How Far Is Cartersville From Atlanta? A Practical Guide for Local Travelers

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering how far Cartersville is—or how long it takes to get there—you’re really asking two things: distance and travel time in real traffic. Here’s a clear breakdown tailored to Atlanta-area travelers.

Quick Answer: Distance & Typical Travel Time

Cartersville is about 45–50 miles northwest of Downtown Atlanta, depending on your exact starting point.

A typical drive:

• From Downtown Atlanta (Five Points / Georgia State Capitol):
  ≈ 45 miles via I‑75 North
  ≈ 45–60 minutes in light to moderate traffic
• From Midtown (around Georgia Tech / Piedmont Park):
  ≈ 47–50 miles via I‑75 North
  ≈ 50–70 minutes, depending on rush hour
• From Atlanta Airport (Hartsfield–Jackson):
  ≈ 60–65 miles via I‑75 North through downtown
  ≈ 1–1.5 hours, often longer in peak times

Driving From Atlanta to Cartersville

Main Route: I‑75 North

The most common and usually fastest route is:

1. Get onto I‑75 North from your part of Atlanta.
2. Continue on I‑75 N past Marietta and Kennesaw.
3. Take the appropriate exit for Cartersville (commonly exits in the 285–295 range, like Exit 288 – Main St / Cartersville).

Why this route?

• It’s a straight shot up the interstate.
• Clear signage for Cartersville along I‑75.
• Services along the way (gas, food, rest areas) are frequent in Cobb and Bartow counties.

Approximate Driving Times by Starting Area

*Times vary with traffic, weather, and construction.

How Traffic Affects Your Trip

Atlanta-area traffic can significantly change your actual travel time.

Busiest Times on I‑75 North

Expect slower travel:

• Weekday mornings:
  6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., especially if you’re leaving from south or central Atlanta.
• Weekday afternoons:
  3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., with heavy congestion near the Downtown Connector, Cumberland, and Kennesaw.
• Holiday weekends and game days:
  Extra delays near Truist Park (The Battery) and common getaway times.

Tips for a Smoother Drive

• 🔁 Check traffic before you go. Use a navigation app to see real‑time backups on I‑75.
• ⏰ Shift your departure time to avoid peak rush hours when possible. Leaving even 30–45 minutes earlier or later can help.
• ⛽ Fill up before you hit congestion. Convenient fuel stops include the Cumberland and Kennesaw areas.

Alternatives: Can You Reach Cartersville Without Driving?

There is no direct MARTA or intercity rail line from Atlanta to Cartersville. Travel options are more limited compared with common metro‑area destinations.

MARTA + Ride Options

You can combine MARTA with a car service or rideshare for part of the trip:

1. Take MARTA rail to a northern station such as:
   • Arts Center Station
   • Midtown Station
   • North Avenue Station
2. From there, use a rideshare or taxi up I‑75 to Cartersville.

This can work if:

• You don’t want to drive through central Atlanta traffic.
• You’re meeting someone who can pick you up closer to Bartow County.

However, because Cartersville is well beyond MARTA’s service area, you’ll still have a long rideshare segment, which can be costly compared with driving.

Long-Distance Buses

At present, Cartersville is not a major stop on typical intercity bus routes originating in Atlanta. Most northbound bus services focus on larger cities or different corridors, so direct bus travel from Atlanta to Cartersville may not be practical or available on a regular schedule.

Getting Around Once You’re in Cartersville

Cartersville is more car‑oriented than central Atlanta. Walking is comfortable in the historic downtown area, but you’ll likely need some form of vehicle if you plan to:

• Visit Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site
• Explore Red Top Mountain State Park on Lake Allatoona (actually closer to the I‑75 corridor, but often combined with a Cartersville visit)
• Reach shopping areas or neighborhoods outside downtown

Options once you’re there:

• Drive your own car or rental: Best flexibility for Atlanta residents or visitors with a vehicle.
• Rideshare services: Availability can be more limited and wait times longer than inside the Atlanta city limits, especially evenings or early mornings.

Planning a Day Trip From Atlanta to Cartersville

For Atlanta locals or visitors, Cartersville works well as a day trip.

How Much Time to Budget

If you’re starting in central Atlanta:

• Travel time (round-trip):
  Plan for 2–3 hours total to account for traffic in both directions.
• Time in Cartersville:
  Many visitors spend 4–6 hours exploring local attractions, shops, and restaurants.

Good Departure Windows

• For a morning start, leaving Atlanta between 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. usually avoids the worst of the inbound rush.
• For an evening return, coming back after 7:00 p.m. can offer lighter traffic, especially through the Downtown Connector area.

If You’re Coming Into Atlanta From Cartersville

If you live in or are staying near Cartersville and need to reach Atlanta:

• Commuting to Downtown or Midtown:
  Expect 45–75 minutes in the morning depending on when you leave. Earlier departures (before about 6:30–7:00 a.m.) usually help.
• Going to events (State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, Fox Theatre, etc.):
  Add extra time for event traffic and parking once you’re inside the city.

Key arrival points in Atlanta include:

• Downtown Atlanta (near Peachtree Center, Georgia State Capitol)
• Midtown Atlanta (near Georgia Tech, Midtown MARTA)
• Buckhead (accessible via I‑75/I‑85 to GA‑400 or surface streets)

Is Cartersville “Far” From Atlanta?

By metro Atlanta standards, Cartersville is:

• Farther out than typical suburbs like Marietta, Smyrna, or Sandy Springs
• Closer than many North Georgia destinations such as Dalton, Rome, or Blue Ridge

For most Atlanta residents, Cartersville feels like:

• A reasonable one‑hour drive for a day trip or visit
• Too far for quick midday errands, but practical for planned activities, work appointments, or weekend plans

Simple Summary for Atlanta Travelers

• Distance: About 45–50 miles northwest of central Atlanta
• Typical drive: Around 45–60 minutes from Downtown Atlanta in light to moderate traffic
• Main route:I‑75 North almost the entire way
• Traffic impact: Rush hours can stretch the trip to over an hour
• Transit: No direct MARTA or rail; mostly a driving destination

If you’re in Atlanta and thinking about visiting Cartersville, plan for roughly an hour each way by car, check current traffic before leaving, and you’ll have a realistic sense of how far it is and how your day will look.