How Far Is Riverdale, GA from Atlanta? A Local’s Guide to Distance, Driving Time, and Transit

If you spend time in Atlanta, you’ll hear Riverdale, Georgia mentioned a lot. It’s a nearby city in Clayton County, just south of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Whether you’re commuting, visiting friends, or checking out housing options, it helps to know exactly how far Riverdale is from Atlanta and how to get between the two.

The Short Answer: Distance from Atlanta to Riverdale, GA

Riverdale is roughly 13–17 miles south of Downtown Atlanta, depending on your exact starting point and route.

For most people:

• From Downtown Atlanta (Five Points area)

  • Distance: ≈ 15 miles
  • Typical driving time: 20–35 minutes in normal traffic

• From Midtown Atlanta

  • Distance: ≈ 17 miles
  • Typical driving time: 25–40 minutes

• From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

  • Distance: ≈ 7–9 miles
  • Typical driving time: 15–25 minutes

Because Atlanta traffic can be unpredictable, time of day matters just as much as mileage.

Key Routes Between Atlanta and Riverdale

Most drivers use a few main corridors to get between Atlanta and Riverdale.

1. I-75 South + GA-85 (Most Common from Downtown/Midtown)

This is one of the most straightforward options if you’re starting near Downtown Atlanta.

General route pattern:

1. Take I-75 South from central Atlanta.
2. Exit toward GA-85 / Riverdale Road or Upper Riverdale Road depending on your GPS.
3. Continue south into Riverdale.

• Pros:
  • Direct, easy-to-follow
  • Well-marked exits
• Cons:
  • Can be heavily congested during rush hour and near the airport area

2. I-285 + GA-85 (From West, East, or North Atlanta)

If you’re not already close to Downtown, you might hop on I-285, the perimeter highway around Atlanta, then head toward Riverdale:

1. Take I-285 on the south side of the metro.
2. Exit onto GA-85 South toward Riverdale.

• Pros:
  • Convenient if you’re already on the Perimeter
• Cons:
  • I-285 can back up, especially near interchanges with I-75 and I-85

3. Local Routes (More Scenic, Slower)

From some Southwest Atlanta neighborhoods (like East Point, College Park, or Hapeville), you can follow surface streets:

• Riverdale Road (GA-139)
• Old National Highway (GA-279)
• Garden Walk Blvd / Upper Riverdale Road

These routes may avoid some highway backups but come with lights, lower speeds, and local congestion, especially near shopping centers and residential areas.

Typical Travel Times: What to Expect

Travel time between Atlanta and Riverdale varies a lot by time of day and starting point. Here’s a simple overview:

*Distances are approximate and can vary by a few miles depending on your exact start/end addresses.

Heaviest traffic times:

• Weekday mornings: roughly 7:00–9:30 a.m. (into Atlanta)
• Weekday afternoons: roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m. (out of Atlanta)

If you have appointments, flights, or events, add a time buffer—especially if you’re traveling on I-75 or I-285.

Getting from Atlanta to Riverdale Without a Car

You don’t have to drive yourself to get between Atlanta and Riverdale, but options are more limited than within the city of Atlanta.

MARTA Rail + Bus (with Transfers)

Riverdale itself is not directly served by MARTA rail, but you can get reasonably close and then connect by bus or rideshare.

Common approach:

1. Take MARTA rail (Red or Gold Line) to the Airport Station.
2. From Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, connect via:
   • A rideshare or taxi to Riverdale, or
   • Regional/local bus routes serving Clayton County (these may connect at or near the airport or other nearby transit hubs).

MARTA key info:

• MARTA Headquarters / Five Points Station
  • Address: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 (admin offices)
  • Customer info line: 404-848-5000

To plan a trip involving rail + bus, many riders use MARTA’s trip planner tools or call customer service to confirm current routes and schedules, since they can change over time.

Clayton County / Local Bus Service

Clayton County is part of the broader Atlanta transit network, and buses typically connect to MARTA’s system at or near the airport and major roadway corridors.

