How Far Is Atlanta to Athens, GA? A Local’s Guide to the Route, Time, and Options

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city, a trip to Athens, Georgia is one of the most popular nearby getaways. Whether you’re heading to a University of Georgia game, a concert, or just a day trip, it helps to know how far Atlanta is from Athens and the best ways to get there.

The Basics: Distance From Atlanta to Athens, GA

From Downtown Atlanta to Downtown Athens, you’re looking at roughly:

• Distance: about 70–75 miles
• Driving time: typically 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on traffic and your starting point in the Atlanta area

Most people travel between the two cities via US-78 or GA-316, which are the main corridors connecting the Atlanta metro area to Athens.

Approximate Distances From Different Atlanta Areas

*Times can be longer during rush hour or heavy game-day traffic.

Main Driving Routes From Atlanta to Athens

If you’re traveling from Atlanta to Athens, there are two primary routes that most drivers use.

1. I-85 to GA-316 (Popular for North and East Atlanta)

This route is often preferred if you’re coming from Midtown, Buckhead, or the northern suburbs.

General path:

1. Take I-85 North out of Atlanta.
2. Exit onto GA-316 East toward Lawrenceville/Athens.
3. Continue on GA-316, then follow signs toward US-29/US-78/US-441 into Athens.

Pros:

• Generally fast and straightforward
• Good for those starting near I-85 or in Gwinnett County
• Fewer stoplights once you’re on GA-316

Things to watch:

• Heavy traffic on I-85 during weekday rush hours
• Occasional congestion around Lawrenceville and near Athens on busy weekends

2. I-20 / US-78 (More Direct From East Atlanta & Decatur)

If you’re closer to Decatur, East Atlanta, or Stone Mountain, US-78 may be more convenient.

General path:

1. Make your way to US-78 East (Stone Mountain Freeway) via I-285 or local roads.
2. Continue on US-78 East, passing through or around Stone Mountain, Snellville, and Loganville.
3. Stay on US-78 all the way into the Athens area.

Pros:

• More direct from Eastside neighborhoods
• Often avoids some of the heaviest I-85 congestion
• Simple “stay on 78” route once you’re out of the city

Things to watch:

• More traffic lights and local traffic in some stretches (Snellville, Loganville)
• Can slow down during rush hour or weekend shopping times

Realistic Travel Times From Atlanta to Athens

Your actual drive time depends on time of day, day of week, and events (UGA home games, concerts, festivals).

Typical Travel Time Ranges

• Light traffic (midday, late evening):
  Around 1 hr 15 min – 1 hr 30 min
• Normal weekday traffic:
  Around 1 hr 30 min – 1 hr 45 min
• Heavy traffic or game day:
  1 hr 45 min – 2+ hours

When Traffic Is Usually Worst

From an Atlanta driver’s perspective, delays are most common:

• Weekday mornings (7–9 a.m.): Leaving Atlanta on I-85 or I-285 can be slow.
• Weekday afternoons (4–7 p.m.): The evening commute plus any incidents.
• UGA football game days (Saturdays in season):
  • Morning/early afternoon: Heavy eastbound traffic toward Athens
  • Evening: Heavy westbound traffic back toward Atlanta

If you’re planning around a Bulldogs game or a big event at Sanford Stadium or the Classic Center, expect the trip to be on the longer side and give yourself extra time.

Is There Public Transportation From Atlanta to Athens?

There is no direct MARTA train or standard city bus that runs from Atlanta to Athens, but there are some regional options to consider.

Regional or Intercity Bus Options

Intercity bus services sometimes operate routes between Atlanta and Athens, typically:

• Departing from near Downtown Atlanta or the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport area
• Arriving at designated stops in or near downtown Athens or the UGA campus

These services usually require:

• Advance booking
• Arriving a bit early to check in or board

From the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, travelers sometimes connect to an Athens-bound shuttle or bus, especially during busy school seasons when students travel between the UGA campus and flights out of Atlanta.

If you prefer not to drive, it can be useful to:

• Check for Athens shuttle services operating from the airport
• Look at regional bus companies that list “Atlanta–Athens” as a route

Once You’re in Athens: Local Transit

After you arrive in Athens, you can get around using:

• Athens Transit (The Bus): Public bus system serving much of Athens-Clarke County
• UGA Campus Transit (for students/visitors): Extensive routes across the university area
• Rideshare and taxis: Available in and around Athens, especially near downtown and campus

Atlanta to Athens by Rideshare or Taxi

For some Atlanta residents and visitors, especially those without a car, rideshare can be an option, though it may be pricey.

