How Far Is St. Augustine From Atlanta? Your Practical Trip Guide

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and dreaming of a historic coastal escape, St. Augustine, Florida is a very doable road trip. Here’s exactly how far it is from Atlanta, how long it takes, and the best ways to get there from an Atlanta resident or visitor’s perspective.

How Far Is St. Augustine From Atlanta?

In simple terms:

• Driving distance: About 360–380 miles
• Typical drive time: Around 5.5 to 6.5 hours (without long stops)
• Direction: Mostly southeast, straight down through Georgia into northeast Florida

The exact distance depends on your starting point in Atlanta (Downtown, Buckhead, the suburbs, etc.) and your specific route, but most people will see something in the mid- to upper-300-mile range on their GPS.

Best Driving Routes From Atlanta to St. Augustine

If you’re driving from Atlanta, you have a few common route options. All of them are highway-heavy and straightforward, which makes this an easy road trip for most drivers.

1. I‑75 South → I‑16 East → I‑95 South (Most Common Route)

This is the route many Atlanta drivers use:

1. Start on I‑75 South from Atlanta
2. In Macon, take I‑16 East toward Savannah
3. Near Savannah, merge onto I‑95 South
4. Continue on I‑95 South into Florida
5. Exit toward St. Augustine via local routes (often FL‑16 or US‑1, depending on your GPS)

Approximate distance: ~370 miles
Approximate time: 6–6.5 hours

Why Atlanta drivers like it:

• Mostly interstate driving with consistent speed limits
• Easy to plan stops in Macon, Dublin, Savannah, or Brunswick
• Often feels more relaxed than cutting straight down US highways

2. I‑75 South → US‑301 / US‑1 (More Rural, Fewer Big Cities)

Another option is to:

• Take I‑75 South out of Atlanta
• Exit onto US‑301 or US‑1 near south Georgia
• Continue south into Florida and then over to St. Augustine

Approximate distance: Similar, often 360–380 miles
Approximate time: 6–7 hours, depending on local traffic and lights

Why consider it:

• Often less interstate fatigue, more small-town scenery
• Can be useful if there’s heavy traffic on I‑16 or I‑95

⚠️ Tip: If you’re leaving Atlanta during peak rush hour (especially around Downtown Connector, I‑285, or I‑75/85), add at least 30–60 extra minutes to your estimate.

Driving From Different Parts of Metro Atlanta

Your starting point in metro Atlanta can change your total time by 30–60 minutes.

Typical one-way drive times to St. Augustine:

*Times assume normal traffic and brief stops only.

Flying From Atlanta to St. Augustine

There is no large commercial airport in St. Augustine itself with direct major-airline service from Atlanta. If you want to fly, you’ll typically fly from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to a nearby Florida airport, then drive.

Common Flight + Drive Combos From Atlanta

1. ATL → Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)

   • Flight time: About 1 hour (nonstop)
   • Drive from JAX to St. Augustine: ~50 miles, about 1 hour south via I‑95
   • Total travel time (airport to airport + drive): Usually 3–4.5 hours, depending on check-in, security, and traffic

2. ATL → Orlando International Airport (MCO)

   • Flight time: About 1.25 hours
   • Drive from Orlando to St. Augustine: ~110–120 miles, roughly 1.75–2 hours
   • Total time: Often 4–5.5 hours door-to-door

3. ATL → Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)

   • Flight time: Around 1–1.25 hours (sometimes with a connection)
   • Drive from Daytona to St. Augustine: ~55–60 miles, about 1 hour via I‑95 North

For many Atlanta travelers, Jacksonville (JAX) is the most convenient flying option if St. Augustine is the main destination.

Is It Better to Drive or Fly From Atlanta to St. Augustine?

From an Atlanta perspective, both choices can make sense.

