Getting from Conyers, GA to Atlanta: Routes, Commutes, and Local Tips
Traveling from Conyers, GA to Atlanta is a daily routine for many Metro Atlanta commuters, students, and visitors. Whether you’re heading to a job downtown, catching a game, or visiting family, understanding the best ways to get between Conyers and Atlanta can save you time, money, and stress.
This guide focuses on practical, Atlanta-specific information to help you plan your trip.
Where Is Conyers in Relation to Atlanta?
Conyers is a city in Rockdale County, located east of Atlanta along I‑20.
- Approximate distance: 24–28 miles from downtown Atlanta (Five Points area), depending on your starting point in Conyers
- Primary corridor:Interstate 20 (I‑20 East/West)
- General direction: Conyers → Westbound on I‑20 → Atlanta
If you live or are staying in the city of Atlanta (Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, etc.), your route from Atlanta to Conyers and Conyers to Atlanta will almost always involve I‑20.
Main Ways to Travel from Conyers, GA to Atlanta
You have three primary options:
- Driving (car or rideshare)
- Park-and-ride with Xpress or MARTA connections
- Carpool/vanpool or employer shuttles
Public transit is more limited on the far east side compared with inside the Perimeter, so many people combine driving + transit for the most efficient commute.
Driving from Conyers to Atlanta
Primary Route: I‑20 West
Most drivers take:
- From Conyers:
- Get on I‑20 W (toward Atlanta)
- To Downtown Atlanta:
- Continue straight on I‑20 W
- Use exits for:
- Downtown Connector (I‑75/85)
- Courtland St / Washington St / Windsor St (depending on your destination)
- Spring St / Ted Turner Dr / Capitol Ave for government buildings and stadiums
Typical drive time (one way):
| Time of Day | Approx. Travel Time Conyers → Downtown Atlanta |
|---|---|
| Early morning (before 6:30 a.m.) | ~25–35 minutes |
| AM rush (6:30–9:00 a.m.) | ~40–60+ minutes |
| Midday (10 a.m.–3 p.m.) | ~30–40 minutes |
| PM rush (3:30–7:00 p.m.) | ~40–65+ minutes |
| Late evening/night | ~25–35 minutes |
Actual times vary based on construction, crashes, weather, and big events (games, concerts, conventions).
Key Atlanta-Area Exits off I‑20 West
If your destination is inside Atlanta, here are some commonly used exits:
- Gresham Rd – East Atlanta neighborhoods
- Moreland Ave (US‑23) – Access to East Atlanta Village, Little Five Points
- Boulevard / Capitol Ave – Georgia State Capitol, government buildings
- Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) – For Midtown, Georgia Tech, Buckhead, Airport (via I‑85 S)
Knowing your exact destination neighborhood (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, West Midtown, etc.) helps you pick the best combination of exits and surface streets.
Pros and Cons of Driving
Advantages:
- Fastest door‑to‑door option during off-peak times
- Flexible departure times
- Easy to reach destinations not near MARTA (industrial sites, office parks, schools)
Drawbacks:
- Heavy congestion during peak hours on I‑20, especially near the Downtown Connector
- Parking costs in Downtown/Midtown
- Stressful driving in dense urban traffic
Using Transit Between Conyers and Atlanta
There is no direct MARTA rail line from Conyers to Atlanta, but you can use commuter bus services and connect to MARTA inside the city.
Xpress Commuter Bus (Statewide Commuter Service)
The Xpress service, managed by the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL), operates commuter routes from several suburbs into central Atlanta. Historically, routes have served the I‑20 East corridor, often using park-and-ride lots in or near Rockdale County.
Because routes and schedules can change, it’s important to:
- Check the latest Xpress route map and schedules
- Confirm whether there is an active Conyers or I‑20 East park-and-ride serving Downtown or Midtown Atlanta
- Review AM inbound vs PM outbound trip times
Typical features of Xpress service:
- Weekday, rush‑hour focused schedules
- Park-and-ride lots with marked bus bays
- Drop-off points near Downtown or Midtown activity centers
If you are commuting regularly, many Atlanta-area riders use Xpress in the morning and evening, while driving or using MARTA for midday errands.
Connecting to MARTA in Atlanta
Once you’re in the city, you may want to connect to MARTA for final‑mile access.
MARTA Rail Hubs Commonly Used by Commuters:
Five Points Station
- Address: 30 Alabama St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Main transfer hub for Red, Gold, Blue, and Green lines
- Walking distance to many Downtown offices and government buildings
Peachtree Center Station
- Address: 216 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Popular for workers in Downtown office towers and nearby hotels
Midtown Station
- Address: 41 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
- Access to Midtown offices, Georgia Tech shuttles, and residential areas
Many commuters travel Conyers → Xpress bus → Downtown Atlanta and then walk or use MARTA to reach specific neighborhoods.
Park-and-Ride and Commuter Options
If you don’t want to drive all the way into Atlanta traffic, you can park closer to the city and then use transit.
Strategy 1: Drive Partway, Then MARTA Rail
A common pattern for Eastside commuters:
- Drive from Conyers along I‑20 W toward Atlanta.
