Getting From Atlanta, GA to Stone Mountain, GA: Routes, Tips, and What to Expect

Traveling from Atlanta, GA to Stone Mountain, GA is one of the most popular short trips in the metro area, whether you’re heading to Stone Mountain Park, visiting friends, or exploring the eastern suburbs. The good news: it’s close, options are flexible, and you can usually make the trip in under an hour if you plan well.

Below is a clear, locally focused guide to how to get from Atlanta to Stone Mountain, what routes to use, approximate travel times, and practical tips for both residents and visitors.

How Far Is Stone Mountain From Atlanta?

The distance from Downtown Atlanta to Stone Mountain village / Stone Mountain Park is roughly:

• 15–20 miles one way (depending on your starting point in Atlanta)
• About 25–45 minutes by car in typical traffic
• Longer during weekday rush hours or major events at Stone Mountain Park

If you’re starting from:

• Downtown / Five Points: ~17–18 miles
• Midtown: ~18–20 miles
• Buckhead: ~20–22 miles
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport: ~28–30 miles

Main Driving Routes From Atlanta to Stone Mountain

Driving is the most common way to travel from Atlanta to Stone Mountain. You have several routes depending on where you are in the city and how much you want to avoid highway congestion.

1. I‑20 East to I‑285 North to US‑78 East (Most Direct for Many Drivers)

For many people starting in Downtown Atlanta, a common route is:

1. Take I‑20 East from Downtown Atlanta.
2. Merge onto I‑285 North (the Perimeter) toward Tucker.
3. Take Exit 39B onto US‑78 East toward Snellville / Athens.
4. Follow signs for Stone Mountain Park / Stone Mountain.

Pros:

• Consistent, well-marked route
• Good for drivers already near I‑20 or the south side of Downtown

Cons:

• I‑285 and US‑78 can be very congested during rush hours and holiday weekends.

2. Direct via US‑78 East (Often Easiest From Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Eastside)

If you’re closer to Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Kirkwood, or Decatur, going straight to US‑78 East is often simpler:

1. Reach US‑78 East / Stone Mountain Freeway (often via Scott Blvd / Lawrenceville Hwy, Ponce de Leon Ave, or North Decatur Rd, depending on your neighborhood).
2. Continue east on US‑78.
3. Follow signs for Stone Mountain Park and the Stone Mountain / Main Exit.

Pros:

• Often more direct from in-town east neighborhoods
• Fewer interstate merges

Cons:

• Traffic lights and local congestion near Decatur
• Can slow down during peak commute times

3. Local Surface Streets (If You Want to Avoid Freeways)

Some drivers prefer to minimize freeway time and use more local routes:

Common eastbound surface street corridors include:

• Ponce de Leon Ave NE → Scott Blvd → Lawrenceville Hwy → US‑78 East
• Memorial Dr SE → Rockbridge Rd → Local entrances near Stone Mountain

This approach is more common for people already on the east side of Atlanta and comfortable with local roads.

Pros:

• Avoids long stretches of high-speed freeway driving
• Lets you stop in Decatur, Clarkston, or Tucker along the way

Cons:

• More traffic lights, slower speeds
• Can be confusing for visitors unfamiliar with surface routes

Quick Route Comparison

Times vary widely in rush hour, during weekend events, or on major holidays.

Traffic Timing: When to Go and What to Avoid

Traffic between Atlanta and Stone Mountain can shift a lot depending on time of day and event schedules.

Busiest times:

• Weekday mornings: 7:00–9:00 a.m. (Atlanta-bound lanes heavier, but can still affect both directions)
• Weekday afternoons/evenings: 4:00–7:00 p.m.
• Holiday weekends and special events at Stone Mountain Park (especially during:
  • Summer weekends
  • Fourth of July
  • Pumpkin Festival (fall)
  • Christmas and holiday laser/light shows)

Smoother times:

• Late mornings on weekdays (roughly 10:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.)
• Early weekend mornings
• Later evenings outside of event times

💡 Tip: If you’re planning to attend a major show or festival at Stone Mountain Park, aim to arrive at least 1–2 hours before the start time to account for traffic and parking.

Public Transit: MARTA Options From Atlanta to Stone Mountain

There is no direct MARTA rail station in Stone Mountain, but you can combine MARTA rail + bus to get close, particularly to the Stone Mountain Village area or the park’s main entrance (routes can change, so verify before you go).

Typical Transit Pattern

1. Take MARTA rail from your closest station in Atlanta to:
   • Indian Creek Station (East Line), or
   • Kensington Station, depending on the current bus connections.
2. Transfer to a MARTA bus that serves the Stone Mountain area. In the past, routes have included buses running along Memorial Drive and into Stone Mountain Village.

