24-Hour Urgent Care in Atlanta: Where to Go and What to Know

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and need medical help right now—but it’s not quite a 911-level emergency—24-hour urgent care can be a practical option. Atlanta has a mix of standalone urgent care clinics, hospital-based urgent care centers, and 24/7 emergency departments that sometimes feel similar to urgent care when you’re deciding where to go.

This guide walks through how 24-hour urgent care in Atlanta typically works, when to choose urgent care vs. the ER, what to expect with costs and wait times, and how to find options close to where you live, work, or are visiting in the city.

Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room in Atlanta

Before you start driving, it helps to know which level of care fits your situation.

When to Call 911 or Go to an Emergency Room

In Atlanta, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if there are signs of a life-threatening emergency, such as:

• Chest pain, pressure, or trouble breathing
• Sudden weakness, slurred speech, or facial drooping (possible stroke)
• Severe head injury, major trauma, or uncontrolled bleeding
• Serious burns, major fractures, or large wounds
• Sudden confusion, loss of consciousness, or seizure
• Severe allergic reaction with trouble breathing or swelling of face/lips/tongue

Major hospital ERs in and around Atlanta include:

• Grady Memorial Hospital Emergency Department
  80 Jesse Hill Jr Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: (404) 616-1000

• Emory University Hospital Emergency Room
  1364 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
  Main line: (404) 712-2000

• Piedmont Atlanta Hospital Emergency Department
  1968 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
  Main line: (404) 605-5000

ERs in these hospitals typically operate 24/7, year-round.

When 24-Hour Urgent Care May Be Appropriate

Urgent care in Atlanta is generally designed for non-life-threatening but time-sensitive issues, such as:

• Minor fractures, sprains, or strains
• Cuts that may need stitches but bleeding is controlled
• Ear infections, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms
• Mild to moderate asthma flare-ups (without severe breathing difficulty)
• Rashes, minor burns, and minor eye irritation
• Urinary symptoms
• Simple medication refills in some circumstances

If you’re unsure, many Atlanta residents call their insurance nurse line, a local telehealth service, or a primary care office (if available) for guidance on whether to choose urgent care or the ER.

Does Atlanta Really Have 24-Hour Urgent Care?

In the Atlanta area, you’ll see two main patterns:

1. Traditional urgent care clinics with extended hours

   • Many open early (7–8 a.m.) and close late (8–10 p.m.), especially in busy neighborhoods and suburbs.
   • Some may advertise “open 7 days” but still not be open overnight.

2. Hospital-affiliated or freestanding emergency departments that function like 24/7 acute care

   • These might feel similar to “24-hour urgent care,” but they are usually billed as emergency care, not urgent care.
   • They often offer walk-in access at all hours and serve people with both urgent and more severe conditions.

Because true 24-hour urgent care clinics (not ERs) are less common, Atlanta residents often choose:

• Late-night urgent care (early morning or late evening)
• Emergency departments for overnight needs
• Telehealth/virtual urgent care when physical exams or imaging aren’t immediately required

To avoid surprises, it’s wise to call ahead or check hours before heading to a specific clinic, especially between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Types of 24/7 and Extended-Hours Care Around Atlanta

1. Hospital Emergency Departments (Always 24/7)

These are the most dependable 24-hour options inside the city:

• Grady Memorial Hospital (Downtown)
  Level I trauma center; often the main destination for serious emergencies in Atlanta.

• Emory University Hospital (Druid Hills)
  Major academic center with a full-service emergency department.

• Piedmont Atlanta Hospital (Buckhead/Midtown area)
  Large hospital with emergency services serving central and north Atlanta.

Many neighborhoods also rely on large hospitals just outside the city limits, such as Northside Hospital Atlanta (Sandy Springs) and Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital (near Perimeter), which also offer 24/7 emergency care.

2. Extended-Hours Urgent Care Clinics

Across metro Atlanta, there are multiple urgent care centers that stay open late into the evening and weekends, particularly near:

• Downtown and Midtown – for workers, students, and visitors
• Buckhead and Brookhaven – dense residential and commercial areas
• Westside, West Midtown, and the BeltLine areas – rapidly growing neighborhoods
• East Atlanta, Decatur area – strong demand from families and students

These centers often advertise:

• Walk-in visits
• On-site X-rays, basic lab testing, and rapid tests (such as for flu or strep)
• Treatment for minor injuries and common illnesses
• Sports, school, or work-related injury care

Hours may look like 8 a.m.–8 p.m. or 9 a.m.–9 p.m., which can cover many urgent situations outside typical work hours, even if they do not operate overnight.

3. Pediatric Urgent Care in Atlanta

Families in Atlanta frequently seek pediatric-specific urgent care, especially in the evenings and on weekends. Near-central Atlanta, a key resource is:

• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) – multiple locations across metro Atlanta
  Main information line: (404) 785-5437

CHOA facilities provide:

• Dedicated pediatric emergency departments (24/7) at certain hospitals
• Urgent care centers for children with extended hours (not always overnight)

Parents often confirm:

• What age range is accepted
• Whether the clinic is urgent care or an emergency department
• Typical wait times and whether you can reserve a spot online or by phone

How to Choose the Right Atlanta Facility for Your Situation

Use this simple comparison to think through your options:

👉 If you’re truly unsure and it feels serious, Atlanta doctors generally advise erring on the side of going to the nearest ER or calling 911.

