How Far Is Woodstock From Atlanta? A Local’s Guide to the Drive, Routes, and Travel Time

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and thinking about a day trip or commute to Woodstock, the distance is short enough for regular travel but long enough that your route and timing really matter.

Here’s exactly how far Woodstock is from Atlanta, how long it usually takes, and what to know about driving, traffic, and transit options.

The Short Answer: Distance From Atlanta to Woodstock

Woodstock is about 30 miles northwest of Downtown Atlanta.

The exact distance depends on where you start and where you’re going in Woodstock:

• From Downtown Atlanta (Five Points area) to Downtown Woodstock
  → Approx. 28–32 miles
• From Midtown Atlanta to Downtown Woodstock
  → Approx. 30–34 miles
• From Buckhead to Downtown Woodstock
  → Approx. 25–30 miles

In most everyday situations, people think of it as around 30 miles from Atlanta to Woodstock.

How Long Does It Take to Get From Atlanta to Woodstock?

Even though it’s only about 30 miles, traffic can change your total time a lot.

Typical Drive Times

These are common one-way drive time ranges with normal traffic:

• Off-peak hours (late morning, early afternoon, late evening):
  → About 30–40 minutes
• Moderate traffic (weekday middays, lighter rush hours):
  → About 40–50 minutes
• Heavy rush hour (weekday mornings toward Atlanta, evenings away from Atlanta):
  → About 50–70+ minutes

To be safe, many Atlanta-area drivers plan on 45 minutes to 1 hour between central Atlanta and Woodstock, especially if they’re commuting or heading to an appointment.

Main Driving Routes From Atlanta to Woodstock

Most drivers use I-75 and I-575, with a few variations depending on where they start.

1. From Downtown Atlanta (Five Points, Georgia State Capitol area)

Typical route:

1. Get on I-75/I-85 North (the Downtown Connector).
2. Stay on I-75 North when it splits from I-85.
3. Take the exit for I-575 North.
4. Continue on I-575 North to Exit 7 (Highway 92 / Woodstock) or Exit 8 (Towne Lake Parkway) depending on your destination in Woodstock.

✅ Best for: Most trips from central city neighborhoods like Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Grant Park, near Georgia State University.

2. From Midtown Atlanta (Tech Square, Piedmont Park, Georgia Tech)

You can choose either I-75 or GA-400 depending on where traffic is lighter.

Common option via I-75:

• Head to I-75 North from Midtown (often via the Connector or 14th/17th Street access).
• Connect to I-575 North.
• Take the Highway 92 or Towne Lake Parkway exits into Woodstock.

3. From Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or North Atlanta

If you’re already on the north side, your distance can be shorter:

Typical Buckhead route:

• Get on I-75 North.
• Continue to I-575 North.
• Take your Woodstock exit (Highway 92, Towne Lake Parkway, or Highway 5).

From northern neighborhoods like Vinings, Smyrna, or Cumberland, you’re already closer to I-75, so your drive is often 25–40 minutes outside of rush hour.

Quick Distance & Time Comparison

Use this as a simple planning guide:

These are realistic ranges, not guarantees. Weather, crashes, and construction can extend your travel time.

Peak Traffic Patterns Between Atlanta and Woodstock

If you’re used to Atlanta traffic, the Atlanta–Woodstock corridor behaves in a familiar way:

Morning Rush (Weekdays)

• Toward Atlanta:
  Heavy southbound traffic on I-575 and I-75 between about 6:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
• Northbound toward Woodstock in the morning is usually lighter, but can still back up from construction or incidents.

Evening Rush (Weekdays)

• Away from Atlanta (toward Woodstock):
  Heavy northbound traffic on I-75 and I-575 between about 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
• Southbound toward Atlanta in the late afternoon/early evening is usually better, but still busy near the city.

Tips for Smoother Trips 🚗

• Avoid the core rush hours when possible.
• Leave extra time if you have appointments, events, or flights.
• For flexible trips (shopping, dining, leisure), consider mid-morning or early afternoon departures.

Is There Public Transit From Atlanta to Woodstock?

There is no single MARTA train that runs directly from Atlanta to Woodstock, but you do have a couple of transit-based options, especially if you’re willing to combine MARTA + regional bus or rideshare.

MARTA + Ride or Rideshare

1. Take MARTA Rail (Red or Gold Line) to North Springs or Doraville depending on where you’re coming from.
2. From there, use a rideshare, taxi, or car service to Woodstock.

This can work if you don’t want to drive into or park in Downtown/Midtown, but still want to avoid driving the entire route.

Regional Bus Systems

Cherokee County, where Woodstock is located, has used regional transit services and commuter-style options at different times. These options can change, so it’s best to:

• Check with Cherokee Area Transportation System (CATS) for the latest on routes that may serve Woodstock or connect to MARTA areas.
  • Typical office location:
    Cherokee County Administrative Offices
    1130 Bluffs Parkway
    Canton, GA 30114
  • Phone (main county line often used for routing): 770-479-0400

If you’re in Atlanta and heavily transit-dependent, the most reliable everyday method is usually:

• Take MARTA rail or bus as far north or northwest as is convenient (e.g., Arts Center, North Springs, or Dunwoody stations).
• Connect via rideshare the rest of the way to Woodstock.

Driving vs. Rideshare vs. Carpool

For trips between Atlanta and Woodstock, most people choose one of three options:

1. Personal Car

Pros:

• Fastest in most situations.
• Full control over route and stops.
• Easy for families or groups.

Cons:

• You’re fully subject to rush-hour stress.
• Parking may cost more if you end your trip in central Atlanta.

2. Rideshare (App-Based Services)

Pros:

• Door-to-door with no parking hassle.
• Useful if you’re visiting Atlanta and don’t want to rent a car.

Cons:

• Can be expensive, especially during peak pricing.
• You’re still affected by traffic; you just aren’t the one driving.

3. Carpooling

Many commuters who live in Woodstock and work in Atlanta choose to carpool:

• Some workplace partners in Midtown, Buckhead, or Downtown use shared rides to split gas and parking.
• This can make a 30–40 mile round trip more affordable and less tiring.

Carpooling works especially well if your work hours are predictable and you travel this route several days a week.

Is Woodstock a Realistic Day Trip From Atlanta?

Yes. At roughly 30 miles away, Woodstock is a very popular day-trip and weekend destination for people in metro Atlanta.

A typical day trip might look like:

• Leaving Atlanta mid-morning to avoid rush hour.
• Spending the day at Downtown Woodstock destinations, nearby trails, or shopping.
• Returning to Atlanta after evening rush hour.

As long as you plan around peak traffic, the distance and time are convenient for:

• Shopping and dining visits
• Visiting friends or family in Cherokee County
• Occasional commuting or hybrid-workdays
• Exploring neighborhoods outside the core city

Planning Your Trip: Key Takeaways

• Distance: About 30 miles from central Atlanta to Woodstock.
• Typical travel time:
  • 30–40 minutes in light traffic
  • 45–70+ minutes in heavy rush hour
• Main route:I-75 North to I-575 North, then local exits into Woodstock.
• Transit: No direct MARTA train; possible combinations of MARTA + rideshare or regional transit.
• Best strategy: Avoid peak rush hours if you can, and give yourself extra time when your arrival time matters.

If you’re in Atlanta and want a nearby suburban destination with easy interstate access, Woodstock is close enough for everyday travel—just plan for the usual Atlanta traffic patterns.