How Far Is Tallahassee From Atlanta? Your Practical Distance & Travel Guide

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Tallahassee, Florida, the first thing you probably want to know is: how far is it, really, and what’s the easiest way to get there?

Here’s a clear breakdown of the distance, drive time, flight options, and travel tips specifically from an Atlanta perspective.

The Basic Distance: Atlanta to Tallahassee

For most people in Atlanta, travel to Tallahassee is a straightforward north–south route.

Approximate distance from Atlanta to Tallahassee:

• By road (car/bus):
  ➤ 260–275 miles (depending on your exact starting point in Atlanta)
• Direct “as the crow flies” distance (airline distance):
  ➤ Around 230 miles

In practical terms, Tallahassee is about a half‑day trip from Atlanta by car and a short hop by plane.

How Long Is the Drive From Atlanta to Tallahassee?

If you’re driving from Downtown Atlanta or Midtown Atlanta:

• Typical drive time:
  ➤ 4 to 4.5 hours in normal traffic
• Main route most drivers use:
  ➤ I‑75 South → US‑319 South or US‑27 South

Common Route Overview

Most Atlanta drivers use this general path:

1. Get on I‑75 South (from Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or the Perimeter).
2. Continue on I‑75 South past Macon.
3. Near Tifton, connect to US‑319 South toward Thomasville and then Tallahassee
   or take US‑84 / US‑27 toward Tallahassee.

Travel times can shift based on:

• Where you start in Atlanta (e.g., Buckhead vs. Hartsfield‑Jackson area)
• Rush hour traffic around Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) and I‑285
• Weather, construction, and game-day traffic (especially near the stadiums)

If you’re leaving from near Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) on the south side, your drive may be 15–30 minutes shorter than starting from Northern suburbs like Alpharetta or Marietta.

Quick Distance & Time Snapshot

*Drive times assume typical traffic and normal conditions. Actual times vary.

Driving From Atlanta: What to Expect on the Road

For Atlanta drivers, the trip to Tallahassee usually feels similar to going to coastal South Georgia or North Florida beaches, just without heading to the coast.

Pros of Driving From Atlanta

• Door-to-door flexibility – leave from your home, hotel, or workplace.
• No airport lines or TSA.
• Easier to carry luggage, sports gear, or pets.
• Convenient if you’re connecting Tallahassee with other South Georgia stops.

Things Atlanta Drivers Often Plan For

• Rush Hour in Atlanta:
  Try to avoid leaving between 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. on weekdays, especially if you need the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85).

• Break Stops:
  Many Atlanta travelers plan breaks near Macon, Tifton, or Thomasville for gas, food, or restrooms.

• Weather:
  In summer, be prepared for heat and pop‑up thunderstorms. In winter, North Georgia can get cold rain or occasional ice, which can add time.

Flying From Atlanta to Tallahassee

If you prefer to fly, Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the main Atlanta departure point.

Flight Distance & Time

• Air distance: about 230 miles
• Typical non-stop flight time:
  ➤ Around 1 hour in the air
• Total airport-to-airport time (including boarding, taxi, etc.):
  ➤ Around 2–3 hours, not counting security or check-in

Atlanta & Tallahassee Airport Details

Atlanta Departure: Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Location: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Serves as a major hub with frequent flights to Tallahassee (TLH) on some major carriers.

Tallahassee Arrival: Tallahassee International Airport (TLH)

• Location: 3300 Capital Cir SW, Tallahassee, FL 32310

From an Atlanta perspective, a flight may make sense if:

• You’re on a tight schedule.
• You prefer to avoid a 4+ hour drive.
• You’re connecting from another flight through ATL.

Keep in mind:

• You’ll still need ground transportation in Tallahassee (rental car, ride-share, taxi).
• For many Atlanta residents, once you add drive to ATL, parking, check‑in, security, boarding, and airport wait time, total trip time can approach that of simply driving—though flying is generally less tiring.

