How Far Is Coweta County From Atlanta? Your Local Distance & Travel Guide

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city and looking at nearby areas, Coweta County often comes up. It’s a popular spot for commuters, day trips, and people considering a move just outside the metro core. So how far is it, really—and what does that mean for your drive, commute, or visit?

The Real Distance: Atlanta to Coweta County

Coweta County is located southwest of Atlanta, in the south metro area.

• Distance from Downtown Atlanta (Five Points) to Newnan (Coweta County seat):
  About 35–40 miles by road, depending on your exact starting point.
• Typical driving time (no major traffic):
  40–50 minutes via I‑85 South.
• General direction:
  Southwest of central Atlanta, along the I‑85 corridor.

Because both Atlanta and Coweta County are large areas, your exact distance will vary:

• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Newnan: roughly 30–35 miles, often 30–40 minutes during lighter traffic.
• From Buckhead to Newnan: closer to 40–45 miles, often 45–60 minutes depending on time of day.
• From Midtown Atlanta to the northern edge of Coweta County: sometimes just over 30 miles.

Quick Reference: Atlanta–Coweta County Distance & Time

*Times assume normal conditions; rush hour, construction, and accidents can add significant delays.

Main Driving Routes From Atlanta to Coweta County

For most people in Atlanta, driving is the primary way to reach Coweta County.

1. I‑85 South: The Most Direct Route

From most intown neighborhoods and central Atlanta:

1. Get on I‑75/85 South through Downtown.
2. Continue onto I‑85 South when the highways split near the airport.
3. Follow I‑85 South toward Newnan / Montgomery.
4. Common exits into Coweta County include:
   • Exit 51 – Sharpsburg / McCollum
   • Exit 47 – Newnan
   • Exit 44 – Thomas Crossroads

This is the fastest and simplest route from downtown, Midtown, and much of East/West Atlanta.

2. From the Airport Area

If you’re starting near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (College Park, Hapeville, Forest Park):

• Connect directly to I‑85 South and follow the same exits listed above.
• This cuts out some of the downtown traffic and often shaves 10–15 minutes off the trip compared with leaving from central Atlanta.

3. From the West or East Sides

• From West Atlanta / I‑20 West (e.g., Westview, Cascade area):
  You can usually connect to I‑285 and then to I‑85 South, or head south via local routes (like Campbellton Road) but the interstate is usually faster.
• From East Atlanta / Decatur / Stone Mountain:
  Most drivers take I‑20 West toward downtown, then connect to I‑75/85 South → I‑85 South.

How Traffic Affects Travel Time

The distance between Atlanta and Coweta County doesn’t change—but the drive time definitely does.

When Traffic Is Usually Heaviest

You’re likely to hit slower conditions:

• Weekday mornings: roughly 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., especially heading northbound toward Atlanta.
• Weekday afternoons/evenings: roughly 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., especially southbound leaving Atlanta and northbound returning.
• Holiday weekends and major events in Atlanta can also add time on I‑85 near the airport.

Realistic Commute Expectations

If you’re considering living in Coweta County and working in Atlanta:

• A 40–50 minute drive can turn into 60–75 minutes during peak rush hour.
• Weather, construction, and collisions along I‑85 South or near the downtown connector (I‑75/85) can add unpredictable delays.

Many commuters build a time buffer into their schedule, especially when they need to be in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead at a specific time.

Public Transportation Options Between Atlanta and Coweta County

There is no MARTA rail line that directly serves Coweta County. However, there are a few transit-related options to be aware of.

1. MARTA to the Airport, Then Rideshare or Car

A common strategy:

1. Take MARTA Rail (Red or Gold Line) to Airport Station.
2. From the airport area, take:
   • Rideshare or taxi to Coweta County, or
   • Rental car for more flexibility.

This can be practical if you’re staying in Atlanta without a car but need one-time travel to Coweta County for a visit, meeting, or family event.

2. Regional / Commuter Transit

Coweta County has periodically participated in regional commuter transit options. Availability can change over time, but services are often coordinated through:

• Coweta County Transit
  22 East Broad Street
  Newnan, GA 30263
  Main government line: often listed through the Coweta County Administration office.

Coweta County Transit typically focuses more on local trips within the county rather than direct daily service into downtown Atlanta, so many residents still rely on private cars for Atlanta commutes.

Why People in Atlanta Travel to Coweta County

Knowing the distance is helpful, but it also helps to know why you might be heading that way.

Common reasons people from Atlanta go to Coweta County include:

• Commuting to jobs in Newnan or other Coweta communities.
• Visiting family or friends who live in the south metro suburbs.
• Exploring historic downtown Newnan, with its square, shops, and restaurants.
• Sports tournaments, festivals, and local events held at parks, fairgrounds, or schools in Coweta.
• Real estate and housing searches, especially for those looking for more space than is available intown.

Because it’s less than an hour away in normal conditions, Coweta County works as a day trip or occasional commute for many Atlanta residents.

Neighborhood-to-County Perspective

Here’s how the distance to Coweta County feels from some well-known Atlanta areas:

• Downtown / Five Points:
  You’re about 35–40 miles from Newnan—close enough for a same-day visit, but rush hour will slow you down.
• Midtown:
  Add 5–10 minutes to downtown estimates, mainly due to local traffic getting to the connector.
• Buckhead:
  You’ll travel through or around downtown, so plan on 45–60 minutes to Newnan in typical conditions.
• East Atlanta / Decatur:
  Factor in extra time to cross town to I‑75/85, especially during peak hours.

From most of the intown core, Coweta County is essentially a 45-minute destination in light to moderate traffic and a potentially hour-plus trip in heavy rush hour.

Tips for a Smoother Trip From Atlanta to Coweta County

Here are some practical ways to make the drive easier:

• Travel outside peak rush hours when possible.
  Late mornings, early afternoons, and later evenings are usually smoother.
• Check traffic apps before you leave.
  Incidents on I‑85 South or the downtown connector can add major delays.
• Consider leaving a little earlier if you have an appointment, game, or meeting in Coweta County.
• Plan fuel and rest stops near exit clusters:
  • Around Exit 61 (Fairburn / Peachtree City)
  • Around Exit 47 (Newnan)

Is Coweta County “Far” From Atlanta?

From an Atlanta metro perspective, Coweta County is:

• Not extremely far—it’s part of the broader metro area.
• Far enough that daily commuting can feel long if you’re dealing with heavy rush hour traffic regularly.
• Reasonably close for:
  • Weekend visits
  • Occasional meetings
  • Day trips
  • Youth sports or events

In simple terms: Coweta County is roughly 35–40 miles from downtown Atlanta, usually 40–50 minutes by car when traffic cooperates. For most people in or visiting Atlanta, it’s a comfortable drive for periodic trips and a doable but time-sensitive commute if you plan to travel back and forth frequently.