How Far Is Canton From Atlanta? A Local’s Guide to Distance, Drive Times, and Best Routes

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering how far it is to Canton, GA, you’re really asking about more than just miles. You’re asking how long it takes to get there, what the drive is like, and what to expect if you commute or plan a day trip.

Here’s a clear breakdown tailored to Atlanta residents and visitors.

The Basic Distance: Atlanta to Canton, GA

Canton is roughly 40–45 miles northwest of Downtown Atlanta, depending on your exact starting point and route.

• From Downtown Atlanta (Five Points / Georgia State Capitol area):
  About 40–45 miles by car.
• From Midtown Atlanta:
  Very similar—usually 40–45 miles, just a slightly different approach to the interstate.
• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):
  Typically 50–55 miles, since the airport is south of downtown.

On a map, Canton sits in Cherokee County, directly up the I‑75 / I‑575 corridor from Atlanta.

Typical Drive Time From Atlanta to Canton

Distance is only part of the story in metro Atlanta. Traffic conditions can make a big difference.

Average Drive Times (By Car)

📝 Key takeaway:
In light or moderate traffic, expect about an hour by car from most central Atlanta areas. During weekday rush hours (especially northbound in the afternoon), it can stretch well beyond that.

Main Driving Routes From Atlanta to Canton

For most people in metro Atlanta, driving is the most direct and flexible way to get from Atlanta to Canton.

Core Route From Downtown or Midtown

From central Atlanta, the standard route is:

1. Take I‑75/85 North from Downtown or Midtown.
2. Stay on I‑75 North when I‑75 and I‑85 split.
3. Approaching Marietta, keep right to take I‑575 North (also signed as GA‑5).
4. Continue on I‑575 North until you reach the Canton exits (there are multiple, including GA‑20, Riverstone Pkwy, and Sixes Rd).

This route is almost entirely interstate, which makes it straightforward, but also means you’re subject to typical Atlanta northbound congestion.

From Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or the Northside

If you’re starting from Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or Brookhaven, you’ll likely:

• Take GA‑400 North briefly or use I‑285 to connect to I‑75 North, then follow the same I‑75 → I‑575 route to Canton.

From the Airport (ATL)

From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

1. Take I‑85 North from the airport.
2. Merge onto I‑75/85 North through Downtown Atlanta.
3. Continue and stay on I‑75 North when they split.
4. Pick up I‑575 North toward Canton.

Plan extra time, since you’re crossing the entire city north–south.

Is There Public Transit From Atlanta to Canton?

There is no direct MARTA rail or bus line that goes all the way from Atlanta to Canton. However, there are regional bus services that can be part of your commute or travel plan.

MARTA Options

• MARTA rail and local buses operate within Fulton, DeKalb, and parts of Clayton County, but do not reach Canton.
• The closest you can get by MARTA alone is to reach the northern stations (like North Springs, Sandy Springs, or Doraville) and then coordinate with regional or local services, carpools, or rideshares.

Regional Commuter Bus (From Atlanta to Cherokee County)

Cherokee Area Transportation System (CATS) and related regional services have at times offered commuter routes connecting Cherokee County with parts of metro Atlanta, often tailored to weekday work commuters.

• Services and routes can change, so it’s best to check current schedules by contacting:
  • Cherokee Area Transportation System (CATS)
    • Main office: commonly based in Cherokee County government facilities
    • Phone: Look up “Cherokee Area Transportation System phone number” for the latest contact

For most visitors or casual trips, a car is still the primary way to travel between Atlanta and Canton.

Ride-Share, Taxis, and Private Shuttles

If you don’t want to drive:

• Rideshare (Uber, Lyft):
  • Widely used in Atlanta and along major interstates.
  • A ride from Downtown Atlanta to Canton is usually 45–60 minutes or more, with pricing varying by time of day and demand.
• Taxis:
  • Traditional taxis can be found at major hubs like ATL Airport, major downtown hotels, and some transit stations.
  • Long-distance trips to Canton are possible but can be pricey.
• Private shuttles or car services:
  • Some Atlantans book private car services for door-to-door travel to the outer suburbs, including Canton, especially for business trips or group travel.