- Park near or at a MARTA rail station east of Downtown.
- Take MARTA into Downtown or Midtown to avoid inner-city traffic and parking fees.
While MARTA does not currently have rail stations as far east as Conyers, you can:
- Drive inside the Perimeter and use rail or bus connections
- Use pay parking near certain stations that have lots or nearby private garages
Well-known rail stations used as “city entries” include:
- Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station – 1055 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
- Edgewood/Candler Park Station – 1475 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Parking availability and policies vary and may not be dedicated large park-and-ride facilities, so many people choose Downtown or Midtown garages near a rail station instead.
Strategy 2: Employer Shuttles or Vanpools
Some larger employers in Downtown, Midtown, or Perimeter Center participate in:
- Vanpool programs organized through regional commute assistance programs
- Private or employer-run shuttles from shared meeting points (sometimes near highways or park-and-ride lots)
If your workplace is in Atlanta:
- Ask HR or your commute coordinator whether they support vanpool subsidies or have designated pickup points for employees who live in Conyers/Rockdale County.
Rideshare and Taxi Options
If you prefer not to drive:
- Rideshare services (such as app-based car services) are widely used between Conyers and Atlanta.
- Traditional taxis may be less common in Conyers itself, but more available within the Atlanta city limits.
This option is generally:
- Most practical for occasional trips, airport rides, evenings out, or when parking is limited.
- More expensive than regular commuting by car, but can be cost-effective if you split fares with others.
Timing Your Trip: Atlanta Traffic Realities
Atlanta’s traffic patterns have a big impact on any Conyers–Atlanta commute.
Westbound (Conyers to Atlanta) Morning Patterns
- Heaviest congestion: 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
- Slowdowns:
- Approaching the I‑285 interchange
- Approaching the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85)
- If possible, aim to:
- Arrive in Atlanta before 7:00 a.m. or
- Travel after 9:30–10:00 a.m. for a smoother drive
Eastbound (Atlanta to Conyers) Evening Patterns
- Heaviest congestion: 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., especially 4:30–6:30 p.m.
- Typical slow zones:
- Leaving Downtown via I‑20 East
- Approaching and passing the I‑285 interchange
Many commuters adjust work hours—starting earlier or leaving later—to avoid the worst of rush hour.
Planning for Major Events in Atlanta
If you’re coming from Conyers to attend events at:
- Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
- State Farm Arena
- Georgia World Congress Center
- Downtown festivals, parades, or conventions
Expect:
- Heavier traffic not only before and after events, but across much of Downtown and Midtown
- Limited and higher-priced parking around venues
To manage this:
- Build in extra travel time from Conyers (often 1–1.5 hours before your planned arrival time)
- Consider parking farther from the venue and using MARTA rail or walking
- Check event schedules in advance and avoid overlapping with weekday rush hour if you can
Frequently Needed Atlanta Destinations from Conyers
Here’s how your trip might look if you’re heading to common Atlanta locations:
Downtown Atlanta (Government, Courts, Offices)
- Main route: Conyers → I‑20 W → Downtown exit
- Many government offices are near:
- Georgia State Capitol
- 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334
- Fulton County Government Center
- 141 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Georgia State Capitol
Parking is available in surrounding public and private decks. Using a combination of Xpress + MARTA + short walk is often more convenient during peak periods.
Midtown Atlanta (Tech, Arts, Offices)
- Route options:
- Drive: Conyers → I‑20 W → Downtown Connector (I‑75/85 N) → exits into Midtown
- Transit: Conyers → commuter bus into Downtown → MARTA rail to Midtown Station
This area serves:
- Large office towers
- Georgia Tech (with additional campus shuttles)
- Midtown arts district and residential neighborhoods
Cost and Convenience Considerations
When choosing how to travel between Conyers and Atlanta, think about:
- Fuel costs and vehicle wear-and-tear for daily driving
- Parking fees in Downtown/Midtown garages or surface lots
- Transit fares (Xpress and MARTA if you transfer)
- Your tolerance for:
- Driving in dense urban traffic
- Fixed schedules for commuter buses
- Transfers between bus/rail/walking segments
Many Atlanta-area residents end up using a hybrid approach:
- Drive all the way on some days (early or late shifts, errands after work)
- Use commuter bus or vanpool on standard office days
- Mix in rideshare for special events or late nights
Key Takeaways for Traveling from Conyers, GA to Atlanta
- The main corridor is I‑20 West, with typical one-way travel times of 30–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Driving offers the most flexibility, but rush hour congestion around I‑285 and the Downtown Connector can significantly increase travel time.
- Commuter services like Xpress buses, combined with MARTA inside Atlanta, are useful for regular commuters looking to reduce stress and parking costs.
- Park-and-ride and partial-drive strategies can help you avoid the heaviest inner-city traffic while still maintaining flexibility.
- Always check current traffic conditions, event schedules, and, if using transit, up-to-date route and schedule information before you leave Conyers for Atlanta or vice versa.
By understanding the main routes, commute patterns, and transit options specific to the Conyers–Atlanta corridor, you can choose the combination that best fits your schedule, budget, and daily routine.