How Far Is Commerce From Atlanta? Your Practical Travel Guide

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and heading to Commerce, GA—whether for shopping, a sports tournament, or to visit friends—it’s helpful to know exactly how far it is and the best ways to get there.

Distance From Atlanta to Commerce

Commerce is about 70–75 miles northeast of Atlanta, depending on your exact starting point in the city.

• From Downtown Atlanta (Five Points area) to Commerce: ~74 miles
• From Midtown Atlanta: ~72–74 miles
• From Buckhead: ~70–72 miles
• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): ~80–85 miles

Most routes use I‑85 North, which makes the drive relatively straightforward.

Typical Drive Time From Atlanta to Commerce

Under normal conditions, the drive from Atlanta to Commerce takes:

• About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes by car

However, traffic can change this a lot, especially if you’re traveling during peak Atlanta rush hours.

What Affects Your Travel Time?

• Time of day
  • Morning rush (roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.): expect extra time getting out of Atlanta.
  • Evening rush (roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.): outbound traffic on I‑85 North can slow your trip.
• Day of the week
  • Weekdays: more commuter traffic.
  • Weekends: can be smoother, but game days and big events around Downtown or Midtown can still cause delays.
• Weather and construction
  • Heavy rain or road work on I‑85 can significantly slow your drive.

Main Driving Route: Atlanta to Commerce

Most people take I‑85 North almost the entire way.

Standard Route (From Central Atlanta)

1. Get onto I‑85 North (via the Downtown Connector, I‑75/85).
2. Continue on I‑85 North for roughly 60–65 miles.
3. Take Exit 147 – US‑441/Commerce.
4. Follow signs toward Commerce and Banks Crossing (the outlet malls area).
5. Continue on local roads into the city of Commerce.

This is usually the fastest and most direct route from most parts of Atlanta.

Quick Reference: Distance & Time Overview

*Times assume normal traffic and weather; Atlanta rush-hour conditions can add significant delays.

Getting From Different Parts of Metro Atlanta

From Downtown & Midtown Atlanta

• Use the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85 North).
• Stay on I‑85 North when the highways split near Brookwood.
• Continue until Exit 147 for US‑441/Commerce.

This route passes Doraville, Norcross, Duluth, and Buford as you head northeast.

From Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or North Atlanta

You have two common options:

1. Direct I‑85 North

   • Get onto I‑85 North via local connectors (e.g., GA‑400 S then I‑85 N).
   • Continue to Exit 147.

2. GA‑400 and Side Connectors

   • From some North Fulton areas, you may connect to I‑285 and then to I‑85 North, depending on traffic.

Many local drivers check traffic apps and choose whichever approach to I‑85 N looks clearer that day.

From Eastside Neighborhoods (Decatur, Druid Hills, East Atlanta)

• Use surface streets or I‑20 / I‑285 to connect to I‑85 North.
• Once on I‑85 N, stay on it until Exit 147.

Living on the east side can shave a little time since you’re slightly closer to the northeast corridor.

Is There Public Transportation From Atlanta to Commerce?

There is no direct MARTA or regional rail service from Atlanta to Commerce.

Here’s what that means in practice:

• MARTA:
  • Serves Atlanta and some close-in suburbs, mainly via rail and bus.
  • Does not extend all the way to Commerce or Banks County.
• Regional buses:
  • Some long-distance bus services run from Atlanta toward northeast Georgia, but schedules and stops may be limited and may not drop you directly in Commerce.
• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):
  • Technically possible but usually expensive for a 70+ mile trip.
  • Availability back from Commerce to Atlanta can be less predictable, especially later in the day.

For most people, driving a personal car or renting a vehicle in Atlanta is the most practical way to reach Commerce.

Renting a Car in Atlanta to Drive to Commerce

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want to go to Commerce, renting a car is often the easiest option.

Common rental locations include:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Rental Car Center (RCC)
  • 2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy, College Park, GA 30337
  • Connected to the terminals by the SkyTrain.
• In-town rental offices
  • Many major agencies have offices in Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead.
  • Can be convenient if you’re staying in a hotel and don’t want to rent at the airport.

When choosing a rental:

• Compact or midsize cars are usually ideal for the I‑85 drive.
• Check whether your route includes toll lanes (I‑85 has optional express lanes in some stretches; you can stay in the free lanes if you prefer).

What Is Commerce Known For to Atlanta Visitors?

Many people in Atlanta know Commerce primarily for:

• Tanger Outlets Commerce

  • A large outlet shopping center in the Banks Crossing area, just off I‑85 near Commerce.
  • Popular for day trips from Atlanta for discounted shopping.

• Proximity to other northeast Georgia spots

  • Commerce can be a stopping point if you’re heading from Atlanta toward places like Athens, Jefferson, or even further toward the North Georgia mountains.

Knowing that Commerce is roughly a 1¼-hour drive from Atlanta helps you decide whether to plan it as:

• A half-day or full-day shopping trip, or
• A quick stop on your way to another destination.

Tips for a Smoother Trip From Atlanta to Commerce

Here are a few practical pointers if you’re leaving from Atlanta:

• ⏰ Avoid peak rush if you can
  • Try to leave after 9:30 a.m. and before 3:00 p.m., or later in the evening after rush hour.
• ⛽ Fuel up in metro Atlanta
  • There are plenty of gas stations along I‑85, but filling up before you hit the highway can save time.
• 🍴 Plan food stops
  • The Banks Crossing area near Commerce has multiple restaurants and fast-food options directly off the interstate.
• 📱 Check traffic before you go
  • Atlanta drivers commonly check map apps for:
    • Incidents on I‑85 North
    • Construction zones
    • Alternate routes along US‑23/985 or surface roads, if necessary

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Distance: Commerce is about 70–75 miles northeast of most central Atlanta areas.
• Drive time: Plan for about 1 hour 15–30 minutes, longer in heavy traffic.
• Best route: Almost everyone takes I‑85 North to Exit 147 (US‑441/Commerce).
• Transit: There is no direct MARTA or rail to Commerce; driving or renting a car in Atlanta is usually the most practical option.
• Use case: Commerce is a realistic day trip from Atlanta, especially for outlet shopping or as a stop en route to other northeast Georgia destinations.

With this in mind, you can confidently plan how Commerce fits into your time in Atlanta, Georgia, whether you’re a local heading out for the day or a visitor looking to explore beyond the city.