Getting From Newnan, GA to Atlanta, GA: A Local’s Guide to the Route, Commute, and Options

Traveling from Newnan, GA to Atlanta, GA is a daily reality for many people who work, study, or visit the city. Whether you’re an Atlanta resident considering a move to Newnan, you commute in from Coweta County, or you’re planning a day trip into the city, it helps to understand your route, timing, and transportation options.

This guide walks through how to get from Newnan to Atlanta (and back), what to expect on the road, and how this trip fits into everyday life in and around Atlanta.

Where Newnan Is in Relation to Atlanta

Newnan is a city in Coweta County, located southwest of Downtown Atlanta.

• Approximate distance: 35–45 miles from central Atlanta, depending on your starting point in Newnan and your destination in Atlanta
• Primary connection:Interstate 85 (I‑85 North) straight into the Atlanta metro area

For most people, the Newnan–Atlanta trip means traveling from Newnan along I‑85 North toward:

• Downtown Atlanta (Five Points, State Capitol area)
• Midtown Atlanta (Georgia Tech, Arts Center, Midtown business district)
• Buckhead and other northern neighborhoods via connector interstates and surface streets

Driving From Newnan, GA to Atlanta, GA

Main Route: I‑85 North

The most direct and commonly used route from Newnan to Atlanta is:

1. Get on I‑85 North from Newnan (usually via GA‑34/Bullsboro Dr. or Newnan Crossing Bypass).
2. Continue on I‑85 North toward Atlanta.
3. As you approach the city, I‑85 merges with I‑75 on the Downtown Connector (through central Atlanta).
4. Exit based on your destination:
   • Downtown Atlanta: exits near Courtland St, Williams St, Central Ave, or Capitol Ave
   • Midtown: exits like 10th/14th St, 17th St
   • Buckhead/Lenox area: continue I‑85 North past the split from I‑75, then use exits like GA‑400, Lenox Rd, or Buford Hwy

This route is straightforward but heavily impacted by rush hour traffic.

Typical Drive Time: What Atlanta Travelers Can Expect

While exact times vary, many local drivers report:

• Off-peak (midday, late evening, weekends): about 40–55 minutes
• Rush hour (weekday mornings into Atlanta, evenings back to Newnan):60–90+ minutes, especially if there are accidents or lane closures

Atlanta is known for congested interstates, and the I‑85 corridor is one of the busiest. The stretch from Newnan into the I‑285 Perimeter and then into the Downtown Connector can slow down significantly during commute hours.

Traffic Patterns to Keep in Mind

From an Atlanta perspective, these are common patterns for the Newnan–Atlanta drive:

• Morning (approx. 6:30–9:00 a.m.):
  • Heavy northbound traffic toward Atlanta
  • Slowdowns near Union City, Fairburn, and approaching the I‑285 interchange
• Evening (approx. 4:00–7:00 p.m.):
  • Heavy southbound traffic leaving Atlanta
  • Backup points near I‑285, then periodic slowdowns heading toward Newnan exits

If your schedule is flexible, many Atlanta-based commuters adjust their hours to avoid peak congestion—for example, leaving very early (before 6:30 a.m.) or later in the morning, and staggering evening return times.

Quick Road Trip Overview

Using Public Transportation Between Newnan and Atlanta

Atlanta’s main transit provider, MARTA, does not operate heavy rail or regular bus routes all the way to Newnan. However, there are regional options that connect Coweta County and Atlanta, especially for commuters.

Regional Commuter Services

Depending on current offerings, travelers sometimes use regional commuter buses or vanpools that link Coweta County to the Atlanta area, typically stopping at:

• Downtown Atlanta transit hubs
• MARTA rail stations (where you can transfer to MARTA trains or buses)

Because these services can change over time, it’s best to:

• Check with Coweta County or Atlanta-area regional transit agencies for the latest commuter routes.
• Ask specifically about commuter buses or shuttles servicing the Newnan–Atlanta corridor via I‑85.

Once you’re in Atlanta, you can usually move around the city using MARTA rail and bus.

Taking MARTA Once You Reach Atlanta

If you drive or ride a regional bus into the perimeter and want to avoid downtown traffic or parking costs, you can park at a MARTA station and ride into the city.

Popular options for people approaching from I‑85 South / Newnan include:

• East Point Station
• College Park Station
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport Station

From these stations, you can ride MARTA’s rail lines to:

• Five Points (Downtown hub)
• Peachtree Center, Civic Center, Midtown, Arts Center
• North Ave, Lindbergh Center, Buckhead, and more

📝 Tip: Many Atlanta commuters from outlying cities drive to a MARTA station just inside the metro area, then take the train to avoid downtown congestion and daily parking fees.

