How Far Is East Point From Atlanta? A Local’s Guide to Distance, Routes, and Travel Time

If you’re trying to figure out how far East Point is from Atlanta, you’re really asking about one of the closest and most connected neighboring cities to downtown. East Point isn’t a far-off suburb—it’s essentially part of the Atlanta metro core, just southwest of the city.

The Short Answer: Distance From Atlanta to East Point

In everyday Atlanta terms, East Point is very close.

• Distance from Downtown Atlanta (Five Points area) to East Point city center:
  About 7–9 miles by car, depending on your exact start and end points.
• Typical drive time (no heavy traffic):
  12–20 minutes.
• Distance from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to East Point:
  About 3–5 miles, often under 10 minutes by car.

Because Atlanta and East Point border each other, how “far” it feels really depends on:

• Where in Atlanta you’re starting (Midtown, Buckhead, Downtown, Westside, etc.)
• Where in East Point you’re going (downtown East Point, Camp Creek area, residential neighborhoods)
• Time of day and traffic on I-75/85, Langford Parkway, and local streets

Quick Distance & Time Snapshot

*Drive times can increase during rush hour or major events.

Is East Point Considered Part of Atlanta?

East Point is its own city in Fulton County, but it’s directly adjacent to Atlanta and firmly inside the Atlanta metro area.

To someone visiting or new to town, it often feels like another Atlanta neighborhood because:

• It shares major roads and transit with Atlanta.
• It’s on the Red/Gold MARTA line, just a few stops from Downtown and Midtown.
• Many residents commute daily between East Point and central Atlanta.

So while it’s a separate municipality with its own city government, most locals think of East Point as “right next to Atlanta” rather than a distant suburb.

Main Driving Routes From Atlanta to East Point

How you get from Atlanta to East Point depends on where you start. Here are common routes locals use:

From Downtown Atlanta

Most direct options:

1. Via I-85 South / I-75 South

   • Head south on I-75/85 from Downtown.
   • Continue on I-85 South when the connector splits.
   • Exit onto Virginia Ave, Cleveland Ave, or Langford Pkwy (GA-166), then head west toward East Point.
   • Good for getting to residential East Point or areas closer to the airport.

2. Via Langford Parkway (GA-166)

   • From Downtown or the Westside, connect to Langford Parkway (GA-166 West).
   • Exit at East Point / Fort McPherson and follow signs toward downtown East Point.
   • Often a good alternative if I-75/85 is heavily backed up.

From Midtown Atlanta

• Take I-75/85 South from Midtown.
• Continue south, then follow the same exits (Virginia Ave, Cleveland Ave, Langford Pkwy).
• Distance is only a bit farther than from Downtown, but traffic through the connector can add time, especially during rush hour.

From Buckhead or North Atlanta

• Take GA-400 South or Peachtree Rd toward the Downtown Connector (I-75/85).
• Head south and continue past Downtown.
• Use I-85 South plus your preferred exit toward East Point.
• Expect this to feel more like a cross-city trip, especially in heavy traffic.

Taking MARTA Between Atlanta and East Point

If you don’t want to drive, MARTA makes getting between Atlanta and East Point straightforward.

East Point MARTA Station

• Location: On the Red/Gold rail line, just south of the West End station.
• Address (approximate area): Near 2848 East Main St, East Point, GA 30344.
• Serves as a hub for local bus routes into East Point neighborhoods and nearby areas like College Park and Camp Creek.

Ride Times by MARTA Rail

From key Atlanta stations to East Point Station:

• Five Points → East Point: Around 10–15 minutes on a southbound Red or Gold Line train.
• Peachtree Center → East Point: Typically 12–18 minutes.
• Midtown → East Point: Often 15–22 minutes depending on wait times.

From Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to East Point:

• Take a northbound Red or Gold Line train from the Airport Station.
• It’s usually just one stop between Airport and East Point Station (very quick—often under 10 minutes including waiting).

When MARTA Makes More Sense Than Driving

MARTA is often the better option if:

• You’re staying Downtown or Midtown and visiting friends or events in East Point.
• You want to avoid airport-area traffic or parking costs.
• You’re traveling during rush hour, when I-75/85 and surface streets can be slow.

How Long Does It Really Take to Get There?

Distance is only part of the story in Atlanta. Travel time can change a lot depending on the hour.

Typical Drive Times (Light to Moderate Traffic)

• Downtown Atlanta → East Point:
  12–20 minutes
• Midtown Atlanta → East Point:
  15–25 minutes
• Buckhead → East Point:
  25–40 minutes
• Airport → East Point:
  7–12 minutes

When to Expect Delays

Expect longer trips during:

• Morning rush: roughly 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
• Evening rush: roughly 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Days with major events in Downtown, Midtown, or near the stadiums.

Avoiding the core of the Downtown Connector when possible and considering Langford Parkway or alternate surface routes can sometimes save time.

Getting From Atlanta’s Airport to East Point

Because East Point sits just north and west of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, airport access is one of its biggest conveniences.

By Car or Rideshare

• Distance: Typically 3–5 miles.
• Drive time: Around 7–12 minutes in normal traffic.
• Common routes include:
  • Camp Creek Parkway toward East Point and Camp Creek Marketplace.
  • Local roads such as Main Street or North/South Inner Loop connecting toward East Point.

By MARTA Train

• Board the Red or Gold Line at Airport Station (inside the Domestic Terminal).
• Go northbound one stop to East Point Station.
• Useful if:
  • You’re staying at an East Point hotel.
  • You live near the East Point station and don’t want to park at the airport.

Why People Choose East Point When They’re in Atlanta

Understanding how far East Point is from Atlanta also helps explain why it’s a popular base for:

• Airport employees and frequent travelers
• People who work in Downtown/Midtown but want to live slightly outside the core
• Visitors who want quick access to both the airport and city attractions

Key advantages of East Point’s location:

• Fast access to I-75, I-85, and I-285
• Direct MARTA rail connection to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and the airport
• Proximity to Camp Creek Parkway and nearby retail, offices, and distribution centers

Simple Ways to Decide Your Best Route

If you’re planning a trip between Atlanta and East Point, ask yourself:

1. Am I near a MARTA station?

   • If yes, and it’s a weekday rush hour, MARTA rail may be the quickest and most predictable option.

2. Do I have luggage or kids with me?

   • Short car or rideshare trips between East Point and Atlanta or the airport are often more comfortable.

3. What time of day am I traveling?

   • Midday, late evening, or early weekend mornings: driving is often very fast.
   • Peak rush hours: consider avoiding the Downtown Connector and using MARTA or side routes.

In everyday local terms, East Point is just minutes from Atlanta, not an out-of-the-way suburb. Whether you’re driving, catching MARTA, or heading to or from the airport, you can usually get between East Point and central Atlanta in well under half an hour, and often much faster.