What to Expect at 24-Hour and Late-Hours Clinics in Atlanta

Check-In and Identification

At most Atlanta urgent care or ER facilities, plan to bring:

• A photo ID
• Insurance card (if insured)
• A list of current medications and doses
• Allergy information

Some centers in Atlanta allow online pre-check-in or let you “join the line” before you arrive, which can shorten your wait.

Wait Times

In Atlanta, wait times can vary widely:

• Evenings and weekends are often the busiest for urgent care.
• ERs near downtown, Midtown, and major interstates (like I-75/85 and I-285) can be especially busy at night.

If you have the flexibility, calling ahead to ask about current wait times can be helpful, particularly if you’re choosing between two or three nearby locations.

Services Commonly Available

Most urgent care centers in and around Atlanta typically offer:

• Basic imaging: X-rays for suspected fractures or chest issues
• Point-of-care testing: rapid flu, strep, COVID tests, urine tests, glucose checks
• Wound care: cleaning, bandaging, minor suturing
• Minor procedures: splinting, draining small abscesses, basic burn care
• Vaccines: seasonal flu shots and some other vaccines, depending on location

Hospital emergency departments provide broader, more advanced services, including CT scans, MRIs, advanced lab work, and specialist consultations.

Cost Considerations for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

Prices can differ significantly between urgent care and emergency rooms in Atlanta.

In General

• Urgent care is often less expensive than an ER visit for the same non-emergency issue.
• Emergency departments, especially at large hospitals, may involve higher co-pays or deductibles under many insurance plans.

Insurance

If you have health insurance:

• Check your card or the insurer’s app for urgent care co-pay vs ER co-pay.
• Many Atlanta residents find it cheaper to use urgent care where appropriate, especially for minor illnesses or injuries.

If you are uninsured or underinsured:

• Some Atlanta urgent care centers offer self-pay rates or payment plans.
• Emergency departments must evaluate you if you have an emergency medical condition, regardless of your ability to pay, but you may receive a bill later.

For information on broader health coverage or assistance in Georgia, residents sometimes start with:

• Georgia Department of Community Health
  2 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: (404) 656-4507

They can direct you toward state health coverage programs and resources.

Finding 24-Hour and After-Hours Care Near You in Atlanta

Because individual clinic hours can change, it’s helpful to use a quick, practical strategy:

1. Identify Your Part of Atlanta

Think about where you are:

• Downtown / Midtown / Georgia State / Georgia Tech
• Buckhead / Brookhaven
• Westside / Atlantic Station / West Midtown
• East Atlanta / Edgewood / Kirkwood / Decatur area
• Airport / College Park / Hapeville

Each area has its own mix of hospitals, urgent care clinics, and pediatric services.

2. Look for Nearby Options

Common approaches Atlanta residents use:

• Search for “urgent care near [your neighborhood name] Atlanta GA” and filter by open hours.
• Check large hospital systems (like Wellstar, Emory, Piedmont, Grady, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta) for the closest facility to you.
• If traveling, ask your hotel front desk, conference host, or local contacts; they often know the nearest reliable facilities.

3. Verify Hours and Services

Before you head out:

• Call the clinic or hospital directly to confirm:
  • Are they currently open?
  • Are they urgent care or an emergency department?
  • Can they handle your type of issue (e.g., minor fracture, pediatric care, specific needs)?
• Ask whether they recommend coming in right away, waiting until morning, or using telehealth first, if appropriate.

Telehealth and Virtual Urgent Care Options in Atlanta

Many Atlantans use telehealth for urgent questions that might not require an in-person exam, such as:

• Mild respiratory symptoms
• Medication questions
• Simple rashes (via video)
• Follow-up questions after a recent visit

Telehealth is often:

• Available after hours, including late evenings and some overnight services
• Connected to major Atlanta health systems or national telehealth providers
• Covered similarly to urgent care visits under many insurance plans

Telehealth cannot replace the ER, and there are limits (for example, no on-site imaging or hands-on procedures), but it can help you decide whether to go to an urgent care or emergency room in Atlanta.

Tips for Using Atlanta Urgent Care Efficiently

• Call first if you can. Ask about wait times, hours, and whether they handle your concern.
• Know your closest ER in case symptoms suddenly worsen on the way or while you’re at home.
• Bring medication lists and allergies written down so you don’t have to rely on memory.
• Keep insurance and ID in a wallet or a photo on your phone for quick access.
• For kids, know which Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta location is nearest to you—especially if you live near the city limits or travel between neighborhoods often.

Having this information planned out in advance can make a stressful situation in Atlanta more manageable, especially at night or on weekends.

If you’re in or near Atlanta and need 24-hour or late-night urgent care, your best immediate step is usually to locate the nearest emergency department or late-hours urgent care, confirm they’re open, and describe your symptoms by phone so staff can guide you to the safest option.