How Far Is Mableton From Atlanta? A Local’s Guide to Distance, Drive Time, and Getting Around

If you spend time on Atlanta’s west side or in Cobb County, you’ll hear Mableton mentioned a lot. Whether you’re commuting for work, visiting friends, or checking out a show at Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, it helps to know exactly how far Mableton is from Atlanta—and what travel really looks like.

The Short Answer: Distance From Atlanta to Mableton

Mableton is roughly 12–16 miles from Downtown Atlanta, depending on your exact starting and ending points.

• From Downtown Atlanta (Five Points area) to central Mableton: about 13–15 miles
• From Midtown Atlanta to central Mableton: about 15–17 miles
• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Mableton: about 20–23 miles

On a map, Mableton sits west-northwest of Downtown, in Cobb County, just outside the I‑285 Perimeter.

Typical Drive Times: Atlanta to Mableton

Because this is metro Atlanta, traffic matters more than mileage. Drive time can vary a lot based on time of day and route.

Average driving time

• Off-peak hours (late morning, midday, late evening):
  Around 20–30 minutes
• Moderate traffic (weekday mid-afternoon, lighter rush):
  Around 30–40 minutes
• Heavy rush hour (weekday 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.):
  Often 35–55 minutes, sometimes longer if there are accidents or construction

Quick reference: Distance & Time

*Times are general ranges and can be longer during peak rush hour or bad weather.

Main Driving Routes Between Atlanta and Mableton

How far Mableton feels from Atlanta often comes down to which route you take.

1. Via I‑20 West

This is one of the most direct routes if you’re coming from Downtown or South Atlanta.

• Head west on I‑20 from the Connector (I‑75/85).
• Exit toward Fulton Industrial Boulevard or Six Flags Parkway.
• Use Mableton Parkway, Veterans Memorial Highway, or local roads to enter Mableton.

Pros:

• Often a straightforward, highway-heavy route
• Good if you’re already near I‑20 or on the south side of the city

Consider:

• Can back up near the Downtown Connector and around major interchanges
• Traffic around the Six Flags area can be heavier on weekends and holidays

2. Via I‑285 (Perimeter)

If you’re coming from Midtown, Buckhead, or the north side, you may prefer the Perimeter.

• Take I‑75/85 or surface streets to connect with I‑285 West/South.
• Exit at South Cobb Drive, Atlanta Road, or Hollowell Parkway depending on your destination in Mableton.
• Continue on South Cobb Drive, Veterans Memorial Highway (US‑278), or Mableton Parkway.

Pros:

• Familiar route for many Atlanta commuters
• Flexibility with multiple exits to reach different parts of Mableton

Consider:

• I‑285 is known for heavy rush hour congestion
• Travel times can swing significantly based on accidents and lane closures

3. Surface Street Options

If highways are backed up, some drivers prefer local roads:

• From West Midtown or Downtown, you can use Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway (US‑78/278) heading west.
• From there, continue toward Veterans Memorial Highway and into Mableton.

Pros:

• More predictable if you know local streets
• Can avoid long backups on the Connector or Perimeter

Consider:

• More traffic lights and varying speed limits
• Travel time can still be affected by local congestion and school zones

Understanding Mableton’s Location in Metro Atlanta

For planning trips, it helps to know how Mableton fits into the Atlanta metro layout:

• Mableton is in Cobb County, generally south of Smyrna and east of Austell.
• It’s considered part of metro Atlanta’s west side, but outside the City of Atlanta limits.
• Many people live in Mableton and commute into Atlanta for work, school, or events.

This means that in everyday life, Mableton can feel close (20–25 minutes in light traffic) or feel far (40+ minutes in rush hour), even though the actual miles aren’t huge.

Public Transportation Options: Atlanta to Mableton

Mableton does not have a direct rail station, so getting there by transit from Atlanta takes some planning. You’ll mainly be combining MARTA and CobbLinc bus service.

