Traveling From Dallas, GA to Atlanta, GA: Routes, Timing, and Local Tips

Traveling from Dallas, Georgia to Atlanta, Georgia is a common trip for commuters, visitors, and people heading into the city for work, events, or flights. Whether you live in the Atlanta area or you’re planning a visit, understanding the best ways to get from Dallas to Atlanta can save you time, money, and stress.

This guide focuses on real-world options and expectations for getting into Atlanta from Dallas, GA, including driving routes, public transit connections, rush-hour patterns, and tips for key destinations like Downtown Atlanta, Midtown, and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Where Is Dallas, GA in Relation to Atlanta?

Dallas is a small city in Paulding County, located northwest of Atlanta.

• Approximate distance: 30–35 miles from central Atlanta (depending on your exact starting point in Dallas and ending point in Atlanta)
• General direction: Northwest of Downtown Atlanta
• Primary connection corridor:US-278 and I-20 or I-75/I-85 via connector routes

For many residents in Dallas, Atlanta is the nearest major city for jobs, sports games, concerts, medical appointments, and airport travel.

Main Ways to Get From Dallas, GA to Atlanta, GA

There are three main options most people consider:

1. Driving (most common)
2. Park-and-ride plus MARTA (for avoiding downtown traffic/parking)
3. Rideshare or taxi (for specific trips like airport travel)

Because Dallas does not have a direct heavy-rail or MARTA station, driving usually plays some part in the trip.

Driving From Dallas, GA to Atlanta, GA

Common Driving Routes

The best route depends on where in Atlanta you’re headed: Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or the Airport.

1. Dallas, GA to Downtown Atlanta

A typical route:

1. Take US-278 (Jimmy Campbell Parkway) east out of Dallas
2. Connect to GA-6 / US-278 toward Lithia Springs
3. Use a connector like Thornton Road (GA-6) or I-20 East into Atlanta
4. From I-20, merge onto I-75/85 (Downtown Connector) to reach Downtown Atlanta

• Estimated drive time (no major traffic): 40–55 minutes
• Estimated drive time (rush hour): 60–90+ minutes, especially weekday mornings heading into Atlanta and late afternoons heading back toward Dallas

2. Dallas, GA to Midtown or Buckhead

For Midtown and Buckhead, many drivers head toward interstates that link into I-75 or I-285:

• Use US-278 and GA-6 toward I-20 or I-75, then:

  • Midtown: Exit around the 10th Street / 14th Street or North Avenue area on I-75/85
  • Buckhead: Continue to I-85 North or use GA-400 depending on your exact destination

• Estimated time (outside peak): 45–60 minutes

• Rush-hour range: 70–100+ minutes

3. Dallas, GA to Atlanta Airport (ATL)

To get from Dallas to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

1. Drive east/southeast via US-278 / GA-6
2. Connect to I-20 East or another major route into Atlanta
3. Merge onto I-285 and then I-85 South toward the airport
4. Follow signs for Domestic Terminal or International Terminal

• Estimated time (no major traffic): 50–70 minutes
• Rush-hour range: 1.5 hours or more
• For early morning flights, many travelers add 30–45 minutes for traffic, parking, and security.

Typical Traffic Patterns Between Dallas and Atlanta

Atlanta’s traffic is well known, and the Dallas–Atlanta corridor is no exception. Understanding when you travel matters almost as much as which route you choose.

Peak Times to Watch

• Morning commute into Atlanta:
  • Heaviest from about 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., especially headed toward Downtown and Midtown
• Afternoon/evening commute leaving Atlanta:
  • Heavy from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., especially outbound toward suburbs and exurbs like Dallas

Factors That Affect the Drive

• Incidents on I-20, I-75/85, or I-285 can quickly add 20–45 minutes
• Major events (Falcons games, concerts at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium) increase congestion in and around downtown
• Weather (heavy rain or thunderstorms) often slows traffic significantly

If your schedule is flexible, traveling outside of peak times can make the Dallas GA to Atlanta GA trip much more predictable.

Quick Travel Comparison: Dallas, GA to Atlanta, GA

*Times are general ranges and can vary day-to-day.

Using MARTA When Traveling From Dallas, GA to Atlanta

Dallas does not have its own MARTA station, but many people from Paulding County and nearby areas drive to a MARTA park-and-ride to avoid the stress of downtown driving and parking.

