How Far Is Pine Mountain From Atlanta? Your Practical Guide to the Drive, Routes, and Travel Time

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and looking for a quick escape to nature, you’ll probably come across Pine Mountain, home to F.D. Roosevelt State Park and Callaway Resort & Gardens. One of the first things people ask is: How far is Pine Mountain from Atlanta, and what’s the easiest way to get there?

Here’s a clear, Atlanta-focused breakdown to help you plan your trip.

Distance From Atlanta to Pine Mountain

Pine Mountain, GA is roughly 80–90 miles southwest of Atlanta, depending on where you start in the metro area and which route you take.

• From Downtown Atlanta (around Five Points): about 85 miles
• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport: about 75–80 miles
• From Midtown/Buckhead: usually 85–90 miles

In most typical traffic conditions, Pine Mountain is about a 1.5- to 2-hour drive from much of the Atlanta area.

Typical Drive Time From Different Parts of Atlanta

Use this as a general planning guide; actual time will vary with traffic, construction, and weather:

Key takeaway:
For most Atlanta residents and visitors, Pine Mountain is a realistic day trip or easy overnight getaway.

Main Driving Routes From Atlanta to Pine Mountain

There are two main ways Atlanta drivers typically get to Pine Mountain:

1. I‑85 South + US‑27 (Most Common, Often Fastest)

This is the route many people use, especially from Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.

General directions:

1. Get on I‑85 South from your part of Atlanta.
2. Continue on I‑85 South toward LaGrange.
3. Near LaGrange, take Exit 18 for GA-109/US‑27 toward Greenville/Columbus.
4. Follow US‑27 South toward Pine Mountain.
5. Continue on US‑27 into the Town of Pine Mountain and follow signs to F.D. Roosevelt State Park or Callaway Gardens if that’s your destination.

Why Atlanta drivers like this route:

• Mostly interstate driving for the first leg
• Simple, well-marked exits
• Good if you’re coming from central or north Atlanta

2. I‑85 South + I‑185 South (Often Best for East/Southeast Atlanta)

If you’re coming from south or east Atlanta (Decatur, East Atlanta, Jonesboro, etc.), this route can be efficient.

General directions:

1. Take I‑75/85 South or your closest route to I‑85 South.
2. Stay on I‑85 South past Newnan.
3. Near LaGrange/West Point, merge onto I‑185 South toward Columbus.
4. Take Exit 34 for US‑27 North/GA‑85 toward Pine Mountain.
5. Follow US‑27/GA‑85 into Pine Mountain.

Why this route may work better:

• Good option if you’re continuing toward Columbus after Pine Mountain
• Sometimes smoother traffic patterns south of LaGrange
• Helpful if your starting point is closer to I‑285 on the south side

Is Pine Mountain a Day Trip From Atlanta?

Yes. For most people in Atlanta, Pine Mountain is very manageable as a day trip.

Many locals:

• Leave Atlanta between 7–9 a.m.
• Arrive in Pine Mountain mid-morning
• Spend the day at Callaway Gardens, hiking at F.D. Roosevelt State Park, or exploring the town
• Drive back after dinner, arriving in Atlanta by 8–10 p.m.

If you don’t like driving back at night, you can easily turn it into a one-night getaway and return to Atlanta the next morning.

Factors That Affect Drive Time From Atlanta

Even though the distance is fairly short, Atlanta-style variables can change your timing:

1. Rush Hour Traffic in Atlanta

Leaving from central Atlanta on a weekday during:

• Morning rush (7–9 a.m.)
• Evening rush (4–7 p.m.)

can add 20–40 minutes before you even clear the metro area.

Tip: If possible, leave either before 7 a.m. or after 9:30 a.m., or in the early afternoon.

2. Weekend and Holiday Crowds

On holiday weekends, school breaks, or when major events are happening in the city, more people from Atlanta head toward:

• State parks
• Callaway Gardens
• Columbus area attractions

This can slow traffic along sections of I‑85 South and US‑27.

3. Weather and Road Conditions

Heavy rain, fog, or summer thunderstorms can slow your trip, especially on two-lane segments closer to Pine Mountain. It’s wise to check route conditions before leaving Atlanta.

Getting to Pine Mountain From Hartsfield–Jackson Airport

If you’re flying into Atlanta and heading straight to Pine Mountain:

• Distance from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport: roughly 75–80 miles
• Typical drive time: about 1 hour 20–35 minutes, depending on traffic

General route:

1. From the airport area, take I‑285 or I‑85 South toward LaGrange.
2. Continue as described in the routes above (I‑85 South, then US‑27 or I‑185/US‑27, depending on your exact navigation).

This is convenient for visitors who want to skip staying in the city and go directly to a quieter, nature-focused destination.

Public Transportation Options From Atlanta to Pine Mountain

Unlike many trips within the Atlanta metro area, getting to Pine Mountain is primarily a driving trip.

MARTA & Regional Options

• MARTA trains and buses do not run to Pine Mountain.
• There is no direct intercity bus or train line commonly used between Atlanta and Pine Mountain.
• Some riders use Greyhound or other bus services to reach LaGrange or Columbus, then arrange a taxi or rideshare from there, but this often ends up more complicated and time-consuming than driving.

For most people who live in or are visiting Atlanta:

• Driving your own car
• Renting a car from the airport
• Riding with a friend or rideshare

are the most practical ways to reach Pine Mountain.

Driving Time vs. Things to Do: Is It Worth the Trip From Atlanta?

For a 1.5- to 2-hour drive, Atlanta residents often feel Pine Mountain offers:

• Outdoor recreation at F.D. Roosevelt State Park
  • Hiking, scenic overlooks, picnic spots, and lakes
• Gardens and seasonal displays at Callaway Gardens
• A small-town downtown area with restaurants and local shops
• A different pace than Atlanta’s busy neighborhoods

Because it’s close enough for a day trip yet far enough to feel like you’ve “gotten away,” many Atlantans see Pine Mountain as an easy introduction to west Georgia’s natural side.

Quick Planning Checklist for Atlantans

Before you leave Atlanta for Pine Mountain:

• 🚗 Plan your route: Usually I‑85 South + US‑27 or I‑85 South + I‑185/US‑27.
• 🕒 Budget enough time: Assume 1.5–2 hours each way.
• ⛽ Fuel up in Atlanta or LaGrange: Gas is easy to find on I‑85 and near LaGrange.
• 📱 Check navigation: Look at current traffic conditions on I‑85 South.
• 🌦️ Check the weather: It can affect hiking plans or garden visits.
• 🍽️ Decide on meals: Many people either eat before leaving Atlanta, stop in LaGrange, or dine in downtown Pine Mountain.

Bottom line for Atlanta travelers:
Pine Mountain is about 80–90 miles southwest of Atlanta, usually a 1.5- to 2-hour drive, and is realistically doable as a day trip or quick overnight escape from the city.