How Far Is Fort Benning From Atlanta? Your Practical Travel Guide

If you live in Atlanta, are flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, or are planning to visit someone at Fort Benning (now officially Fort Moore) near Columbus, Georgia, it helps to know exactly how far it is and the best ways to get there.

Below is a clear breakdown of distance, drive time, routes, and transportation options tailored to Atlanta travelers.

How Far Is Fort Benning From Atlanta?

In everyday terms:

• Distance: About 110–125 miles (depending on your starting point in Atlanta and your final destination on post)
• Typical drive time: Around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes in normal traffic

Most people travel between:

• Downtown Atlanta (Five Points / State Capitol area)
  to
• Fort Benning / Fort Moore near Columbus, GA

Since Atlanta is large and spread out, your starting neighborhood matters. Someone leaving from Buckhead will have a slightly different distance and route than someone leaving from Hapeville right next to the airport.

Quick Reference: Atlanta to Fort Benning Distance & Time

*Drive times assume typical traffic and weather; rush hour, construction, or storms can add time.

Main Driving Route from Atlanta to Fort Benning

For most Atlanta residents and visitors, the fastest and simplest route is:

1. Get on I‑85 South

   • From Downtown Atlanta: Take I‑75/85 south, then stay on I‑85 S.
   • From Hartsfield–Jackson Airport: Follow signs for I‑85 S / I‑285, then merge onto I‑85 S.

2. Stay on I‑85 South toward LaGrange

   • You’ll pass areas like Fairburn and Newnan.

3. Take I‑185 South toward Columbus

   • Near LaGrange, you’ll see signs for I‑185 S to Columbus / Fort Benning.
   • Continue on I‑185 S; this is the main corridor into the Columbus–Fort Benning area.

4. Follow signs to Fort Benning / Fort Moore

   • Toward the end of I‑185, follow exits for Fort Benning / Fort Moore and your assigned gate or on-post destination.

What to Expect on the Drive

• Most of the trip is interstate driving, which is straightforward.
• Increased traffic is common:
  • Leaving Atlanta during weekday morning rush (6:30–9:30 a.m.) or
  • Returning to Atlanta during afternoon rush (3:30–7:00 p.m.)
• Once you’re on I‑185 approaching Fort Benning, traffic is usually smoother but can pick up during training cycles, graduations, or major events on post.

Atlanta Neighborhoods: How Your Starting Point Changes the Trip

Because Atlanta is spread out, your starting neighborhood affects both distance and time:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:
  Easiest access to I‑75/85 and I‑85 S, typically right around 2 hours.

• Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs:
  You’ll need to drive south through city traffic to hit I‑85 S. Add 10–20 minutes depending on time of day.

• East Atlanta, Decatur, Stone Mountain:
  You’ll usually take I‑285 around to I‑85 S, which adds a bit more highway time but can avoid downtown congestion.

• Southside (College Park, East Point, Union City, Hapeville):
  You’re already near I‑85 S and the airport, so you often have the shortest trip to Fort Benning.

Traveling from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Fort Benning

Many visitors land at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and then head straight to Fort Benning, especially for:

• Basic training graduations
• Family days or ceremonies
• Short-term temporary duty (TDY)

Distance from ATL to Fort Benning:
Roughly 105–110 miles, usually 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours by car.

Ground Transportation Options from Atlanta Airport

1. Rental Car (Most Flexible)

   • Multiple major rental car companies operate from the ATL Rental Car Center.
   • Ideal if you need to:
     • Get on and off post
     • Visit Columbus or surrounding areas
     • Coordinate around graduation schedules

2. Shuttle or Private Car Services

   • Atlanta-area travelers sometimes use pre-booked shuttles or car services that operate between Atlanta, Columbus, and Fort Benning.
   • These generally need to be scheduled in advance and can be practical for families who do not want to drive themselves.

3. Rideshare (Partial Option)

   • Rideshare services from ATL directly to Fort Benning can be expensive and not always available for a one-way trip that long.
   • More commonly, people might take rideshare from:
     • ATL to a rental car office
     • Or within Atlanta before starting their main trip by car.

There is no direct MARTA, Greyhound, or public transit line that connects Atlanta directly to Fort Benning’s gates. Public options almost always require a mix of bus + taxi/rideshare or private pickup near Columbus.

Can You Get to Fort Benning by Bus or Train from Atlanta?

Travelers trying to avoid driving have limited but possible options.

Bus (Atlanta to Columbus, then Local Transport)

• Intercity bus services typically operate between Atlanta and Columbus, GA.
• Moving from Columbus to Fort Benning then requires:
  • Taxi,
  • Rideshare, or
  • Pickup by someone with base access.

For someone staying in Atlanta without a car, this can work, but total travel time will be longer than driving directly.

Train

• There is no direct passenger train service from Atlanta to Columbus or Fort Benning.
• Amtrak service in Georgia does not include a Columbus stop, so train travel isn’t a practical option for this particular route.

For most people in or visiting Atlanta, driving remains the most efficient and straightforward way to reach Fort Benning.

Understanding Base Access and Extra Time

If you’re going from Atlanta to Fort Benning and plan to enter the installation, factor in:

Identification & Access

• All adults usually need a valid, government-issued photo ID.
• Visitors without a military ID may need to check in at a Visitor Control Center (VCC) outside the gate, which can add time.

It’s smart to build in an extra 30–60 minutes beyond your drive time estimate, especially if:

• You’re visiting for a graduation or special event
• You’re not familiar with base access procedures
• You’re arriving during peak entry times (early mornings)

Best Time to Drive from Atlanta to Fort Benning

To keep your trip smooth, Atlanta locals and frequent travelers often consider:

When Traffic Is Usually Heaviest

• Leaving Atlanta in the Morning:
  6:30–9:30 a.m. can be slow getting to and onto I‑85 S.

• Returning to Atlanta in the Afternoon/Evening:
  3:30–7:00 p.m. often means slowdowns approaching the city.

Ideal Windows for a Smoother Ride

• Mid-morning (9:30 a.m. – noon)
• Mid-afternoon (1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
• Early weekend mornings, when there’s less city traffic

If you must arrive at Fort Benning early in the morning (common for training graduations), consider:

• Leaving Atlanta very early, before rush hour, or
• Staying overnight in Columbus the day before.

Planning for Weather and Road Conditions

Drivers in the Atlanta region often watch for:

• Heavy rain and thunderstorms, especially in warmer months, which can reduce visibility on I‑85 and I‑185.
• Occasional winter weather, which is rare but can significantly slow or close parts of interstates when it happens.
• Road construction, particularly around metro Atlanta or near Columbus; detours or lane closures can add time.

Checking traffic and route conditions before leaving Atlanta helps you decide whether to:

• Stick with I‑85 → I‑185, or
• Adjust departure time to avoid major backups.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers Headed to Fort Benning

• Distance: About 110–125 miles from most parts of Atlanta to Fort Benning.
• Drive Time: Plan on about 2 hours, plus extra time for base access and potential traffic.
• Main Route:I‑85 South from Atlanta, then I‑185 South to Columbus and Fort Benning.
• Best Option:Driving or renting a car is typically the most practical and flexible method from Atlanta or the airport.
• Arrival Planning: Add 30–60 extra minutes for gate procedures, especially if it’s your first visit or a high-traffic event day.

Knowing the approximate distance and drive time from Atlanta to Fort Benning makes it much easier to plan flights, hotel stays, and departure times—whether you’re an Atlanta resident, a visitor flying into the city, or a family member traveling for a military event.