How Far Is Covington from Atlanta? A Local’s Guide to Distance, Driving, and Getting Around

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a day trip or commute to Covington, GA, the first thing you’ll want to know is how far it is and how long it really takes to get there.

Quick Answer: Distance from Atlanta to Covington

From Downtown Atlanta to Covington:

• Approximate distance:35–40 miles
• Typical driving time:40–60 minutes, depending on traffic
• Main route:I‑20 East almost the entire way

Most people think of the trip as about a 45-minute drive under normal conditions, but Atlanta traffic can easily stretch that longer during rush hour.

Where Is Covington in Relation to Atlanta?

Covington is a small city east of Atlanta, in Newton County, and is often considered part of the greater Atlanta region.

• Direction from Atlanta: Southeast / east along I‑20
• Starting point (for reference): Many people use Downtown Atlanta (near the Georgia State Capitol) as the starting point.
• Ending point: Covington’s historic Downtown Square area.

Because Covington is right off Interstate 20, it’s relatively straightforward to reach for Atlanta residents and visitors staying in Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Driving from Atlanta to Covington

Main Route: I‑20 East

For most drivers, the simplest and fastest route is:

1. Get onto I‑20 East from your part of Atlanta (via Downtown Connector I‑75/85 or I‑285, depending on where you’re starting).
2. Stay on I‑20 East for roughly 30–35 miles.
3. Take one of the Covington exits, commonly:
   • Exit 90 (US‑278 / GA‑12) for the Covington business district and downtown area.
4. Follow signs into Downtown Covington or your specific destination.

Estimated Travel Times from Different Parts of Atlanta

Use these as general expectations (all via I‑20 East, not accounting for unusual traffic):

Times are shortest outside heavy rush-hour periods.

Traffic: When the Atlanta–Covington Drive Takes Longer

Because you’ll be using I‑20, your travel time depends a lot on metro Atlanta traffic patterns.

Busiest Times

Expect slower traffic:

• Weekday mornings: roughly 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (toward Atlanta in particular, but can affect both directions)
• Weekday afternoons/evenings: roughly 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• During major events in Downtown or near State Farm Arena/Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

To keep your trip close to 40–45 minutes, it’s usually best to travel:

• Midday on weekdays
• Late morning or early afternoon on weekends

Practical Tips for a Smoother Drive

• ✅ Check traffic apps before leaving to see if there are accidents or construction on I‑20.
• ✅ Build in extra time if you have set appointments or tours in Covington.
• ✅ Consider earlier departures in the morning if you must arrive before 9:00 a.m.

Is There Public Transportation from Atlanta to Covington?

There is no direct MARTA rail line or simple one-seat MARTA bus from central Atlanta to Covington. Covington is outside MARTA’s core service area.

What You Can Realistically Use

• MARTA Rail + Regional Connections:
  You can sometimes use a MARTA train to an eastern station (such as Indian Creek on the East/Blue Line) and then look for regional or local services from Newton County or nearby areas. However, these connections can be limited, may not be timed conveniently, and often are not as direct as driving.

• Regional/Local Transit:
  Newton County and surrounding counties may have local transit or demand‑response services, but these are usually designed for residents rather than visitors traveling from Atlanta for the day.

Because of these limitations, most people traveling between Atlanta and Covington choose:

• Driving a personal vehicle
• Rideshare or taxi services
• Rental cars if visiting Atlanta without a car

Using Rideshare or Taxi from Atlanta to Covington

For those staying in hotels or short-term rentals in Atlanta without a car, it’s natural to ask if a rideshare is practical.

• Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.):

  • Typically available in most parts of Atlanta and can serve Covington.
  • The cost is significantly higher than city trips because of the distance (35–40+ miles) and return time for the driver.
  • A good option if you don’t want to drive and only need one round trip in a day.

• Taxis:

  • Traditional taxis are more commonly found near Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and the Airport.
  • A long-distance trip like Atlanta–Covington is possible but often more expensive than rideshare for most riders.

If you’re planning multiple visits to Covington from Atlanta in a short period, a rental car or your own vehicle is usually more practical.

How Long to Budget for a Day Trip from Atlanta to Covington?

If you’re thinking about a day trip from Atlanta to explore Covington’s historic square, restaurants, or filming locations:

• Drive time (round trip):
  • Around 1.5–2.5 hours total, depending on traffic and exact starting point.
• Time in Covington:
  • Many visitors plan 4–6 hours in Covington to walk the square, have a meal, and tour local attractions.
• Total day length from Atlanta:
  • A comfortable 6–8 hour outing door-to-door.

Planning with this in mind helps if you’re coordinating with dinner plans back in Atlanta or airport departures.

Navigational Landmarks and Exit Tips

When driving from Atlanta to Covington, you’ll know you’re getting close when you pass:

• Conyers (Rockdale County) along I‑20
• Road signs indicating Covington / Oxford / Social Circle exits

Common Covington exits from I‑20 East include:

• Exit 90 – US‑278 / GA‑12: for Downtown Covington and the historic square
• Exit 93 – Hazelbrand Rd / Clark St: for some neighborhoods and local routes

If you’re using GPS or a mapping app, entering “Covington Square” or “Downtown Covington” will usually direct you toward the central historic area.

How Far Is Covington from Key Atlanta Landmarks?

To give a clearer sense of distance, here’s how far Covington is from a few well-known Atlanta spots:

• From the Georgia State Capitol (Downtown Atlanta):
  About 35–40 miles east via I‑20
• From Midtown Atlanta (around Peachtree St & 10th St):
  Around 38–42 miles via the Connector and I‑20 East
• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport:
  Roughly 45–50 miles, usually via I‑285 to I‑20 East or direct routes depending on traffic
• From Buckhead (Lenox area):
  Around 40–45 miles, typically using GA‑400 or I‑85 to reach I‑20 East

In most cases, the time difference between these starting points is shaped more by local surface streets and Connector traffic than by the extra miles.

When It Makes Sense to Stay Overnight Instead of Commuting

If you’re in Atlanta for a short visit and planning extensive activities in Covington (such as early morning tours, filming-related excursions, or events), you might consider:

• Staying overnight once you reach Covington, then returning to Atlanta the next day.

However, for Atlanta residents or visitors based in the city center, the distance is manageable for a same-day trip, especially when you avoid peak traffic.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Distance: Covington is about 35–40 miles east of Atlanta.
• Drive time: Plan on 40–60 minutes one way in typical conditions.
• Route: Almost everyone uses I‑20 East from Atlanta to reach Covington.
• Transit: There is no simple direct MARTA route; driving or rideshare is usually the most practical.
• Day trip friendly: The distance makes Covington a reasonable day trip from most Atlanta neighborhoods, as long as you plan around metro traffic.