From Downtown Atlanta / Five Points:

• Rail time: About 20–30 minutes to reach the end-of-line east stations.
• Bus time: Another 20–40 minutes, depending on the specific route and traffic.

Total commute: Often 60–90 minutes one way when you factor in wait times and transfers.

Public transit is most practical if:

• You’re staying near a MARTA rail station.
• You don’t want to rent a car or use rideshare.
• You’re comfortable with a longer, multi-step trip.

Rideshare, Taxis, and Shuttles

For visitors and those without a car, rideshare services (like common app-based services), traditional taxis, or pre-arranged shuttles are common ways to get from Atlanta to Stone Mountain.

Rideshare or Taxi

From central Atlanta neighborhoods (Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward) to Stone Mountain:

• Distance: Around 15–20 miles
• Ride time: About 25–45 minutes, depending on traffic

Costs vary based on demand, time of day, and pickup point. It’s often more economical to share a ride if you’re traveling with a group.

Hotel or Group Shuttles

Some hotels, tour operators, or group event planners in Atlanta may arrange transportation to Stone Mountain for conferences, school trips, or large gatherings. This is often handled directly through:

• Hotel concierge desks
• Event organizers
• School or church groups

If you’re attending an organized event, it’s worth checking whether transportation is included or recommended from central Atlanta locations.

Getting to Stone Mountain Park vs. Stone Mountain City

Many people use “Stone Mountain” to refer to the park, but there’s also the City of Stone Mountain, a small historic city nearby. Knowing which one you’re headed to can help you pick the right entrance or drop-off point.

Stone Mountain Park

• Large gated attraction area around the mountain itself
• Multiple entrances, with the main entrance off US‑78 being the most common approach from Atlanta
• Parking fees usually apply per vehicle

Common GPS search terms:
“Stone Mountain Park” or the main gate address (often along E. Ponce de Leon Ave / GA‑10 East just off US‑78).

City of Stone Mountain (Stone Mountain Village)

• Historic downtown area adjacent to the park
• Walkable streets, restaurants, and local shops
• Sometimes easier to reach via surface streets (Memorial Dr, Rockbridge Rd, Main St)

If you’re meeting someone at a specific address in the city or near Main Street, double-check whether you should be using a park entrance or the city street network.

Parking and Entry Considerations at Stone Mountain Park

When you drive from Atlanta to Stone Mountain Park, there are a few practical things to keep in mind:

• Parking fee: Most vehicles pay a parking charge at the gate. Annual passes may be available for frequent visitors.
• Busy days: Parking lots and gates can back up significantly on peak days. Plan for extra time.
• Multiple entrances:
  • Main entrance from US‑78 is the most commonly used by drivers coming from Atlanta.
  • Additional lesser-used entrances may have different traffic flows; check a current park map if you’re trying to avoid the busiest gate.

If you’re dropped off by a rideshare or taxi, ask your driver to confirm whether you’re going to:

• The main gate, or
• A specific attraction area or hotel inside or adjacent to the park.

Tips for Visitors New to Atlanta

If you’re visiting Atlanta and planning a day at Stone Mountain, a few local tips can make the trip smoother:

• Start earlier than you think. Atlanta morning traffic plus park entry lines can add up, especially on weekends.
• Stay near a MARTA station if you don’t have a car and want the option to combine transit and rideshare.
• Check event calendars. Large festivals, fireworks shows, or holiday events can change your ideal departure time from Atlanta by an hour or more.
• Watch weather forecasts. Outdoor activities at Stone Mountain are affected by heat, storms, and visibility; that may change whether you want to commit to the drive that day.

Practical Summary: Best Ways to Go From Atlanta, GA to Stone Mountain, GA

• Fastest for most people:
  Drive via US‑78 East from Atlanta (possibly by way of I‑285), taking about 25–45 minutes in normal traffic.

• Car-free option:
  Use MARTA rail to an east-end station, then transfer to a MARTA bus serving the Stone Mountain area. Plan for about 1–1.5 hours each way.

• Convenient but pricier:
  Use rideshare or taxi service directly from your location in Atlanta to Stone Mountain Park or the City of Stone Mountain.

• Best timing:
  Avoid peak rush hours and major event start/finish times; aim for mid-morning or early afternoon departures from Atlanta when possible.

By choosing the route and timing that best match your starting point and schedule, traveling from Atlanta, GA to Stone Mountain, GA can be a straightforward and manageable part of your day.