How Far Is Jonesboro From Atlanta? Your Easy Guide to Distance, Driving Time, and Transit Options

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting the city and want to get to Jonesboro, Georgia, the good news is: it’s very close and generally easy to reach.

The Distance from Atlanta to Jonesboro

When people ask, “How far is Jonesboro from Atlanta?” they’re usually thinking about downtown-to-downtown distance and travel time.

• Distance by road: About 17–20 miles from Downtown Atlanta to Downtown Jonesboro
• Typical driving time: About 25–40 minutes, depending on traffic and your exact starting point
• Direction: Jonesboro is south of Atlanta, in Clayton County

If you’re starting from a specific neighborhood in Atlanta (for example, Buckhead, Midtown, or the airport area), your total distance and time will vary a bit:

• From Downtown Atlanta (Five Points area): around 19 miles
• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport: about 10–12 miles
• From Buckhead: closer to 23–25 miles

Driving from Atlanta to Jonesboro

For most people, driving is the fastest and most flexible way to get from Atlanta to Jonesboro.

Common Driving Routes

The most typical routes from central Atlanta are:

1. Via I-75 South (often the fastest)

   • Head south on I-75 from Downtown Atlanta
   • Take one of the Jonesboro/Morrow exits (such as Exit 233 – Jonesboro Road)
   • Follow Jonesboro Road or local streets into Downtown Jonesboro

2. Via I-285 and I-75 (if you’re coming from other parts of metro Atlanta)

   • From the east or west side of Atlanta, take I-285 toward the south side
   • Connect to I-75 South
   • Exit toward Jonesboro as above

Typical Travel Times (Without Major Delays)

Here’s a simple overview:

*Times can increase during rush hour, accidents, or construction.

When Traffic Is Heaviest

Because Jonesboro is south of Atlanta along the I-75 corridor, you’ll feel typical metro Atlanta traffic patterns:

• Morning rush: Heavier northbound toward Atlanta, but southbound can still see slowdowns
• Evening rush: Heavier southbound away from Atlanta, especially on I-75 South
• Weekends and holidays: Traffic near the airport and major interchanges can impact your time

📝 Tip: If you’re on a tight schedule—like heading to a show, appointment, or tour in Jonesboro—plan extra time during peak rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. on weekdays).

Getting from the Atlanta Airport to Jonesboro

Many visitors land at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and then head to Jonesboro.

• Distance: About 10–12 miles south/southeast of the airport
• Driving time: Roughly 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic

From the airport:

• Take I-285 East or I-75 South (depending on your route/guidance)
• Follow signs to Jonesboro via Jonesboro Road or other marked exits

If you’re using a rental car, most major rental car companies are based at the ATL Rental Car Center connected by the SkyTrain. From there, it’s a short drive to get on I-285 or I-75.

Public Transportation Options from Atlanta to Jonesboro

There is no direct MARTA rail line to Jonesboro, but you do have bus options combined with MARTA services.

MARTA + Local Bus

Jonesboro is in Clayton County, which is served by MARTA buses:

1. Take MARTA rail to the Airport Station (on the Red or Gold line).
2. From the airport area, transfer to certain MARTA bus routes that serve Clayton County, including routes that go toward Jonesboro.

Because bus routes and schedules can change over time, it’s a good idea to:

• Check MARTA rail and bus maps
• Confirm current routes and times before you travel

This option will be slower than driving, but it can be useful if you don’t have a car and want a budget-friendly way to get between Atlanta and Jonesboro.

Rideshare, Taxis, and Shuttles

If you prefer not to drive:

• Rideshare services (such as app-based ride services) commonly operate between Atlanta and Jonesboro.
• You can usually be picked up from:
  • Downtown Atlanta, Midtown, Buckhead, or other intown neighborhoods
  • ATL Airport pickup zones
• Travel time will be similar to driving yourself—around 25–40 minutes from Downtown and about 15–25 minutes from the airport, depending on conditions.

Taxis at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport also travel to Jonesboro; look for ground transportation signs at the airport to reach the taxi stands.

What to Know About Jonesboro’s Location in the Atlanta Area

Understanding where Jonesboro fits in the metro region can help you plan your visit or commute.

• Jonesboro is the county seat of Clayton County, immediately south of the City of Atlanta.
• It’s part of the Atlanta metropolitan area, not a distant town—many residents commute between Jonesboro and Atlanta daily.
• You may see addresses listed as Jonesboro, GA 30236 or nearby ZIP codes, all generally within the same south metro area.

If you’re staying in Atlanta and planning a day trip to Jonesboro—for work, errands, or sightseeing—you can typically treat it like going to another Atlanta suburb, not a long-distance trip.

How the Distance Feels in Everyday Terms

For someone in Atlanta, the Atlanta–Jonesboro distance is:

• Comparable to driving from Downtown Atlanta to parts of Marietta, Stone Mountain, or Stockbridge in regular traffic.
• Close enough for:
  • Daily commutes
  • Medical appointments
  • School or college visits
  • Shopping, dining, or local attractions

Most people think of it as “just down I-75” rather than a major drive.

Quick Reference: Atlanta to Jonesboro at a Glance

Key facts:

• How far is Jonesboro from Atlanta?
  Roughly 17–20 miles by road from Downtown Atlanta.

• How long does it take to drive?
  About 25–40 minutes from central Atlanta in normal conditions.

• Is Jonesboro part of the Atlanta area?
  Yes. It’s in Clayton County, directly south of the City of Atlanta and widely considered part of the Atlanta metro area.

• Is there public transit?
  There is no direct MARTA rail, but MARTA buses and combinations of rail + bus can connect you from Atlanta to Jonesboro, especially via the airport area.

With Atlanta’s southside highways and bus routes, reaching Jonesboro is usually straightforward—whether you’re a local heading out for the day or a visitor exploring beyond the city center.