How Far Is Marietta from Atlanta? A Local’s Guide to Distance, Drive Times, and Getting Around

If you live in Atlanta or you’re planning a visit, Marietta is one of the closest and most popular nearby cities to explore. It’s known for its historic square, family-friendly neighborhoods, and easy access to metro Atlanta jobs and attractions.

Here’s exactly how far Marietta is from Atlanta, how long it usually takes to get there, and the best ways to travel between the two.

The Short Answer: Distance from Atlanta to Marietta

In practical, everyday terms:

• Distance: About 15–20 miles from Downtown Atlanta to most parts of Marietta
• Typical drive time (no heavy traffic):20–30 minutes
• Typical drive time (rush hour): Often 35–60+ minutes, depending on where you start and which route you take

Because both cities are large and spread out, the exact distance depends on your starting and ending points.

Common Atlanta–Marietta Distance Examples

All of these assume normal traffic, not peak rush hour or major incidents.

Main Routes Between Atlanta and Marietta

The primary route connecting Atlanta and Marietta is Interstate 75 (I‑75), often combined with I‑285 depending on where you start.

1. I‑75 North (Most Direct from Downtown/Midtown)

If you’re leaving from Downtown or Midtown Atlanta:

1. Get on I‑75 North.
2. Continue past I‑285.
3. Follow signs for Marietta; most exits serving Marietta include:
   • Exit 263 – South Marietta Pkwy
   • Exit 265 – N Marietta Pkwy
   • Exit 267 – Canton Rd Connector

This is the most common and straightforward way to reach Marietta from central Atlanta.

2. I‑285 to I‑75 (If You’re Coming from Other Parts of Metro Atlanta)

If you’re not starting in the core of the city—for example, from Decatur, East Atlanta, or the south side—you might:

1. Take I‑285 (the Perimeter) toward the northwest side.
2. Merge onto I‑75 North.
3. Continue into the Marietta area.

This route can help you avoid driving directly through Downtown if traffic there is heavy.

Typical Drive Times and When Traffic Is Worst

Because Atlanta is known for congestion, time of day matters more than raw distance.

General Drive Time Ranges

• Midday, late evening, weekends (lighter traffic):
  • Downtown Atlanta → Marietta: 20–30 minutes
• Weekday rush hour (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.):
  • Downtown Atlanta → Marietta: 35–60+ minutes
• During major events or bad weather:
  • Travel times can increase significantly, especially along I‑75 and I‑285

Common Traffic Hotspots on the Way to Marietta

If you’re driving from Atlanta, expect slowdowns near:

• The Downtown Connector (I‑75/I‑85) interchange
• The I‑75 / I‑285 interchange in Cobb County (near the Galleria & Truist Park)
• Exits approaching South Marietta Parkway and North Marietta Parkway

📝 Tip: If you have a flexible schedule, avoid departures between 4–6 p.m. on weekdays when heading from Atlanta to Marietta.

Is Marietta Considered Part of Atlanta?

Marietta is:

• A separate city with its own local government
• The county seat of Cobb County
• Part of the Atlanta metropolitan area

So while Marietta isn’t “Atlanta” in a city-limit sense, people in the region commonly talk about it as part of metro Atlanta. If you’re staying in Atlanta, a day trip to Marietta is very manageable.

Driving from Popular Atlanta Areas to Marietta

From Downtown Atlanta

• Route: I‑75 North
• Distance: ~20 miles to Marietta Square
• Key exits: South Marietta Pkwy (Exit 263), N Marietta Pkwy (Exit 265)
• Typical off-peak time: 25–30 minutes

From Midtown Atlanta

• Route: Merge onto I‑75/85 from major surface streets, stay on I‑75 North
• Distance: ~18 miles
• Typical off-peak time: Around 22–28 minutes

From Buckhead

• Route: Use local roads to access I‑75 North (often via Northside Pkwy or I‑285)
• Distance: ~15–17 miles
• Typical off-peak time: About 20–25 minutes

From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

• Route: I‑85 North → I‑75/85 North through Downtown → I‑75 North to Marietta
• Distance: ~30–32 miles
• Typical off-peak time: 35–45 minutes

📝 Tip: If you’re new to the area, give yourself extra time leaving the airport, especially if your arrival is around early morning or late afternoon rush hour.

Transit Options: Can You Get from Atlanta to Marietta Without a Car?

Yes—Marietta is outside the MARTA heavy rail system, but it’s connected to Atlanta by regional buses.

