How Far Is Stockbridge From Atlanta? A Local’s Guide to Distance, Routes, and Drive Times

If you’re spending time in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Stockbridge, you’re looking at a relatively short hop just south of the city. Whether you’re commuting, visiting family, or checking out a venue, it helps to know how far Stockbridge is from Atlanta and the best way to get there.

The Short Answer: Distance From Atlanta to Stockbridge

In everyday terms:

• Driving distance: About 20–25 miles
• Typical drive time: Around 25–40 minutes in normal traffic
• Direction:Southeast of downtown Atlanta
• Primary route:I‑75 South

The exact distance and time depend on where in Atlanta you start:

• From Downtown Atlanta (Five Points / State Capitol area): roughly 22 miles
• From Midtown Atlanta (near Georgia Tech / Piedmont Park): roughly 25 miles
• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport: roughly 15–18 miles

Quick Comparison: Atlanta to Stockbridge

*Times vary with traffic, weather, and construction.

Main Driving Routes From Atlanta to Stockbridge

1. From Downtown or Midtown Atlanta

For most people in the city core, the simplest route is:

1. Get on I‑75/85 South from downtown or midtown.
2. Follow I‑75 South toward Macon.
3. Stay on I‑75 S until you approach Henry County and the Stockbridge exits (commonly GA‑138 / GA‑42 and nearby exits).
4. Take the exit that best lines up with your specific address or destination in Stockbridge.

This is the most direct and usually fastest route, but it can be heavily congested during weekday rush hours.

2. From the Atlanta Airport Area

If you’re near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

Option A – I‑285 to I‑675 (often less stressful):

1. From the airport area, get on I‑285 East.
2. Continue on I‑285 to I‑675 South.
3. Take I‑675 South until it merges into I‑75 South in Henry County.
4. Use the Stockbridge exits as needed.

Option B – Straight I‑75 South:

1. From the airport area, head to I‑75 South.
2. Continue on I‑75 S directly into Henry County and follow signs for Stockbridge.

Both are relatively short drives; I‑675 often feels a bit smoother when I‑75 is backed up near the airport.

3. From Buckhead, North Atlanta, or Along GA‑400

If you’re starting north of the city:

1. Head south on GA‑400 or I‑85 toward downtown Atlanta.
2. Connect with I‑75/85 South, then continue on I‑75 South.
3. Follow I‑75 S into Henry County and take the appropriate exit into Stockbridge.

Traffic through the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) is the main wildcard on this route, especially at peak times.

Typical Drive Times and What Affects Them

Even though the distance isn’t huge, Atlanta traffic patterns can make the trip feel very different at various times of day.

General Time Ranges

• Light traffic (midday, late evening, weekends):
  20–30 minutes from downtown Atlanta
• Moderate traffic:
  30–40 minutes
• Heavy rush hour or major incidents:
  45 minutes or more is possible

Busiest Times on I‑75 Toward Stockbridge

You’re more likely to hit slowdowns:

• Weekday mornings: roughly 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., especially heading northbound into Atlanta, but backups can still affect the southbound side.
• Weekday evenings: roughly 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., especially southbound as people leave the city for Henry County and other suburbs.
• Holiday travel periods: I‑75 is a major route toward Florida and coastal Georgia, so holiday and vacation traffic can be heavy.

If your schedule is flexible, leaving outside of peak rush hours can make the trip noticeably smoother.

Is Stockbridge a Suburb of Atlanta?

Stockbridge is an independent city in Henry County, but in everyday conversation people often refer to it as part of metro Atlanta or the south side suburbs.

For Atlanta residents and visitors, it’s common to think of Stockbridge as:

• A commuter city for people who work in Atlanta but live further south
• A corridor along I‑75 with residential neighborhoods, retail centers, and services
• Convenient to other south metro communities like Morrow, Ellenwood, McDonough, and Jonesboro

So while it’s not inside the City of Atlanta limits, it’s very much part of the broader Atlanta metropolitan area.

Getting From Atlanta to Stockbridge Without a Car

Metro Atlanta is still heavily car-oriented, but there are a few alternatives if you can’t or don’t want to drive.

1. Rideshare and Taxis

Services like rideshare and traditional taxi companies regularly make trips between Atlanta and Stockbridge.

• Pros:
  • Direct, door-to-door service
  • No need to navigate interstates or parking
• Cons:
  • Can be pricey at peak times or if you’re traveling alone
  • Costs increase with distance and traffic delays

This is often the most practical option if you’re visiting and don’t have a rental car.

2. Public Transit (Limited Options)

Public transportation from Atlanta directly into Stockbridge is limited.

• MARTA Rail and Bus:

  • MARTA’s rail network does not extend into Henry County or Stockbridge.
  • The southernmost MARTA rail station is Airport Station, near the Atlanta airport.
  • From there, you would still need a rideshare, taxi, or private ride to reach Stockbridge.

• Regional/County Services:

  • Henry County has its own local transit services from time to time, but these are typically geared toward local residents and do not generally connect all the way into core Atlanta by rail.
  • If you already live in Henry County, it’s worth checking county transit options directly, but as a visitor starting in Atlanta, expect to rely on driving or rideshare.

If you’re trying to structure your trip mostly around MARTA, consider that Stockbridge is beyond MARTA’s main service area, and plan accordingly.

3. Car Rentals

If you need to make multiple trips between Atlanta and Stockbridge, or you want freedom to move around Henry County and other south metro areas, renting a car can be sensible.

• Available widely in downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and especially at Hartsfield–Jackson Airport
• Gives you flexibility to explore nearby areas like McDonough, Locust Grove, or other I‑75 corridor spots

What to Know About Parking and Driving Once You’re in Stockbridge

Compared to central Atlanta, Stockbridge generally offers:

• More free parking: Many shopping centers, medical offices, and restaurants have surface lots with no charge.
• Less congestion on local roads: Intersections can get busy near I‑75 exits and major retail hubs, but local traffic is typically lighter than in the city.
• Suburban road layout: Expect a mix of multi-lane arterials (like highways and main corridors) and residential streets, with most destinations spread out rather than clustered.

If you’re coming from intown Atlanta, the driving pace in Stockbridge will usually feel less hectic, especially away from the interstate.

When It Makes Sense to Stay in Stockbridge Instead of Atlanta

For some trips, you may find it easier to stay in Stockbridge and commute into Atlanta, or vice versa:

• If you have events or family obligations in Henry County but want to visit downtown or Midtown Atlanta for a day, the 20–25 mile distance is manageable.
• If you’re flying into Hartsfield–Jackson and most of your plans are on the south side, staying in Stockbridge, McDonough, or nearby areas can cut down overall driving time.

Many locals split their time between Atlanta workplaces and Stockbridge-area homes or relatives, so traveling back and forth is very common.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Stockbridge is about 20–25 miles from central Atlanta, generally a 25–40 minute drive.
• The main route is I‑75 South, with I‑285 and I‑675 as common connectors depending on where you start.
• Traffic patterns in and around Atlanta can significantly affect drive time, especially during rush hours and holidays.
• Public transit access is limited, so most people rely on cars, rideshare, or taxis to get between Atlanta and Stockbridge.
• For anyone living in, visiting, or planning around Atlanta, Stockbridge functions as a nearby south metro suburb that’s close enough for commuting, day trips, or regular visits.

With this in mind, you can decide whether a trip from Atlanta to Stockbridge fits easily into your schedule and how you’d prefer to make the drive.