Getting from Atlanta, GA to Marietta, GA: Routes, Commute Tips, and Local Insights

Traveling from Atlanta, GA to Marietta, GA is one of the most common trips in metro Atlanta. Whether you live in the city, commute regularly to Cobb County, or you’re visiting and planning a day in Marietta Square, understanding your options makes the trip much smoother.

This guide walks through driving routes, traffic patterns, public transit, rideshares, and practical local tips specifically for Atlanta–Marietta travel.

How Far Is Marietta from Atlanta?

The distance from Downtown Atlanta to Marietta is roughly:

• 15–20 miles, depending on your exact start and end points
• 25–45 minutes by car in typical conditions
• 45–75+ minutes during heavy rush hour traffic

Both cities sit along the I-75 corridor, with Marietta to the northwest of Atlanta.

Main Driving Routes: Atlanta to Marietta

If you’re driving, you have a few reliable options, depending on where you start in Atlanta.

1. I-75 North: Fastest and Most Direct for Most Drivers

For most people starting in Downtown or Midtown Atlanta, the quickest route is:

1. Get on I-75/85 (the Downtown Connector) heading north.
2. Stay on I-75 North when it splits from I-85.
3. Continue on I-75 North into Cobb County.
4. Use exits like:
   • Exit 263 – SR 120 Loop / South Marietta Parkway
   • Exit 265 – North Marietta Parkway / SR 120 Loop
   • Exit 267A/B – Canton Rd / Marietta / SR 5

These exits serve most of Marietta proper, including Marietta Square and surrounding neighborhoods.

Best for:

• Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland, West Midtown
• Visitors staying at hotels near the Connector or in central Atlanta

Watch out for:

• Heavy congestion near the I-75/I-285 interchange (Cobb Cloverleaf)
• Slower traffic during morning (southbound) and evening (northbound) rush hours

2. I-285 to I-75: If You’re Coming from East or South Atlanta

If you’re starting farther from the core—such as Decatur, East Atlanta, Hapeville, or near the airport—you may end up on I-285 before heading north.

Common pattern:

1. Take I-285 around Atlanta (typically the northwest side).
2. Connect to I-75 North near the Cobb Cloverleaf.
3. Continue to Marietta using exits 263–267.

Best for:

• East Atlanta, Decatur, Tucker, or South Atlanta when you want to avoid the Downtown Connector
• Times when there’s a major incident on I-75/85 through Downtown

Watch out for:

• I-285 can jam heavily near Cumberland, Smyrna, and the I-75 interchange.

3. Surface Street Alternatives: When Highways Are Jammed

Sometimes, especially during severe congestion or accidents, locals use major surface roads between Atlanta and Marietta:

• Cobb Parkway (US-41)

  • Runs roughly parallel to I-75.
  • Connects areas like Cumberland, Vinings, and Midtown to Marietta.
  • Can be a useful backup if I-75 is gridlocked, but it has traffic lights and retail zones.

• Atlanta Road / Marietta Boulevard / Howell Mill Road

  • Can connect West Midtown to Smyrna/Vinings, and then on toward Marietta.
  • More practical for those starting on the west side of Atlanta.

These roads are slower than the interstate in free-flowing conditions but can be useful if there’s a major incident on I-75.

Typical Drive Times from Key Atlanta Areas to Marietta

Use this as a rough guide; real-time traffic can vary widely.

Best Times to Travel Between Atlanta and Marietta

Rush hour in metro Atlanta can significantly impact your travel time.

• 🚗 Morning peak: roughly 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
• 🚗 Evening peak: roughly 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Northbound I-75 (Atlanta → Marietta):

• Usually worse in the afternoon/evening as people commute home to Cobb County.
• Lighter in the late morning and early afternoon on weekdays.

Weekend patterns:

• Saturdays can be busy near Cumberland, Truist Park, and retail areas, especially on game days or during major events.
• Sundays are often lighter but can still back up near shopping areas or construction zones.

Tip: If you have flexibility, traveling between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays is often more predictable.

Public Transportation: Getting from Atlanta to Marietta Without a Car

Marietta is outside MARTA’s rail system, but you can still use MARTA + CobbLinc to make the trip without driving.

MARTA + CobbLinc Bus Combo

You’ll typically:

1. Take MARTA (rail or bus) from your Atlanta starting point to a station that connects to CobbLinc, such as:

   • Arts Center Station (Midtown)
   • Civic Center or Five Points Station (for northbound buses or transfers)

2. Transfer to CobbLinc (Cobb County’s bus system), which serves Marietta and surrounding areas.

Some commonly used options (routes can change, so check current schedules):

• MARTA from Downtown/Midtown → Cumberland area
  Then transfer to CobbLinc routes serving Marietta Transit Center or key corridors.

• CobbLinc Marietta Transfer Center

  • Located near Downtown Marietta.
  • From there, you can walk, rideshare, or use local routes to reach your exact destination.

Travel time estimate:

• Plan for 1–1.5 hours door-to-door, depending on transfers and wait times.