Things to Keep in Mind

• The trip is 70+ miles, so fares are often significantly higher than typical in-town rides.
• Prices usually increase during:
  • Late-night returns after events
  • UGA home games and major concerts
• Some drivers may not want to accept a one-way trip without a guaranteed fare back, so wait times can vary.

If you’re traveling in a small group, splitting one long ride may be more manageable, especially if you:

• Don’t want the responsibility of driving back late
• Plan to enjoy nightlife in Athens and return to Atlanta the same night

Atlanta to Athens From the Airport (Hartsfield-Jackson)

If you’re flying into Atlanta and heading straight to Athens, you have a few options:

1. Rental Car

Renting a car at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is common for those heading to Athens. The airport’s Rental Car Center is connected by the SkyTrain and hosts multiple national rental agencies.

From the airport:

• Head toward I-85 North and then connect to GA-316 East or US-78 East, depending on your preference.
• Budget about 1.5 to 2 hours, accounting for traffic and the time to get your rental vehicle.

2. Shuttle or Charter Services

Some shuttle companies operate Atlanta Airport to Athens routes, especially aimed at:

• UGA students
• Visiting families
• Business travelers with appointments in Athens

These shuttles usually:

• Require advance reservations
• Pick up at designated points at the airport
• Drop off at spots near the UGA campus or downtown Athens

3. Rideshare From the Airport

You can also book a rideshare directly from ATL to Athens, but:

• Expect a higher fare due to distance
• Consider peak travel times; rideshare demand at the airport can be high

What Atlanta Travelers Should Know About Parking and Driving in Athens

If you’re used to Atlanta traffic and parking, Athens will feel more compact, but certain areas can still get crowded.

Parking Near Downtown Athens & UGA

Common options in and around downtown Athens include:

• Public parking decks and lots: Often located near Broad Street, Clayton Street, and side streets in the downtown core
• On-street metered parking: With time limits, particularly in business and nightlife areas
• Event parking: Around Sanford Stadium and campus buildings on game days and for major events

On UGA football game days, many Atlanta visitors:

• Reserve parking in advance (where possible)
• Park farther from the stadium and walk, or use shuttles when available
• Arrive earlier to avoid last-minute congestion

Driving Style Differences

Compared with Atlanta:

• Athens streets are narrower and more pedestrian-heavy in the downtown and campus zones.
• You’ll encounter more students walking, biking, and scootering, especially around campus.
• Speed limits are often lower in core areas than much of Atlanta’s arterial roads.

Many Atlantans find it helpful to:

• Park the car once and explore on foot or by local transit while in Athens
• Drive more cautiously and expect frequent crosswalks and stops

Day Trip vs. Overnight: How the Distance Affects Your Plans

Because Atlanta to Athens is only about 1.5 hours each way, many people treat it as a simple day trip. Still, distance and timing can affect your choices.

Day Trip From Atlanta

A round trip in one day is very doable if you:

• Leave Atlanta in the morning to avoid rush hour
• Plan 4–5 hours total round-trip driving time including stops
• Keep an eye on event schedules in Athens that might affect traffic

Common day trip activities for Atlantans include:

• Visiting downtown Athens for shopping and dining
• Touring the University of Georgia campus
• Attending a single event (concert, show, or sports game) and returning the same night

Overnight Stay

If you’re coming for:

• A late-night concert
• A night game at Sanford Stadium
• A weekend of exploring bars, restaurants, and music venues

…many Atlanta visitors choose to stay overnight so they’re not driving back on I-85 or US-78 late at night while tired.

Quick Planning Tips for Atlanta–Athens Trips

Here are some practical pointers if you’re starting your journey in Atlanta:

• Check traffic before you leave.
  Use your preferred navigation app to see whether I-85/GA-316 or US-78 is flowing better.
• Avoid peak rush hours when possible.
  Leaving after 9:30 a.m. or before 3:30 p.m. on weekdays can make the drive smoother.
• Build in buffer time for events.
  For UGA home games, large concerts, or graduation weekends, add 30–60 extra minutes.
• Plan your parking in Athens.
  Especially on game days or big weekends, know where you’ll park near downtown or campus.
• Consider a return strategy.
  If you expect to be out late, decide in advance whether you’ll drive back, stay overnight, or use a rideshare.

In simple terms, Atlanta is only about 70–75 miles from Athens, GA, and for most people in the Atlanta area, it’s an easy 1.5-hour drive under normal conditions. With a bit of planning around traffic and events, the Atlanta-to-Athens trip is straightforward for both locals and visitors using the city as a starting point.