How Far Is Atlanta to Tennessee? A Local’s Guide to Distance, Routes, and Travel Time

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting the city and wondering how far Atlanta is from Tennessee, the short answer is:

• The closest point of Tennessee is roughly 100–120 miles from much of metro Atlanta.
• Major cities in Tennessee, like Chattanooga, Nashville, and Knoxville, are between about 2 and 4 hours away by car, depending on traffic and your exact starting point.

Because Tennessee is a neighboring state directly north of Georgia, it’s one of the most accessible out-of-state trips from Atlanta—popular for weekend getaways, business trips, concerts, and college visits.

How Far Is Atlanta from the Tennessee State Line?

From central Atlanta (using Downtown or Midtown as a reference), the Tennessee border is:

• About 100–115 miles by car to the nearest stretch of the state line
• Typically 1.5–2 hours of driving in normal traffic

Most Atlanta travelers reach Tennessee by heading northwest on I‑75 and then north on I‑24 toward Chattanooga, which sits just across the Georgia–Tennessee border.

Because Atlanta’s metro area is spread out, your exact distance will vary:

• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): usually add 10–20 extra miles and 15–30 minutes depending on your route through the city.
• From northern suburbs like Marietta, Kennesaw, or Alpharetta: you’re already closer, so you may save 15–30 minutes compared with starting downtown.

Distances from Atlanta to Major Tennessee Cities

Here’s a quick reference for driving distance and typical travel time from central Atlanta to several well-known Tennessee destinations.

*Times assume normal, dry-road conditions and no major delays. Atlanta traffic, construction, and weather can significantly affect your trip.

Most Common Route: Atlanta to Chattanooga (Gateway to Tennessee)

For many Atlantans, Chattanooga is the easiest and most common entry point into Tennessee.

Typical route

• Start on I‑75 North from Atlanta.
• Near the Georgia–Tennessee border, follow signs for I‑24 West toward Chattanooga.
• Cross into Tennessee just south of Chattanooga’s downtown area.

Why this route is popular

• Shortest drive from Atlanta to Tennessee: around 2 hours in light to moderate traffic.
• Scenic segments: especially as you approach North Georgia’s hills and the Tennessee River valley.
• Easy to combine with stops in Dalton, Calhoun, or Cartersville if you’re coming from Atlanta’s northern suburbs.

If you live or are staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, you’ll usually take the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) north to connect to I‑75.

Atlanta to Nashville: How Far and How to Get There

Nashville, Tennessee’s capital, is a very common trip from Atlanta for music events, conferences, and weekend travel.

• Distance: about 250 miles from central Atlanta
• Typical drive time:4–4.5 hours

Primary driving route

1. Take I‑75 North out of Atlanta.
2. Connect to I‑24 West near Chattanooga.
3. Stay on I‑24 West all the way into the Nashville area.

This route is straightforward, but you should be aware of:

• Rush hour in Atlanta and Nashville: Morning and late afternoon commutes can add 30–60 minutes or more at either end of the trip.
• Mountain segments of I‑24: especially between Chattanooga and Monteagle—these can be slower during heavy rain or fog.

If you’re departing from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, factor in:

• Extra time to pick up a rental car
• Potential congestion on I‑285 and the Downtown Connector as you head to I‑75 North

Atlanta to Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains

If your goal is Knoxville, Gatlinburg, or the Great Smoky Mountains, your route and distance will be a bit different from the Nashville path.

Atlanta to Knoxville

• Distance: about 200 miles
• Drive time: usually 3.5–4 hours
• Route:
  • Take I‑75 North from Atlanta.
  • Stay on I‑75 North all the way into the Knoxville area.

This is mostly an interstate drive, making it relatively straightforward for Atlanta travelers used to I‑75.

Atlanta to Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge (Smokies)

• Distance: roughly 215–230 miles, depending on your final destination
• Drive time: about 4–5 hours, sometimes more during peak tourist seasons
• Typical route:
  • I‑75 North from Atlanta
  • I‑40 East toward Asheville/Knoxville
  • Transition to regional highways toward Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg

Because mountain routes can be narrow and winding, Atlanta drivers should:

• Allow extra time in fall foliage season, holidays, and weekends
• Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially in higher elevations

Atlanta to Memphis: The Longest Tennessee Trip from Atlanta

Of the major Tennessee cities, Memphis is the farthest from Atlanta.

