How Far Is Buford from Atlanta? A Local’s Guide to the Drive, Routes, and Travel Time

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Buford—maybe to visit Mall of Georgia, head to Lake Lanier, or check out a local event—it helps to know not just the distance, but how the drive actually feels from different parts of the metro area.

Below is a clear breakdown of how far Buford is from Atlanta, typical drive times, best routes, and what to expect whether you’re commuting, visiting, or planning a day trip.

Where Is Buford in Relation to Atlanta?

Buford is a northeastern suburb of metro Atlanta, located primarily in Gwinnett County (with some parts extending into Hall County).

• From Downtown Atlanta (Five Points / Centennial Olympic Park area), Buford is about 35–40 miles away, depending on your exact starting point and route.
• From Midtown Atlanta, the distance is similar, usually 35–38 miles.
• From the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Buford is farther—typically 45–50 miles northeast.

In practical terms, Buford sits along I-85 North, past cities like Norcross, Duluth, and Suwanee, and just south of Lake Lanier.

Driving Distance and Typical Travel Time

Quick Reference: Atlanta to Buford

Key takeaway:
In normal traffic, most trips from central Atlanta to Buford take about 45 minutes to 1 hour by car. During heavy rush hour on I‑85 North, it can stretch longer.

Main Driving Routes from Atlanta to Buford

1. I‑85 North (Most Direct and Common Route)

For most people in Atlanta, the fastest and most straightforward route to Buford is:

1. Get onto I‑85 North from Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.
2. Continue past:
   • Spaghetti Junction (I‑85 / I‑285 interchange)
   • Norcross
   • Duluth
   • Suwanee
3. Use exits near Buford Drive (GA‑20), Hamilton Mill Road, or I‑985 depending on your destination in Buford.

✅ Best for:

• Trips to Mall of Georgia
• Most residential areas in Buford
• Accessing I‑985 toward Lake Lanier and Gainesville

⚠️ Watch out for:

• Morning traffic into Atlanta (opposite direction if you’re leaving the city early).
• Evening traffic heading northbound as people commute home to Gwinnett County.

2. GA‑400 to Buford (More Useful from North/Northwest Atlanta)

If you’re starting from Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell, or Alpharetta, GA‑400 plus surface roads may be more convenient:

• Head north on GA‑400.
• Cut across via:
  • McGinnis Ferry Road,
  • Peachtree Parkway (GA‑141), or
  • GA‑20 (Cumming Highway / Buford Drive)
• Then connect into Buford from the west or northwest.

✅ Best for:

• Avoiding parts of I‑85 if you’re already up GA‑400
• Reaching Buford from North Fulton County

3. I‑985 Toward Buford and Lake Lanier

For destinations on the eastern side of Buford or closer to Lake Lanier, you might:

• Take I‑85 North, then
• Transition to I‑985 North (toward Gainesville), and
• Exit around Buford Drive, Lanier Islands Parkway, or similar exits.

✅ Best for:

• Lake Lanier access
• Areas east of central Buford

How Long Does It Really Take in Atlanta Traffic?

The answer to “How far is Buford from Atlanta?” often feels more about time than miles.

Typical Conditions

• Midday (10 a.m.–3 p.m.):

  • Often the smoothest time to drive.
  • Expect 40–50 minutes from Downtown or Midtown to Buford.

• Morning Rush (6:30 a.m.–9 a.m.):

  • Northbound traffic is lighter than southbound (most commuters are heading into Atlanta).
  • You may still run into slowdowns around major interchanges, but it’s usually manageable.

• Evening Rush (4 p.m.–7 p.m.):

  • This is when I‑85 North can be heavily congested.
  • Travel can stretch to 60–75 minutes or more, especially if there’s a crash or lane closure.

• Late Evening / Night:

  • Often the fastest time; travel times can drop closer to the lower end of the ranges above if there are no major incidents.

Can You Get from Atlanta to Buford Without a Car?

Buford is not directly served by MARTA rail, so public transit options are more limited compared to some other Atlanta suburbs. However, there are a few possibilities depending on your flexibility and comfort level.