When Driving Makes More Sense

Driving is often preferred if:

• You’re taking a long weekend or family vacation
• You want the flexibility to stop along the Georgia coast or explore nearby areas
• You’re traveling with kids, pets, or lots of luggage
• You want to avoid airport security and wait times

With a smooth run and minimal stops, the 6-hour drive often doesn’t feel much longer than flying once you factor in:

• Travel to Hartsfield-Jackson
• Parking, check-in, and security
• Boarding and deplaning
• Picking up a rental car in Florida
• The drive from the Florida airport to St. Augustine

When Flying Can Be Worth It

Flying can be attractive if:

• You already live or are staying close to ATL
• You find a nonstop flight at a good price and time
• You’re short on time and want to minimize time behind the wheel
• You prefer to skip long highway stretches

For many Atlanta residents, the decision comes down to cost vs. convenience. A full car (family or group) usually makes driving more cost-effective.

What to Expect on the Drive From Atlanta to St. Augustine

If you’re planning to drive, here’s what the trip typically looks like from an Atlanta perspective.

Traffic Timing Out of Atlanta

• Morning departures (6–9 a.m.): Expect congestion on I‑75/85 and I‑285. Leaving before 6 a.m. or after 9:30 a.m. often helps.
• Afternoon rush (3:30–7 p.m.): Getting out of metro Atlanta can significantly slow you down; build in extra time.
• Weekends: Generally smoother, but Friday afternoons can be busy heading south.

Good Stop Points Along the Way

Heading out of Atlanta, popular stopping areas include:

• Macon, GA: Roughly 1.5 hours from Atlanta; good place for fuel, food, and restrooms.
• Dublin, GA: A quieter break spot off I‑16.
• Savannah, GA / Pooler area: Near the I‑16 and I‑95 junction; lots of food and gas options.
• Brunswick, GA: Another stop option on I‑95 South before entering Florida.

These breaks make the Atlanta to St. Augustine drive feel more manageable, especially with kids or older travelers.

Tolls and Road Conditions

From Atlanta to St. Augustine:

• No major toll roads on the typical I‑75 → I‑16 → I‑95 route
• Roads are mostly interstate-quality, with frequent gas and food options
• Weather in summer can bring heavy rain and thunderstorms, especially closer to the coast—plan extra time if driving during stormy months

Using Atlanta Transit and Services to Start Your Trip

If you’re flying or meeting someone at the airport before heading to St. Augustine, these local details help:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Location: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Accessible via:
  • MARTA Red/Gold Line (Airport Station is directly inside the Domestic Terminal)
  • Rideshare, taxis, and airport shuttles from across metro Atlanta

If you’re already staying in Downtown Atlanta, taking MARTA to the airport is often faster than driving during rush hour, especially if you’re catching a morning flight to Jacksonville, Orlando, or Daytona Beach.

MARTA Considerations

• Red and Gold lines both go to the Airport Station
• Good option if you’re staying near Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or Sandy Springs and want to avoid airport parking fees before continuing on to Florida

How Long Should You Plan for the Overall Trip?

For Atlanta-based travelers, a realistic door-to-door plan is:

If You Drive the Whole Way

• Leave Atlanta: Pick a time that avoids peak rush hour if possible
• Total drive time:
  • 5.5–6 hours with minimal stops and light traffic
  • 6.5–7+ hours with normal traffic and 2–3 short breaks

Many people from Atlanta treat St. Augustine as:

• A long-weekend getaway (3 or 4 days)
• A stop on the way to other Florida destinations (Orlando, Daytona, or further south)

If You Fly + Drive

Door-to-door from an Atlanta home or hotel to a St. Augustine hotel can realistically look like:

• 2 hours before departure at ATL (arrival, check-in, security)
• 1–1.25 hours flight time
• 30–60 minutes to pick up luggage and a rental car
• 1–2 hours drive from JAX, DAB, or MCO to St. Augustine

Overall: 4–6 hours, depending on the airport and timing. This isn’t drastically shorter than driving, but it can feel easier if you prefer less time on the road.

Quick Reference: Atlanta to St. Augustine Distance & Time

From Atlanta to St. Augustine:

• Distance: Roughly 360–380 miles
• Driving time: About 5.5–6.5 hours in normal conditions
• Main route:I‑75 South → I‑16 East → I‑95 South, then local roads into St. Augustine
• Flight option: From ATL to Jacksonville (JAX) plus a ~1-hour drive south

For anyone living in Atlanta, visiting the city, or planning a trip from here, St. Augustine is close enough to be a comfortable long drive or a short flight-plus-drive away, making it a realistic and popular coastal escape from metro Atlanta.