How Far Is Atlanta to Nashville? A Local’s Guide to Distance, Drive Time, and Travel Options

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and thinking about a trip to Nashville, Tennessee, you’re looking at one of the most popular weekend routes in the Southeast. Whether you’re planning to drive, fly, or take a bus, it helps to know how far Atlanta is from Nashville and what the trip is really like.

The Short Answer: Distance From Atlanta to Nashville

From Downtown Atlanta to Downtown Nashville:

• Driving distance: about 250–265 miles
• Usual drive time: around 4 to 4.5 hours in normal traffic
• Straight-line (as-the-crow-flies) distance: about 215 miles

Most drivers use I‑75 North, I‑24 West, and connecting highways, which adds a bit to the straight-line distance but keeps the route simple and fast.

Driving From Atlanta to Nashville

For most people in Atlanta, driving is the easiest and most flexible way to get to Nashville.

Main Driving Route

A common route from central Atlanta (for example, leaving near Downtown or Midtown) is:

1. Take I‑75 / I‑85 North out of central Atlanta.
2. Continue on I‑75 North past Marietta.
3. Near Chattanooga, connect to I‑24 West.
4. Stay on I‑24 West straight into the Nashville area.

You’ll pass through north Georgia, a portion of Chattanooga, Tennessee, then head northwest to Nashville.

Typical Drive Time From Atlanta Neighborhoods

Drive time depends on your exact starting point and traffic. Here’s a general guide:

*Times assume normal interstate conditions and no major incidents.

When Traffic Affects Your Trip

Atlanta traffic can add 30–60 minutes to your departure if you leave at peak times. To keep the trip closer to 4 hours:

• Avoid weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.) when leaving the I‑285/connector area.
• Plan fuel or food stops around north Georgia or Chattanooga to break up the drive.
• Watch for construction zones, especially north of Atlanta and around Chattanooga.

Things to Know About the Route

• Terrain: Mostly interstate driving with rolling hills and mountain passes near Chattanooga.
• Weather: Winter can bring fog or occasional ice in higher elevations near the Tennessee line; summer storms can reduce visibility.
• Rest Stops: You’ll find regular rest areas on I‑75 and I‑24, plus many gas and food options in Kennesaw, Dalton, and Chattanooga.

Flying From Atlanta to Nashville

If you’d rather not drive, you can fly from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Nashville International Airport (BNA).

Flight Distance and Time

• Air distance (ATL to BNA): about 215 miles
• Flight time in the air: usually 50–70 minutes
• Total travel time airport-to-airport: often 2.5–4 hours, once you include:
  • Getting to ATL from your Atlanta location
  • Security screening and boarding
  • Taxiing and deplaning in Nashville

For many Atlanta residents, by the time you add airport time and ground transportation, flying can take roughly the same total time as driving, but with less time behind the wheel.

Getting to the Airport in Atlanta

Most people in Atlanta reach Hartsfield-Jackson by:

• MARTA Rail – the Airport Station is at the end of the Red and Gold lines, connected directly to the domestic terminal.
• Driving – using the main address at 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320, and parking in airport decks or park-and-ride lots.
• Rideshare or taxi – common from Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and nearby suburbs.

Bus and Other Ground Transportation Options

If you don’t want to drive and prefer to avoid flying, intercity bus services often run between the Atlanta area and Nashville.

Typical Bus Distance and Time

Because buses follow interstate highways similar to drivers:

• Distance: roughly 250–265 miles
• Travel time: usually 4.5–6 hours, depending on:
  • Number of stops
  • Time of day and traffic
  • Specific route taken

The bus ride takes longer than driving yourself but can be more relaxing since you’re not dealing with navigation or highway traffic.

How to Choose the Best Way to Travel From Atlanta to Nashville

From an Atlanta perspective, here’s how the options often compare:

Driving (Car or Rental)

• ✅ Most flexible for schedules and stops
• ✅ Good for small groups and weekend trips
• ⏱ About 4–4.5 hours each way
• 💡 Best if you’re starting in a suburb or plan to explore beyond downtown Nashville

Flying (ATL to BNA)

• ✅ Fastest in the air
• ✅ Can be convenient for same-day work trips
• ⏱ About 1 hour in the air, but 2.5–4 hours total including airport processes
• 💡 Best if you’re near MARTA or close to the airport and value minimizing highway driving

Bus

• ✅ No need to drive yourself
• ✅ Often budget-friendly
• ⏱ Around 4.5–6 hours
• 💡 Best if you don’t have a car or prefer not to drive or fly

Distance to Nashville From Popular Atlanta Suburbs

If you’re not starting right in the city, your distance and drive time will vary slightly:

• Marietta / Smyrna: slightly shorter distance than downtown Atlanta because you’re already closer to I‑75 North.
• Alpharetta / Roswell: expect extra time to cross metro Atlanta or loop around I‑285 to meet I‑75 North.
• Decatur / East Atlanta: similar distance to downtown, but allow time for local traffic getting to the interstate.
• Peachtree City / Fayetteville: add 30–45 minutes to reach the main interstates, depending on local road conditions.

In all these cases, the total distance to Nashville typically falls in the 250–285 mile range, with drive times around 4–5 hours.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Driving distance from Atlanta to Nashville: about 250–265 miles
• Typical driving time: around 4 to 4.5 hours in normal conditions
• Flying distance: about 215 miles, with 50–70 minutes in the air
• Real-world total travel time: driving and flying often end up similar once you include airport or traffic factors.

If you’re in Atlanta and wondering how far it is to Nashville, think of it as a half-day trip by road or a short hop by air—close enough for a weekend getaway, but far enough that planning your route and timing will make the experience much smoother.