How Far Is Hampton, GA from Atlanta? A Local’s Guide to Distance, Drive Times, and Routes
If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Hampton, GA—maybe for a visit to Atlanta Motor Speedway or to see friends—you’ll want a clear sense of how far it is, how long it takes, and the best way to get there.
Here’s a practical, Atlanta-focused breakdown.
Quick Answer: Distance and Typical Drive Time
From Downtown Atlanta (around Five Points/Centennial Olympic Park) to Hampton, GA:
- Distance: About 30–35 miles
- Typical drive time: Around 35–55 minutes by car, depending on traffic and your exact starting point
From common Atlanta areas:
| Starting Area in Atlanta | Approx. Distance to Hampton, GA | Typical Drive Time* |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown (Five Points) | 30–32 miles | 35–50 minutes |
| Midtown (near North Ave) | 32–35 miles | 40–55 minutes |
| Hartsfield–Jackson Airport area | 25–28 miles | 30–45 minutes |
| Buckhead (Lenox area) | 35–40 miles | 45–60 minutes |
*Travel times vary a lot with rush hour, construction, and events at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Where Is Hampton, GA in Relation to Atlanta?
Hampton, Georgia is a small city in Henry County, located south of Atlanta.
- It sits south of I‑75, roughly in line with McDonough and Jonesboro.
- It’s best known locally for being home to Atlanta Motor Speedway, a major draw for race fans and large events.
- For Atlanta residents, Hampton feels like a nearby small town just beyond the southern suburbs, not a long-distance trip.
If you picture the loop of I‑285 around Atlanta:
- Hampton is outside the perimeter, to the south-southeast.
Best Driving Routes from Atlanta to Hampton, GA
Because there’s no direct interstate going exactly into Hampton, most routes rely on I‑75 and then local or state roads.
1. From Downtown or Midtown Atlanta
Most common route: I‑75 South → State/Local Roads
- Get on I‑75/I‑85 South from your downtown or midtown location.
- Stay on I‑75 South when it splits from I‑85 near the airport.
- Depending on your final destination in Hampton, common exits include:
- Exit 218 (GA‑20/GA‑81 – Hampton/McDonough)
- Exit 221 (Jonesboro Rd/Lovejoy)
- Continue west or southwest on local roads toward Hampton and/or Atlanta Motor Speedway.
This route is usually the simplest and fastest from central Atlanta, especially if you’re using a navigation app.
2. From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
If you’re landing at ATL and heading directly to Hampton:
- Leave the airport area and get onto I‑75 South.
- Stay on I‑75 South until your preferred exit (often 218 or 221, depending on your Hampton address).
- Continue on local roads into Hampton.
- Approx. distance: 25–28 miles
- Typical drive time: 30–45 minutes, often less outside rush hour
This is usually a straightforward southbound trip, and traffic is often easier than going into central Atlanta.
3. From Buckhead or North Atlanta
From Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or north I‑285:
- Use surface streets or GA‑400 south to connect to I‑85 South or I‑75/85 South.
- Continue onto I‑75 South past downtown and the airport.
- Exit around 218 or 221, then use local roads to reach Hampton.
Expect slightly longer drive times due to extra city driving before you reach I‑75.
Traffic Considerations for Atlanta to Hampton
Even though Hampton isn’t far in miles, Atlanta traffic can significantly affect your trip.
When Travel Is Usually Faster
- Midday (roughly 10 a.m.–2 p.m.) on weekdays
- Late evenings after the peak rush has cleared
- Many weekend mid-mornings (unless there’s a big event)
When to Expect Delays
- Weekday morning rush (about 6:30–9:30 a.m.) heading south out of Atlanta
- Weekday evening rush (about 4–7 p.m.), especially near:
- The Downtown Connector (I‑75/85)
- The airport corridor
- Key I‑75 exits around Stockbridge, Morrow, and McDonough
Special Event Traffic: Atlanta Motor Speedway
Hampton is home to Atlanta Motor Speedway, and major events there can dramatically slow traffic:
- On race weekends or big concerts, expect:
- Heavy backups on local roads into Hampton
- Longer waits near main entrances and parking areas
- If you’re attending an event:
- Arrive early—often several hours before start time is recommended
- Follow official traffic signs and, when available, directions from Henry County Sheriff’s Office or event traffic control
Is There Public Transportation from Atlanta to Hampton, GA?
Public transit options between Atlanta and Hampton are limited.
MARTA
- MARTA rail and most bus routes do not directly reach Hampton.
- You can use MARTA to travel:
- Around central Atlanta
- To Hartsfield–Jackson Airport
- To park‑and‑ride lots on the south side near Clayton County
- From there, you’d still need a car, rideshare, or other connection to reach Hampton.
Regional Transit and Alternatives
Some residents or visitors may combine:
- MARTA (to get to the South Atlanta/airport area)
- Then rideshare, taxi, or private shuttle to Hampton
However, there is no widely used, direct, all-public-transit option from downtown Atlanta to Hampton at this time. If you don’t drive, plan on:
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
- A pre-arranged shuttle or car service
- Car rental from the airport or in-town locations
Typical Costs and Practical Tips for the Drive
While actual costs vary, Atlanta residents often think in terms of:
- Fuel: A round trip of about 60–70 miles is modest for most cars.
- Tolls: There are no toll roads on the standard I‑75 route from central Atlanta to Hampton.
- Parking:
- Around downtown Hampton, general parking is usually free or low-cost in public areas.
- For Atlanta Motor Speedway, parking arrangements and fees can change depending on the event—check event details before you go.
Driving Tips for Atlanta-to-Hampton Trips
- Use a GPS or navigation app to account for real-time traffic and construction.
- Watch speed limits as you exit I‑75; local roads near schools, neighborhoods, and the speedway are closely monitored.
- Build in extra time:
- During rush hours
- On race or event days
- If you’re unfamiliar with the area
Key Locations for Orientation
While you do not need to visit them unless you have specific business, these landmarks help in understanding where you are:
Atlanta City Hall
55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
(Reference for central Atlanta starting point)Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
(Common starting point for visitors heading to Hampton)Atlanta Motor Speedway (in Hampton)
1500 Tara Pl, Hampton, GA 30228
(Major landmark and destination in Hampton)
Knowing these helps you plug in clear destinations when mapping your trip from different parts of metro Atlanta.
Bottom Line: How Far Is Hampton, GA from Atlanta?
For most people in Atlanta, Hampton is:
- Roughly 30–35 miles south of downtown
- Usually under an hour by car, unless traffic or events slow things down
- Most easily reached via I‑75 South, then local roads
If you’re already familiar with driving around Atlanta’s interstates, the trip to Hampton is generally straightforward and manageable, especially with a navigation app and a little buffer time built into your schedule.
