How Far Is LaGrange From Atlanta? Your Practical Guide to the Trip

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering how far LaGrange is—whether for a day trip, college visit, business meeting, or family visit—the answer is: LaGrange is about 70–70+ miles southwest of Atlanta, depending on where you start and which route you take.

Below is a clear breakdown of distance, travel time, best routes, and transportation options so you can choose the easiest way to get from Atlanta to LaGrange, GA.

Quick Distance & Travel Time Overview

From downtown Atlanta (around Five Points or Georgia State) to downtown LaGrange:

*Travel times can increase during rush hour, bad weather, or road work.

For most people in Atlanta, the most direct and practical option is driving I‑85 South.

Driving From Atlanta to LaGrange

Main Route: I‑85 South

From central Atlanta:

1. Get onto I‑85 South (often via the Downtown Connector, I‑75/85).
2. Continue on I‑85 South for roughly 60–65 miles.
3. Take one of the LaGrange exits (e.g., Exit 18 or nearby exits, depending on your destination in the city).
4. Follow local roads into downtown LaGrange or your specific address.

Typical driving distance:

• From Downtown Atlanta: about 70 miles
• From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: roughly 60–65 miles

Typical driving time (no major delays):

• From Downtown Atlanta: about 1 hour 10 minutes
• From Atlanta Airport: about 1 hour

When Traffic Matters Most

Because I‑85 is a major commuter and freight route, the biggest slowdown for an Atlanta driver is usually leaving the metro area, not the rural stretch south of Newnan.

Expect heavier traffic:

• Weekday mornings: going southbound can be busy, but usually less intense than northbound into Atlanta.
• Weekday late afternoons / early evenings: returning northbound toward Atlanta can be slower.
• Around major holidays, Bulldogs/Falcons/college football game days, or severe weather days, give yourself extra time.

If you’re on a schedule—like a college tour at LaGrange College or a court time in Troup County—plan an extra 20–30 minutes beyond GPS estimates, especially if you’re leaving from intown Atlanta.

How Far Is LaGrange From Different Parts of Metro Atlanta?

While “Atlanta to LaGrange” is usually measured from downtown, many residents are coming from specific neighborhoods or suburbs.

Here are approximate distances and times:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:

  • Distance: ~70 miles
  • Time: ~1 hr 10–20 min via I‑85 South

• Buckhead:

  • Distance: ~72–75 miles
  • Time: ~1 hr 15–25 min, depending on how fast you reach I‑85 South

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

  • Distance: ~60–65 miles
  • Time: ~1 hr via I‑85 South
    This is one of the quickest launch points in the metro.

• East Atlanta / Decatur area:

  • Distance: ~70–75 miles
  • Time: ~1 hr 15–30 min, depending on surface traffic to I‑85

• South Atlanta / College Park / East Point:

  • Distance: ~60–70 miles
  • Time: ~1 hr–1 hr 15 min

These are drive-only estimates and assume normal traffic.

Is There Public Transportation From Atlanta to LaGrange?

There is no direct MARTA train or MARTA bus that takes you from Atlanta to LaGrange. LaGrange is outside the MARTA service area.

Options generally fall into three categories:

1. Intercity / Regional Bus Options

LaGrange may be reachable via certain regional or contract bus services, often running along I‑85 or connecting to other nearby cities like Columbus or Newnan. These routes and providers can change, so it’s common for travelers to:

• Check intercity bus companies serving the Atlanta area (often departing near downtown or the airport).
• Look for routes that stop in or near LaGrange, or in nearby cities where a local ride can be arranged.

If you rely on bus travel, allow extra time for:

• Transfers between routes
• Layovers at regional hubs
• Schedule gaps, especially on weekends or holidays

2. Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) or Taxi

You can request Uber or Lyft from Atlanta to LaGrange:

• Distance: ~70 miles
• Time: ~1 hr 10–30 min
• Cost: Can be significantly more than a local ride due to mileage and time.

