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.
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:
From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Auburn:
This makes Auburn an easy day trip or short overnight for Atlanta residents and visitors.
For most people in Atlanta, the fastest and simplest route is:
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.
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.
Because you’ll be using I-85 South, your timing around Atlanta traffic matters more than anything else.
Leaving Atlanta, expect heavier congestion:
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.
For a smoother ride:
For most people traveling from Atlanta, driving is the most practical and flexible option.
You can still get from Atlanta to Auburn, but it takes more planning:
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.
There is no direct MARTA, local bus, or passenger train that runs from Atlanta to Auburn.
MARTA can still help with part of the trip, such as:
Service can change over time, but generally:
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:
They can’t book long-distance buses, but they can help you plan how to reach bus pickup points or the airport using MARTA.
There are no commercial flights directly into Auburn from Atlanta, but there are nearby options.
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.
Auburn does have a regional airport that mainly serves private and charter flights. People starting in Atlanta who use this typically:
This is a specialized option, generally used by teams, groups, or travelers comfortable booking private aviation.
Many Atlanta residents drive to Auburn specifically for college football or big Auburn University events.
If you’re going to a game from Atlanta:
Here are some practical pointers if you’re starting in Atlanta:
If you’re more comfortable thinking in terms of time and convenience rather than exact miles:
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.
