Your Guide to Major Highways in Atlanta, GA

Navigating highways in Atlanta, GA is almost a life skill—whether you live here, commute daily from the suburbs, or are visiting and just trying to get from the airport to Midtown without a wrong turn. Atlanta’s highway system is busy, complex, and central to how the city works.

This guide breaks down the main interstates and highways around Atlanta, how they connect, what to watch out for, and practical tips for driving them.

The Big Picture: How Atlanta’s Highway System Is Laid Out

Atlanta’s highway network is built around a downtown core, a loop (I-285) around the city, and a series of radiating interstates.

Think of it in three layers:

• Downtown Connector: Where I‑75 and I‑85 merge through the middle of the city
• Perimeter (I‑285): A big loop circling Atlanta
• Spokes: Major interstates and state routes that run into or across the city from different directions

Here’s a quick reference:

I‑75 and I‑85: The Downtown Connector

What the Downtown Connector Is

In the heart of Atlanta, I‑75 and I‑85 run together as the “Downtown Connector” (I‑75/85). This section passes by or near:

• Georgia State University
• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• State Farm Arena
• Downtown business district

If your GPS is sending you “through downtown,” you’re almost always on this stretch.

Why It Matters

• It’s the busiest highway segment in the city.
• Used by daily commuters, through‑traffic, event traffic, and tourists.
• Frequent congestion, especially:
  • Weekdays: roughly 6:30–10:00 a.m. and 3:30–7:00 p.m.
  • Event days near stadiums: evenings and weekends

Practical Tips for the Connector

• Plan lane changes early. Exits can come up quickly and lanes split for I‑75 vs. I‑85 northbound.
• Use express lanes when available. Some parts of I‑75 and I‑85 (outside the downtown segment) have express lanes that can reduce travel time, especially at rush hour.
• For nervous drivers or out‑of‑towners, consider avoiding the Connector at peak times by using I‑285 or surface streets.

I‑75: North–South Backbone on the West Side

Where I‑75 Runs

I‑75 runs north–south and is a main route:

• South of downtown: to Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, then on to Morrow, Stockbridge, and Macon
• North of downtown: through Midtown, Georgia Tech area, Cumberland/Galleria, Marietta, and up to Cartersville and Chattanooga

Key Areas Along I‑75

• Airport access: I‑75 connects with I‑285 and local roads leading to the airport terminals.
• Cumberland / Truist Park (Braves stadium): Traffic can spike on game days.
• Northwest suburbs: Heavy commuter corridors for Cobb County and beyond.

Driving Tips on I‑75

• Expect truck traffic, especially on the south side of Atlanta.
• The north side around Cumberland can be congested due to shopping, offices, and stadium events.
• Watch for lane shifts and exits near the interchange with I‑285 (Cobb Cloverleaf).

I‑85: The Northeast and South Corridor

Where I‑85 Runs

I‑85 is another north–south interstate, but primarily on the east side of the city:

• South of downtown: toward Hapeville, then southwest toward LaGrange and Montgomery (via I‑185/US 27)
• North of downtown: through Midtown, Buckhead, Brookhaven, Doraville, Norcross, Duluth, and up toward Greenville, SC

Why I‑85 Is Important

• Main route to and from northeast suburbs (Gwinnett County and beyond).
• Connects with GA 400, I‑285, and SR 316 (to Athens).
• Carries heavy commuter and freight traffic.

Tips for Using I‑85

• NE Atlanta (Brookhaven/Norcross area) is often one of the most congested segments.
• Look for signage early around the I‑285 and GA 400 interchanges; these areas are complex and busy.
• Some stretches have managed or express lanes that can offer a faster option.

I‑20: East–West Across the City

Where I‑20 Runs

I‑20 runs east–west through the southern half of Atlanta:

• West of Atlanta: toward Six Flags Over Georgia and Birmingham, AL
• Through the city: just south of downtown
• East of Atlanta: through Decatur, Lithonia, and on toward Augusta

Key Uses

• Cross‑town travel when you want to avoid the Downtown Connector.
• Access to West Atlanta, Downtown, and East Metro (DeKalb, Rockdale, Newton counties).

Driving I‑20 in Atlanta

• The section near downtown can back up, especially at the I‑75/85 and I‑285 interchanges.
• East of the city, speeds can shift quickly from fast traffic to slow congestion near major exits.
• Westbound drivers heading to events downtown may prefer using I‑20 plus surface streets instead of the Connector.

I‑285: The Perimeter Loop

What Is the Perimeter?

I‑285, often called “the Perimeter,” forms a loop around Atlanta and connects with all major interstates and several key state routes.

People often describe locations as being “inside the Perimeter (ITP)” or “outside the Perimeter (OTP)”, which roughly distinguishes the urban core from many of the suburbs.

Major Segments of I‑285

Each side of the loop has its own character:

• North side (Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Doraville, Tucker):
  • Connects to GA 400 and I‑85
  • Heavily used by office commuters and through‑traffic
• East side (Decatur, Clarkston, Stone Mountain area):
  • Links with I‑20 East
  • Mixture of local and regional traffic
• South side (Forest Park, College Park, near the airport):
  • Connects with I‑75 South and I‑85 South
  • Used by airport travelers, freight, and commuters
• West side (Smyrna, Mableton area):
  • Links to I‑20 West and I‑75 North
  • Key route for northwest metro residents

When and Why to Use I‑285

• To bypass downtown if you’re traveling from one side of the metro area to another.
• To reach suburban areas that are not directly off a downtown route.
• It can be faster than the Downtown Connector at certain times, but:
  • The northern arc of I‑285 is often one of the most congested roadways in the region.