Best for:

• Budget-conscious travelers
• Those who prefer not to drive or don’t have access to a car
• Commuters with consistent schedules who can plan around bus timetables

Rideshare, Taxis, and Car Services

If you want a direct trip without driving yourself, rideshare and car services are common between Atlanta and Marietta.

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

• Frequently used from:
  • Downtown/Midtown hotels to Marietta Square
  • Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to Marietta hotels or homes
• Pricing varies based on:
  • Time of day
  • Traffic and surge demand
  • Specific pickup/drop-off locations

Pros:

• Door-to-door convenience
• No parking to worry about in Marietta

Cons:

• Can be relatively expensive during peak times
• Travel time still affected by I-75 traffic

Taxis and Private Car Services

Traditional taxis and pre-booked car services also operate throughout Atlanta and to Cobb County.

Best for:

• Scheduled airport transfers
• Business travelers who want a set pickup time and a more predictable cost structure

If you’re staying at a major Atlanta hotel, the front desk or concierge can usually assist with booking a reliable car service to Marietta.

Parking in Marietta: What Atlanta Drivers Should Know

If you’re driving from Atlanta to Downtown Marietta (especially to visit Marietta Square):

• City-managed lots and decks

  • Located around Marietta Square and nearby streets.
  • Often time-limited or paid, depending on the day and event schedule.

• On-street parking

  • Available on many streets around the Square and in nearby neighborhoods.
  • Watch for posted time limits and residential permits.

• Event parking

  • During festivals, concerts, or major events at Glover Park, additional parking rules or special event pricing may apply.
  • Arrive early if you’re visiting during well-known events or weekends in peak season.

If you’re headed to an office complex, shopping center, or residential community in Marietta, you’ll usually find dedicated parking lots.

Common Reasons Atlantans Travel to Marietta

Understanding why you’re going can help you choose the best route and timing.

1. Work and Commuting

Many people live in Atlanta and commute to Marietta-area employers, including:

• Corporate offices in Cobb County
• Medical centers and clinics
• Local government offices near Downtown Marietta

For daily commuters:

• Consider leaving earlier than peak (before 7 a.m.) or after the main rush.
• Explore flex schedules or hybrid work if your employer allows it; avoiding the peak window can save a lot of time.

2. Visiting Marietta Square and Historic Sites

From Atlanta, a day trip to:

• Marietta Square / Glover Park
• Local restaurants, shops, and museums
• Marietta Museum of History and nearby attractions

is easy by car or rideshare.

Tips:

• Aim to arrive in the late morning on weekends to find easier parking.
• If combining with a visit to nearby Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, plan extra time for traffic and parking there as well.

3. Sports, Entertainment, and Shopping Near I-75

While Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta are technically in the Cumberland area (between Atlanta and Marietta), many people combine Atlanta, Cumberland, and Marietta in a single trip.

From Atlanta:

• Travel I-75 North to reach:
  • The Battery Atlanta / Truist Park
  • Shopping and dining areas along Cobb Parkway (US-41)
  • Then continue north to Marietta via I-75 or Cobb Parkway

On game or concert days, expect heavier traffic on I-75 and local roads. Leaving earlier or staying later after an event can reduce your time in gridlock.

Safety and Practical Driving Tips for the Atlanta–Marietta Trip

The Atlanta–Marietta corridor is busy and fast-moving. A few practical tips:

• Stay alert near interchanges.
  The stretch around:

  • Downtown Connector
  • I-75/I-285 interchange
    is especially hectic with frequent lane changes.

• Know your exit ahead of time.
  Exits for Marietta Parkway (SR 120 Loop) and Canton Road (SR 5) can approach quickly, especially at higher speeds.

• Watch for construction.
  Road work along I-75, I-285, or Cobb Parkway can affect travel times. Digital signs often display lane closures and delays.

• Use real-time navigation.
  Many locals rely on GPS navigation apps to:

  • Reroute around crashes
  • Suggest alternate surface streets when possible
  • Offer realistic ETAs based on live traffic

When Taking Public Transit Makes Sense

Using MARTA + CobbLinc from Atlanta to Marietta may be worthwhile if:

• You don’t want to deal with parking in Marietta or at your destination.
• You have a regular schedule (for example, weekday commuting) that lines up with bus times.
• You’re comfortable with a longer but cheaper trip.

If you’re carrying heavy bags, traveling late at night, or visiting on a tight schedule, you may find driving or rideshare more practical.

Quick Summary: Choosing the Best Way from Atlanta to Marietta

Here’s a simple way to decide your route:

• I want the fastest, most direct option:
  → Drive via I-75 North from Downtown/Midtown.

• I’m coming from the east or south side of Atlanta:
  → Consider I-285 to I-75 North, depending on traffic.

• I don’t want to drive or park:
  → Use MARTA + CobbLinc, or a rideshare for door-to-door service.

• I’m traveling during heavy rush hour:
  → Allow extra time, consider leaving earlier/later, and be open to surface street alternatives if your navigation app suggests them.

Understanding these Atlanta–Marietta travel patterns will help you choose the route, time, and mode of transportation that fits your schedule, budget, and comfort level.