Distance From Atlanta to Jacksonville: Drive Times, Routes, and Travel Tips

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Jacksonville, Florida, you’re basically looking at a straight shot down I‑75 and I‑10. How far is it, and what’s the easiest way to get there? Here’s a clear breakdown tailored to Atlanta travelers.

How Far Is It From Atlanta to Jacksonville?

From downtown Atlanta (near the Georgia State Capitol) to downtown Jacksonville:

• Driving distance: about 345–355 miles
• Typical driving time: about 5 to 6 hours by car, depending on traffic and exact starting point
• Flight distance (straight-line): roughly 270 miles

For most people in Atlanta, this is a single-day trip by car or a short hop by plane.

Main Driving Routes From Atlanta to Jacksonville

If you’re leaving from common Atlanta starting points like Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you’ll usually choose one of these routes:

1. The Most Common Route: I‑75 S → I‑10 E

This is the route many Atlanta drivers use.

Basic path:

1. Get on I‑75 South from Atlanta (via the Downtown Connector – I‑75/85).
2. Continue on I‑75 S through Macon.
3. Near Lake City, FL, merge onto I‑10 East.
4. Take I‑10 E toward Jacksonville and connect to I‑95 or surface streets downtown.

Approximate distance and time:

• Miles: ~350 miles
• Time:5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and stops

Why Atlanta drivers like this route:

• Mostly interstate driving with clear signage
• Easy access to fuel, food, and rest areas along I‑75
• Simple navigation if you’re using GPS or a smartphone map

2. I‑75 S → US‑82 E / US‑1 S (More Rural, Sometimes Less Traffic)

Some drivers prefer to cut east before hitting Florida’s I‑10, especially to avoid some interstate congestion.

Common version of this route:

1. Take I‑75 S from Atlanta toward south Georgia.
2. Exit toward US‑82 East (near Tifton or nearby areas, depending on your exact routing).
3. Head east on US‑82, then use US‑1 or other regional highways to drop down into the Jacksonville area.

Pros:

• More scenic, smaller towns, fewer long-haul trucks in some stretches
• Can sometimes be a bit lighter on traffic than sticking to interstates the entire way

Cons:

• More two‑lane or four‑lane highways vs. interstate
• Slightly more turns and local roads to watch for
• Travel time is similar or sometimes a little longer than I‑75/I‑10

3. From Hartsfield‑Jackson Airport to Jacksonville

If you’re picking up a rental car at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

• Expect roughly the same distance: around 345–355 miles
• Typical drive time: about 5.5 hours, depending on time of day

From the airport:

1. Follow signs to I‑85 North / I‑75 North briefly, then loop onto I‑75 South (follow your rental car center and GPS instructions).
2. Then follow the I‑75 S → I‑10 E route as above.

Quick Distance & Time Snapshot

Here’s a simple overview of typical travel options from Atlanta to Jacksonville:

Typical Driving Times From Different Parts of Atlanta

Because Atlanta is spread out, your total time depends on where you start:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:
  Around 5 to 6 hours in normal conditions.
• Buckhead / Brookhaven / Sandy Springs:
  Add about 15–30 minutes to get through northside traffic and onto I‑75 S or I‑285.
• Eastside (Decatur, East Atlanta):
  Similar overall time; you’ll cut across via I‑20 or surface streets to reach I‑75.
• Southside (East Point, College Park, Hapeville):
  Often slightly quicker to reach I‑75 S; sometimes closer to 5 hours if traffic is light.

Traffic around Atlanta’s core—especially near the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) and I‑285 interchanges—can add 30 minutes or more during rush hours.

Best Time of Day to Drive From Atlanta to Jacksonville

To avoid the heaviest Atlanta traffic:

• Heading out of Atlanta:

  • 🚗 Best: Leave after 9:30 a.m. on weekdays or before 3:00 p.m., if possible.
  • ⚠️ Avoid: Weekday 7:00–9:00 a.m. and 4:00–7:00 p.m. along the Downtown Connector and I‑285.

• Arriving in Jacksonville:

  • Jacksonville has its own rush hours, generally 7:00–9:00 a.m. and 4:00–6:30 p.m.
  • If you leave Atlanta mid‑morning, you’ll often arrive outside their peak traffic windows.

Many Atlanta drivers like to:

• Leave Atlanta by 7:00 a.m. to arrive in Jacksonville late morning, or
• Leave mid‑morning to reach Jacksonville late afternoon while still avoiding the worst of rush hour.

