How Far Is Jekyll Island From Atlanta? Your Practical Trip Guide

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and dreaming about a quiet coastal escape, Jekyll Island is one of the closest true “island getaways” you can reach by car. Here’s exactly how far it is from Atlanta, how long it usually takes, and the easiest ways to get there and around once you arrive.

Distance From Atlanta to Jekyll Island

From downtown Atlanta to Jekyll Island, you’re looking at roughly:

• Driving distance: about 320–330 miles
• Typical drive time: around 5 to 5.5 hours in normal traffic

The most common route from Atlanta is:

• Take I‑75 South
• Connect to I‑16 East (near Macon)
• Then head I‑95 South toward Brunswick
• Exit near Brunswick and follow signs to Jekyll Island Causeway (GA‑520)

You’ll cross a causeway onto the island, passing through a toll gate at the entrance.

Quick Reference: Atlanta to Jekyll Island

Times can vary based on Atlanta traffic, construction, and weather, especially around rush hours and holiday weekends.

Best Ways to Get From Atlanta to Jekyll Island

1. Driving From Atlanta (Most Common and Flexible)

For most people in or visiting metro Atlanta, driving is the most straightforward option.

Typical driving times from Atlanta areas:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta: ~5–5.5 hours
• Buckhead: ~5–5.5 hours
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): ~5 hours, depending on traffic on I‑285 and I‑75
• Marietta / Cobb County: ~5.5 hours (you’ll usually start on I‑75 South)

📝 Driving tips from an Atlanta perspective:

• Leave after rush hour: Morning outbound traffic on I‑75/85, and afternoon rush on the Perimeter (I‑285) can easily add 30–60 minutes. Leaving after 9:30 a.m. or mid-afternoon often feels smoother.
• Fuel and food stops: Many Atlanta drivers stop around Macon (about 1.5–2 hours from Atlanta) or near Statesboro or Savannah as a longer break.
• Plan for the toll: Jekyll Island charges a gate fee per vehicle at the entrance. This is separate from your drive and is required for island access by car.

If you’re renting a car in Atlanta, common rental locations include:

• ATL Airport Rental Car Center – 2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy, College Park, GA 30337
• Major agencies also have offices in Midtown, Buckhead, and Perimeter areas.

2. Flying Close, Then Driving

There is no major commercial airport on Jekyll Island itself. However, Atlantans sometimes combine a shorter flight with a shorter drive.

Common flight + drive combos from Atlanta:

• ATL → Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)

  • Flight: often around 1 hour
  • Drive from Savannah to Jekyll Island: about 1.5–2 hours (around 90 miles)
  • Good option if you’re already flying into Savannah or want to shorten driving time.

• ATL → Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)

  • Flight: often around 1–1.5 hours
  • Drive from Jacksonville to Jekyll Island: about 1.5 hours (around 75–80 miles)
  • Jacksonville is south of Jekyll; you’ll drive up I‑95 North.

This option can make sense if you’re connecting through Atlanta and prefer a shorter coastal drive, or if you find a good airfare deal. For most Atlanta residents, though, the direct drive is usually simpler and more cost-effective.

3. Bus or Train From Atlanta

Public transit connections from Atlanta to Jekyll Island are possible but not direct and are less convenient than driving.

• Bus (Atlanta to Brunswick area):
  Some long-distance bus services run from Atlanta to Brunswick or nearby cities, but schedules can be limited and may require a transfer. From Brunswick, you would need a taxi, rideshare, or rental car to reach Jekyll Island (roughly a 20–30 minute drive).

• Train (Amtrak):
  Amtrak does not run directly from Atlanta to Jekyll Island. Routes may involve going through other cities, then a bus or car connection. For most Atlanta travelers, this is not the primary choice for this destination.

If you don’t drive or prefer not to, it’s often simpler to fly from ATL to Savannah or Jacksonville, then rent a car for the final stretch.