CobbLinc Buses (Cobb County Transit)

CobbLinc operates bus routes that connect Downtown Atlanta to Marietta and other parts of Cobb County.

• Typical pattern:
  • Buses often start or stop near Downtown Atlanta transit hubs
  • They travel along I‑75 or surface roads into Cobb County
  • Many routes connect to the Marietta Transfer Center near the Marietta Square area

Marietta Transfer Center
(near downtown Marietta)
150 North Marietta Pkwy NE
Marietta, GA 30060

From central Atlanta, the bus ride generally takes 35–60 minutes, depending on the route and time of day.

🚌 Good for you if:

• You don’t want to drive or rent a car
• You’re commuting between Atlanta and Marietta on a budget
• You’re comfortable with some walking or transfers

MARTA + CobbLinc Combination

Since MARTA trains do not extend into Marietta, most people:

1. Take MARTA rail or bus to a suitable connecting point (often in or near Downtown).
2. Transfer to a CobbLinc bus heading to Marietta.

If you’re staying near a MARTA station in Atlanta (like Five Points, Peachtree Center, Midtown, or Arts Center), this can be a convenient way to position yourself close to bus routes that go to Marietta.

Rideshare, Taxi, and Shuttle Options

If you prefer door-to-door service:

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

• Cost: Generally more expensive than transit, but cheaper than many private shuttles for small groups
• Time: Similar to personal driving—25–45 minutes in light traffic, longer during rush hour
• Best for: Visitors without cars, travelers going to Marietta hotels, business trips, or late-night arrivals

Taxi Services

Traditional taxi service is available from:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Some downtown and midtown hotels

Taxi rides to Marietta are usually metered and can be more expensive than rideshare, depending on time and distance.

Hotel & Event Shuttles

Some hotels, conference centers, or event venues in Cobb County may offer shuttle services between:

• Marietta / Cobb County and
• Downtown Atlanta or the airport

If you’re attending a conference, wedding, or large event, it’s worth checking whether group transportation is provided.

How Walkable or Bikeable Is the Trip?

The route between Atlanta and Marietta follows:

• Busy interstates (I‑75)
• Major arterial roads

This makes it impractical and unsafe to walk or bike the full distance for most people. While both cities have walkable pockets and local trails, the point-to-point trip is mainly handled by:

• Car
• Bus
• Rideshare/taxi

If you’re interested in biking within each city, both have growing networks of trails and bike-friendly paths, but they’re not yet designed for regular bike commuting between Downtown Atlanta and Marietta.

How Far Is Marietta from Key Atlanta Landmarks?

If you’re trying to plan your day, here’s how Marietta lines up with some well-known Atlanta spots:

• Georgia Aquarium / World of Coca‑Cola (Downtown):
  ~20 miles, around 25–35 minutes in normal traffic
• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium:
  ~20–22 miles, around 25–35 minutes
• Truist Park (Atlanta Braves, in Cobb County):
  ~7–8 miles from Marietta Square, often 10–20 minutes depending on traffic
• Georgia Tech (Midtown Atlanta):
  ~17–18 miles, often 22–30 minutes

This makes Marietta a practical base if you want to enjoy Cobb County attractions and still make regular trips into the city.

When Does the Atlanta–Marietta Distance Matter Most?

Even though the mileage is relatively short, the combination of:

• Rush-hour congestion
• Frequent construction
• Event-related traffic (sports, concerts, festivals)

means it’s smart to factor in extra travel time if:

• You’re commuting daily between home in Marietta and work in Atlanta (or vice versa)
• You have time-sensitive appointments, such as:
  • Flights at Hartsfield–Jackson Airport
  • Court dates or government appointments in Downtown
  • Ticketed events with fixed start times
• You’re visiting and trying to pack multiple Atlanta and Marietta stops into one day

🕒 Simple planning guideline:
For most trips, aim to leave 15–30 minutes earlier than the minimum estimate you see on your navigation app, especially during peak periods.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

• Marietta is close: Usually 15–20 miles from central Atlanta, and roughly 30 miles from the airport.
• Drive time varies widely:
  • 20–30 minutes in light traffic
  • 35–60+ minutes in rush hour or bad conditions
• Best route:
  • I‑75 North from Downtown or Midtown Atlanta
  • I‑285 + I‑75 from other parts of metro Atlanta
• Without a car:
  • Use a combination of MARTA + CobbLinc bus, or
  • Take rideshare/taxi for a direct trip.

For anyone in or visiting Atlanta, Marietta is close enough to feel like an easy outing—but far enough that time of day and route choice make a big difference in how your trip goes.