How Far Is It From Atlanta to Birmingham? A Local’s Guide to the Trip

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city and considering a quick trip west, you might be wondering: how far is it from Atlanta to Birmingham, Alabama, and what’s the easiest way to get there?

Here’s a clear breakdown of distance, travel times, routes, and transportation options with an Atlanta-first perspective.

The Basic Distance: Atlanta to Birmingham

The distance between Atlanta, GA and Birmingham, AL depends slightly on your starting point in Atlanta, but the standard measure is:

• By road (downtown Atlanta to downtown Birmingham):
  About 145–150 miles via I-20 West
• Driving time (typical):
  About 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and stops

Most Atlanta travelers use Interstate 20 as the primary route between the two cities.

Main Driving Route: Atlanta to Birmingham via I‑20

Typical Route

From Downtown Atlanta (for example, near the Georgia State Capitol):

1. Enter I‑20 West toward Birmingham.
2. Stay on I‑20W for roughly 135–140 miles.
3. Approaching Birmingham, follow signs into Downtown Birmingham.

You pass through or near:

• Douglasville, GA
• Villa Rica, GA
• Bremen, GA
• Tallapoosa, GA
• Crossing into Alabama, then:
• Oxford/Anniston, AL
• Leeds, AL
• Into the Birmingham metro

Approximate Driving Times From Key Atlanta Areas

*Times assume normal highway conditions and no major delays.

When Traffic Matters Most (Atlanta Side)

Because you’re leaving from Atlanta, local traffic patterns can easily add time before you even get onto I‑20.

Key considerations:

• Weekday mornings (6:30–9:30 a.m.):
  Westbound traffic out of the city can be heavy, especially if you’re coming from:

  • Downtown / Midtown using the Connector (I‑75/85)
  • The Perimeter (I‑285) to connect to I‑20W

• Weekday evenings (4–7 p.m.):
  If you’re trying to leave Atlanta for Birmingham during the traditional afternoon rush, expect slower movement across the city and the I‑285 interchanges.

• Best times to leave Atlanta for a smoother drive:

  • Late morning (around 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.)
  • Early afternoon (1–3 p.m.)
  • Weekend mornings, especially Saturday

Tip: If you’re starting from inside the Perimeter, building in an extra 20–30 minutes for local congestion is often reasonable.

Other Ways to Travel: Bus, Train, and Air

You don’t have to drive to get from Atlanta to Birmingham. Depending on your schedule and preference, you can consider bus, rail, or air travel.

1. Bus from Atlanta to Birmingham

Several intercity bus services operate between the two cities. The most commonly used option for many Atlanta travelers is a direct coach-style bus.

Typical features:

• Travel time: About 3–3.5 hours
• Departure area in Atlanta: Often near Downtown or Midtown
• Arrival area in Birmingham: Often near Downtown Birmingham

Things to know:

• 🕒 Schedules vary by day of week and season.
• 💺 Seats are generally first‑come within your reservation class; earlier boarding often means better seat choice.
• 🧳 Most services allow a carry‑on plus at least one checked bag, but limits and fees can differ.

If you are starting from MARTA-accessible areas (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Airport), taking MARTA to the closest bus departure point is usually easier than parking.

2. Train Travel (Amtrak)

Amtrak does run a line that connects Atlanta and Birmingham, though it is not a high-frequency service.

• Route: A long-distance line that passes through both cities
• Travel time: Often 4–5+ hours, depending on the schedule and operational factors
• Frequency: Typically once daily in each direction

For Atlanta riders:

• Atlanta Amtrak Station
  1688 Peachtree St NW
  Atlanta, GA 30309

From many in-town neighborhoods, you can reach the station via:

• Rideshare or taxi
• MARTA bus connections from Arts Center or Midtown stations

For Birmingham riders:

• The train usually arrives at or near Downtown Birmingham, within reach of local transit and rideshare.

Train travel may be preferred by those who:

• Don’t want to drive
• Prefer a more relaxed ride with the ability to move around
• Are comfortable planning around a fixed daily schedule

3. Flying from Atlanta to Birmingham

Because Atlanta and Birmingham are so close by road, flying is usually not the first choice for most residents. Still, it can be an option in specific situations.

• Flight distance: Roughly 135–150 miles
• Air time: Around 40–50 minutes in the air
• Total door-to-door time: Often 2.5–4 hours once you include:
  • Travel to Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  • Security screening
  • Boarding, taxi time, and potential delays
  • Deplaning and exit from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Flying may make sense if:

• You are already at the Atlanta airport as part of a longer itinerary
• You prefer to connect by air rather than leave the airport complex
• You’re using airline miles or company travel benefits

Comparing Your Options from an Atlanta Perspective

Here’s a simplified comparison to help you choose:

Planning a Day Trip from Atlanta to Birmingham

Because the distance is relatively short, many Atlantans treat Birmingham as a doable day trip.

Is a Same-Day Round Trip Realistic?

Yes, for most people:

• Leave Atlanta: Around 7–9 a.m.
• Arrive in Birmingham: Late morning
• Explore / meetings / events: Midday and afternoon
• Head back: Around 4–6 p.m.
• Be home in Atlanta: By 7–9 p.m. (traffic-dependent)

Key tips:

• 🚗 Gas up in Atlanta before you hit I‑20—there are plenty of options around the Perimeter and on the west side.
• 🕒 Avoid Atlanta evening rush hour on the way back if possible; leaving Birmingham a bit earlier can help.
• 📍 If you’re parking a car overnight in Atlanta before a next-morning departure, consider parking in secure decks in Downtown, Midtown, or near MARTA stations for convenience.

From Hartsfield‑Jackson Airport to Birmingham

If you’re flying into Atlanta and then heading straight to Birmingham, you have a few choices:

1. Drive (Rental Car)

• Pick up a rental car at Hartsfield‑Jackson’s Rental Car Center (accessible via the SkyTrain).
• Join I‑285 West or northbound, then connect to I‑20 West toward Birmingham.
• Expect around 2.5–3 hours on the road once you’ve left the airport area.

This is often the most flexible option if you need a car in Birmingham.

2. Bus or Train (with Transfer)

You would:

1. Use MARTA from the Airport Station to reach Downtown or Midtown.
2. Transfer to the appropriate bus or train station for your Birmingham-bound service.

This can be practical if:

• You prefer not to drive
• Your schedule matches existing bus or train departure times

Practical Safety and Comfort Tips for the Drive

Since most people traveling from Atlanta to Birmingham go by car, a few practical points:

• Check weather along I‑20
  Heavy rain or storms can slow travel, especially in the more rural stretches between metro areas.

• Plan rest stops
  There are multiple exits with fuel, food, and restrooms between Douglasville and Oxford/Anniston. Planning one stop midway often makes the trip more comfortable.

• Watch speed limits
  The speed limit can vary; enforcement is common in smaller communities along the route.

• Have navigation handy
  While the route is mostly a straight shot on I‑20, it helps to have GPS or a map app to handle detours or construction.

What Atlantans Usually Need to Know

To summarize the essentials for someone based in or visiting Atlanta:

• Distance: About 145–150 miles from Atlanta to Birmingham
• Drive time: Usually 2.5–3 hours via I‑20 West
• Best for flexibility: Driving yourself
• Car‑free options: Intercity bus or Amtrak train; both start in or near central Atlanta
• Airport option: Flying is possible but often not faster once airport processes are included, unless you’re already at Hartsfield‑Jackson

With this in mind, you can choose the option that best fits your schedule, comfort level, and starting point in Atlanta, Georgia, whether you’re planning a day trip, a weekend visit, or connecting through the city on a longer journey.