How Far Is Smyrna From Atlanta? Your Local Distance & Travel Guide

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city, you’ll hear Smyrna, Georgia mentioned a lot—especially when people talk about the northwest suburbs, the Truist Park / Battery Atlanta area, or Cobb County. Knowing how far Smyrna is from Atlanta helps you plan commutes, outings, and housing or job decisions.

Here’s a clear, Atlanta-focused breakdown of the distance and how to get between the two.

The Basic Distance: Atlanta to Smyrna

Smyrna is very close to Atlanta.

• From Downtown Atlanta (around Five Points) to central Smyrna:
  About 12–15 miles by car, depending on your exact starting and ending points.
• From Midtown Atlanta to Smyrna:
  Typically 13–18 miles by car.
• From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Smyrna:
  Usually 20–25 miles by car.

Because both cities sit in the Atlanta metro area, the miles are short—but the drive time depends heavily on traffic.

Typical Travel Times Between Atlanta and Smyrna

Below are approximate travel times in normal conditions. Actual times vary with traffic, construction, and weather.

Key takeaway:
Atlanta to Smyrna is a short distance, but you should always plan extra time during weekday morning (7–9 a.m.) and evening (4–7 p.m.) rush hours.

Main Driving Routes From Atlanta to Smyrna

Most people traveling between Atlanta and Smyrna go by car. Here are the most common routes locals use:

1. I‑75 North (Downtown/Midtown to Smyrna)

From Downtown or Midtown Atlanta:

1. Get on I‑75 North (often via the Downtown Connector, I‑75/I‑85).
2. Continue on I‑75 North toward Cobb County.
3. Exit near Windy Hill Road, Cumberland Boulevard, or Smyrna exits (like S. Cobb Drive / US‑41 depending on where in Smyrna you’re headed).

Pros:

• Usually the fastest, most direct route.
• Easy access to Truist Park, The Battery Atlanta, and Cumberland.

Cons:

• Can be heavily congested at rush hour and on game/event days.

2. I‑285 West / North (Perimeter Route)

If you’re coming from East Atlanta, Decatur, or south of the city, you may end up on I‑285:

1. Take I‑285 West (the “Perimeter”) around Atlanta.
2. Continue toward Cobb County.
3. Use exits for Atlanta Road, South Cobb Drive, or Paces Ferry Road to get into Smyrna.

Pros:

• Good if you’re already near the Perimeter.
• Direct access to several Smyrna neighborhoods.

Cons:

• I‑285 is known for dense traffic, especially near the I‑75 interchange and on weekday afternoons.

3. Surface Streets (Local Routes)

Some Atlanta drivers prefer surface streets to avoid highway congestion. Depending on your starting point, you might use:

• Atlanta Road SE
• South Cobb Drive (SR 280)
• Paces Ferry Road
• Cobb Parkway (US‑41)

These can sometimes be more predictable than the interstate during major backups, but you’ll encounter lights and local traffic.

Is Smyrna Considered Part of Atlanta?

Smyrna is an independent city in Cobb County, but in daily conversation, many locals think of it as part of the “Atlanta metro area” or “Atlanta suburbs.”

For someone living in Atlanta, Smyrna is:

• Close enough for daily commuting to Downtown or Midtown.
• A common place for Atlanta workers to live.
• Part of the same general shopping, sports, and entertainment area as Cumberland and Truist Park.

So while Smyrna has its own city government and identity, it’s practically and culturally linked to Atlanta life.

Getting to Smyrna From Key Atlanta Areas

From Downtown Atlanta

• Distance: About 12–15 miles.
• Usual route:
  • I‑75 North → Exit near Cumberland/Smyrna.
• Time:
  • Off-peak: 20–30 minutes
  • Rush hour: 35–60+ minutes

This is the most common commute for people who work downtown and live in Smyrna or vice versa.