Practically, many Atlanta residents traveling to Riverdale will:

• Ride MARTA rail to the Airport Station
• Then use:
  • A local bus route serving Riverdale (where available), or
  • A short rideshare/taxi trip (often 15–25 minutes depending on traffic)

If you rely on transit often, it’s worth checking:

• Current Clayton County bus connections near Riverdale
• Any park-and-ride locations or bus stops in the area where you plan to start or end your trip

Because bus routes can be adjusted, always verify updated route maps and operating hours before you go.

Rideshare and Taxi Options

From central Atlanta or the Airport, many people choose:

• Rideshare services (app-based)
• Traditional taxis at Hartsfield-Jackson’s Ground Transportation Center

From Downtown Atlanta to Riverdale, rideshare costs typically reflect:

• Time of day (surge pricing during heavy demand)
• Traffic conditions on I-75, I-285, and major surface streets

If you’re flying into Atlanta and staying in Riverdale (or vice versa), scheduling a ride ahead of time can help with timing and cost predictability.

Why People in Atlanta Care About the Distance to Riverdale

Understanding how far Riverdale is from Atlanta matters for several common situations:

1. Commuting for Work or School

Many people live in one city and commute to the other:

• Living in Riverdale, working in Atlanta:
  You’ll often be using I-75, I-285, or GA-85 during rush hour.

• Living in Atlanta, working in Riverdale:
  Reverse-commute traffic is usually a bit lighter but can still back up where major roads converge.

If you’re planning a regular commute, try driving the route:

• Once during morning rush
• Once during evening rush

This gives you a realistic picture of your door-to-door time.

2. Visiting Friends, Family, or Services

Riverdale is close enough to Atlanta that same-day visits are very manageable:

• Family visits or social gatherings
• Appointments at clinics, offices, or service centers based in Riverdale
• Shopping or dining in Clayton County while staying in Atlanta

Knowing it’s generally under an hour (even in heavy traffic) helps with planning arrival times.

3. Flying in or Out of Atlanta

If you’re traveling through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

• Riverdale is one of the closest cities to the airport on the south side.
• Many travelers staying with friends/family in Riverdale will:
  • Take a short drive or rideshare to the airport, or
  • Ask someone to pick them up via local surface streets, avoiding the main interstate bottlenecks.

This setup can make Riverdale a convenient home base if you fly frequently but spend much of your time in Atlanta.

Practical Tips for Traveling Between Atlanta and Riverdale

A few local habits can make the trip smoother:

1. Check Traffic Before You Leave

Atlanta-area drivers commonly check traffic conditions before getting on:

• I-75 South / North
• I-285 (South Perimeter)
• GA-85 and connecting roads

Navigation apps often show:

• Current drive time
• Accidents, construction, or lane closures
• Alternative routes via surface streets if the interstate is severely backed up

2. Add Extra Time for the Airport Corridor

If your route takes you near or past Hartsfield-Jackson, leave extra time:

• Airport traffic, construction, and lane shifts can slow things down.
• Even if you’re not going into the airport itself, nearby interchanges can be congested.

3. Plan Around Peak Hours When Possible

If your schedule is flexible and you’re driving:

• Aim for midday (10 a.m.–2 p.m.) or later evening when possible.
• If you must travel during peak times, plan for the high end of the estimated travel times.

Is Riverdale Considered “Far” from Atlanta?

By Atlanta metro standards, Riverdale is:

• Relatively close-in compared with outer suburbs like McDonough, Newnan, or Lawrenceville
• Within a 15–40 minute drive of many central Atlanta neighborhoods under typical conditions

For many locals, going from Atlanta to Riverdale is similar to driving from:

• Downtown to parts of Sandy Springs, Decatur, or Stone Mountain during heavier traffic—more about congestion than raw miles.

In everyday conversation, people often describe Riverdale as:

• “Just south of the airport”
• “About 20–30 minutes from Downtown, depending on traffic”

This gives a good, realistic sense of the distance for anyone living in or visiting Atlanta.

In summary, Riverdale, GA is roughly 15 miles and about 20–35 minutes from central Atlanta in normal traffic, with easy access via I-75, I-285, and GA-85. With a bit of planning around traffic and transit options, it’s a straightforward trip for most Atlanta residents and visitors.