MARTA + CobbLinc

Here’s a common approach:

1. 🟠 Start on MARTA Rail

   • From Downtown or Midtown, take MARTA to a western or northern station such as:
     • Hamilton E. Holmes Station (West Line)
     • Or another station where you can connect to the right bus route

2. 🟢 Transfer to CobbLinc Bus

   • CobbLinc (Cobb County’s bus system) operates routes that travel along Veterans Memorial Highway and other corridors near Mableton.
   • Depending on your final destination, you may need:
     • A CobbLinc route that serves US‑278/Veterans Memorial Highway
     • A short rideshare or local trip from the bus stop into your specific neighborhood

3. 🔵 Final Leg (Walk/Rideshare)

   • Many areas in Mableton are suburban and spread out, so sidewalks can be limited in some pockets.
   • A short rideshare or taxi from the nearest bus stop is common if you’re not right off a main road.

What to Expect With Transit Time

• From Downtown Atlanta to Mableton via MARTA + CobbLinc:
  Often 60–90 minutes, depending on schedules and transfer times.
• Transit is more practical if:
  • You work near a CobbLinc-served corridor in Mableton
  • You’re comfortable with transfers and longer travel windows

Getting From the Airport (ATL) to Mableton

If you’re flying into Atlanta and heading directly to Mableton:

By Car or Rideshare

• Distance: about 20–23 miles
• Typical drive time:
  • Off-peak: 30–40 minutes
  • Rush hour: 40–60 minutes or more

Common route:

1. Leave Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
2. Take I‑85 North to connect with the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85).
3. Continue to I‑20 West or I‑285 West, depending on traffic and your destination in Mableton.
4. Use exits toward Fulton Industrial Boulevard, Six Flags Parkway, or South Cobb Drive/Veterans Memorial Highway.

By Transit

• Take MARTA from the Airport Station into the city.
• Transfer to westbound MARTA rail and then to CobbLinc, as described above.
• This approach usually takes well over an hour and involves multiple steps, so it’s most practical if you’re minimizing costs and have flexible timing.

How “Far” Mableton Feels Day-to-Day

The real question for many Atlanta residents and visitors isn’t just “how many miles,” but what daily travel feels like.

For Commuters

If you live in Mableton and work in Atlanta (or vice versa), expect:

• Rush-hour drives that can easily be 35–55 minutes, especially if:
  • You use I‑285 regularly
  • Your job is in Midtown, Buckhead, or the Perimeter areas
• More predictable commutes if:
  • Your job is in West Midtown, Downtown, or along I‑20 West
  • You can shift hours slightly earlier or later than the peak rush

For Visitors Staying in Atlanta

If you’re staying in a hotel in Downtown or Midtown and visiting Mableton:

• A weekday afternoon trip might feel like a short cross-town drive, similar to going from Midtown to parts of Sandy Springs or Stone Mountain.
• If you’re attending events like concerts at Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, it’s wise to:
  • Leave at least 45–60 minutes before showtime, especially on weekdays.
  • Factor in time for parking and walking to the venue.

Practical Tips for Traveling Between Atlanta and Mableton

To make the most of your trip:

• Check traffic before you leave.
  Atlanta traffic patterns can change quickly, especially around the Connector, I‑20, and I‑285.
• Give yourself a buffer.
  Add 10–20 extra minutes if you have appointments, reservations, or event start times.
• Know your cross streets.
  Mableton addresses often reference:
  • Mableton Parkway (SR 139)
  • Veterans Memorial Highway (US‑278/US‑78)
  • Floyd Road, Riverview Road, or Nickajack Road
• Use landmarks.
  Common reference points include:
  • Mable House Arts Center / Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre
  • The Chattahoochee River crossings between Atlanta and Cobb County
• Consider time of day.
  Midday and late evening trips usually feel much “closer” than early morning or late afternoon weekday drives.

Key Takeaway

In pure distance, Mableton is only about 12–16 miles from central Atlanta, but drive time is heavily shaped by traffic and route choice. For most people living in or visiting Atlanta, Mableton is a practical, everyday destination—close enough for commuting, events, and errands, but far enough that planning around rush hour makes a noticeable difference.