How Far Is Auburn, Alabama From Atlanta, Georgia? Your Practical Travel Guide
If you’re in Atlanta and thinking about a quick trip to Auburn, Alabama—for a football game, a campus visit, or a weekend getaway—it’s a very manageable drive. Here’s exactly how far Auburn is from Atlanta, plus what routes, timing, and transportation options work best when you’re starting in or around Atlanta.
Distance From Atlanta to Auburn, Alabama
In everyday terms, Auburn is about 110–120 miles from Atlanta, depending on your exact starting point.
From Downtown Atlanta (around Five Points or the Georgia State Capitol) to Auburn University:
- Distance: about 110–115 miles
- Typical drive time: about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes in normal traffic
From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Auburn:
- Distance: about 105–115 miles
- Typical drive time: about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours
This makes Auburn an easy day trip or short overnight for Atlanta residents and visitors.
Main Driving Route: Atlanta to Auburn
For most people in Atlanta, the fastest and simplest route is:
- Start on I-85 South from Atlanta
- Continue on I-85 South past Newnan and LaGrange
- Cross into Alabama
- Take exit(s) toward Auburn / Opelika (commonly exits around 51–62, depending on your destination in Auburn)
- Follow local roads (like AL-147 or US-280) into Auburn
What To Expect on the Drive
- Road type: Mostly interstate (I-85), divided highway
- Terrain: Relatively easy driving—rolling hills, no mountain passes
- Traffic hot spots starting in Atlanta:
- I-75 / I-85 “Downtown Connector”
- I-285 interchanges
- Southbound I-85 near Hartsfield-Jackson and Fairburn
If you’re leaving from Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead, you’ll usually get on I-85 South via the Downtown Connector or I-285, then stay on I-85 almost the entire way.
Typical Drive Times From Different Parts of Atlanta
Below is an approximate guide to how long it takes to drive from various Atlanta areas to Auburn in normal conditions:
| Starting Area in Atlanta | Approx. Distance | Typical Drive Time* |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Atlanta (Five Points) | 110–115 miles | 1 hr 45 min – 2 hr 15 min |
| Midtown Atlanta | 110–120 miles | 1 hr 50 min – 2 hr 20 min |
| Buckhead | 115–125 miles | 2 hr – 2 hr 30 min |
| Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL) | 105–115 miles | 1 hr 40 min – 2 hr |
| Southwest Atlanta (Cascade area) | 100–110 miles | 1 hr 35 min – 2 hr |
| South Fulton / Union City | 95–105 miles | 1 hr 30 min – 1 hr 50 min |
*Travel time varies based on traffic, weather, and time of day.
Best Times to Drive From Atlanta to Auburn
Because you’ll be using I-85 South, your timing around Atlanta traffic matters more than anything else.
When Traffic Is Usually Heaviest
Leaving Atlanta, expect heavier congestion:
- Weekday mornings: roughly 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
- Weekday afternoons/evenings: roughly 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Near major events (Falcons, Hawks, concerts, conventions downtown, or big weekends at the airport)
If you’re going to an Auburn football game or large Auburn University event, traffic near Auburn and Opelika can also be heavy close to game time and right after the event.
Best Travel Windows From Atlanta
For a smoother ride:
- 🚗 Weekdays: Aim for midday (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) or later in the evening after 7:30–8:00 p.m.
- 🚗 Weekends: Mornings and early afternoons are usually reasonable, but allow extra time during football season.
Do You Need a Car to Get From Atlanta to Auburn?
For most people traveling from Atlanta, driving is the most practical and flexible option.
Options If You Have a Car
- Drive directly from your home, hotel, or workplace in Atlanta via I-85 South
- Park in Downtown Auburn or near Auburn University
- For big events, follow game day parking signs and local police direction; parking fills early on major Saturdays
Options If You Don’t Have a Car
You can still get from Atlanta to Auburn, but it takes more planning:
- Rental car from Hartsfield-Jackson or in-town Atlanta locations
- Private shuttle or car service (more common on big game weekends)
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) between Atlanta and Auburn is possible but can be very expensive and not always available for the return trip, especially late at night.
Most visitors from Atlanta find that renting a car for the day or weekend is cheaper and more reliable than trying to manage long-distance rideshare.
Can You Take a Bus or Train From Atlanta to Auburn?
There is no direct MARTA, local bus, or passenger train that runs from Atlanta to Auburn.
