What Is the Nearest City to Atlanta? A Local’s Guide to Nearby Urban Hubs

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering what the nearest city to Atlanta is, you might be surprised that there isn’t just one simple answer. It depends on what you mean by “city” — a small independent city, a sizable suburb, or another major metro area.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused breakdown so you can quickly understand:

• The closest independent cities to Atlanta
• The nearest mid-sized and major cities
• How long it typically takes to get there
• Why you might choose one nearby city over another (day trips, business, airports, etc.)

The Nearest Cities to Atlanta: Quick Overview

If you’re standing in Downtown Atlanta (around Five Points or the Georgia State Capitol), these are some of the nearest independent cities in driving distance:

*Drive times vary by traffic, especially during Atlanta rush hours.

The Very Closest Cities to Atlanta

East Point, Georgia – The Absolute Closest City

If you’re asking “What city is literally closest to Atlanta’s city limits?”, the answer is usually East Point, Georgia.

• Location: Directly southwest of Atlanta
• Border: Shares a border with the City of Atlanta
• Approx. distance from Downtown Atlanta: About 6–8 miles
• Typical drive time: 5–15 minutes depending on traffic

For many Atlanta residents, East Point feels almost like an extension of the city. You can reach it via:

• I-85 South
• Main Street corridors from southwest Atlanta
• MARTA (East Point Station on the Red/Gold line)

East Point is relevant if you:

• Live in south or southwest Atlanta
• Want nearby housing options outside the City of Atlanta
• Need easy access to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which sits just south of Atlanta, adjacent to East Point and College Park

Hapeville, College Park, and Forest Park

Just beyond East Point, a few other small independent cities are extremely close to Atlanta:

• Hapeville, GA

  • Directly east of the airport
  • Roughly 7–10 miles from Downtown Atlanta
  • Known for proximity to airport hotels and some historic residential areas

• College Park, GA

  • Southwest of Atlanta and home to parts of Hartsfield-Jackson Airport
  • About 8–10 miles from Downtown
  • Very relevant for travelers, airline employees, and airport-related business

• Forest Park, GA

  • Southeast of Atlanta, near I-75
  • About 9–11 miles from Downtown
  • Commonly used for distribution centers, trucking, and industrial operations close to the city

If you live in Atlanta and just want to know what independent city is closest in terms of everyday driving, these are your primary neighbors, with East Point typically being the closest.

Nearby Suburban Cities Within the Metro Atlanta Area

Metro Atlanta is filled with incorporated cities that many people think of as suburbs. While some are functionally part of the Atlanta urban area, they are their own cities legally.

Here are some common suburban cities close to Atlanta’s core, roughly measured from Downtown:

• Decatur, GA

  • East of Atlanta
  • Approx. distance: 5–7 miles
  • Drive time: 10–20 minutes
  • Known for a walkable downtown and older intown neighborhoods
  • Convenient via MARTA rail (Decatur Station)

• Sandy Springs, GA

  • Directly north of Atlanta along GA-400
  • Approx. distance: 10–14 miles
  • Drive time: 15–30 minutes
  • Heavily developed with offices, apartments, and access to the Chattahoochee River

• Brookhaven, GA

  • On Atlanta’s northeast border
  • Approx. distance: 8–10 miles
  • Drive time: 15–25 minutes
  • Easy access via Peachtree Road and MARTA (Brookhaven/Oglethorpe)

• Smyrna, GA

  • Northwest of Atlanta in Cobb County
  • Approx. distance: 10–14 miles
  • Drive time: 20–30 minutes
  • Close to The Battery/Truist Park area (Braves stadium complex just outside Smyrna city limits)

These are not just bedroom communities—each has its own city government, police, and services, even though many Atlantans move freely between them for work, shopping, or dining.

Nearest Mid-Sized and Larger Cities in Georgia

If you’re interested in cities that are separate from Metro Atlanta but still close enough for a day trip or overnight stay, a few options stand out.

Marietta, Georgia

Even though it’s often seen as part of suburban Atlanta, Marietta is a larger, historic city in its own right.

• Location: Northwest of Atlanta in Cobb County
• Approx. distance from Downtown Atlanta: 20–22 miles
• Drive time: About 25–40 minutes via I-75 North

Many Atlanta residents visit Marietta for:

• Marietta Square (restaurants, events, seasonal festivals)
• Cobb County administrative offices and services
• Proximity to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Athens, Georgia – Nearest Distinct College City

Athens, GA is often considered the closest clearly separate major college town to Atlanta.

• Approx. distance: About 70–75 miles northeast of Atlanta
• Drive time: About 1.5 hours via GA-316 or US-78 (traffic and route dependent)
• Known for the University of Georgia, music, and a more compact, walkable downtown

From an Atlanta perspective, Athens is a popular option for:

• Weekend trips
• College sports
• A change of pace from big-city traffic

Macon, Georgia – Significant City to the South

Macon, GA is another larger Georgia city that is relatively near Atlanta.

