How Far Is Chattanooga From Atlanta? A Local’s Guide to the Trip

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering how far Chattanooga is, you’re looking at a very manageable trip—perfect for a day visit, weekend getaway, or an easy side trip for visitors based in Atlanta.

The Basics: Distance and Travel Time

Straight-line distance:

• Chattanooga is about 100 miles northwest of Atlanta.

Driving distance:

• From Downtown Atlanta (Five Points area) to Downtown Chattanooga, it’s typically 115–120 miles by road, depending on your exact starting point and route.

Typical driving time:

• Around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes
• Time varies with traffic on I‑75, weather, and your departure point in metro Atlanta.

For most Atlanta residents, Chattanooga feels more like a short road trip than a long journey.

Main Driving Route From Atlanta to Chattanooga

The most common way to get from Atlanta to Chattanooga is via Interstate 75 North (I‑75 N) and Interstate 24 West (I‑24 W).

Standard Route (Most People Use This)

From Downtown Atlanta:

1. Get on I‑75/85 North from your location.
2. Stay on I‑75 North when I‑75 and I‑85 split near midtown/Ansley Park.
3. Continue on I‑75 North through Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth, and Cartersville.
4. Near Dalton, continue following signs toward Chattanooga.
5. As you approach the Tennessee state line, merge onto I‑24 West toward Chattanooga.
6. Follow I‑24 W into Downtown Chattanooga.

Why this route?

• It’s the most direct and fastest for most of metro Atlanta.
• Fully interstate, with plenty of services (gas, food, rest areas) all along I‑75.

Approximate Distances From Different Parts of Metro Atlanta

Different neighborhoods and suburbs will add a little time and distance.

*Times assume normal traffic and weather; rush hour or road work can extend the drive.

Traffic, Timing, and When to Leave Atlanta

Best Times to Drive From Atlanta to Chattanooga

To keep the trip closer to that 1 hour 45 minute mark, people in Atlanta often try to:

• Leave after morning rush hour:
  • Depart between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
• Avoid weekday evening rush leaving Atlanta:
  • Traffic can be heavy from about 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., especially on I‑75 through Downtown, Midtown, and Cobb County.

Traffic Hotspots on the Route

Common slowdowns between Atlanta and Chattanooga include:

• Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) through central Atlanta
• I‑75 in Cobb County (around Cumberland, Marietta, and Kennesaw)
• Holiday or weekend traffic near Lake Allatoona and popular shopping areas
• Construction zones, which can shift over time along I‑75 or I‑24

If you want to avoid delays, many local drivers check:

• Georgia’s 511 travel information line for road conditions and traffic:
  • Phone: 511 (from most phones in Georgia)
  • Operated by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)

Is Chattanooga a Realistic Day Trip From Atlanta?

Yes. From Atlanta, Chattanooga is a very popular day trip because:

• The drive is under 2.5 hours each way for most people.
• You can leave Atlanta in the morning, explore Chattanooga, and be back the same evening.
• Many Atlanta residents treat it like a quick mountain-and-river escape from the city.

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, plan for one or two nights in Chattanooga, especially if you want to explore multiple attractions or do outdoor activities.

Other Ways to Get From Atlanta to Chattanooga

There is no major commercial airport-to-airport connection most Atlanta travelers use between the two cities because the distance is short. Most trips happen by car, but here are your basic options:

1. Driving Your Own Car

This is how most people in Atlanta make the trip. You get:

• Full flexibility on when you leave and return
• Easier access to nearby mountain or outdoor spots around Chattanooga
• The ability to stop at scenic overlooks, small towns, or rest areas along I‑75

If you don’t own a car, rental cars are widely available in Atlanta, especially around:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  • 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Major in-town rental locations near Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead

2. Bus Service

From time to time, bus companies operate service between Atlanta and Chattanooga, usually from:

• Bus terminals near Downtown Atlanta, often close to Garnett MARTA Station or the Civic Center area (locations can change, so it’s best to confirm when you book).

Travel time by bus is often similar or slightly longer than driving yourself, depending on stops and traffic.

3. Rideshare or Private Shuttle

Some travelers arrange:

• Rideshare trips (Atlanta to Chattanooga), which can be expensive for the full distance but sometimes used by groups splitting the cost.
• Private shuttle or car services that offer intercity transport by reservation.

These options are usually most practical if:

• You’re heading to Chattanooga from Hartsfield–Jackson Airport.
• You don’t want to drive and value door-to-door service.

What Time Zone Is Chattanooga In Compared to Atlanta?

This often surprises visitors:

• Atlanta, GA is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET).
• Chattanooga, TN is also in the Eastern Time Zone (ET).

So when you travel from Atlanta to Chattanooga, you do not change time zones. This makes planning day trips and activities easier—your watch and phone should stay on the same time.

Planning a Day or Weekend Trip From Atlanta

If you’re staying in Atlanta and considering adding Chattanooga to your plans:

How to Structure a Day Trip

Many people in Atlanta plan the day like this:

1. Leave Atlanta between 8:00–9:30 a.m.
2. Arrive in Chattanooga mid-morning.
3. Spend the day exploring downtown, riverfront areas, or nearby mountain attractions.
4. Have dinner in Chattanooga.
5. Drive back to Atlanta, typically arriving by 8:00–10:00 p.m.

When a Weekend Trip Might Be Better

Consider spending one or two nights in Chattanooga if you:

• Want to hike, explore multiple attractions, or enjoy both day and evening activities.
• Prefer not to drive back to Atlanta at night.
• Are traveling with young children or a larger group and want more time.

Since it’s only around two hours from Atlanta, you can be flexible—if weather or plans change in Atlanta, it’s easy to adjust your Chattanooga trip.

Tips for Atlanta Drivers Heading to Chattanooga

Here are some quick, practical pointers tailored to Atlanta:

• Gas up before leaving metro Atlanta ⛽

  • While there are many stations on I‑75, some Atlanta drivers prefer filling up in Cobb or Cherokee County before getting too far north.

• Watch for changing speed limits

  • I‑75 speeds vary as you move from urban Atlanta to more rural sections on the way to Tennessee.

• Winter and storm considerations

  • In winter, north Georgia can occasionally see snow or ice, especially north of Cartersville and Dalton.
  • Heavy rain can reduce visibility along I‑24 near the Tennessee line.

• Break stops

  • Rest areas along I‑75 and exit towns like Cartersville, Calhoun, and Dalton give you convenient places for food, restrooms, and stretching your legs.

How Far Is Chattanooga From Hartsfield–Jackson Airport?

If you’re flying into Atlanta and heading straight to Chattanooga:

• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Downtown Chattanooga, the drive is roughly 120–125 miles.
• Expect around 2 to 2.5 hours of driving, depending on traffic and the time of day.

Most travelers:

• Pick up a rental car at the airport’s Rental Car Center.
• Take I‑285 West/North to connect with I‑75 North, then continue toward Chattanooga as described above.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Driving distance: About 115–120 miles from central Atlanta to Chattanooga.
• Travel time: Usually 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes by car.
• Route: Primarily I‑75 North, then I‑24 West into Chattanooga.
• Time zone: Both cities are on Eastern Time—no clock change.
• Trip type: Very realistic as a day trip from Atlanta, and even better as a relaxed weekend getaway.

If you’re living in Atlanta, visiting the city, or planning your travel around it, Chattanooga is one of the closest out-of-state destinations that feels like a true change of scenery while still being an easy drive from the Atlanta area.