Where Is Atlanta Motor Speedway? A Local’s Guide to Getting There
Atlanta Motor Speedway is a major draw for racing fans, concertgoers, and event lovers in the metro area, but it’s not actually in the city of Atlanta. If you’re planning your first visit, it helps to know exactly where it is and the best ways to get there from different parts of Atlanta.
Exact Location of Atlanta Motor Speedway
Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS) is located in Hampton, Georgia, a small city south of Atlanta in Henry County.
Official address:
From Downtown Atlanta, the track is roughly 25–30 miles south (distance varies depending on your exact starting point) and is generally reached via I-75 South.
How Far Is Atlanta Motor Speedway from Key Atlanta Areas?
Here’s a quick overview of approximate distances and typical drive times in normal, non-race traffic. During big race weekends or major events, expect longer travel times.
| Starting Area | Approx. Distance | Typical Drive Time* | Main Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Atlanta | 25–30 miles | 35–50 minutes | I-75 S → GA-20/GA-81 or GA-19 |
| Midtown Atlanta | 28–32 miles | 40–55 minutes | I-75/85 S → I-75 S |
| Buckhead | 30–35 miles | 45–60 minutes | GA-400 S → I-85 S → I-75 S |
| Hartsfield–Jackson Airport | 20–24 miles | 30–45 minutes | I-285 E or W → I-75 S |
| Decatur | 30–35 miles | 45–60 minutes | I-285 S → I-75 S |
| Stockbridge | 12–15 miles | 20–30 minutes | I-75 S → local roads |
| McDonough | 10–12 miles | 15–25 minutes | GA-20/81 or local routes |
*Times are estimates and can increase significantly during rush hour or major events.
Directions to Atlanta Motor Speedway from Around Atlanta
From Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead
Most in-town neighborhoods will follow a similar path:
- Get onto I-75/85 South from your nearest connector (Freedom Parkway, 17th Street, North Avenue, etc.).
- Continue on I-75 South when the Downtown Connector splits (stay left toward Macon).
- Take Exit 218 (GA-20/GA-81, McDonough/Hampton) or Exit 221 (Jonesboro Rd/GA-20) depending on posted race/event signs.
- Follow signs along GA-20/GA-81 and local roads toward Hampton / Atlanta Motor Speedway.
- As you get close, event signage and law enforcement typically direct traffic into designated parking areas.
From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
If you’re flying in and heading straight to the track:
- Leave the airport area and follow signs to I-285 or I-75 South.
- Take I-75 South toward Macon.
- Use Exit 218 (GA-20/GA-81) or the exit noted on event communications.
- Follow Hampton / Atlanta Motor Speedway directional signs.
Many visitors find it easiest to rent a car at the airport or use a rideshare for smaller events. On big race days, rideshare pickups after the event can be slow due to traffic controls.
From the South Metro (Stockbridge, McDonough, Locust Grove)
If you’re already in Henry County:
- From Stockbridge: Take I-75 South to Exit 218, then follow GA-20/GA-81 west toward Hampton.
- From McDonough: Use GA-20/GA-81 or other local routes heading west toward Hampton and follow AMS signage.
Local roads can sometimes be faster than the interstate on race days if you know the area, but if you’re visiting, stick with the signed routes.
Understanding the Area Around Atlanta Motor Speedway
Atlanta Motor Speedway sits in a suburban–rural area with a mix of neighborhoods, farmland, and small-town centers.
Nearby communities include:
- Hampton, GA – Closest city, with small-town restaurants, gas stations, and basic services.
- McDonough, GA – A larger nearby hub with hotels, chain restaurants, and shopping.
- Lovejoy, GA – North of the track along US-41/19.
If you’re used to in-town Atlanta amenities, plan ahead:
- Gas up before you arrive, especially on major event days.
- Check parking and entry gate information ahead of time.
- Consider where you’ll eat before or after the event; many people stop in McDonough or Stockbridge.
Parking and Entry Tips for Atlanta Motor Speedway
The speedway property is large, with multiple parking lots and gates. Where you park may differ depending on:
- The type of event (NASCAR race, concert, local event, track experience).
- Whether you have pre-purchased parking passes or infield access.
- Accessibility needs (ADA parking areas are typically available closer to certain entrances).
Common tips from local attendees:
- Arrive early ⏰ – For major races, people often arrive several hours before start time to avoid the heaviest traffic.
- Follow official signage rather than GPS once you’re within a few miles; traffic patterns may be temporarily changed.
- Know your gate ahead of time so you can choose the nearest parking area.
- Keep track of where you parked (lot color/number, landmarks) – the lots can look similar after dark or after a long event.
For the most current parking maps and event-specific guidance, the main office number is:
Public Transportation and Rideshare Options
MARTA and Public Transit
There is no direct MARTA rail or bus service to Atlanta Motor Speedway. The track is outside the typical MARTA service footprint in Hampton.
If you don’t drive, options may include:
- Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) from an area served by MARTA, such as:
- College Park station
- East Point station
- Forest Park/Morrow/Stockbridge areas (by transferring to local rideshare or taxi)
- Carpooling with friends or family who are driving from Atlanta.
During large race weekends, some private groups may organize shuttle buses from in-town pickup points, but these are not standard public services and can vary year to year. Check event announcements closer to the race date.
Taxis and Rideshare Considerations
- Cost: A rideshare from central Atlanta to AMS is a long trip, and surge pricing may apply after the event.
- Pickups after events: Plan extra time for pickup due to heavy outbound traffic and potentially limited rideshare driver access.
- Meeting points: Events may designate specific rideshare zones—look for signs or ask event staff when you arrive.
Best Times to Travel from Atlanta to the Speedway
Atlanta traffic patterns can significantly affect your trip:
- Weekday evenings (4–7 p.m.) on I-75 South are often congested.
- Race weekends can create stop-and-go traffic for miles around the track, especially within 5–10 miles of Hampton.
- Many locals recommend:
- Leaving in the late morning or early afternoon for night races or evening concerts.
- Leaving very early for daytime major events to avoid the heaviest inbound traffic.
Heading home, expect slowdowns on I-75 North as thousands of vehicles leave at once.
Lodging Near Atlanta Motor Speedway
If you don’t want to drive back to Atlanta late at night, many visitors stay in nearby cities:
- McDonough, GA – One of the most popular choices, with multiple hotels near I-75 and the Jonesboro Road / GA-20 exits.
- Stockbridge, GA – North of McDonough along I-75, closer to Atlanta but still convenient.
- Locust Grove, GA – Further south on I-75 with hotel and outlet shopping options.
- Infield and camping options – For major race weekends, the speedway often offers camping and RV sites on or near the property.
Staying closer to the track can reduce your late-night drive time back into Atlanta.
Key Details at a Glance
- What it is: A major racing and events facility serving the Atlanta region.
- City:Hampton, Georgia (not inside the Atlanta city limits).
- County:Henry County.
- Address: 1500 Tara Place, Hampton, GA 30228.
- Distance from Downtown Atlanta: About 25–30 miles south via I-75 South.
- Closest major highway:Interstate 75.
- Public transit: No direct MARTA; driving or rideshare is typically required.
- Main info phone: (770) 946-4211.
Knowing that Atlanta Motor Speedway is south of the city in Hampton—and planning your route, timing, and parking ahead—will make getting there from anywhere in the Atlanta area much easier.
