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

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Winder, you’re looking at a relatively short, easy drive northeast of the city. Whether you’re visiting family, checking out Barrow County, or commuting for work, it helps to know exactly how far Winder is from Atlanta and the best ways to get there.

The Short Answer: Distance From Atlanta to Winder

From Downtown Atlanta to Winder, GA:

• Distance: About 50–60 miles (depending on your starting point and route)
• Typical drive time: Around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes in light to moderate traffic
• Direction:Northeast of Atlanta

Because Atlanta is spread out, your total distance can change if you’re starting from Midtown, Buckhead, the airport, or the suburbs. But in general, Winder is close enough to make a day trip or regular commute realistic for many people.

Main Driving Routes From Atlanta to Winder

There are a few common ways Atlanta drivers reach Winder. The route you choose usually depends on where in Atlanta you’re starting and what kind of traffic you want to deal with.

1. I‑85 North to GA‑316 East (Most Common Route)

This is one of the most straightforward and popular routes from many in-town neighborhoods.

Basic path:

1. Get onto I‑85 North from Atlanta (via the Downtown Connector/I‑75/85, or from Buckhead/Lenox).
2. Continue on I‑85 N toward Gwinnett County.
3. Take the exit for GA‑316 East toward Lawrenceville/Athens.
4. Follow GA‑316 E.
5. Connect to local roads (commonly GA‑81, GA‑53, or GA‑211) leading into Winder.

Why people use this route:

• Simple: Mostly interstate and major highway.
• Predictable: Popular for commuters heading toward the northeast metro and Athens corridor.
• Good for: Starting points in Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, and eastside neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward or Decatur (via connections).

Watch out for:

• Rush-hour traffic on I‑85 N through Central and North Gwinnett.
• Speed changes and traffic lights along parts of GA‑316.

2. I‑20 East to GA‑11 or GA‑138/GA‑81 (More Scenic, Less Interstate)

If you’re on the east or south side of metro Atlanta, or you want to avoid I‑85, this route can feel a bit more relaxed.

General idea:

1. Take I‑20 East from Atlanta.
2. Depending on your preference, exit toward:
   • GA‑138/GA‑20, then connect to GA‑81 North, or
   • GA‑11 North, then connect through smaller highways toward Winder.
3. Continue north toward Winder.

Why people use this route:

• Can be less congested than I‑85 during peak times.
• Passes through more suburban and semi-rural areas.

Good for:

• Starting from East Atlanta, Lithonia, Decatur, or south DeKalb areas.
• Drivers who prefer less time on large interstates.

3. From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Winder

If you’re flying into Atlanta and heading straight to Winder:

• Distance: Typically 65–75 miles, depending on route
• Drive time: Often 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, longer in heavy traffic

Typical airport route:

1. From the airport, get on I‑75/85 North (Downtown Connector).
2. Merge onto I‑85 North.
3. Take GA‑316 East.
4. Connect to local roads leading into Winder.

Travelers often build in a little extra time for airport traffic and downtown congestion.

Quick Comparison: Atlanta to Winder Travel Overview

*Times assume normal conditions; rush hour or incidents can add significant delays.

Traffic Timing: When the Drive Is Easiest

Atlanta traffic patterns make a big difference in how long it feels to get to Winder.

Heavier traffic windows:

• Weekday mornings: roughly 6:30–9:00 a.m., especially heading outbound from Atlanta on I‑85.
• Weekday evenings: around 4:00–7:00 p.m., with congestion on I‑85 N, I‑285, and connector routes.

Lighter traffic windows:

• Late mornings and early afternoons on weekdays.
• Weekends outside of special events, major games, or holiday travel.

If you’re planning a same-day round trip between Atlanta and Winder, leaving after the early rush and heading back before or after evening peak usually makes things smoother.

Is There Public Transportation From Atlanta to Winder?

There is no direct MARTA rail or local Atlanta bus that runs all the way to Winder. Winder is in Barrow County, beyond the usual coverage area of Atlanta’s main transit services.

Here’s what to know:

• MARTA Rail & Bus:

  • Serves Atlanta and close-in suburbs (Fulton, DeKalb, parts of Clayton and Gwinnett).
  • Does not extend to Winder.

• Regional Connections:

  • Some regional and commuter services operate in Gwinnett, Hall, and other surrounding counties.
  • To reach Winder using transit, you would typically need a combination of MARTA, regional buses, and possibly a rideshare or taxi for the final stretch.
  • This can be time-consuming and is not as straightforward as driving.

For most people living in or visiting Atlanta, the practical options to get to Winder are:

• Driving a personal vehicle
• Carpooling
• Using a rideshare or taxi service (more expensive, but possible)
• Renting a car if you’re visiting from out of town

What to Expect on the Drive From Atlanta to Winder

Even though the trip is relatively short, the feel of the drive changes as you leave Atlanta.

Urban to Suburban to Small Town

• Starting in Atlanta, you’ll be in dense urban or inner-suburban areas.
• Along I‑85 and GA‑316, you pass through heavily developed suburbs in Gwinnett County.
• As you get closer to Winder, the surroundings become more small-town and semi-rural, with more open land and smaller roadways.

Road Conditions and Services

• Gas, food, and rest stops: Plentiful along I‑85 and GA‑316, with many national chains and local spots.
• Local roads into Winder: Typically two-to-four-lane roads, with traffic lights and lower speed limits as you enter town.

If you’re unfamiliar with the area, it’s easy to rely on GPS navigation—most Atlanta drivers use navigation for dealing with changing traffic patterns and route options.

Why Someone in Atlanta Might Travel to Winder

From an Atlanta perspective, Winder is close enough to be part of your broader regional orbit. People commonly travel between Atlanta and Winder for:

• Commuting between home in one city and work in the other
• Visiting family or friends in Barrow County
• Attending local events, youth sports, or school activities
• Accessing county services, courts, or public offices in Winder
• Exploring small-town downtown areas, parks, or nearby outdoor spaces

Knowing the distance and drive time helps you plan whether a Winder trip will fit into a morning appointment, afternoon errand, or full-day visit from Atlanta.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Winder is about 50–60 miles northeast of Atlanta, typically around an hour’s drive in normal traffic.
• The most common route is I‑85 North to GA‑316 East, then local roads into Winder.
• No direct MARTA or simple transit option runs from Atlanta to Winder; driving is the most practical choice.
• Travel times vary with Atlanta rush-hour traffic, so plan extra time during peak commute periods.

If you’re in Atlanta and wondering how far Winder really is, think of it as a short regional hop, not an all-day road trip—close enough for regular visits, but far enough to feel a clear change from big-city Atlanta to small-town northeast Georgia.