GA 400: Northside Commuter Lifeline

Where GA 400 Runs

Georgia 400 (GA 400) is a major north–south corridor:

• Starts near I‑85 in Buckhead
• Runs through Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, and Cumming
• Extends northward toward the North Georgia region

Why GA 400 Matters

• Primary route for many people living or working in North Fulton County and nearby suburbs.
• Connects major employment and shopping hubs like Perimeter Center, Avalon, and North Point area.

Driving GA 400

• Rush hours bring heavy commuter traffic, especially between I‑285 and Alpharetta.
• Some segments include toll‑style or managed lanes (depending on current configuration and projects).
• You can use GA 400 to avoid parts of I‑75 or I‑85 if you’re traveling within the north metro.

Other Important Interstates and Highways Around Atlanta

I‑575

• Branches off I‑75 near Kennesaw.
• Runs northwest toward Woodstock, Canton, and Ball Ground.
• Used heavily by commuters from Cherokee County and beyond.

I‑675

• Connects I‑75 (Stockbridge area) to I‑285 (south side).
• Offers an alternative to the crowded I‑75/I‑285 south interchange.
• Can be useful if you’re traveling from the south metro to the east or southeast side of the city.

SR 316 (Georgia 316)

• Connects I‑85 near Lawrenceville to Athens.
• Common route for those living in or traveling to Gwinnett County and the University of Georgia area, starting from the Atlanta region.

Common Atlanta Highway Challenges (and How to Handle Them)

1. Heavy Rush-Hour Congestion

Most major highways in Atlanta see significant slowdowns during:

• Morning: roughly 6:30–10:00 a.m.
• Evening: roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.

Tips:

• ✅ Shift your schedule when possible—leaving 30–60 minutes earlier or later can make a big difference.
• ✅ Use express lanes where available, especially on I‑75 and I‑85.
• ✅ Know a few surface street alternatives near your home, work, or hotel for short hops around bottlenecks.

2. Complex Interchanges

Some interchanges around Atlanta are multi-level and busy:

• I‑75/I‑285 (Cobb Cloverleaf)
• I‑85/I‑285 (Spaghetti Junction)
• GA 400/I‑285
• I‑20/I‑75/I‑85 near downtown

Tips:

• Read overhead signs early; don’t wait until the last second to change lanes.
• Stay in the middle lanes if you’re unsure, then move over calmly once you see your exit signs.
• Allow extra time if it’s your first time through a major interchange.

3. Construction and Lane Shifts

Ongoing maintenance and improvement projects are common on:

• The Downtown Connector
• Sections of I‑285, especially the north side
• Major interchanges and bridges

Tips:

• Expect reduced speeds and narrow lanes in construction zones.
• Night and weekend work can temporarily close ramps or lanes—build in a little extra time if you’re traveling late or on weekends.

4. Weather and Visibility

In Atlanta, heavy rain and occasional fog can affect visibility and traffic flow.

Tips:

• Slow down and increase following distance in heavy rain.
• Avoid sudden lane changes; many crashes in bad weather involve abrupt movements.
• If conditions feel unsafe, consider exiting to a well‑lit, public area to wait out severe storms.

Practical Tips for Visitors Driving Atlanta Highways

If you’re new to Atlanta or renting a car at the airport:

• Use a GPS with real‑time traffic. Conditions change quickly, especially on I‑75/85 and I‑285.
• Get familiar with the Perimeter (I‑285). Many hotels and attractions are just inside or just outside this loop.
• Know key routes from the airport:
  • I‑75/85 North: to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead
  • I‑85 South / I‑285 West / East: to various suburbs and other parts of the metro
• If busy interstates feel overwhelming, plan routes that use surface streets for part of the trip, especially within the city.

Who Manages Highways in Atlanta?

Understanding who oversees the roads can help if you need official information or want to report an issue.

Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)

GDOT is responsible for most interstates and state routes in the Atlanta area.

• Headquarters (Atlanta area):
  One Georgia Center
  600 West Peachtree St NW
  Atlanta, GA 30308
• General information line: 404‑631‑1990 (main switchboard; numbers may change, so check before you call if possible)

GDOT provides updates on:

• Major construction projects
• Lane closures and detours
• Long‑term planning for highways and interchanges

Local Governments

City and county governments manage many surface streets that connect to or run alongside highways:

• City of Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) handles streets, signals, and some local roadway projects within city limits.
• Surrounding counties (like Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton) manage their own local road systems that feed into the interstates.

How to Make Atlanta Highways Work for You

To drive highways in Atlanta, GA more smoothly:

• Learn the basic layout: Downtown Connector, Perimeter, and major spokes (I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, GA 400).
• Plan your route with alternate options in case of accidents or delays.
• Adjust your timing to avoid the heaviest rush hours when you can.
• Use clear signage and real‑time traffic tools to stay ahead of congestion.
• Give yourself extra time if you’re unfamiliar with major interchanges or driving into the city for a big event.

With a bit of planning and awareness of how the system is structured, Atlanta’s highways become much easier to navigate—whether you’re commuting daily, exploring neighborhoods inside the Perimeter, or just trying to make your flight on time.