Common Strategy: Drive, Park, then Take MARTA Train

You can:

1. Drive from Dallas toward a MARTA rail station with parking
2. Park your car at the station
3. Take a MARTA train into Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or the Airport

This is especially useful if you’re:

• Attending a sporting event, concert, or festival in central Atlanta
• Going to Downtown offices or Midtown workplaces
• Heading to Hartsfield–Jackson and want to avoid airport parking

MARTA Rail Stations Popular for Park-and-Ride (For Northwest/West Metro)

While exact station choice depends on traffic conditions and your route, people coming from Dallas often connect through:

• Hamilton E. Holmes Station (MARTA West Line)
  • Location: 70 Hamilton E Holmes Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30311
  • Often accessed from I-20 coming in from the west
  • Connects easily to Downtown and Midtown via the Blue Line
• West Lake Station or Ashby Station (further east on the Blue Line)
  • Options if you’re already on the MARTA system and staying on rail

From these stations, trains run directly into key Atlanta stops such as:

• Five Points (central hub in Downtown)
• Peachtree Center (Downtown business and hotel area)
• Civic Center, Arts Center, Midtown (Midtown work and entertainment districts)
• Airport Station (inside the Domestic Terminal for ATL)

👉 Tip: If you’re going to Hartsfield–Jackson, many travelers find it easier to park at a MARTA station and ride the train to the Airport Station than to navigate airport parking and terminal traffic.

Parking Considerations in Atlanta vs. Dallas

Parking in Dallas, GA

• Generally easier and less expensive than in Atlanta
• Most local businesses and shopping areas have surface lots and relatively plentiful parking
• Less need to plan far ahead for parking availability

Parking in Atlanta, GA

Once you get closer to central Atlanta, you’ll encounter:

• Garage and deck parking near Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead
• Hourly or daily parking rates that can add up during long stays
• Limited or restricted street parking in busy neighborhoods

This is a big reason some travelers from Dallas choose to drive only part of the way, then switch to MARTA rail or rideshare for the last leg into the city center.

Rideshare and Taxi Options Between Dallas and Atlanta

If you don’t want to drive yourself from Dallas, you can typically find:

• Rideshare services (commonly used for trips to Downtown Atlanta, Midtown, Buckhead, and the Airport)
• Taxi services are more commonly found in Atlanta itself, so you may rely more on rideshare in Dallas

These options are most useful for:

• Airport trips when you don’t want to leave your car parked for days
• Nighttime events where you prefer not to drive home afterward
• Visitors staying in Atlanta who are making a day trip to Dallas and back

Keep in mind:

• Cost can be significant for a 30–35+ mile journey, especially during peak times
• Travel time will still be affected by the same traffic patterns as driving yourself

Key Destinations in Atlanta and How the Dallas–Atlanta Trip Fits In

If you’re planning your trip from Dallas, GA to a specific Atlanta-area destination, here’s how the route typically works.

Downtown Atlanta

Common destinations:

• Georgia State Capitol (206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334)
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Georgia World Congress Center
• Business offices, courts, and state agencies

From Dallas:

• Drive mainly east/southeast via US-278 and I-20, then take exits into downtown
• Or: drive to a MARTA park-and-ride and use rail into Five Points or Peachtree Center

Midtown Atlanta

Common destinations:

• Georgia Tech, Piedmont Park, Fox Theatre
• Large office towers, tech companies, and arts venues

From Dallas:

• Drive toward I-20 and connect to I-75/85 (Downtown Connector), heading north to Midtown exits
• Or: take MARTA from Hamilton E. Holmes or another west-side station, and get off at Midtown, Arts Center, or North Avenue

Buckhead and North Atlanta

Common destinations:

• Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza
• Buckhead business district and hotels

From Dallas:

• Drive from Dallas to connect with I-285 or I-75/I-85, then north toward Buckhead
• Some travelers combine park-and-ride and MARTA via stations on the Red or Gold Lines for Buckhead access

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

From Dallas:

• Expect close to an hour or more of travel, depending on traffic
• Consider using MARTA (Park & Ride → rail to Airport Station) if you prefer to avoid airport parking and terminal congestion

Practical Tips for Making the Dallas–Atlanta Trip Easier

A few simple strategies can improve the experience:

• Check traffic before you leave. Many locals rely on navigation apps to see accidents, slowdowns, and estimated travel times, especially on I-20, I-285, and the Downtown Connector (I-75/85).
• Give yourself a buffer. For job interviews, flights, or important appointments in Atlanta, add at least 30 minutes of extra time, especially during peak periods.
• Consider hybrid trips. For events or days when parking is likely to be crowded or expensive, driving part of the way and switching to MARTA rail can reduce stress.
• Know your parking plan. If you must park in Downtown or Midtown, identify a garage or deck ahead of time so you’re not circling blocks in heavy traffic.
• Adjust for weather and events. Atlanta traffic often gets slower when it rains, and major games or conventions can drastically change normal congestion patterns around downtown.

Traveling from Dallas, GA to Atlanta, GA is a routine part of life for many people in the metro region. With a good understanding of routes, timing, traffic patterns, and MARTA options, you can choose the approach that best fits your schedule, budget, and comfort level when heading into Atlanta.