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

If you spend time in Atlanta, you’ll hear people talk about Gwinnett County all the time—whether it’s for work, shopping, concerts, or visiting friends. But “How far is Gwinnett from Atlanta?” isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, because Gwinnett is a large, sprawling county with several major cities inside it.

Below is a clear breakdown of distances, drive times, and transit options so you can quickly understand what it takes to get from Atlanta to Gwinnett County in real life.

How Far Is Gwinnett County From Downtown Atlanta?

The distance depends on where in Gwinnett you’re heading and where in Atlanta you start, but here are typical driving distances from Downtown Atlanta (near the State Capitol) to some of Gwinnett’s main hubs:

Key takeaway:
For most people in Atlanta, Gwinnett County starts about 15–20 miles away and stretches out to roughly 40 miles northeast of the city.

Where Does Gwinnett County Actually Begin?

Gwinnett borders several metro Atlanta counties, including Fulton County (where most of the City of Atlanta sits) and DeKalb County.

• The southwestern edge of Gwinnett (near Norcross and parts of Peachtree Corners) is the closest area to Atlanta.
• If you’re in Buckhead or Doraville/Chamblee, you can reach some parts of Gwinnett in as little as 10–15 minutes by car when traffic is light.
• The farther northeast you go—toward Suwanee, Buford, and the Mall of Georgia—the more you’re looking at a 30–50 minute drive from central Atlanta.

For planning purposes, think of Gwinnett as Atlanta’s northeastern neighbor along I‑85, I‑985, and GA‑316.

Typical Travel Time: Atlanta to Gwinnett (By Area)

Because traffic patterns are such a big part of life in Atlanta, it helps to think in drive times by time of day, not just miles.

1. Midday and Late Evening (Lighter Traffic)

If you’re driving late morning, early afternoon, or after the evening rush, you’ll often see these kinds of times from Downtown Atlanta:

• Atlanta → Norcross / Peachtree Corners: ~25–30 minutes
• Atlanta → Duluth / Suwanee: ~30–40 minutes
• Atlanta → Lawrenceville: ~35–40 minutes
• Atlanta → Buford / Mall of Georgia: ~40–45 minutes
• Atlanta → Snellville: ~35–40 minutes

These windows assume normal flow without major accidents, construction delays, or bad weather.

2. Rush Hour (Heavier Traffic)

During weekday rush hours, especially:

• Morning: 7:00–9:30 a.m. (Atlanta-bound is busier)
• Evening: 4:00–7:00 p.m. (Gwinnett-bound is busier)

you may need to add 15–30+ minutes depending on your route.

For example:

• Atlanta → Duluth / Suwanee can stretch from 35 minutes to 50–60 minutes.
• Atlanta → Buford can take up to an hour or more if there’s a backup on I‑85 or I‑985.

Local commuters often leave earlier or use alternate routes (surface streets, Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, or GA‑141) to avoid the worst congestion.

Main Routes From Atlanta to Gwinnett County

You have several major corridors connecting Atlanta to Gwinnett. The “best” route depends on your starting point in Atlanta and your destination in Gwinnett.

I‑85 North: The Primary Spine

I‑85 North is the main highway connecting Atlanta to much of Gwinnett County.

From Downtown or Midtown Atlanta, you’ll usually:

1. Get on I‑85 North via the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85).
2. Continue past the Perimeter (I‑285).
3. Stay on I‑85 as you enter southwest Gwinnett near Norcross.
4. Continue farther north to reach Duluth, Suwanee, Buford, and I‑985.

This is the most direct route to many Gwinnett destinations but is also one of the most heavily traveled.

GA‑316: Toward Lawrenceville and East Gwinnett

To reach Lawrenceville and areas like Dacula:

1. Take I‑85 North from Atlanta.
2. Exit onto GA‑316 East (University Parkway).

GA‑316 takes you directly into Lawrenceville, Gwinnett’s county seat, and then further east.

Peachtree Industrial Boulevard & GA‑141: Alternate North Routes

If you’re coming from Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, or Doraville, locals often use:

• Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
• GA‑141 (Peachtree Parkway)

These roads can be less stressful than I‑85 at certain times and serve Peachtree Corners, Norcross, and parts of Duluth.

US‑78: For Snellville and South Gwinnett

Headed for Snellville or Loganville from Atlanta?

• Use US‑78 East (Stone Mountain Freeway) from areas like Decatur or Downtown.
• Continue through Stone Mountain into south Gwinnett.

Getting From Atlanta to Gwinnett Without a Car

If you don’t want to drive, you still have options, but travel can take longer than driving, and you might need to combine transit and rideshare.

MARTA + Gwinnett County Transit (GCT / Ride Gwinnett)

MARTA heavy rail does not extend into Gwinnett County, but buses connect MARTA rail stations to Gwinnett.