Flying From Atlanta to Jacksonville

If you’re flying instead of driving, you’ll use Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):

• Flight time (nonstop): around 1 hour
• Actual door‑to‑door time: usually 3–4 hours once you include:
  • Travel to ATL (MARTA, rideshare, or driving/parking)
  • Check‑in/bag drop
  • Security screening
  • Boarding and deplaning
  • Ride from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) into the city

Getting to ATL From Around Atlanta

Common ways for local residents and visitors to reach the airport:

• MARTA Rail:

  • Take the Red or Gold Line south to Airport Station (inside the Domestic Terminal).
  • Useful if you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near a MARTA stop.

• Driving:

  • Airport address:
    Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport
    6000 N Terminal Pkwy
    Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Allow extra time for parking and shuttles if using long‑term lots.

Once in Jacksonville, JAX is on the city’s north side; you’ll usually take I‑95 South to reach downtown or the beaches.

Bus and Train Options From Atlanta to Jacksonville

If you prefer not to drive or fly, there are usually intercity buses that connect Atlanta to Jacksonville using highways similar to I‑75 and I‑10. Travel times often run:

• Bus: about 7–9 hours, depending on routing and stops
• Train (Amtrak): routes may be indirect and longer than driving, often 9+ hours, and may involve changes or layovers in another city.

These options can work if:

• You don’t want to drive long distances
• You’re comfortable with a longer travel time in exchange for not being behind the wheel

Schedules and boarding locations can change, so most Atlanta residents check current timetables before planning around bus or train travel.

What Atlanta Travelers Should Expect on the Drive

If you’re driving from Atlanta to Jacksonville, here’s what the road usually feels like:

Road Conditions and Scenery

• Atlanta to Macon (I‑75 S):
  • Heavier traffic closer to Atlanta
  • Mix of city, suburbs, and gradually more rural scenery
• Macon to the Florida Line:
  • More open stretches of interstate, frequent exits for gas and food
  • Common stopping points include Macon, Perry, Tifton, and Valdosta
• Into Florida and Toward Jacksonville:
  • I‑75 and I‑10 are generally well‑maintained interstates
  • Terrain is mostly flat, with forests and some farmland

Typical Stops for Atlanta Drivers

Many Atlanta‑based drivers plan stops at:

• Macon, GA: Restrooms, fuel, coffee/quick meals
• Tifton or Valdosta, GA: Good mid‑ or late‑trip rest break
• Lake City, FL: Just before turning onto I‑10 East toward Jacksonville

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

If you’re starting in or around Atlanta, these tips can make your Jacksonville trip smoother:

• Plan for Atlanta traffic:
  Build in extra time just to clear the city, especially if you’re crossing the Downtown Connector or I‑285 during rush hour.

• Check weather along the corridor:
  The route from Atlanta to Jacksonville can see heavy rain and thunderstorms, especially in warm months. Adjust timing if severe weather is forecast along I‑75 or I‑10.

• Use rest areas wisely:
  Both Georgia and Florida have regular rest areas along I‑75 and I‑10, which can be helpful if you’re driving with kids, pets, or multiple drivers.

• Fuel planning:
  You won’t have long stretches with no services on this route, but filling up in Georgia is often a habit for Atlanta drivers before crossing into Florida, simply to avoid worrying about finding gas when tired or at night.

How to Choose: Drive vs. Fly From Atlanta to Jacksonville

For most people starting in Atlanta, this is the trade‑off:

• Drive (about 5–6 hours):

  • Good if you want flexibility and your own car in Jacksonville
  • Useful for families, groups, or longer stays
  • No airport lines, but you do handle all the driving

• Fly (about 1 hour in the air, 3–4 hours door‑to‑door):

  • Good if you’re short on time or traveling solo for business
  • Less tiring, but you’ll often rent a car or use rideshare in Jacksonville
  • More sensitive to ticket prices and flight times

If you’re already near Hartsfield‑Jackson or staying along the MARTA rail line, flying can be very convenient. If you live further out in the metro area and would need to drive a long way just to reach the airport, driving the full distance may not take much longer overall.

In simple terms, Atlanta to Jacksonville is roughly a 350‑mile trip that usually takes about 5–6 hours by car or about 1 hour by plane. For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, it’s a manageable, straightforward route—whether you choose to hit the road down I‑75 or catch a quick flight out of Hartsfield‑Jackson.