Bus and Other Ground Transportation Options

If you prefer not to drive yourself, there are intercity bus services that connect Atlanta to Tallahassee, usually with transfers in Macon or Albany.

From Atlanta, many travelers:

• Depart from downtown transit areas or near the Civic Center / Garnett area depending on the carrier.
• Expect 5.5–7 hours travel time by bus, depending on route and stops.

Bus travel is often:

• Cheaper than flying.
• Slower and less flexible than driving yourself.
• Useful if you don’t have a car or prefer not to drive long distances.

How Far Is Tallahassee From Key Atlanta Neighborhoods?

Because Atlanta is spread out, your exact distance to Tallahassee changes depending on where you start:

• From Downtown Atlanta (Centennial Olympic Park / State Capitol):
  Tallahassee is roughly 265 miles south.

• From Midtown (around Peachtree & 10th):
  Add a few miles for getting onto I‑75/85, so about 265–270 miles.

• From Buckhead (Lenox / Phipps area):
  You’ll travel south through Midtown and Downtown first, making the total closer to 270–275 miles.

• From Southern Suburbs (College Park, East Point, Forest Park):
  You’re already closer to I‑75 South and Hartsfield‑Jackson, so your distance may be closer to 255–260 miles.

For many Atlanta residents, a good rule of thumb is:

Planning Your Trip From Atlanta to Tallahassee

When planning from an Atlanta standpoint, it helps to think through:

1. Time of Day to Leave

• Early morning departures (5–7 a.m.) often:
  • Beat most Atlanta traffic.
  • Get you into Tallahassee around late morning or lunchtime.
• Midday departures:
  • Avoid rush hour in Atlanta.
  • Get you into Tallahassee in the late afternoon or early evening.

2. Parking and Vehicle Prep in Atlanta

If you’re leaving a car behind:

• Many downtown workers leave from their office garages in Midtown or Downtown and head straight out after work.
• If you’re departing from Hartsfield‑Jackson, consider whether you’ll:
  • Use airport parking,
  • Get a ride from family/friends, or
  • Take MARTA to the airport and connect to your flight.

Before driving:

• Check your fuel, tire pressure, and coolant, especially in summer heat.
• Confirm your driver’s license, registration, and insurance are in the vehicle.

3. Estimated Cost Comparison (Atlanta Perspective)

Approximate expectations (these are general patterns, not exact prices):

• Driving:
  Fuel for a round trip Atlanta–Tallahassee–Atlanta will depend on your vehicle’s mileage and gas prices. Many Atlanta drivers find it cost-effective if traveling with family or friends.

• Flying:
  Good for time savings on tight work schedules, but total cost often includes:

  • Flight ticket
  • Baggage fees (if any)
  • Parking or MARTA to ATL
  • Rental car or ride-share in Tallahassee

• Bus:
  Often the lowest base cost, but adds travel time and has less flexibility on timing.

Is Tallahassee a Day Trip From Atlanta?

From an Atlanta standpoint, Tallahassee is generally considered just beyond a comfortable “there-and-back same-day” trip for most people, but it’s possible.

• A same-day round trip drive (8–10 hours total driving) is:
  • Realistic for some business trips or events,
  • Tiring for most casual travelers or families.

Many Atlanta residents prefer to:

• Drive down one day,
• Stay one or two nights in Tallahassee,
• Drive back another day.

This is especially common for:

• College visits (Florida State University or Florida A&M University),
• Legislative or government business,
• Sports events or regional conferences.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Distance: About 260–275 road miles from most parts of Atlanta to Tallahassee.
• Drive time: Typically 4–4.5 hours in normal conditions.
• Flight time: Around 1 hour in the air, plus time for airport processes.
• Main route:I‑75 South with connectors (usually US‑319 or US‑27).
• From an Atlanta resident’s perspective, Tallahassee is a half-day trip south, practical for weekend visits, short stays, or quick work trips.

With these distances and times in mind, you can choose the route and mode of travel that best fits your schedule, budget, and starting point within the Atlanta area.