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

If you’re spending time in Atlanta, Georgia, you’ll hear Brookhaven mentioned a lot—especially if you’re talking about dining on Dresden Drive, shopping near Peachtree Road, or commuting along I‑85. But how far is Brookhaven from Atlanta, really, and what’s the best way to get between the two?

Here’s a clear breakdown tailored to how people actually move around the Atlanta metro area.

Brookhaven and Atlanta: Neighboring Cities, Shared Streets

Brookhaven is directly adjacent to the City of Atlanta.

In fact, many people don’t realize when they’ve crossed from Atlanta into Brookhaven because:

• Major roads like Peachtree Road, Buford Highway, and North Druid Hills Road run smoothly between them.
• Some neighborhoods and shopping areas blend together visually and practically.

Brookhaven is an incorporated city in DeKalb County, just northeast of central Atlanta. So you’re not talking about a long-distance trip—more like moving from one part of metro Atlanta to the next.

Actual Distance: Atlanta to Brookhaven

The distance depends on where in Atlanta you’re starting, since “Atlanta” can mean Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or other neighborhoods.

Approximate Distances by Area

*Drive times vary widely with rush-hour traffic, road work, and events.

Key takeaway:
Brookhaven is very close to many parts of Atlanta—often just a short drive or a couple of MARTA stops away.

Main Driving Routes from Atlanta to Brookhaven

1. From Downtown or Midtown Atlanta

Most drivers use a combination of I‑85, GA‑400, or Peachtree Street/Road.

Common options:

• I‑85 North → North Druid Hills Rd or Clairmont Rd

  • Get on I‑85 N from Downtown or Midtown.
  • Exit at North Druid Hills Road (or Clairmont Road) and head toward Peachtree Road.
  • This brings you into the Brookhaven area near Buford Highway and Peachtree Road.
  • Good when traffic is moving reasonably well.

• Peachtree Street/Peachtree Road (Surface Streets)

  • From Downtown/Midtown, continue Peachtree Street NE north through Buckhead.
  • Peachtree Street becomes Peachtree Road NE, carrying you into Brookhaven.
  • More stoplights, but sometimes more predictable than the interstate during heavy congestion.

2. From Buckhead (Lenox, Phipps, or Peachtree Road area)

Buckhead and Brookhaven are close neighbors.

• Head north on Peachtree Road NE from Lenox/Phipps.
• You’ll cross into Brookhaven near Brookhaven‑Oglethorpe University MARTA Station and Oglethorpe University.
• To reach the popular Dresden Drive dining and residential area, turn onto Dresden Drive NE from Peachtree.

3. Using GA‑400

If you’re closer to GA‑400:

• Take GA‑400 to the Lenox Road or Glenridge Connector exits.
• Connect to Peachtree Road or Ashford‑Dunwoody Road to enter Brookhaven from the west or north.

Typical Travel Times (and When They Change)

In Atlanta, distance matters, but traffic matters more. Here’s a general guide for normal conditions:

• From Downtown to Brookhaven:

  • About 18–25 minutes outside peak rush hour.
  • Can stretch to 30–40+ minutes during weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.).

• From Midtown to Brookhaven:

  • Often 15–25 minutes by car, depending on route and time of day.

• From Buckhead to Brookhaven:

  • Frequently 10–20 minutes since they’re so close.

Factors that affect travel time:

• Morning and evening rush hours on I‑85, GA‑400, and Peachtree Road.
• Weather (heavy rain can slow traffic significantly).
• Events in Buckhead, Midtown, or at nearby venues.
• Construction on major corridors like I‑85, Buford Highway, or Peachtree Road.

Taking MARTA Between Atlanta and Brookhaven

For many people, using MARTA is the easiest way to get between Atlanta and Brookhaven, especially if you’re starting from Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.

Gold Line: Your Main Connection

Brookhaven is served by the Brookhaven‑Oglethorpe University Station on the Gold Line.

