How Long Is Atlanta Motor Speedway? Miles, Layout, and Driving Distance From Atlanta
If you’re planning a race day trip or just curious about the track itself, Atlanta Motor Speedway has two different “miles” people usually ask about:
- How many miles is the track?
- How many miles is it from Atlanta to Atlanta Motor Speedway?
This guide breaks down both, with clear details tailored to anyone living in or visiting the Atlanta, Georgia area.
Track Size: How Many Miles Is Atlanta Motor Speedway?
Atlanta Motor Speedway is a 1.54-mile paved oval racing track.
- Track length:1.54 miles per lap
- Configuration: Quad-oval, high-banked NASCAR track
- Location: 1500 Tara Place, Hampton, GA 30228 (south of Atlanta)
When you hear announcers mention “laps” or “race distance” during a NASCAR event at Hampton, they’re using that 1.54-mile figure for each trip around the track.
Common Race Distances at Atlanta Motor Speedway
Here’s how that 1.54-mile length typically translates into race distances:
| Race Type | Approx. Laps | Approx. Total Miles* |
|---|---|---|
| NASCAR Cup Series | ~260 laps | ~400 miles |
| NASCAR Xfinity Series | ~163–250 laps | ~250–385 miles |
| Truck Series / Other | Varies | Often 200–250 miles |
*Exact race distances can vary by event and year, but they’re always based on the 1.54-mile track length.
Distance From Atlanta: How Far Is Atlanta Motor Speedway From the City?
While the track itself is 1.54 miles per lap, most people in the metro area also want to know:
- Approximate driving distance from Downtown Atlanta:
28–33 miles (depending on your starting point and route) - Typical drive time (no major traffic):
Around 35–45 minutes - Primary route from central Atlanta:
Usually I-75 South to GA-20/GA-81 or Jonesboro Road toward Hampton
Traffic on I-75 can be heavy, especially on race weekends, during rush hours, or when there are events in the city, so it’s smart to build in extra travel time.
Key Distances From Popular Atlanta Areas
Here are rough mileage estimates from a few well-known parts of the Atlanta region to Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton:
| Starting Area (Atlanta Region) | Approx. Distance to AMS | Typical Route |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Atlanta (Five Points area) | 28–33 miles | I-75 S |
| Midtown Atlanta | 30–35 miles | I-75/85 S to I-75 S |
| Buckhead (Lenox area) | 35–40 miles | GA 400 S → I-85 S → I-75 S |
| Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta Airport | 22–26 miles | I-75 S |
| Decatur | 30–35 miles | I-285 S/E → I-75 S |
| East Point / College Park | 25–30 miles | I-285 E or W → I-75 S |
These are approximate figures, but they give a realistic sense of how far you’ll drive from different parts of the metro.
Getting to Atlanta Motor Speedway From Atlanta
1. Driving From Central Atlanta
For most residents and visitors, driving is the most direct way to reach the speedway.
Typical route from Downtown Atlanta:
- Get on I-75 South from central Atlanta.
- Continue on I-75 S for roughly 20–25 miles.
- Take Exit 218 (GA-20/GA-81) or a nearby exit depending on your GPS.
- Follow local signs toward Hampton and Atlanta Motor Speedway.
On race days, you’ll usually see temporary traffic signs and law enforcement helping direct cars toward the speedway. Plan for extra travel time if you’re driving during a major NASCAR or special event weekend.
2. Parking and On-Site Distance
Once you arrive:
- Expect to drive through large parking lots and access roads around the facility.
- Parking areas can be a decent walking distance from the main entrance or grandstands, especially during major events.
- Shuttles, trams, or event-specific transportation within the grounds may be available for larger race weekends.
Even though the track is only 1.54 miles long, the overall property is much bigger, so allow a little extra time to get from your car to your seat.
Public Transit and Rideshare Options From Atlanta
MARTA and Public Transit
There is no direct MARTA rail line to Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Typical options if you don’t want to drive yourself:
- Use MARTA rail or bus to reach a southside location (such as College Park or Forest Park), then
- Arrange a rideshare, taxi, or car service for the remainder of the trip down I-75.
This approach can help if you’re staying in-town without a car but want to avoid renting a vehicle.
Rideshare and Taxi
On non-event days, rideshares can usually drop off near the main entrance in Hampton.
On major race days:
- Expect designated rideshare or taxi pickup/drop-off zones.
- Fares and wait times may be higher due to congestion and demand.
- The ride from central Atlanta will typically be around 30 miles, so factor that into your cost and timing.
Why Track Length Matters for Fans
Knowing that Atlanta Motor Speedway is 1.54 miles per lap helps you understand:
- Race distance: How long a 260-lap NASCAR Cup race really is (around 400 miles).
- Pacing and fuel strategy: Teams calculate fuel, tire wear, and pit strategy around that specific 1.54-mile circuit.
- Lap times: Shorter tracks have more laps and slower speeds; Atlanta’s layout is known for high speeds and multiple racing grooves, which affect how the race feels from the stands.
For fans in Atlanta, that 1.54-mile layout is part of what gives the track its reputation as one of the faster and more intense venues on the NASCAR schedule.
Quick Reference: Atlanta Motor Speedway “Miles” at a Glance
If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, here’s what you need to know:
Track length:
- 1.54 miles per lap (Atlanta Motor Speedway racing surface)
Distance from central Atlanta:
- Roughly 28–33 driving miles from downtown
- Around 35–45 minutes in light to moderate traffic
Address:
- Atlanta Motor Speedway
1500 Tara Place
Hampton, GA 30228
- Atlanta Motor Speedway
Typical route from Atlanta:
- I-75 South → Exit near Hampton / GA-20 / GA-81, then follow local signs
With these distances in mind, you can plan your drive time from Atlanta, understand how long each lap really is, and enjoy your visit to Atlanta Motor Speedway with fewer surprises.