How Far Is It from Atlanta to Augusta? Your Practical Travel Guide

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Augusta, you’re looking at a manageable distance that works well for a day trip, weekend getaway, or business visit.

Here’s how far it is, how long it usually takes, and the best ways to get from Atlanta to Augusta.

The Distance from Atlanta to Augusta

In everyday terms, Atlanta and Augusta are about 2 to 2.5 hours apart by car.

Driving Distance

• Approximate distance:145–150 miles
• Most common route:I-20 East from Atlanta directly to Augusta
• Typical drive time:2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on:
  • Traffic leaving Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead
  • Time of day (rush hour vs. off-peak)
  • Weather and construction along I-20

For most Atlanta residents, the trip feels similar in length to driving from the metro area to some farther-out Georgia lakes or small cities.

Main Route: Atlanta to Augusta by Car

For most people in Atlanta, driving is the fastest and most flexible way to get to Augusta.

Common Starting Points in Atlanta

No matter where you are in the city, you’ll almost always end up on I-20 East:

• From Downtown Atlanta (around the Georgia State Capitol or Five Points):
  • Get onto I-20 East and stay on it essentially the entire way.
• From Midtown (near Georgia Tech, Piedmont Park):
  • Take I-75/85 South, then connect to I-20 East.
• From Buckhead:
  • Use GA-400 or local roads to reach the Downtown Connector (I-75/85), then merge onto I-20 East.

Typical Drive Time by Area (Approximate)

*Times assume normal traffic and weather.

What to Expect on the Drive

Most of the route is a straight shot on I-20 East.

You’ll pass through or near:

• Conyers
• Covington
• Madison
• Greensboro
• Thomson (closer to Augusta)

🛣️ Tips for a smoother trip:

• Avoid peak rush hour leaving Atlanta if you can (7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. on weekdays), especially around the Downtown Connector.
• Check traffic before you go; delays usually happen inside the metro area more than between cities.
• Consider a quick stop at a rest area or gas station along I-20 for food, restrooms, or a break if you’re traveling with kids.

Public Transportation Options

There is no direct MARTA or local Atlanta transit route that will take you from Atlanta all the way to Augusta. You’ll need regional or intercity transportation.

Intercity Bus

Several bus services commonly run between major Georgia cities, including:

• Departure points in Atlanta:
  Often near Downtown, around peachtree corridor, or near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (depending on the company and schedule).
• Arrival in Augusta:
  Typically at a central bus stop or station within Augusta’s urban area.

🕒 Travel time by bus:
Usually 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on:

• The specific route
• Number of stops
• Time of day and traffic leaving Atlanta

If you’re already using MARTA to get around Atlanta, you can often:

1. Take MARTA rail to a major station or the Airport station, and
2. Connect to your chosen intercity bus service from there.

Always confirm:

• Exact departure location in Atlanta
• Arrival point in Augusta
• Whether you need to arrive early to check in or board.

Is There a Train from Atlanta to Augusta?

There is no direct passenger rail service (like MARTA or an in-state commuter train) running between Atlanta and Augusta at this time.

If you prefer not to drive and do not want to take a bus, your main alternatives are:

• Arranging a rideshare or carpool
• Hiring a private shuttle or car service
• Renting a car in Atlanta for the round trip

These tend to offer more flexibility but can be more expensive than driving your own vehicle or taking a standard bus.

Flying from Atlanta to Augusta

Technically, you can fly from Atlanta to Augusta, but this is rarely the most practical choice for local residents or typical visitors already in the city.

• Departure:
  Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Arrival:
  Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) in Augusta

Key points:

• The flight itself is short, but:
  • You need time for security, boarding, and baggage.
  • Travel time to ATL from your home, hotel, or office in Atlanta also adds up.
• For most people already in Atlanta, the door-to-door time by car is similar to, or better than, flying, and usually less expensive.

Flying may make sense if:

• You’re connecting from another city through Atlanta’s airport and continuing straight on to Augusta.
• You strongly prefer not to drive and are comfortable with the cost and logistics of air travel.

Travel Time vs. Distance: What Atlantans Should Plan For

Even though the distance is around 145–150 miles, your door-to-door time depends on where you start and when you go.

If You’re Leaving from Central Atlanta

From areas like:

• Downtown
• Midtown
• Old Fourth Ward
• West Midtown

You can often reach Augusta in about 2 hours in light traffic, but planning for 2.25–2.5 hours is safer, especially if you have a scheduled event in Augusta.

If You’re Coming from the Suburbs

From suburbs like:

• Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, or Brookhaven (north)
• Decatur, Stone Mountain, or Lithonia (east)
• College Park, East Point, or Forest Park (south)
• Smyrna or Mableton (west)

Add 15–45 extra minutes, depending on:

• Your distance from I-20 East
• Local congestion during rush hour

When Is the Best Time to Drive from Atlanta to Augusta?

For most Atlanta drivers, the smoothest times to travel are:

• Mid-morning: roughly 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• Early afternoon: roughly 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Late evening: after about 7:30–8 p.m.

Try to avoid:

• Morning rush (especially if you’re leaving from inside the Perimeter)
• Friday late afternoon and evening, when many people are leaving Atlanta for weekend trips
• Major event days around:
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • State Farm Arena
  • Large downtown conventions

These can add time just to get out of the city and onto I-20.

Quick Planning Checklist for Atlantans

Before you head from Atlanta to Augusta, it helps to think through:

• How are you going?
  • 🚗 Driving yourself via I-20 East
  • 🚌 Taking a bus from an Atlanta departure point
  • ✈️ Flying from Hartsfield–Jackson (less common if you’re already in the city)
• How much time do you really have?
  • Plan for at least 2–2.5 hours each way if you’re driving.
• What’s your starting point in Atlanta?
  • Inner-city neighborhoods vs. outer suburbs can change your total trip by 30–45 minutes.
• Are you traveling at rush hour?
  • If yes, build in extra time for heavy traffic around Downtown, Midtown, and major interchanges.
• Do you need parking in Augusta?
  • If you’re going for an event, check in advance about parking near your venue.

In summary, Atlanta to Augusta is roughly 145–150 miles, most often a 2 to 2.5 hour drive along I-20 East for someone starting in the Atlanta area. For residents, visitors, and business travelers based in Atlanta, it’s a straightforward, same-day trip that’s easiest by car, with bus options available for those who prefer not to drive.