If you rely on rideshare or taxis, consider one-way cost and return trip availability, especially late at night.

What to Expect on the Drive: Traffic Patterns Atlanta → Canton

Anyone familiar with metro Atlanta knows that time of day matters more than the raw distance.

Heaviest Traffic Times Northbound (Atlanta → Canton)

• Weekday mornings (roughly 6:30–9:00 a.m.):
  • Heavier volumes heading into Atlanta than leaving it, but you can still encounter pockets of congestion.
• Weekday afternoons and evenings (about 3:30–7:00 p.m.):
  • Northbound I‑75 and I‑575 can slow significantly as people head home toward Cobb and Cherokee Counties.
  • Add extra time if you’re leaving Atlanta during this window.

Tips for a Smoother Trip

• 🕒 Travel outside peak rush hours when possible—mid-morning or early afternoon often work best.
• 📱 Use real-time navigation apps to see current traffic on I‑75 and I‑575 and check for incidents.
• ⛽ Fuel up before you hit major congestion—interchanges near Cumberland, Marietta, and Woodstock are popular refueling and rest points.
• 🌧 Plan extra time during bad weather; heavy rain can quickly slow down interstate speeds.

Atlanta Neighborhood Starting Points: How Distance Changes

Depending on where you are in the Atlanta area, your distance to Canton can vary:

• Downtown / Old Fourth Ward / Georgia State University area
  • Around 40–45 miles; expect about 45–60 minutes in fair conditions.
• Midtown / Georgia Tech / Atlantic Station
  • Similar distance; access I‑75/85 quickly from multiple entrances.
• Buckhead / Lenox / Phipps
  • Slightly closer to the northern interstates; you may save a bit of time vs. Downtown.
• Smyrna / Vinings / Cumberland area
  • Already up I‑75; your drive can be closer to 30–35 miles, often 35–50 minutes depending on traffic.
• Alpharetta / Roswell
  • You’ll likely cut across via GA‑400 and local connectors to reach I‑575, or use local connectors through Roswell/ Woodstock. Distance is comparable to Atlanta but with different routes.

If you’re planning regular travel between Atlanta and Canton, it’s helpful to experiment with a few routes and departure times to find the sweet spot for your specific neighborhood.

Can You Commute From Canton to Atlanta?

Many people live in Canton and commute into Atlanta or to nearby employment centers like Alpharetta, Roswell, or Marietta.

From an Atlanta perspective, if you’re considering working in the city and living in Canton (or vice versa):

• Distance: Around 40–45 miles one way, depending on exact locations.
• Time:
  • In free-flow traffic: about 45 minutes.
  • In heavy rush hour traffic: 60–90+ minutes is common.
• Transit options: Limited; most commuters rely on personal vehicles or carpools.

If you’re an Atlanta resident considering more frequent trips to Canton—whether for work, visiting family, or business—factor in drive-time variability into your schedule.

Quick Reference: How Far Canton Is From Key Atlanta Landmarks

• Georgia State Capitol / Downtown Atlanta → Canton
  • About 40–45 miles, usually around 45–60 minutes.
• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium / State Farm Arena area → Canton
  • Similar to Downtown; just minutes difference in local streets.
• Midtown (Peachtree & 10th St area) → Canton
  • About 40–45 miles; 45–60 minutes under good conditions.
• Lenox Square (Buckhead) → Canton
  • Roughly 35–40 miles; 40–55 minutes, depending on I‑85/I‑285/I‑75 connections.
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport → Canton
  • Roughly 50–55 miles; about 60–75 minutes, longer in peak traffic.

In practical terms, Canton is about 40–45 miles and roughly an hour’s drive from central Atlanta, with actual travel time highly dependent on traffic, time of day, and your exact starting point in the city.