How Far Is Kennesaw From Atlanta? Your Practical Guide to the Drive, Routes, and Travel Time

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering how far Kennesaw is—whether for commuting, a day trip, or to visit Kennesaw State—here’s exactly what to expect in terms of distance, drive time, and best ways to get there.

Quick Answer: Distance From Atlanta to Kennesaw

For most people, “Atlanta to Kennesaw” means from Downtown or Midtown Atlanta to the City of Kennesaw in Cobb County.

Approximate distance by car:

*Drive times can vary a lot with traffic, especially during rush hours on I‑75 and the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85).

Key takeaway:
Kennesaw is roughly 25 miles northwest of central Atlanta, usually about a 30–45 minute drive in normal traffic.

Main Driving Route: Atlanta to Kennesaw

Primary Route: I‑75 North

From most central Atlanta neighborhoods, the fastest and most direct route is:

1. Get onto I‑75 North (often via the Downtown Connector I‑75/85).
2. Continue on I‑75 North through Cobb County.
3. Take exits around Barrett Parkway, Chastain Road, or Cherokee Street into Kennesaw.

This route is straightforward and well‑signed, especially for major destinations like Kennesaw State University (KSU), Town Center at Cobb, and Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.

Typical Traffic Patterns to Know

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, your experience on I‑75 will depend heavily on time of day:

• Morning rush (approx. 6:30–9:30 a.m.)
  Traffic is often heavy heading south into Atlanta and slower northbound in pockets, especially near major interchanges like:

  • I‑285 (the Perimeter)
  • Cumberland area (near The Battery/Truist Park)

• Evening rush (approx. 3:30–7:00 p.m.)
  Traffic is often very congested heading northbound from Atlanta toward Kennesaw, with slowdowns:

  • Leaving Downtown/Midtown
  • Around I‑285
  • Approaching Kennesaw exits

• Midday and late evening
  The drive can be closer to 30 minutes from central Atlanta if traffic is light.

👉 Tip: If you’re timing a meeting, class, or event in Kennesaw, build in an extra 15–30 minutes during peak commute hours.

How Far Is Kennesaw From Different Parts of Atlanta?

Atlanta is spread out, so your starting point matters. Here’s what residents and visitors commonly experience:

From Downtown Atlanta

• Approx. distance: 25–27 miles
• Route: I‑75 North almost the entire way
• Time in light traffic: About 30 minutes
• Time in heavy traffic: 45–60 minutes or more

This is the most common “Atlanta to Kennesaw” trip, especially for visitors staying near Peachtree Street, the Georgia State Capitol, or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.

From Midtown Atlanta

• Approx. distance: 24–26 miles
• Route: Merge onto I‑75 North from the Connector
• Time in light traffic: 30–40 minutes
• Time in heavy traffic: 45–60 minutes

Common for people staying near Georgia Tech, Piedmont Park, or the Midtown business district.

From Buckhead

• Approx. distance: 20–22 miles
• Route options:
  • GA‑400 to I‑285 to I‑75 North, or
  • Surface streets to I‑75 North
• Time in light traffic: 25–35 minutes
• Time in heavy traffic: 40–50 minutes

If you’re near Lenox Square or Phipps Plaza, you’re already a bit closer to Kennesaw compared to Downtown.

From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

• Approx. distance: 35–40 miles
• Route: I‑85 North → connector merge → I‑75 North
• Time in light traffic: 40–50 minutes
• Time in heavy traffic: 60–75 minutes or more

If you’re a visitor flying in and heading straight to Kennesaw, plan for at least an hour, especially during workday peaks.

Driving vs. Other Options: Is There Transit to Kennesaw?

Public Transit (MARTA + CobbLinc)

There is no single direct MARTA rail line from Atlanta to Kennesaw, but you can combine MARTA with CobbLinc (Cobb County’s bus service).

A common pattern is:

1. Take MARTA rail from your Atlanta station to:

   • Arts Center Station (for some CobbLinc routes), or
   • Civic Center Station for certain commuter buses (depending on current routing).