MARTA and Local Transit
- MARTA only serves the Atlanta metro area (Fulton, DeKalb, parts of Clayton and Gwinnett).
- You cannot ride MARTA all the way from Atlanta to Auburn; you’d still need a car, bus, or shuttle after the last station.
MARTA can still help with part of the trip, such as:
- Getting from Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to pick up a rental car
- Reaching a bus or shuttle pickup point in the city
Intercity Bus / Coach Options
Service can change over time, but generally:
- Some intercity bus companies operate between Atlanta and cities in Alabama, often leaving from central Atlanta locations or near Downtown/West Midtown.
- Direct, reliable, and frequent Atlanta–Auburn bus routes are not guaranteed. Often you’d have to connect through Montgomery, Birmingham, or Columbus and then find local transportation to Auburn.
Because schedules and routes change, many Atlanta travelers call bus stations or check current schedules before relying on this option.
For information or planning support in Atlanta, you can contact:
- MARTA Customer Service
- Phone: 404-848-5000
- Main rail hubs: Five Points Station, Peachtree Center, Civic Center, Arts Center
They can’t book long-distance buses, but they can help you plan how to reach bus pickup points or the airport using MARTA.
Flying From Atlanta to Near Auburn
There are no commercial flights directly into Auburn from Atlanta, but there are nearby options.
Nearest Commercial Airports to Auburn
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – Atlanta, GA
- Many people fly into ATL, then drive to Auburn.
- Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) – Montgomery, AL
- About 55–65 miles from Auburn; still requires a car or shuttle.
- Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) – Birmingham, AL
- Roughly 115–130 miles from Auburn.
For anyone already in Atlanta, it usually makes more sense to drive straight from Atlanta instead of taking another flight, because the drive is only around two hours.
Private or Charter Flights
Auburn does have a regional airport that mainly serves private and charter flights. People starting in Atlanta who use this typically:
- Depart from DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK) or Hartsfield-Jackson’s general aviation facilities
- Land close to Auburn via charter
This is a specialized option, generally used by teams, groups, or travelers comfortable booking private aviation.
Game Day Travel From Atlanta to Auburn
Many Atlanta residents drive to Auburn specifically for college football or big Auburn University events.
Planning for Auburn Football Weekends
If you’re going to a game from Atlanta:
- Add extra travel time:
- At least 30–60 additional minutes, more if you’re arriving close to kickoff.
- Leave Atlanta early:
- Morning departures often beat the heaviest traffic both in Atlanta and near Auburn.
- Plan your parking:
- On major game days, some on-campus lots may require permits. Public parking and shuttle systems are sometimes used around Auburn.
Weather and Seasonal Considerations
- Fall: Peak football season; roads can be busy on Saturdays.
- Summer: Heat can be intense—make sure your car is in good condition before the trip.
- Severe weather days: Thunderstorms are common in the Southeast; allow extra time and drive cautiously.
Tips for Atlanta Travelers Driving to Auburn
Here are some practical pointers if you’re starting in Atlanta:
- ✅ Check traffic before you leave. Use a navigation app to see real-time conditions on I-85 South and around the Downtown Connector or I-285.
- ✅ Fill up in or near Atlanta or along I-85. Gas is widely available at exits between Atlanta and the Alabama state line.
- ✅ Use a familiar landmark as your starting point. For example:
- From Downtown Atlanta (near the Georgia State Capitol), get on I-75/85 South, then merge onto I-85 South toward Montgomery/Columbus.
- ✅ Watch speed limits through small towns and construction zones once you’re off the interstate closer to Auburn.
- ✅ If you’re renting a car at ATL, use the ATL SkyTrain from the terminal to the Rental Car Center, pick up your vehicle, then follow signs to I-85 South.
How Far Is Auburn From Atlanta in Everyday Terms?
If you’re more comfortable thinking in terms of time and convenience rather than exact miles:
- Auburn is roughly the same driving time from Atlanta as:
- Going from Downtown Atlanta to Athens, GA, or
- Driving from Downtown to northern parts of the Atlanta suburbs and back during rush hour.
In other words, if you’re used to metro Atlanta commutes, the trip to Auburn feels like a longer, smoother version of a typical Atlanta drive, mostly on interstate highway with fewer start-and-stop sections once you clear the city.
In summary, Auburn, Alabama is about 110–120 miles from Atlanta, and the trip usually takes around two hours by car via I-85 South. For anyone living in, staying in, or flying into Atlanta, Auburn is close enough for a straightforward day trip or a relaxed weekend visit.
