How Far Is Montgomery From Atlanta? A Practical Guide for Atlanta Travelers

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Montgomery, Alabama, you’re looking at a relatively short interstate hop between two Southern capital cities. Here’s exactly how far Montgomery is from Atlanta, how long it takes, and the best ways to get there from an Atlanta point of view.

Distance Between Atlanta and Montgomery

The distance depends slightly on your starting point in Atlanta and your route, but most travelers use the same basic path.

• Driving distance (city center to city center): about 160–170 miles
• Typical route:I-85 South from Atlanta toward Montgomery
• Primary endpoints:
  • From: Downtown Atlanta (near the Georgia State Capitol / Five Points area)
  • To: Downtown Montgomery (near the Alabama State Capitol)

In practical terms, Montgomery is roughly 2.5 to 3 hours by car from most in-town Atlanta neighborhoods, assuming normal interstate traffic.

How Long Does It Take To Get From Atlanta to Montgomery?

Typical Driving Time

For most Atlanta drivers:

• Average drive time:2.5–3 hours
• Common factors that affect time:
  • Traffic leaving Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead
  • Congestion near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  • Construction zones on I-85 South in Georgia or Alabama
  • Heavy weather (storms, fog) along the route

If you’re leaving from a busy part of Atlanta (like Midtown at rush hour), it may take 20–40 extra minutes just to clear metro traffic and fully get moving on the interstate.

Main Driving Route From Atlanta to Montgomery

Most people traveling from Atlanta to Montgomery take a straightforward interstate route:

Common Route (Fastest for Most Drivers)

1. Get onto I-85 South from your part of Atlanta:

   • From Downtown: Merge onto I-75/I-85 connector, then continue onto I-85 South.
   • From Midtown: Take local streets or the connector to reach I-85 South.
   • From Hartsfield-Jackson Airport: I-85 South is directly accessible via airport exits.

2. Follow I-85 South through Newnan, LaGrange, and into Alabama.

3. Continue on I-85 South until you reach Montgomery exits:

   • Downtown Montgomery is served by several exits off I-85.

This route is almost entirely interstate, making it simpler and typically faster than back roads.

Approximate Distance and Time from Popular Atlanta Areas

Use this as a rough guide from different parts of metro Atlanta.

*Times assume typical interstate conditions without major delays.

Driving Tips for Atlanta Travelers Heading to Montgomery

Atlanta drivers are used to traffic, but the trip to Montgomery is generally calmer than commuting on the Downtown Connector.

Helpful tips:

• Avoid peak rush hours when leaving Atlanta:
  • Morning: 7:00–9:00 a.m.
  • Evening: 4:00–7:00 p.m.
• Plan your gas stop before you hit long rural stretches:
  • Many drivers stop around Newnan or LaGrange.
• Watch speed limits:
  • Speeds can feel fast on open interstate stretches, but enforcement is common in both Georgia and Alabama.
• Check weather:
  • Heavy rain can move quickly across this corridor, especially in spring and summer.

🚗 Good to know: For most Atlanta residents, the trip is manageable as a day trip if you leave early and plan a return before late night.

Is There a Bus From Atlanta to Montgomery?

Yes. Travelers who don’t want to drive often use intercity buses between Atlanta and Montgomery.

What to Expect With Bus Travel

• Distance traveled: About the same as by car (160–180 miles, depending on route).
• Travel time: Usually 3–4 hours, depending on schedule and stops.
• Departure points in Atlanta: Typically near Downtown or the airport area, depending on the bus company and schedule.

If you’re already near Five Points, Downtown hotels, or Hartsfield-Jackson, bus travel can be a convenient option, especially if you don’t want to rent a car.

What About Trains or Direct Flights?

Train Service

There is no regular, direct passenger train service running conveniently from Atlanta to Montgomery for everyday travelers. People who prefer trains may route longer trips through other cities, but for a straightforward Atlanta–Montgomery trip, train options are limited and not practical for most consumers.

Flights

There are no frequent, direct commercial flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) that meaningfully save time versus driving, once you factor in:

• Security screening
• Boarding and deplaning
• Travel to and from each airport

For most individuals in or visiting Atlanta, driving or taking a bus is the most practical and time-efficient way to reach Montgomery.

How Far Is Montgomery From Hartsfield-Jackson Airport?

If you are flying into Atlanta and going directly to Montgomery, it’s useful to know the distance from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), located just south of Downtown Atlanta:

• Distance from ATL to Montgomery: about 150–160 miles
• Typical driving time:2.25–2.75 hours, depending on traffic near the airport and on I-85 South.

From the airport:

1. Follow airport signs for I-85 South / I-285.
2. Merge onto I-85 South.
3. Stay on I-85 South all the way into Montgomery.

This is often the simplest option for visitors who land in Atlanta but actually need to be in Montgomery the same day.

Is the Trip Doable as a Day Trip From Atlanta?

Yes. Many people in metro Atlanta treat Montgomery as a reasonable day trip, especially for:

• Government or legal appointments
• College visits
• Family visits
• History and civil rights tourism

Sample day-trip timing from Atlanta:

• Leave Atlanta: 7:00–8:00 a.m.
• Arrive in Montgomery: Around 9:30–11:00 a.m.
• Spend the day, then:
• Leave Montgomery: 4:00–6:00 p.m.
• Arrive back in Atlanta: 6:30–9:00 p.m.

The key is to avoid Atlanta rush hours on both legs when possible.

Atlanta-Based Resources to Help Plan Your Trip

While you’re in Atlanta planning a drive to Montgomery, these local points of reference can help with logistics.

Georgia Visitor Information (Near Atlanta)

For printed maps, route ideas, and road condition guidance, visitors sometimes use:

• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
  • Headquarters: 600 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
  • General information line: (404) 631-1990

They can provide general highway information and point you toward current travel advisories affecting I-85 South.

Airport Information (If You’re Flying into Atlanta First)

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Location: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • General information: (800) 897-1910

If you’re renting a car here to drive to Montgomery, follow airport signage for Rental Cars and then for I-85 South exits.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Montgomery is about 160–170 miles from Atlanta, mostly along I-85 South.
• Expect 2.5–3 hours of driving from most in-town Atlanta neighborhoods.
• Bus options exist, but there is no standard direct train route and limited practical flight options between the two cities.
• From Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, the distance is slightly shorter—about 150–160 miles, or roughly 2.25–2.75 hours by car.
• For people who live in or are visiting Atlanta, a trip to Montgomery is very doable in a single day, especially with thoughtful timing around metro Atlanta traffic.