2. Transfer to a CobbLinc bus heading toward:

   • Town Center area
   • Kennesaw State University (KSU)

You’ll want to check current route numbers and schedules with CobbLinc and MARTA before traveling, as routes and times can change.

What to expect with transit:

• Total travel time: Often 1.5 to 2+ hours door to door, depending on transfers and wait times.
• Best for:
  • Students or workers commuting regularly without a car
  • Those who prefer not to drive on I‑75
• Less ideal for: Tight schedules, late‑night returns, or trips with lots of luggage

Rideshare and Taxis

Services operating in the Atlanta area commonly serve the route between Atlanta and Kennesaw.

• Pros:
  • No need to park
  • Can work or relax during the ride
• Cons:
  • Costs more than driving yourself, especially during surge pricing
  • Travel time still dependent on I‑75 traffic

This can be a good option if you’re flying into ATL and don’t want to rent a car, but still need to reach Kennesaw quickly.

How Long Does It Really Take? Practical Time Ranges

When locals talk about how far Kennesaw is from Atlanta, they’re usually thinking less about miles and more about drive time.

Here are realistic time ranges for a typical weekday:

• Early morning or late evening (off‑peak):
  • Downtown/Midtown to Kennesaw: ~30–35 minutes
• Midday (roughly 10 a.m.–3 p.m.):
  • Downtown/Midtown to Kennesaw: ~30–45 minutes
• Rush hours (7–9 a.m., 4–7 p.m.):
  • Downtown/Midtown to Kennesaw: ~45–60+ minutes

On weekends, travel can be smoother, but events in Atlanta (sports, concerts, conventions) and around Cobb County can still cause backups.

👉 Local tip: If you need to be on time for a KSU class, court date, job interview, or medical appointment in Kennesaw, try to arrive at least 20–30 minutes early, especially if you must use I‑75 at peak times.

Popular Destinations in Kennesaw (From an Atlanta Perspective)

If you’re in Atlanta, here’s why you might be making the trip to Kennesaw—and roughly how far those spots are once you reach the city:

Kennesaw State University (KSU)

• Location: Around the Chastain Road area, just off I‑75 North
• Distance from Downtown Atlanta: About 25–27 miles
• Travel use case:
  • Students commuting from Atlanta or staying in town
  • Parents visiting
  • Guests attending events, games, or conferences

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

• Location: Just southeast of the main Kennesaw city area
• Distance from Downtown Atlanta: Roughly 22–25 miles
• Travel use case:
  • Day hike from Atlanta
  • Historic site visit
  • Scenic views of the metro area

Because it’s slightly closer than central Kennesaw, many Atlanta residents view Kennesaw Mountain as a convenient weekend outing.

Town Center / Shopping Areas

The Town Center area near Barrett Parkway and Chastain Road is a frequent destination for:

• Shopping trips from the city
• Dining and errands
• Meeting friends who live in the northwest suburbs

It sits just off I‑75, so it’s easy to access from Atlanta without much local street driving.

Planning Your Trip From Atlanta to Kennesaw

Here are some practical planning tips if you’re traveling between the two:

• Check traffic before you leave.
  I‑75 and the Perimeter (I‑285) can change quickly from smooth to congested.

• Account for parking time.

  • At KSU, build in time to find and walk from a parking deck if you’re unfamiliar with campus.
  • At parks and shopping areas, parking is typically easier but can fill on busy weekends or event days.

• Consider your return time.
  A 30‑minute trip to Kennesaw in the late morning can easily turn into a 50‑minute return if you drive back to Atlanta at 5 p.m.

• Keep weather in mind.
  Heavy rain can slow traffic significantly along I‑75 and the Connector, increasing travel times.

Is Kennesaw “Far” From Atlanta?

By metro Atlanta standards, Kennesaw is relatively close:

• It’s within the Atlanta metropolitan area, in Cobb County.
• Many people commute daily between Kennesaw and areas like Midtown, Buckhead, and Downtown.
• For visitors, it’s very manageable as a half‑day or full‑day trip from a hotel in central Atlanta.

In simple terms:
Kennesaw is about 25 miles from central Atlanta—close enough for a regular commute, but far enough that traffic and timing matter.