Tips:

• Be sure your driver is comfortable with an out-of-metro trip.
• Confirm that you have a plan for your return, since rideshares in LaGrange may be less frequent than in Atlanta.
• For late-night returns to Atlanta, plan ahead. Service may be more limited and prices may surge.

3. Park-and-Ride Then Carpool

Some Atlanta residents:

• Drive to a park-and-ride lot or a friend’s home in a southern suburb (like Newnan), then carpool the rest of the way down I‑85.
• Coordinate with coworkers or classmates if they regularly commute between Atlanta and LaGrange.

This can reduce driving stress if you’re not comfortable driving the full distance alone.

Can You Take a Train From Atlanta to LaGrange?

As of now, there is no direct passenger train service between Atlanta and LaGrange.

• MARTA’s rail system does not extend beyond the metro area.
• Long-distance rail options serving Atlanta (like Amtrak at Peachtree Station in Midtown) generally do not stop in LaGrange.

For most riders, rail is not a viable way to travel specifically from Atlanta to LaGrange.

Flying From Atlanta to LaGrange

LaGrange has LaGrange-Callaway Airport, which is a general aviation airport. This is typically used for:

• Private planes
• Corporate aviation
• Charter flights

From the standpoint of a typical Atlanta traveler:

• There are no regular commercial airline flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to LaGrange.
• By the time you consider arranging a private flight, driving is usually much faster and more practical.

So for most people, Atlanta to LaGrange is a driving trip, not a flight.

How Long Should You Plan for a Day Trip?

If you’re in Atlanta and considering LaGrange for a day trip—for example, to:

• Visit LaGrange College
• Explore downtown LaGrange
• Meet friends or family in Troup County
• Check out recreational areas near West Point Lake

A simple planning rule:

• Total driving time (round trip): ~2.5–3 hours
• Comfortable day-trip window: Plan to spend at least 5–8 hours total for travel plus time in LaGrange.

🚗 Tip:
If you need to be in LaGrange by a specific time (court date, appointment, campus tour), plan to leave Atlanta 30–45 minutes earlier than your GPS recommends, especially if traveling:

• Weekday mornings (7–9:30 a.m.)
• Late afternoon (3:30–6:30 p.m.)
• During heavy rain or severe weather alerts

Atlanta Landmarks to LaGrange: Approximate Distance

Here’s a quick look at how far LaGrange is from some well-known Atlanta-area landmarks:

• Georgia State Capitol (Downtown Atlanta):

  • ~70 miles via I‑85 S
  • ~1 hr 10–20 min

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium / State Farm Arena:

  • ~70 miles
  • Similar travel time as from the city center

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Domestic Terminal):

  • ~60–65 miles
  • Often just under 1 hr in normal traffic

• Peachtree Center / Midtown Atlanta:

  • ~72 miles
  • ~1 hr 15–25 min depending on city traffic to the interstate

These are driving estimates and will vary with construction, accidents, or special events in the city.

Practical Planning Tips for Atlanta Residents & Visitors

1. Choose your departure point wisely.
If you’re staying near the airport or on the south side of Atlanta, you’ll cut your drive time. If you’re in Buckhead or North Atlanta, budget extra time to get through or around downtown.

2. Check I‑85 traffic before you leave.
Using a navigation app to check real-time conditions on I‑85 can help you decide whether to leave earlier or take minor detours.

3. Consider parking and arrival time in LaGrange.
Downtown LaGrange and key offices usually have straightforward parking, but if you have a timed appointment, still give yourself an extra cushion.

4. Plan your return trip to Atlanta.
Traveling back late afternoon or early evening may mean more congestion approaching metro Atlanta. If you can, leaving LaGrange a bit earlier—or later in the evening—can smooth out the drive.

In everyday terms for someone in Atlanta, LaGrange is about an hour to an hour and a half away by car, roughly 70 miles southwest along I‑85. For most purposes—business, school, family visits, or a quick getaway—it’s close enough to manage comfortably in a single day, as long as you allow for Atlanta’s traffic patterns.