How Far Is Marietta from Atlanta? A Local’s Guide to Distance, Drive Time, and Getting Around

If you spend time in metro Atlanta, Marietta and Atlanta feel closely connected, but how far apart are they really—and what does that mean for your commute or visit?

This guide breaks down miles, drive times, routes, and transit options so you know exactly what to expect when traveling between Atlanta, GA and Marietta, GA.

The Short Answer: Distance from Atlanta to Marietta

Marietta is roughly 15–25 miles northwest of Downtown Atlanta, depending on where you start and where you’re going in Marietta.

Here’s a quick look at common starting points:

*Drive times vary heavily with traffic, especially weekday rush hours.

So while Marietta is a separate city in Cobb County, it’s generally considered part of the Atlanta metro area and very reachable for day trips, commuting, or errands.

Driving from Atlanta to Marietta

Main Driving Routes

Most people getting from Atlanta to Marietta use Interstate 75 (I‑75) and sometimes Interstate 285 (I‑285). The best route depends on your starting point:

• From Downtown Atlanta (Five Points, State Capitol, Mercedes-Benz Stadium)

  • Take I‑75/I‑85 North out of Downtown.
  • Stay on I‑75 North when it splits from I‑85.
  • Continue past the I‑285 interchange into Cobb County.
  • Use exits for:
    • Delk Road, South Marietta Parkway, or North Marietta Parkway to reach Marietta Square and central neighborhoods.

• From Midtown (around Atlantic Station, GA Tech, Piedmont Park)

  • Head to I‑75 North (often via the Downtown Connector or Northside Drive).
  • Continue on I‑75 North into Cobb County.
  • Use Marietta exits as above.

• From Buckhead (Lenox, Peachtree, West Paces Ferry area)

  • Either:
    • Cut over to I‑75 North via Northside Drive or Moore’s Mill Rd, or
    • Take GA‑400 South to I‑85, then the Downtown Connector, then I‑75 North,
  • Then follow I‑75 North to Marietta exits.

• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

  • Take I‑85 North to the Downtown Connector (I‑75/I‑85).
  • Continue north and stay on I‑75 North when it splits.
  • Follow I‑75 North into Marietta.

Typical Drive Time and Traffic Patterns

Distance alone doesn’t tell the whole story in Atlanta. Traffic does.

• Midday / Late Evening (off-peak):
  • Downtown Atlanta → Marietta: 25–30 minutes is common.
• Weekday Rush Hours (roughly 7–9 AM and 4–7 PM):
  • The same trip can stretch to 40–60 minutes or more, especially:
    • Northbound on I‑75 in the afternoon/evening, and
    • Southbound on I‑75 in the morning.

Tips for a Smoother Drive 🚗

• Avoid peak rush if you can. Shifting your departure by 30–60 minutes can save a lot of time.
• Use alternate surface streets when I‑75 is heavily backed up:
  • Cobb Parkway (US‑41) generally parallels I‑75 between Atlanta and Marietta.
  • Atlanta Road and South Cobb Drive can also be useful alternate corridors.
• Plan around big events. Games or concerts at Truist Park, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or major Midtown events can add significant time.

Public Transportation Between Atlanta and Marietta

Marietta is not directly served by MARTA heavy rail, but there are bus options connecting Atlanta to Marietta via MARTA and CobbLinc (Cobb County’s transit system).

Using MARTA + CobbLinc

A common pattern is:

1. Take MARTA Rail to a station on the northwest side (often Arts Center Station or Midtown Station).
2. Transfer to a CobbLinc commuter bus that runs into Marietta.

Key systems:

• MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)

  • Rail and bus throughout Atlanta and some surrounding areas.
  • Main hub stations Downtown: Five Points, Peachtree Center, Garnett, Georgia State.

• CobbLinc (formerly Cobb Community Transit)

  • Operated by Cobb County, serving Marietta, Smyrna, and other parts of the county.
  • Runs local routes within Marietta and commuter routes that connect to MARTA.

Depending on your exact route, rail + bus travel can take 45–90 minutes, but it avoids driving and parking.

For in-person help or printed schedules, local riders often visit:

• MARTA Headquarters & Five Points area

  • 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 (headquarters)
  • Five Points Station (Downtown) is the main transfer point between MARTA lines.

• CobbLinc Customer Service / Marietta Transfer Center

  • 800 South Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta, GA 30060

It’s common for Atlanta commuters to use transit during the week and drive on weekends, when traffic is lighter.

Rideshare, Taxis, and Shuttles

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

Rideshare is widely used for trips between Atlanta and Marietta:

• Distance-based cost varies by time of day and demand, but you’re usually paying for:
  • 15–25 miles from central Atlanta to Marietta.
• Benefits:
  • No parking issues in busy areas like Marietta Square or The Battery Atlanta/Truist Park.
  • Helpful if you’re visiting and don’t want to rent a car.

Many Atlanta visitors staying Downtown or in Midtown choose rideshare for evening events in Marietta or Cobb County to avoid driving at night or through unfamiliar interchanges.

Taxis and Private Shuttles

• Traditional taxis are more common near Downtown, Midtown, and the airport. You can arrange trips to Marietta, but rideshare is usually easier.
• Private shuttles or car services are sometimes used by:
  • Business travelers going between Atlanta hotels and Cobb County offices,
  • Families traveling between the airport and Marietta, especially with luggage.

How Long Does It Really Take Day-to-Day?

Even though the straight-line distance isn’t huge, what matters in Atlanta is door-to-door time.

Here’s how most locals think about it:

• Atlanta to Marietta during off-peak
  • Plan for 30–40 minutes in the car.
• Atlanta to Marietta during busy commute hours
  • Plan for 45–60 minutes, especially if you’re on I‑75 with everyone else.
• Transit (MARTA + CobbLinc)
  • Often 45–90 minutes, depending on transfers and wait times.
• Rideshare
  • Similar travel time as driving, but with added wait time for the pickup.

If you’re scheduling appointments, meetings, or flights, most locals build in extra buffer time, especially if their route includes I‑75, I‑285, or the Downtown Connector.

Is Marietta Considered Part of Atlanta?

Geographically and politically, Marietta is its own city in Cobb County, with its own city government, police, and services.

In everyday conversation, though:

• People in the region often say they live “in Atlanta” even if their address is technically Marietta, Smyrna, or another metro suburb.
• For commuting, shopping, and entertainment, Marietta and Atlanta are closely linked:
  • Many Marietta residents work in Atlanta,
  • Many Atlanta residents visit Marietta for its historic square, restaurants, and proximity to Cobb attractions.

So if you’re in Atlanta wondering whether Marietta is “far”—it’s usually thought of as nearby but traffic-sensitive, not a long-distance trip.

Quick Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Distance:
  • About 15–25 miles from most central Atlanta neighborhoods to Marietta.
• Drive Time:
  • Around 25–30 minutes off-peak,
  • 40–60 minutes or more in heavy traffic.
• Main Route:
  • I‑75 North from Atlanta into Cobb County, with exits leading into Marietta.
• Transit:
  • MARTA + CobbLinc provide bus/rail combos between Atlanta and Marietta.
• Best Strategy:
  • Check traffic conditions, avoid peak rush if possible, and consider rideshare if you don’t want to drive or park.

Knowing these basics makes it much easier to plan day trips, commutes, or visits between Atlanta and Marietta without surprises.