Common pattern:

1. Ride MARTA rail from Downtown, Midtown, or the Airport to a northeast station such as:
   • Doraville Station (Gold Line)
   • Chamblee Station (Gold Line)
2. Transfer to a Gwinnett County Transit (Ride Gwinnett) bus serving destinations like:
   • Norcross
   • Duluth
   • Lawrenceville
   • Park-and-ride lots and job centers in Gwinnett

For specific bus routes and schedules, travelers typically check Ride Gwinnett and MARTA information before heading out, since routes and times can change.

Express Buses From Atlanta to Gwinnett

During weekday commute times, express commuter buses typically run between Atlanta and several Gwinnett park-and-ride lots (for example, near Sugarloaf, Indian Trail, or the I‑985 corridor).

These buses usually:

• Pick up at Downtown or Midtown Atlanta stops
• Use the freeways with fewer stops
• Offer a relatively direct ride for commuters

They’re useful if you live or stay in the city but work in Gwinnett or vice versa.

Rideshare, Taxi, and Shuttle Estimates

If you prefer door-to-door service:

• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) from Downtown Atlanta to Norcross/Duluth:
  • Time: ~25–45 minutes depending on traffic
  • Price: Typically higher during peak hours, and surcharges are common in heavy traffic or event times.
• Rideshare from Downtown to Buford / Mall of Georgia:
  • Time: ~40–70 minutes depending on traffic

Many people flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport who need to reach Gwinnett will either:

• Take a rideshare or taxi directly to Gwinnett, or
• Ride MARTA rail into the city and then connect to Gwinnett buses or a second rideshare leg.

Helpful Local Landmarks: Atlanta vs. Gwinnett

To better picture the geography, it can help to think in terms of well-known spots.

Well-Known Points in Atlanta

Common Atlanta starting points:

• Downtown Atlanta: State Capitol area, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, Georgia World Congress Center
• Midtown: Fox Theatre, Piedmont Park, Arts Center MARTA Station
• Buckhead: Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza

From each of these:

• Midtown → Norcross: Often slightly faster than Downtown, since you’re already a bit north.
• Buckhead → Peachtree Corners or Duluth: Frequently 20–30 minutes outside of heavy rush hour.

Popular Destinations in Gwinnett County

Some of the most visited places in Gwinnett include:

• Gas South District (Arena and Convention Center) – near Duluth and Lawrenceville
• Mall of Georgia – in Buford, one of the largest shopping destinations in the region
• Downtown Lawrenceville – the historic county seat with the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center
• Downtown Norcross & Peachtree Corners Town Center – dining and shopping close to the Fulton and DeKalb borders

Distances from central Atlanta to these spots generally fall in the 20–40 mile range, depending on the exact route.

When Is the Best Time to Travel Between Atlanta and Gwinnett?

Traffic along I‑85 and surrounding corridors can be highly variable. A few practical tips:

• 🚗 Avoid peak rush when you can:
  • Mornings (southbound toward Atlanta): 7–9:30 a.m.
  • Evenings (northbound toward Gwinnett): 4–7 p.m.
• Consider weekend patterns:
  • Saturday mid‑day can be busy near shopping areas like Mall of Georgia or Gas South District during events.
  • Sunday mornings are often lighter, with Sunday evenings sometimes picking up traffic.
• Check conditions before you leave:
  • Many locals rely on traffic apps or local radio for accident and construction updates, especially on I‑85, GA‑316, and I‑285.

If your schedule is flexible, leaving 30–60 minutes before or after the peak windows can make the difference between an easy 30‑minute ride and a stressful hour‑plus trip.

Practical FAQ: Atlanta ↔ Gwinnett Distance at a Glance

Is Gwinnett County considered “Atlanta”?
Gwinnett is a separate county northeast of Atlanta, but it’s part of the Atlanta metro area. Many people live in Gwinnett and commute into Atlanta or vice versa.

How far is Gwinnett from Downtown Atlanta in miles?
The closest parts of Gwinnett start about 15–20 miles from Downtown Atlanta. The farther areas (like Buford) are around 35–40 miles away.

Is it realistic to commute daily from Gwinnett to Atlanta?
Many people do this every day. Commutes commonly range from 30 to 60+ minutes each way, depending on where you live in Gwinnett, your destination in Atlanta, and traffic conditions.

Can I get to Gwinnett from Atlanta using only MARTA rail?
No. MARTA rail stops in DeKalb and Fulton, but you can combine MARTA rail + bus or MARTA rail + Ride Gwinnett to reach Gwinnett destinations.

How long from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to Gwinnett?
Driving from the airport to central Gwinnett (like Duluth or Lawrenceville) typically takes 45–75 minutes, depending on traffic, since you have to cross much of the metro area.

In everyday terms, Gwinnett County is close enough to Atlanta that trips back and forth are part of normal life here, but it’s far enough that you’ll want to plan around distance and traffic. For most Atlanta residents and visitors, think of Gwinnett as being roughly 30–45 minutes away, with travel times stretching or shrinking based on your exact start and end points and the time of day you’re on the road.