How Far Is Fairburn From Atlanta? Your Quick Guide to Distance, Drive Time, and Best Routes

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering how far Fairburn is—whether for commuting, visiting family, or exploring the south metro area—the good news is that Fairburn is quite close and easy to reach.

The Short Answer: Distance From Atlanta to Fairburn

On average:

• Distance: About 20–25 miles from Downtown Atlanta to Fairburn, GA
• Typical driving time: About 25–40 minutes by car, depending on traffic
• Main route:I-85 South

The exact distance and time will vary based on:

• Where you start in Atlanta (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, airport area, etc.)
• Time of day (rush hour vs. mid-day or late evening)
• Traffic incidents or construction on I-85 or surrounding roads

Common Starting Points in Atlanta and Approximate Distance to Fairburn

Here’s a simple overview of how far Fairburn is from major Atlanta landmarks:

*Drive times are general ranges and can be longer during peak rush hours.

Best Driving Routes From Atlanta to Fairburn

From Downtown or Midtown Atlanta

Most people heading to Fairburn from the city center use I-85 South:

1. Get on I-75/85 South from your part of the city.
2. Continue on I-85 South toward Montgomery/Columbus.
3. Take the appropriate exit for your specific destination in Fairburn (such as Exit 61 – GA-74/Peachtree City / Fairburn or nearby exits).

This is typically the fastest and most direct way to get from Atlanta to Fairburn.

From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

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

1. Follow signs out of the airport toward I-85 South.
2. Merge onto I-85 South.
3. Continue about 10–15 miles to the Fairburn exits.

Because Fairburn is not far from the airport, it’s a popular area for people who need quick airport access but prefer living or staying outside the city core.

From Other Parts of Metro Atlanta

• From East Atlanta / Decatur area:
  Many drivers go I-20 West → I-285 South → I-85 South, then follow Fairburn exits.

• From North Atlanta (Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, or Buckhead):
  You’ll usually take a combination of GA 400, I-285, and I-85 South, depending on your starting point and traffic.

Using navigation apps can help you choose the best route based on current traffic, especially around the Downtown Connector (I-75/85) and I-285.

Typical Travel Time: What to Expect by Time of Day

The physical distance from Atlanta to Fairburn doesn’t change—but the drive time can vary a lot.

Midday or Late Evening

• Typical time:20–30 minutes from Downtown Atlanta
• Traffic level: Usually lighter, especially outside lunchtime rush

Morning Rush Hour (Toward Atlanta)

If you’re commuting from Fairburn into Atlanta in the morning:

• Expect heavier northbound traffic on I-85.
• Travel times can climb to 40–60 minutes, depending on congestion and accidents.

Evening Rush Hour (Heading to Fairburn)

If you’re leaving Downtown or Midtown Atlanta for Fairburn between about 4–7 p.m.:

• Southbound I-85 can slow down, especially around the airport interchange and busy exits.
• Plan for 30–50 minutes or more.

📝 Tip: If your schedule is flexible, shifting your trip by 30–60 minutes outside peak rush hours can make a noticeable difference in travel time.

Is Fairburn Considered Part of Metro Atlanta?

Yes. Fairburn is in Fulton County and is generally considered part of the Atlanta metropolitan area, especially the south metro region.

For people in Atlanta, Fairburn is:

• A realistic commute distance for work, depending on your job location and hours.
• Convenient to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, major warehouse and logistics hubs, and surrounding southside communities like Union City, Palmetto, and Peachtree City.

If you live in Atlanta and are considering Fairburn for housing, schools, or work, the 25–40 minute drive is a typical expectation, but your actual commute will depend on your exact route and schedule.

Transportation Options Between Atlanta and Fairburn

1. Driving (Most Common)

For most people in the Atlanta area, the easiest way to get between Atlanta and Fairburn is by personal vehicle or rental car, using I-85 South.

Pros:

• Fastest in most cases
• Flexible timing and routes
• Easy access to surrounding communities

Cons:

• Rush hour traffic can significantly increase drive times
• Tolls are not an issue on I-85 in this area, but congestion can be

2. Rideshare and Taxis

If you don’t have a car:

• Rideshare services and traditional taxis commonly serve routes from Atlanta or the airport to Fairburn.
• This can be convenient for visitors staying Downtown or near the airport who need a one-time trip to Fairburn and back.

Because of the 20+ mile distance, costs will be higher than short in-town trips, so it may be more practical for occasional use rather than a daily commute.

3. Public Transportation

Public transit between Atlanta and Fairburn is more limited compared to closer suburbs:

• MARTA heavy rail does not go directly to Fairburn.
• Some MARTA bus routes and regional bus services may connect portions of south Fulton County to MARTA rail stations or park-and-ride lots, but you’ll usually need multiple transfers and more travel time than driving.

For the most accurate and current transit options, Atlanta-area residents often check:

• MARTA service for rail and bus connections to the south metro area.
• Regional bus services that may serve south Fulton, depending on current routes.

Public transit can work for some commuters, but if you’re asking, “How far is Fairburn from Atlanta?” with a daily commute in mind, most people rely on driving.

When Fairburn’s Distance Matters for Planning

Knowing that Fairburn is about 20–25 miles from Atlanta helps with:

1. Commuting to Work or School

If you live in Fairburn and work in Downtown or Midtown Atlanta:

• You’re looking at roughly a 25–50 minute commute each way in typical traffic, depending on timing.
• Many commuters use staggered hours or partial work-from-home when possible to avoid heavy rush hour.

2. Airport Access

Fairburn is relatively close to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

• About 15–25 minutes by car in normal traffic.
• This makes Fairburn attractive for frequent flyers or airline/airport employees who want a shorter commute to the airport while living outside the core city.

3. Visiting Friends, Family, or Events

If you’re in Atlanta and heading to Fairburn for:

• A family visit
• A community event
• A sports or school activity

You can generally plan for about half an hour each way, building in extra time during peak traffic.

Quick Reference: Key Takeaways

• How far is Fairburn from Atlanta?
  Roughly 20–25 miles from Downtown Atlanta.

• Driving time:
  Typically 25–40 minutes, longer during rush hour.

• Main route:
  I-85 South is the primary way to get from Atlanta to Fairburn.

• From the airport:
  Fairburn is around 13–16 miles and about 15–25 minutes from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

• Metro area:
  Fairburn is part of the Atlanta metro region, especially the south metro corridor.

With these distances and drive times in mind, you can better plan commutes, airport trips, or visits between Atlanta and Fairburn and decide what works best for your schedule and transportation needs.