Key MARTA Gold Line stations relevant to this trip:

• Downtown Atlanta:
  • Peachtree Center Station
  • Five Points Station (major transfer point)
• Midtown Atlanta:
  • Midtown Station
  • Arts Center Station
• Buckhead:
  • Lindbergh Center Station
  • Lenox Station
• Brookhaven:
  • Brookhaven‑Oglethorpe University Station

Approximate MARTA times:

• Downtown → Brookhaven: about 20–25 minutes of train time (plus walking/transfer time).
• Midtown → Brookhaven: often 15–20 minutes of train time.
• Buckhead (Lindbergh) → Brookhaven: roughly 5–10 minutes of train time.

Trains on the Gold Line typically run every 10–20 minutes depending on the time of day.

Where Brookhaven Is in Relation to Key Atlanta Landmarks

To put the distance in everyday terms, here’s how Brookhaven lines up with familiar Atlanta spots:

• From Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

  • Distance: roughly 20–25 miles to central Brookhaven.
  • By car: often 30–45+ minutes, depending on traffic on I‑75/85.
  • By MARTA:
    • Take the Red or Gold Line from Airport Station northbound.
    • Stay on the Gold Line to Brookhaven‑Oglethorpe University Station.

• From Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (Downtown):

  • Distance: about 11–13 miles to central Brookhaven.
  • Combine surface streets to I‑85 North, then exit near North Druid Hills, Clairmont, or follow Peachtree Road north.

• From Georgia Tech (Midtown):

  • Distance: typically 7–10 miles to Brookhaven, depending on your specific destination.
  • You can drive via Midtown to I‑85, or take MARTA from Midtown Station north to Brookhaven‑Oglethorpe.

When to Drive vs. When to Take Transit

Both options are commonly used by Atlanta residents and visitors.

Driving Makes Sense If:

• You need to visit multiple spots across Brookhaven and Atlanta (errands, showings, appointments).
• You’re traveling outside peak hours and expect lighter traffic.
• You need to carry items or travel with companions who prefer a car.

MARTA Works Well If:

• You’re going from Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead straight to a spot near Brookhaven‑Oglethorpe University Station.
• You want to avoid parking or don’t want to deal with rush-hour traffic on I‑85 or Peachtree.
• You’re coming from Hartsfield‑Jackson Airport and prefer a direct rail connection.

Parking, Rideshare, and Local Getting Around

Once you’re in Brookhaven, distances inside the city are relatively short.

• Parking:

  • Many shopping centers, parks, and residential streets offer surface parking or lots.
  • Check posted signs around Dresden Drive, Peachtree Road, and major apartment or mixed-use developments.

• Rideshare:

  • Services like rideshare and taxis commonly operate along the Peachtree corridor, Buford Highway, and near Brookhaven‑Oglethorpe Station.
  • A rideshare trip from Buckhead to Brookhaven is typically short both in distance and time, outside of peak traffic.

• Walking & Biking:

  • Some areas, especially around Dresden Drive, Town Brookhaven, and parts of Peachtree Road, are relatively walkable by Atlanta standards.
  • Distances within central Brookhaven are often under a couple of miles, but major roads can be busy, so many residents still prefer to drive short hops.

Quick Reference: How Far Is Brookhaven From Atlanta?

• City to city: Brookhaven is directly adjacent to Atlanta on the northeast side.
• From Downtown Atlanta: roughly 10–12 miles, about 18–35 minutes by car in typical conditions.
• From Midtown Atlanta: around 7–9 miles, often 15–30 minutes by car.
• From Buckhead: only 3–4 miles, often 8–20 minutes by car.
• By MARTA Gold Line: about 15–25 minutes train time from Downtown/Midtown to Brookhaven‑Oglethorpe University Station.

If you’re in Atlanta, Brookhaven is effectively “next door”—close enough for dinner plans, a quick shopping run, or a daily commute, whether you’re driving, using MARTA, or combining both.