How the Drive Compares to Other Georgia Beach Trips

If you’re based in Atlanta and comparing coastal options:

• Tybee Island (near Savannah): about 4–4.5 hours by car
• Jekyll Island: about 5–5.5 hours by car
• St. Simons Island: similar distance and time to Jekyll, slightly different exit near Brunswick

So Jekyll Island is a bit farther than Savannah/Tybee, but still very doable for a long weekend or extended holiday from Atlanta.

Getting Onto Jekyll Island: What to Expect

Once you’ve made the drive from Atlanta:

• You’ll follow signs for Jekyll Island Causeway (GA‑520) near Brunswick.
• You’ll cross the causeway and arrive at the Jekyll Island entrance gate.
• Vehicles pay a daily access fee (per car, not per person). Multi-day and annual passes are typically available for frequent visitors.

There are no bridges requiring a separate reservation and no ferries required if you’re driving.

Getting Around Jekyll Island Once You Arrive

Compared to Atlanta’s busy interstates and MARTA network, Jekyll Island is compact and slower-paced.

1. Driving on the Island

• The island has a simple road network with lower speed limits than you’re used to on Atlanta highways.
• Most accommodations, beaches, and activity areas have ample parking, though some lots can fill up during peak weekends and holidays.

2. Biking and Walking

Many Atlantans enjoy switching from car commuting to biking once they’re on Jekyll:

• The island offers paved bike paths and boardwalk access in some areas.
• Bike rentals are available on the island; some hotels and rentals provide bikes for guests.
• Walking between some beach areas, the Historic District, and nearby lodging is realistic, especially compared with the distances you might walk in Midtown or Buckhead.

3. Rideshare and Taxis

• Rideshare options (like in-town Atlanta) may be more limited on the island.
• There are typically local taxi or shuttle services in the Brunswick/Jekyll area, but availability can vary by season and time of day.
• If you’re used to relying on rideshare in Atlanta, it’s a good idea to assume you’ll need your own car or bike here.

When Is the Best Time to Drive From Atlanta to Jekyll Island?

Considering Atlanta traffic patterns and coastal conditions:

• Leaving Atlanta on a Friday after work can be challenging—expect delays on I‑75/85 and I‑285 and a late-night arrival.

• Many travelers prefer:

  • Early Friday morning or
  • Saturday morning departures for a smoother drive.

• Summer and holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day) can bring heavier traffic on I‑75, I‑16, and I‑95, plus busier island parking areas.

If you’re visiting Atlanta first and then heading to Jekyll, building in a flexible travel day between heavy sightseeing and the longer drive can make the trip feel easier.

What Someone in Atlanta Should Plan For

If you’re planning from Atlanta, keep these key points in mind:

• Distance & Time: Expect about 320–330 miles and 5–5.5 hours each way. It’s longer than a quick day trip but very manageable for a weekend or longer stay.
• Budget: Factor in:
  • Gas (for a 600+ mile round trip)
  • Jekyll Island vehicle entry fee
  • Parking at your lodging (most places include it, but always verify)
• Car Access:
  • If you don’t own a car in Atlanta, reserve a rental car in advance—especially around spring break, summer, and holidays.
  • Consider starting from Hartsfield-Jackson or a major in-town neighborhood like Midtown or Buckhead where rental options are more concentrated.
• Return Timing:
  • Returning to Atlanta Sunday evening or holiday Mondays can mean heavy inbound traffic on I‑75 North.
  • If possible, return early in the day or extend your trip to avoid peak return traffic.

Summary: How Far Is Jekyll Island From Atlanta, Really?

For someone in Atlanta, Jekyll Island is roughly 5–5.5 hours away by car, about 320–330 miles southeast, using the I‑75 → I‑16 → I‑95 route and the Jekyll Island Causeway.

There’s no direct public transit route from Atlanta, so your realistic options are:

• Drive the full distance from Atlanta, or
• Fly to Savannah or Jacksonville from ATL and then drive 1.5–2 hours to the island.

With that in mind, Jekyll Island is close enough for a long weekend yet far enough to feel like a true escape from Atlanta’s pace—once you’ve made the drive, getting around the island is simple, calm, and low-stress compared to city life.