How Far Is Griffin From Atlanta? A Local’s Guide to Distance, Drive Times, and Best Routes

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering how far Griffin is—whether for work, a day trip, or visiting family—it’s a straightforward drive, but traffic and route choices matter.

Below is a clear breakdown of distance, drive times, and your best options for getting from Atlanta to Griffin and back.

Atlanta to Griffin: Distance at a Glance

Griffin, GA is a city located south of Atlanta in Spalding County.

Approximate distance:

• From Downtown Atlanta to Downtown Griffin: about 40–45 miles
• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Griffin: about 35–40 miles

In normal conditions, most people find the drive takes 45–60 minutes, depending on:

• Your exact starting point in the Atlanta area
• Time of day and traffic on I‑75
• Weather and road conditions

Main Driving Routes from Atlanta to Griffin

For most Atlanta residents and visitors, driving is the simplest way to reach Griffin.

1. The Most Common Route: I‑75 South

From Downtown Atlanta:

1. Get on I‑75/I‑85 South from central Atlanta.

2. Continue on I‑75 South toward Macon.

3. Take one of the exits that connect to Griffin, commonly:

   • Exit 218 – GA‑20/GA‑81 (McDonough / Hampton / Griffin)
     or
   • Exit 205 – GA‑16 (Griffin / Jackson)

4. Follow the state routes west toward Griffin (signs clearly indicate Griffin).

Why this route works well:

• Fastest under normal conditions
• Fully interstate for most of the trip
• Easy to follow with clear signage

Typical drive time:
45–60 minutes from central Atlanta, assuming moderate traffic.

2. From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

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

1. Leave the airport area and follow signs to I‑75 South.
2. Continue on I‑75 South.
3. Use Exit 218 or Exit 205 (same as above) and follow signs to Griffin.

Distance: about 35–40 miles
Typical time:40–55 minutes, usually shorter than starting from Midtown or Buckhead.

3. From Other Parts of Metro Atlanta

Because metro Atlanta is spread out, your route may vary:

• From the Southside (College Park, East Point, Forest Park, Morrow):
  You’re already close to I‑75 South, so the drive is often closer to 35–50 minutes.

• From the Westside (Douglasville, West Midtown):
  You’ll usually cut over via I‑20 and then down to I‑75 South, adding some time.
  Expect 50–70 minutes, depending on traffic and exact location.

• From the Northside (Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Marietta):
  You’ll head through or around downtown to reach I‑75 South, which can be heavily congested during rush hours.
  Plan on 60+ minutes during peak times.

Quick Reference: Distance & Time Estimates

*Drive times assume normal conditions and can increase significantly during rush hour, major events, or severe weather.

What to Expect on the Drive

Traffic Patterns

On the Atlanta side of the trip, your biggest variable is I‑75 traffic, especially:

• Morning rush: Northbound into Atlanta (affects your return to the city)
• Evening rush: Southbound leaving Atlanta

If you’re leaving Downtown Atlanta for Griffin between 4–7 p.m. on weekdays, it’s common for the first stretch on I‑75 South to move slowly.

Road Type

• Most of the journey is interstate highway (I‑75).
• The final portion, after exiting I‑75, is typically state highways and local roads into Griffin.
• These last miles can be two- or four-lane roads, with traffic lights and lower speed limits as you approach the city.

Is There Public Transportation from Atlanta to Griffin?

There is no direct MARTA rail or regular MARTA bus service from Atlanta to Griffin.

Common options people consider:

1. MARTA + Rideshare/Taxi

Some travelers:

1. Take MARTA rail to the Airport Station or a Southside station.
2. Use a rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or taxi to reach Griffin.

This can work, but:

• The rideshare leg is long, so it may be relatively expensive.
• It’s best suited for one-time trips where you can’t or don’t want to drive.

2. Regional Transit or Private Shuttles

Occasionally, there may be:

• Regional transit services connecting nearby counties
• Private shuttle or van services serving South Metro communities

These options can change over time and may not run frequently, so it’s wise to:

• Check directly with regional transit providers in Spalding County or surrounding areas
• Confirm schedules and pickup points before relying on them

Overall, most people traveling between Atlanta and Griffin still find that driving a personal vehicle or rental car is the most practical solution.

Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors Driving to Griffin

A few simple steps can make the drive smoother:

• Avoid peak rush if you can
  Leaving Atlanta before 3:30 p.m. or after 7 p.m. on weekdays generally helps you avoid the worst southbound traffic.

• Check real-time traffic before you go
  Apps that show congestion and incidents on I‑75 are especially useful if you’re on a tight schedule.

• Plan extra time in bad weather or game days
  Heavy rain, accidents, or big events in Atlanta can add 15–30+ minutes to your drive.

• Gas up before leaving dense Atlanta areas
  There are plenty of stations along I‑75, but filling up in Atlanta or near the Airport can be simpler if you’re unfamiliar with the Southside.

How Griffin Fits Into the Atlanta Area

Even though Griffin is not within the City of Atlanta or Fulton County, many residents think of it as part of the broader South Metro region:

• People regularly commute between Griffin and Atlanta for work or school.
• Griffin is a realistic day trip destination for Atlantans.
• If you live in Atlanta, Griffin is close enough for appointments, sports events, or family visits without requiring an overnight stay.

In everyday terms, most Atlantans consider Griffin to be about an hour’s drive away, depending on where in the metro you start and when you travel.

Bottom line:
Griffin is roughly 40–45 miles south of Atlanta, usually about 45–60 minutes by car via I‑75 South, with the exact time shaped mainly by Atlanta traffic and your starting point in the metro area.