How Far Is McDonough From Atlanta? Your Practical Distance & Drive-Time Guide

If you live in the Atlanta area or you’re visiting and looking at the southside suburbs, you’ll probably come across McDonough, Georgia. It’s a popular spot for commuters, day trips, youth sports tournaments, and shopping around Henry County.

Here’s exactly how far McDonough is from Atlanta, how long it usually takes to get there, and what to expect when you’re making the trip.

The Short Answer: Distance From Atlanta to McDonough

McDonough is roughly 30–35 miles south of Downtown Atlanta, depending on your exact starting point.

• From Downtown Atlanta (Five Points / Georgia State Capitol):
  → About 30–32 miles to the McDonough city center
• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):
  → About 25–28 miles to McDonough

On a map, you’ll see McDonough just off I‑75 South, in Henry County, below cities like Morrow, Stockbridge, and Ellenwood.

Typical Driving Time From Atlanta to McDonough

The actual drive time can vary a lot with metro Atlanta traffic, but for most people:

• From Downtown Atlanta to McDonough:
  → 30–45 minutes in light to moderate traffic
  → 45–60+ minutes during rush hour

• From Midtown/Buckhead to McDonough:
  → Add about 10–20 extra minutes, especially if you have to cut through the Connector (I‑75/85).

• From Hartsfield–Jackson Airport to McDonough:
  → Usually 25–40 minutes, depending on time of day.

When traffic is usually heavier 😅

Expect slower travel:

• Weekday mornings (around 6:30–9:00 a.m., especially northbound toward Atlanta)
• Weekday afternoons/evenings (around 3:30–7:00 p.m., especially southbound toward Henry County)
• Holiday weekends and major travel days on I‑75 South (toward Florida)

Because I‑75 is a major route, delays are common near Downtown, the I‑285 interchange, and the Stockbridge area.

Main Route From Atlanta to McDonough

For most people, the route is very straightforward.

Primary route: I‑75 South

From Downtown Atlanta:

1. Get on I‑75/85 South (Downtown Connector).
2. Continue on I‑75 South when it splits from I‑85 near Hartsfield–Jackson Airport.
3. Stay on I‑75 South until you reach McDonough exits in Henry County (such as Exit 216 – GA‑155 or nearby exits).
4. Follow local roads into Downtown McDonough or your specific destination.

From Midtown or Buckhead, you’ll typically:

1. Head south on I‑75/85 through Downtown.
2. Continue the same way onto I‑75 South toward McDonough.

Quick Distance & Time Snapshot

Here’s a simple overview to help you plan:

*Times assume typical traffic patterns; severe congestion, crashes, or construction can increase travel time.

Is There Public Transportation From Atlanta to McDonough?

There is no direct MARTA rail line to McDonough, and standard MARTA bus service does not extend into Henry County the way it does into some other metro counties.

However, there are a few options depending on your needs:

1. Driving + Park-and-Ride (Common for Commuters)

Many Atlanta-area workers who live in Henry County rely on driving:

• Some use carpooling or vanpooling from park-and-ride areas.
• Others drive to MARTA rail stations closer to the city and ride the train from there.

If you’re staying in Atlanta and visiting McDonough for the day, renting a car, using a rideshare service, or driving your own vehicle is the most straightforward option.

2. Commuter & Local Services in Henry County

Henry County offers certain local and commuter transportation services, but these are geared mainly toward residents and may not directly connect with central Atlanta in a simple, tourist-friendly way. Schedules and routes can change, so it’s best to:

• Contact Henry County government or Henry County Transit for current options and any connections toward Atlanta.
• Check whether vanpool or regional commuter options exist for your schedule.

Because this infrastructure is more limited than MARTA, most people treat McDonough as a drive-first destination from Atlanta.

Getting From the Airport (ATL) to McDonough

If you’re flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and heading straight to McDonough:

• Distance: About 25–28 miles southeast of the airport
• Typical drive time: Around 25–40 minutes, depending on traffic on I‑75 South

Common options from ATL

• Rideshare or Taxi:

  • Pickups from the designated rideshare or taxi areas at ATL
  • Convenient if you don’t want to rent a car

• Rental Car:

  • All major rental car companies operate out of the ATL Rental Car Center, accessible by the ATL SkyTrain
  • Useful if you’ll be going back and forth between Atlanta, McDonough, and other metro areas

There is no direct MARTA or rail route from ATL to McDonough. If your plans include both Atlanta city activities and time in McDonough, a car usually gives the most flexibility.

Why People Travel Between Atlanta and McDonough

Understanding why residents and visitors make this trip can help you decide how often you might be driving the route.

Common reasons include:

• Commuting:
  Many people who work in Downtown, Midtown, or the airport area live in Henry County and drive I‑75 daily.

• Youth sports and events:
  McDonough and nearby cities host tournaments, ballfields, and regional events, so Atlanta families often drive down for games.

• Shopping & dining stops:
  Atlanta residents may head south for big-box shopping, chain restaurants, and errands in the McDonough commercial corridors off I‑75.

• Visiting family and friends:
  McDonough is one of the major communities in the south metro Atlanta region, so it’s a common destination for family visits.

Knowing that this is a well-traveled corridor explains why I‑75 is busy and why planning your timing can make the drive smoother.

Tips for Planning Your Trip From Atlanta to McDonough

Here are some practical planning tips if you’re heading from Atlanta to McDonough:

• Check traffic first:
  Use a real-time traffic app before getting on I‑75 South, especially during peak hours or bad weather.

• Avoid peak commute windows when possible:
  If your schedule is flexible, leaving mid-morning or early afternoon often means a quicker, easier drive.

• Plan gas and food stops near major exits:
  The corridor from Atlanta to McDonough has many exits with fuel, restrooms, and food, especially around Morrow, Stockbridge, and McDonough itself.

• Build in extra time for appointments or events:
  If you need to be in McDonough by a set time (court, doctors’ appointments, sports tournaments), it’s wise to add at least 15–30 minutes of buffer for traffic delays.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Distance: McDonough is about 30–35 miles south of central Atlanta along I‑75 South.
• Drive time: Expect around 30–45 minutes in light traffic, and 45–60+ minutes during busy periods.
• Best way to get there:Driving is the primary option; there is no direct MARTA rail or standard bus line from Atlanta to McDonough.
• From ATL Airport: Plan for roughly 25–40 minutes by car.

If you’re in Atlanta and wondering whether McDonough is “far,” it’s essentially a south metro suburb—close enough for daily commuting or a quick day trip, but far enough that traffic and timing matter when you’re planning your visit.