1. MARTA + Ride-Share or Taxi

You can combine MARTA with a ride-share service:

1. Take MARTA rail from your nearest station to a northern station such as:
   • Doraville Station (Gold Line)
   • Chamblee Station (Gold Line)
   • North Springs Station (Red Line) if coming from the north side
2. From there, use a ride-share or taxi for the remaining distance to Buford.

This can reduce your time in highway traffic and sometimes lower parking or ride-share costs.

2. Regional or Commuter Buses

The Gwinnett County Transit system (now often referred to as Ride Gwinnett) operates bus routes that connect parts of Gwinnett County with MARTA stations and park-and-ride lots. Over time, these routes may change, but they typically include:

• Commuter buses running between Gwinnett park-and-ride lots and Downtown / Midtown Atlanta.
• Local routes within Gwinnett that may come closer to Buford or the Mall of Georgia area.

If you want to explore this option:

• Check Ride Gwinnett resources or contact their customer service for:
  • The closest park-and-ride lots to Atlanta that serve Buford or nearby hubs
  • Updated routes and schedules

These commuter buses can be useful if you’re commuting regularly between Atlanta and the Buford area and want to avoid driving every day.

3. Private Options: Shuttles and Ride-Sharing

While there isn’t a widely used public shuttle running straight from Downtown Atlanta to Buford on a fixed schedule, many people use:

• Ride-sharing services (from anywhere in Atlanta to Buford).
• Private car services or shuttles, especially for:
  • Corporate outings to Buford or Lake Lanier
  • Group trips to the Mall of Georgia or nearby attractions

Cost can be higher than driving your own car, but it may be convenient if you’re traveling with multiple people or don’t want to deal with traffic and parking.

Popular Destinations in Buford from Atlanta

If you’re asking how far Buford is from Atlanta, you might have specific spots in mind. Here are some common destinations Atlantans travel to in Buford:

Mall of Georgia

• Located off I‑85 North at GA‑20 (Buford Drive).
• Roughly 35–40 miles from Downtown or Midtown Atlanta.
• One of the largest shopping centers in the state, with surrounding restaurants, big-box stores, and entertainment options.

Lake Lanier & Nearby Recreation

While much of Lake Lanier is technically outside the Buford city limits, many Atlanta residents use Buford as a gateway to:

• Marinas
• Boat rentals
• Lakeside parks and recreation areas

Travel time from central Atlanta is usually 50–70 minutes, depending on your specific lakeside destination.

Residential and Business Areas

Many people who live in Buford commute into Atlanta (or vice versa) for work, entertainment, or family visits. For daily commuting:

• A 35–40 mile distance can feel longer when factored through rush-hour traffic.
• Some commuters adjust hours to travel earlier or later and avoid peak congestion on I‑85 North.

Practical Tips for Traveling Between Atlanta and Buford

Here are some local-style tips to make trips between Atlanta and Buford smoother:

• Plan around peak traffic.

  • If possible, avoid 4–7 p.m. northbound on I‑85.
  • Leaving Downtown or Midtown before 3:30 p.m. or after 7 p.m. often helps.

• Use flexible routes.

  • From the north side, consider GA‑400 plus surface roads (like GA‑20) instead of staying on I‑85 the entire way.
  • From the east side, there may be combinations of I‑285, Pleasant Hill Road, or GA‑316 that work better during certain times.

• Check conditions before you go.

  • Local drivers often check real-time traffic maps or apps before getting onto I‑85—especially if rain, roadwork, or big events are happening in the city.

• Consider park-and-ride or transit for commuting.

  • If you’re frequently going between Atlanta and the Buford area for work, exploring park-and-ride lots in Gwinnett paired with commuter buses can reduce daily driving stress.

In distance, Buford is about 35–40 miles from central Atlanta, but in Atlanta terms, it’s best thought of as roughly a 45-minute to 1‑hour drive in typical traffic. With the right timing and route, the trip is straightforward, making Buford an easy day-trip, shopping destination, or commuter suburb for people living in and around Atlanta, Georgia.