How Far Is Lithia Springs From Atlanta? A Local’s Guide to Distance, Drive Time, and Getting There

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering how far Lithia Springs is, the short answer is:

• Distance: About 17–20 miles from Downtown Atlanta
• Drive time: Typically 20–35 minutes, depending on traffic and your exact start and end points

Lithia Springs is a community in Douglas County, just west of the city, and it’s a common destination for Atlanta residents heading to Sweetwater Creek State Park, local neighborhoods, or nearby businesses along I-20.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to help you understand how far it is, how to get there, and what to expect on the way.

Where Is Lithia Springs in Relation to Atlanta?

Lithia Springs sits west of Atlanta, generally along the I-20 corridor, between Atlanta and Douglasville.

From an Atlanta perspective:

• From Downtown (Five Points / Georgia State Capitol):
  Lithia Springs is roughly 17–20 miles west.
• From Midtown (Arts Center area):
  Expect about 20–23 miles.
• From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport:
  It’s usually around 20–25 miles northwest, routing through downtown or the interchange area depending on traffic.

Think of it as just beyond the I-285 Perimeter on the west side, not far from Six Flags Over Georgia.

Typical Driving Distance and Time From Key Atlanta Areas

Driving is the most common way Atlantan residents and visitors get to Lithia Springs.

Approximate Distances & Drive Times

Use this table as a quick reference (actual times vary with traffic and exact addresses):

*Drive times assume normal, non-rush-hour conditions and can be longer during peak traffic or bad weather.

Main Driving Routes From Atlanta to Lithia Springs

1. From Downtown or Midtown Atlanta

Primary route: I-20 West

1. Get onto I-20 West from Downtown or via the I-75/85 connector.
2. Continue on I-20 West past:
   • Mercedes-Benz Stadium
   • The I-285 interchange on the west side of the city
   • Six Flags Over Georgia
3. Lithia Springs is reached via exits such as:
   • Lee Road
   • Thornton Road (GA-6)
     depending on your destination.

This is typically the fastest and most direct route.

2. From Buckhead or North Atlanta

You have a couple of common options:

• Option A: Through Downtown

  1. Take GA-400 South or I-85 South toward Downtown.
  2. Merge onto I-75/85 South.
  3. Take the exit for I-20 West.
  4. Continue west toward Lithia Springs.

• Option B: Around the Perimeter (I-285 West)

  1. From Buckhead, take I-285 West (the Perimeter).
  2. Continue to the I-20 West interchange.
  3. Head west on I-20 toward Lithia Springs.

Many drivers compare both on navigation apps to see which is faster at that moment, especially during rush hour.

3. From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

From the airport, people typically use:

• I-285 West → I-20 West, or
• I-75/85 North → I-20 West, depending on traffic.

Both usually take 25–35 minutes under typical conditions.

Traffic Patterns: When the Short Distance Feels Long

Even though Lithia Springs is less than 30 miles from most central Atlanta neighborhoods, traffic can change the experience.

Busy Times on I-20 West

You may notice heavier traffic:

• Morning rush:
  Eastbound into the city is the busiest, but westbound can back up near major interchanges and construction zones.
• Evening rush:
  Westbound traffic leaving Atlanta toward Lithia Springs and Douglasville often slows down between I-285 and Six Flags Over Georgia.
• Event traffic:
  Big events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or downtown can affect I-20 travel times in both directions.

➡️ Tip: If timing is flexible, traveling midday, late evening, or on weekends (outside event times) often makes the short distance feel more like the short trip it is.

Is Lithia Springs Considered Part of Metro Atlanta?

From a local, practical standpoint:

• Yes, Lithia Springs is part of the broader Metro Atlanta area.
• It’s located in Douglas County, just outside Fulton and Cobb, but within the commuting range of many Atlanta workers and students.
• Many residents regularly travel between Lithia Springs and Atlanta for:
  • Work
  • School
  • Shopping
  • Recreation (like Sweetwater Creek State Park or Atlanta attractions)

So even though it’s a separate community, it’s often treated as part of the Atlanta metro region.

Getting to Lithia Springs Without a Car

Public transit options are more limited than traveling within the city itself, but there are still a few approaches.

1. MARTA + Rideshare/Taxi

MARTA does not run direct rail or bus service into Lithia Springs, but you can get close and then use a rideshare:

1. Take MARTA rail to a West Line station (for example, HE Holmes Station).
2. From there, use:
   • Rideshare, or
   • Taxi
     to cover the remaining miles along I-20 West to Lithia Springs.

This can be useful if you’re staying in the city without a car but still want to visit Lithia Springs or nearby attractions.

2. Regional or Private Shuttles

Some private shuttle services, rideshares, and occasional employer-based commuter shuttles operate along the I-20 West corridor between Atlanta, Austell, Lithia Springs, and Douglasville. Availability can change, so checking current options before you travel is important.

How Long Does It Take to Reach Popular Lithia Springs Destinations?

When people in Atlanta ask how far Lithia Springs is, they’re often thinking of specific spots like parks or major roads.

Here are approximate drive times from Downtown Atlanta under typical, non-peak conditions:

• Sweetwater Creek State Park (Lithia Springs)
  Around 25–30 minutes via I-20 West, depending on traffic.
  Address: 1750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs, GA 30122

• Thornton Road (GA-6) Commercial Area
  Often 20–25 minutes from Downtown along I-20 West, exiting at Thornton Road.

• Residential neighborhoods off Lee Road
  Roughly 20–30 minutes from central Atlanta, depending on the exact subdivision and time of day.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

To make the trip between Atlanta and Lithia Springs smoother:

• Check traffic before you go:
  I-20 can move quickly or slow to a crawl depending on the time; a quick check saves surprises.
• Allow extra time during rush hour:
  Add 10–20 minutes if traveling:
  • Weekday mornings (toward Atlanta)
  • Weekday late afternoons and evenings (toward Lithia Springs)
• Watch for construction:
  Road work along I-20 or near the I-285 interchange can affect your route.
• Plan gas and food stops:
  There are numerous gas stations and restaurants along Thornton Road (GA-6) and near the Six Flags exit if you need a quick stop.

In everyday terms, Lithia Springs is a short, westbound hop from Atlanta, usually under 30 minutes by car from central city neighborhoods. The actual experience depends mostly on when you travel and exactly where you’re starting and ending, but for most Atlantans, it feels like a routine, close-in suburb trip rather than a long drive.