• Distance: about 380–400 miles
• Drive time: typically 6–7 hours

Common driving options

1. Southern route (often preferred):

   • I‑20 West from Atlanta
   • Connect to I‑22 West (toward Birmingham and then Memphis)
   • Use I‑269 / I‑240 to reach different parts of the Memphis metro

2. Northern route (longer, via Nashville):

   • I‑75 North → I‑24 West to Nashville
   • I‑40 West to Memphis

The southern route often feels more direct from Atlanta, while the northern route is sometimes chosen if you plan to stop in Nashville along the way.

Driving vs. Flying from Atlanta to Tennessee

Since Atlanta is a major transportation hub, you have several choices for getting to Tennessee.

When driving makes sense

Driving is usually practical if you are:

• Going to Chattanooga, Knoxville, or the Smoky Mountains
• Traveling with family or a group where splitting gas costs is attractive
• Planning to explore multiple stops along the way (North Georgia mountains, small towns, scenic overlooks)

From much of Atlanta, a drive of 2–4 hours to cities like Chattanooga or Knoxville is often faster door-to-door than flying, once you factor in:

• Time to reach Hartsfield–Jackson Airport
• Security screening and waiting at the gate
• Baggage claim on arrival

When flying may be better

Flying from Atlanta (ATL) to Nashville (BNA), Memphis (MEM), or occasionally Knoxville (TYS) can be helpful if:

• You’re on a tight schedule or same-day business trip
• You’re connecting to another flight out of those cities
• You prefer to avoid long stretches of interstate driving

Flights are typically short (around an hour in the air), but total travel time will depend on how close you are to the airport and how busy the airport is that day.

Public Transportation Options from Atlanta to Tennessee

While driving is the dominant way Atlantan travelers reach Tennessee, there are limited intercity options if you’d rather not drive.

Intercity bus service

Several national bus operators regularly run routes between:

• Atlanta and Chattanooga
• Atlanta and Nashville
• Sometimes Atlanta and Knoxville or Memphis, either direct or with transfers

Typical experience:

• Travel times are usually longer than driving because of stops and traffic.
• Buses often depart from terminals near Downtown Atlanta, not far from MARTA rail stations, making it simpler if you’re already in the city core.
• Buses can be a good option if you don’t have a car, are not comfortable with mountain driving, or prefer to work or rest while in transit.

Rail travel

At present, passenger rail connections from Atlanta to Tennessee are limited or indirect. For most residents and visitors, rail is not the primary option for this route.

How Atlanta’s Location Affects Your Trip to Tennessee

Atlanta’s position in north Georgia significantly shapes how long it takes to get to Tennessee:

• Being near the Georgia–Tennessee border means you can reach the state line relatively quickly compared with cities farther south in Georgia.

• However, the size and traffic patterns of metro Atlanta can add variability to your departure:

  • Traveling from South Fulton, College Park, or the airport area: expect more time navigating I‑285 or the Downtown Connector before you’re firmly headed north.
  • Starting in Cobb, Cherokee, or North Fulton counties: you’re generally closer to I‑75 and can often save time.

Local drivers often plan departures to avoid peak Atlanta rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. on weekdays) to keep the overall trip time more predictable.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Heading to Tennessee

To make your Atlanta-to-Tennessee trip smoother:

• Check traffic and weather
  • Interstates like I‑75 and I‑24 can slow down because of accidents, construction, or mountain weather, especially near Chattanooga and Monteagle.
• Time your departure
  • Leaving before or after rush hour in Atlanta can easily save 30 minutes or more.
• Plan fuel and rest stops
  • Northbound from Atlanta, common stop areas include Kennesaw, Cartersville, Calhoun, Dalton, and Ringgold before reaching Tennessee.
• Consider parking at your origin and destination
  • If you’re leaving a car in Atlanta (for example, near MARTA stations like North Springs or College Park), look into parking options and hours before you travel.
• Have navigation ready
  • GPS apps can reroute you around backups on I‑75 and I‑24, which is especially useful on holiday weekends.

Quick Answer: How Far Is Atlanta to Tennessee?

For someone in or visiting Atlanta:

• The Tennessee state line is about 100–115 miles away, often 1.5–2 hours by car.
• Chattanooga is around 120 miles and 2–2.5 hours.
• Nashville is roughly 250 miles and 4–4.5 hours.
• Knoxville is around 200 miles and 3.5–4 hours.
• Memphis is the farthest major city, roughly 380–400 miles and 6–7 hours away.

From Atlanta, Tennessee is close enough for a day trip to Chattanooga, a weekend in Nashville or the Smokies, or a longer road trip to Memphis, all starting right from the heart of Georgia.