From Midtown Atlanta

• Distance: Very similar to Downtown, around 13–18 miles depending on the route.
• Usual route:
  • I‑75 North, or in some cases surface streets to I‑75 or I‑285.
• Time:
  • Off-peak: 20–35 minutes
  • Rush hour: 40–60+ minutes

Midtown commuters may also use local streets like Peachtree, Northside Drive, and Howell Mill to reach I‑75.

From Buckhead

• Distance: Roughly 10–15 miles to central Smyrna.
• Usual routes:
  • I‑75 North from Northside Drive or Moores Mill.
  • I‑285 West from north Buckhead areas.
• Time:
  • Off-peak: 20–30 minutes
  • Rush hour: 35–50+ minutes

Because Buckhead sits closer to the northwest side, the drive can sometimes be shorter than from Downtown.

From ATL Airport

• Distance: About 20–25 miles.
• Usual routes:
  • I‑75 North → I‑285 West/North → Smyrna exits, or
  • I‑75 North straight to Cobb County depending on traffic.
• Time:
  • Off-peak: 30–45 minutes
  • Rush hour: 45–70+ minutes

If you’re flying in and staying in Smyrna or near Truist Park, it’s helpful to give yourself plenty of time, especially on weekday evenings.

Public Transportation Options: Atlanta to Smyrna

Smyrna does not have a MARTA rail station, but you can still use public transit to get reasonably close.

MARTA + Bus Options

1. Take MARTA Rail from Downtown/Midtown toward Dunwoody, North Springs, or Doraville, then:
2. Connect to CobbLinc buses that serve parts of Smyrna and Cobb County.

Key points:

• MARTA Rail hubs in central Atlanta:

  • Five Points Station (Downtown)
  • Peachtree Center Station (Downtown)
  • Civic Center, North Avenue, Midtown, Arts Center Stations (northward)

• CobbLinc (Cobb County Transit):
  Runs several bus routes linking Cumberland, Marietta, and some Smyrna-area stops, often connecting to Cumberland Transfer Center, not far from Smyrna.

💡 Expect a longer travel time by transit:
Using MARTA and CobbLinc, the trip can easily take 1–1.5 hours or more, depending on connections and walking distance.

Rideshare, Taxi, and Shuttle Options

If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying downtown or in Midtown, you may prefer:

• Rideshare services (commonly used across the Atlanta area).
• Traditional taxi services, especially from major hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
• Some hotels near Truist Park / The Battery run local shuttles, which can be convenient if you’re staying in or near Smyrna and want to reach nearby entertainment districts.

These options are often faster and more direct than piecing together rail and bus routes, especially if you’re traveling with luggage or a group.

Is Smyrna a Reasonable Commute From Atlanta?

For many residents, yes—Smyrna is considered a reasonable commute to central Atlanta, but your experience will depend on:

• Time of day:
  Rush hour can dramatically increase travel time.
• Job location:
  Commuting to Downtown or Midtown is generally straightforward via I‑75.
• Flexibility:
  Workers with flexible hours or the ability to avoid peak times usually find the commute easier.

People often choose Smyrna for:

• Proximity to Cumberland, Truist Park, and The Battery Atlanta.
• Easier access to I‑75 and I‑285 for regional trips.
• A suburban feel while staying close to Atlanta.

Quick Reference: Atlanta–Smyrna Distance at a Glance

• Approximate mileage (Downtown Atlanta to Smyrna):
  12–15 miles
• Typical driving time (off-peak):
  About 20–30 minutes
• Typical driving time (rush hour):
  35–60+ minutes
• Primary routes:
  I‑75 North, I‑285 West/North, plus Atlanta Road, South Cobb Drive, Paces Ferry Road
• Public transit:
  MARTA Rail + CobbLinc buses (slower, with transfers)
• Airport to Smyrna distance:
  20–25 miles, usually 30–45+ minutes by car

In everyday Atlanta terms, Smyrna is “right up the road”—close enough for daily commuting, weeknight dinners, Braves games, and quick trips from the city, as long as you plan around traffic.