Shuttle Options From Atlanta Airport to Athens, GA: What You Need to Know

If you’re flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and heading to Athens, Georgia, you do have shuttle options—along with a few other practical ways to make the trip. The Atlanta–Athens corridor is heavily traveled by students, residents, and visitors, so transportation between the airport and Athens is well established.

This guide explains what shuttle services exist, how they typically work, and what alternatives you might want to consider, all from the perspective of someone starting in Atlanta.

Is There a Shuttle From Atlanta Airport to Athens, GA?

Yes. There are dedicated shuttle services that operate between Atlanta Airport (ATL) and Athens, GA, often focusing on:

• University of Georgia (UGA) students, staff, and visitors
• Business travelers going to downtown Athens
• Residents returning home after flying through ATL

These shuttles generally run multiple times per day, with advance reservations strongly recommended, especially during:

• UGA move-in and move-out periods
• Major football game weekends
• Holidays and school breaks

Because specific company names and schedules can change, the most reliable approach is to:

• Check “Athens airport shuttle from ATL” or
• Visit the University of Georgia or City of Athens transportation pages for updated links to recommended services.

How Airport-to-Athens Shuttles Typically Work

While operators differ, most Atlanta–Athens airport shuttles follow a similar pattern.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations at ATL

Most shuttles use centralized pick-up points at the airport, such as:

• Domestic Terminal (North or South Ground Transportation Center)
  • Follow signs for “Ground Transportation” or “Shared Ride Shuttles”
• Some may also offer pick-up at the International Terminal (Concourse F arrivals level) or provide instructions on how to transfer to the Domestic Terminal

When you make a reservation, you’ll usually receive:

• Exact pick-up location (terminal, door number, and meeting point)
• Instructions for what to do if your flight is delayed

Drop-Off Areas in Athens

Common drop-off zones include:

• Downtown Athens (near hotels, restaurants, and music venues)
• Areas near or on the University of Georgia campus
• Occasionally park-and-ride lots or designated stops along main corridors like Atlanta Highway or Lexington Road

Some services offer door-to-door service to specific addresses in Athens for an additional fee.

Typical Travel Time and Distance

The distance from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Athens, GA is roughly 80–90 miles, depending on the route.

Usual travel time:

• About 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours by shuttle
• Longer during rush hour or weekend event traffic

Most routes use a combination of:

• Interstate 85 (I-85)
• Either Georgia 316 (GA-316) or US-78 into Athens

Shuttle schedules are usually based on typical drive times, but heavy traffic around Atlanta can add 30 minutes or more, so it’s wise to:

• Pick a later shuttle if your flight arrival time is tight
• Allow extra time if you’re catching a return flight from ATL later the same day

What to Expect: Costs and Reservations

Pricing

Shuttle fares between Atlanta Airport and Athens are generally:

• Per person, one-way
• Often discounted for round-trip bookings, students, or groups

Prices can vary by operator, time of day, and demand. They’re usually more economical than a private car service but more expensive than public transit.

Reservations

Most Athens-bound airport shuttles:

• Strongly encourage or require reservations, especially:
  • Early morning and late-night trips
  • UGA event weekends
• May allow same-day bookings if space is available

You’ll typically need to provide:

• Flight number and arrival time
• Mobile number for updates
• Any special needs (extra luggage, mobility assistance, etc.)

Other Ways to Get From Atlanta to Athens

If a shuttle doesn’t fit your timing or budget, there are several other options locals and visitors commonly use.

1. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or Taxi

You can request a rideshare or taxi from ATL directly to Athens.

Pros:

• Door-to-door service
• Available 24/7, not tied to a shared schedule
• Good if you’re traveling with others and can split the cost

Cons:

• Typically more expensive than shuttle services for a single traveler
• Price can surge with demand and traffic

Pick-up areas at ATL:

• Follow signs to the Rideshare Pick-Up area at the Domestic Terminal
• Taxis are available at the Ground Transportation area of each terminal

2. Rental Car

Many Atlanta residents and visitors prefer to rent a car at the airport and drive to Athens themselves.

Pros:

• Maximum flexibility for stops along the way or getting around Athens
• Useful if you plan to visit multiple locations in and around Athens or North Georgia

Cons:

• You’ll need to handle driving, parking, and gas
• Can be more expensive for solo travelers if you don’t need a car in Athens itself

ATL’s Rental Car Center is connected to the terminals via the SkyTrain. Just follow the signs for “Rental Cars / SkyTrain” from either Domestic Terminal.

3. Bus and Public Transit Combinations

There is no single, seamless public transit line from Atlanta Airport all the way to Athens. However, some travelers combine steps:

1. Take MARTA (Atlanta’s rail system) from ATL to a central Atlanta station such as:

   • Five Points
   • Peachtree Center
   • Arts Center

2. Connect with regional bus or shuttle operators serving Athens, which may depart from:

   • Midtown or downtown Atlanta locations
   • Designated park-and-ride lots

This option is usually more complex and time-consuming than a direct shuttle, but it can be:

• A budget-friendly alternative
• Useful if you already plan to spend time in Atlanta proper before heading to Athens

ATL to Athens Options at a Glance

Tips for Choosing the Best Option

Here’s how Atlanta-area travelers often decide:

• On a student or tight budget?

  • Look closely at shuttle services and regional buses, especially those frequently used by UGA students.

• Arriving late at night or very early?

  • Confirm shuttle operating hours; if none fit, consider a rideshare or taxi.

• Traveling with family or a group?

  • Compare the total cost of a shuttle vs. one rideshare or rental car split among several people.

• Need to go straight to campus or a specific Athens address?

  • Check whether the shuttle offers drop-off near UGA or door-to-door service. If not, plan for a local Athens taxi or rideshare from the shuttle stop.

• Returning to Atlanta or catching a flight after Athens?

  • Book a round trip with the same shuttle provider if possible, and allow:
    • At least 2 hours at ATL before departure
    • Plus 1.5–2 hours for the drive back from Athens

Helpful Local Contacts and Landmarks

While individual private shuttle companies can change over time, these stable, public resources often help travelers find current options:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

  • Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • General Information: (800) 897-1910
  • Ask about “Ground Transportation to Athens, GA” for updated shuttle listings or locations.

• University of Georgia (Athens)

  • Address: Athens, GA 30602
  • Main Switchboard: (706) 542-3000
  • UGA often maintains updated information on transportation between ATL and Athens, including recommended shuttles, especially around move-in, orientation, and commencement.

• Athens Transit (The Bus)

  • Address: 775 E Broad St, Athens, GA 30601
  • Phone: (706) 613-3430
  • While Athens Transit doesn’t serve ATL, it’s useful once you arrive in Athens via a shuttle or other service.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta–Athens Airport Travel

• Yes, there is shuttle service between Atlanta Airport and Athens, GA, commonly used by UGA students, residents, and visitors.
• Shuttles typically offer fixed schedules, shared rides, and pick-up at ATL ground transportation areas, with drop-offs in downtown Athens or near UGA.
• Alternatives include rideshare, taxi, rental car, or multi-step bus/rail combinations, each with its own trade-offs in cost, flexibility, and complexity.
• For the most reliable experience, reserve your shuttle in advance, verify pick-up locations at ATL, and allow extra time for Atlanta traffic when planning your connection.