demand.
• The flight distance is short (around 150 miles), and gate-to-gate time is brief, but:
  • You still need to factor in security, boarding, and transit to/from airports
  • Door-to-door, the time savings vs. driving may be smaller than it looks on paper.

For many Atlantans, a 2.5–3 hour drive is often simpler than arranging a short connecting flight—especially if you already live in the metro area and aren’t starting inside the airport.

Cost and Convenience: Driving vs. Other Options

From an Atlanta resident or visitor’s perspective, here’s how the main options usually compare:

Driving Yourself

Pros:

• Fastest door-to-door in most cases
• High flexibility for departure time and stops
• Easy for families or groups

Cons:

• You handle fuel costs, potential tolls (if rerouted), and wear and tear
• You or someone in your party must be comfortable with highway driving

Bus From Atlanta to Montgomery

Pros:

• Often cheaper than flying
• No need to drive or park

Cons:

• Longer travel time than driving yourself
• Departure times and locations are fixed by carrier
• You need a way to reach the bus station from your home, hotel, or the airport (commonly using MARTA, taxi, or rideshare)

Flying

Pros:

• Potentially fastest if you’re already airside at ATL and can catch a direct regional flight
• Useful if Montgomery is part of a multi-city air itinerary

Cons:

• May be more expensive than driving or bus
• Airport procedures can erase much of the time advantage on such a short route
• Limited schedules depending on airline operations

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Heading to Montgomery

Here are some locally grounded, practical pointers:

• Plan around Atlanta traffic.
  If you live inside the Perimeter, consider how long it takes just to reach I-85 South. Leaving 30–45 minutes earlier than your planned highway departure time can help if you’re crossing town.

• Check events and game days.
  Traffic can spike:

  • Near Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena in Atlanta
  • Around Auburn, AL on I-85 during home football games

• Factor in time zones.

  • Atlanta is in Eastern Time (ET)
  • Montgomery is typically in Central Time (CT)
    When you travel from Atlanta to Montgomery, you gain one hour by the clock.

• Fuel and food stops.
  If you’re leaving from midtown or downtown Atlanta, many drivers like to get past I-285 and stop near Newnan or LaGrange for gas, snacks, or a bathroom break.

• Weather awareness.
  In summer, heavy thunderstorms can roll across I-85. In winter, both Atlanta and central Alabama can have occasional ice or snow events, which impact travel more than locals might expect because they’re relatively rare.

Quick Summary for Atlanta-Based Travelers

• How far is Atlanta to Montgomery, Alabama?
  About 160–170 miles by road.

• How long does it take to drive?
  Usually 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and exact starting point.

• Main route:
  I-85 South directly from the Atlanta area to Montgomery.

• Best for most people in Atlanta?
  Driving is usually the simplest and most time-efficient method, especially if you already have a vehicle or are comfortable renting one from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport or elsewhere in the metro area.

With a bit of timing around Atlanta’s traffic patterns, the trip from Atlanta to Montgomery is a straightforward, manageable drive for residents, visitors, and anyone using the city as a starting point.