• Approx. distance: About 85–90 miles south of Downtown Atlanta
• Drive time: About 1.5–2 hours via I-75 South
• Known for historic neighborhoods, music history, and being near the geographic center of Georgia

For people in Atlanta, Macon is commonly used for:

• Day trips or short overnight visits
• Regional events and festivals
• A midpoint when traveling further south in Georgia

The Nearest Major Cities Outside Georgia

If you’re considering larger out-of-state cities closest to Atlanta, a few come up frequently.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga is often considered the nearest out-of-state major city with its own downtown and tourist infrastructure.

• Approx. distance from Atlanta: About 115–120 miles northwest
• Drive time: Around 1.75–2.25 hours via I-75 North
• Located along the Tennessee River with mountain and riverfront attractions

For Atlantans, Chattanooga is a realistic:

• Weekend getaway city
• Stop on trips to Nashville or Knoxville
• Alternative starting point for outdoor activities in Tennessee

Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham is another nearby regional city west of Atlanta.

• Approx. distance: About 145–150 miles west
• Drive time: Around 2–2.5 hours via I-20 West
• Known for its own metro area, universities, and historic districts

From Atlanta, people often consider Birmingham for:

• Business travel
• Regional conferences or meetings
• As part of multi-city trips across the Southeast

How to Decide Which “Nearest City” Matters for You

When you ask “What is the nearest city to Atlanta?”, your actual goal matters. Here are a few common scenarios and how the nearby cities fit in.

1. Looking for the Closest City Just Outside Atlanta’s Limits

If you simply want the closest independent municipality beyond Atlanta city limits:

• East Point is typically the first answer
• College Park and Hapeville are close seconds
• Decatur is extremely close on the east side

These are the cities you’ll enter quickly if you drive a short distance in the right direction from Atlanta.

2. Planning a Short Day Trip from Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta and want a nearby day trip city, your best options include:

• Marietta (historic square, restaurants, local events)
• Athens (college town feel, music, walkable downtown)
• Macon (historic neighborhoods, museums, occasional festivals)
• Chattanooga (if you don’t mind nearly a 2-hour drive)

These cities feel more like going “somewhere else” rather than just another Atlanta suburb.

3. Considering Commuting or Relocating Near Atlanta

If you’re thinking about living just outside Atlanta but commuting in, the “nearest cities” question becomes about drive times and transit more than mileage.

Examples:

• Decatur – very close, multiple MARTA rail stations
• East Point / College Park – quick access to I-85 and the airport, plus MARTA rail
• Sandy Springs / Brookhaven – key hubs along GA-400 and Peachtree corridor
• Smyrna – near I-285/I-75, popular with commuters to Northwest Atlanta and Cobb

In this situation, you may care less about which city is technically closest and more about:

• Access to MARTA stations
• Distance to your office in Atlanta (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, etc.)
• Your preferred school district or county services

Practical Tips for Navigating Between Atlanta and Nearby Cities

Here are a few Atlanta-specific tips if you’re heading to a nearby city:

• Factor in rush hour. A 10-mile drive (for example, to Decatur, East Point, or Brookhaven) can shift from 10 minutes to 30+ minutes during peak times.
• Use MARTA where possible.
  • For East Point, College Park, Hapeville-adjacent areas, Decatur, Sandy Springs, and Brookhaven, MARTA rail may be easier than driving and parking.
• Check event schedules. If you’re planning to visit Marietta, Athens, or Macon, game days and major festivals can affect parking and driving times.
• Know key highway routes from Atlanta:
  • I-75 North: Marietta, Kennesaw, then Chattanooga (via I-75)
  • I-75 South: To the airport area, Forest Park, then Macon
  • I-20 West: To Douglasville, then Birmingham
  • I-20 East: To Conyers, then Augusta (further out)
  • GA-400 North: Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta
  • US-78 / GA-316: Toward Athens

Summary: Which City Is Actually Nearest to Atlanta?

If you’re near or in Atlanta, GA, the nearest city depends on which kind of “nearest” you mean:

• Closest independent city just outside Atlanta:
  • East Point, GA is generally the closest, especially from southwest Atlanta.
• Other very close small cities:
  • College Park, Hapeville, Forest Park, and Decatur all sit just a few miles from Atlanta.
• Nearest larger Georgia cities for a true “city trip”:
  • Marietta, Athens, and Macon are the main options within roughly 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Nearest major out-of-state city:
  • Chattanooga, TN, then Birmingham, AL slightly farther away.

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, knowing these nearby cities helps with day trips, commuting choices, and regional travel planning across North Georgia and the broader Southeast.