Using the Atlanta Airport as a Reference Point

The Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) sits between Newnan and central Atlanta, slightly closer to the city.

Approximate travel:

• Newnan → Airport: About 30–40 minutes by car in light traffic via I‑85 North
• Airport → Downtown Atlanta: About 10–20 minutes by car (or 15–20 minutes via MARTA train)

Some Newnan residents who fly frequently or work in aviation-related jobs commute to ATL rather than all the way into downtown. From an Atlanta visitor’s perspective, Newnan can feel like a convenient southwest outer suburb with reasonable airport access and a longer but direct route into central Atlanta.

Rideshare, Taxis, and Shuttles Between Newnan and Atlanta

You can generally schedule rideshare services (such as app-based providers) between Newnan and Atlanta, though availability may be more limited very early in the morning or late at night.

Common scenarios:

• Newnan → Atlanta Airport:
  • Suitable if you don’t want to park at the airport or drive yourself.
• Newnan → Downtown/Midtown Atlanta:
  • Possible but can be relatively expensive due to distance and travel time.
• Atlanta → Newnan at the end of a visit or event:
  • Many visitors staying in Atlanta for business or major events use a one-time rideshare back to Newnan.

You’ll want to factor in traffic, cost, and surge pricing when planning rides between Newnan and the city.

Parking in Atlanta When Coming From Newnan

If you’re driving from Newnan into Atlanta, you’ll need to think about where and how you’ll park, especially in denser areas.

Common Parking Options

• Downtown Atlanta:
  • Public parking garages and surface lots around Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, the Georgia World Congress Center, and office districts.
• Midtown:
  • Decks and lots near Peachtree St, 10th St, 14th St, arts venues, and major corporate offices.
• MARTA station parking:
  • Many MARTA stations (like College Park and East Point) offer parking so you can park-and-ride into town.

Atlanta drivers coming from outside the city often choose to park at a MARTA station just off the interstate, then use rail to reach events, offices, or universities to avoid the stress of downtown driving.

Living in Newnan and Working in Atlanta: What to Consider

Many people choose to live in Newnan for its suburban/small-city feel while commuting to jobs in Atlanta. If you’re in Atlanta and looking at Newnan as a home base, consider:

Commute Time and Flexibility

• Expect a significant daily commute, especially if you’re working standard business hours in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.
• Ask whether your employer in Atlanta allows:
  • Remote or hybrid work
  • Flexible start/end times
  • Adjusted hours to avoid peak I‑85 traffic

Cost vs. Time Tradeoff

For some Atlanta-based workers, Newnan offers:

• Potentially lower housing costs than many intown neighborhoods
• More space, yards, and newer subdivisions

The tradeoff is:

• More time spent in the car
• Less convenience for spontaneous Atlanta activities on weeknights

Many Newnan–Atlanta commuters plan errands, appointments, or social events in the city around their work hours to make each drive “count.”

Popular Destinations in Atlanta for Newnan Residents and Visitors

People traveling from Newnan to Atlanta often come for:

• Sporting events and concerts
  • Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
  • State Farm Arena
• Downtown attractions
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca‑Cola
  • Centennial Olympic Park
• Midtown & cultural sites
  • Fox Theatre
  • High Museum of Art
  • Piedmont Park
• Schools and universities
  • Georgia State University (Downtown)
  • Georgia Tech (Midtown)
  • Other Atlanta-area campuses and technical colleges

Knowing exactly where you’re headed in Atlanta helps you:

• Choose your exit from I‑85 or the Downtown Connector
• Decide whether to drive all the way in or park at a MARTA station and ride rail

Key Atlanta-Area Contacts and Transit Hubs

If you’re planning regular travel between Newnan and Atlanta, these Atlanta-area resources are useful reference points:

• MARTA Headquarters & Customer Service Center

  • 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
  • Main customer service phone numbers are typically posted on official materials and are widely available.

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

  • 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Major air hub between Newnan and Atlanta, with MARTA rail access directly into the city.

• Five Points MARTA Station (Downtown Hub)

  • 30 Alabama St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Central transfer point for multiple rail lines and many bus routes within Atlanta.

These locations serve as major nodes if you’re coordinating trips from Newnan into the heart of the city or connecting to other parts of the metro area.

Traveling from Newnan, GA to Atlanta, GA is essentially a matter of navigating I‑85 North, understanding Atlanta’s rush hour patterns, and deciding whether to drive all the way in, park-and-ride on MARTA, or use regional/commuter options. With some planning around timing, parking, and transit, the route can fit into daily life for commuters and occasional visitors moving between Newnan and Atlanta.