Getting From Rome, GA to Atlanta: Routes, Travel Times, and Local Tips

Traveling from Rome, Georgia to Atlanta is a common trip for work, medical appointments, flights out of Hartsfield-Jackson, shopping, or weekend plans. Whether you live in Atlanta and visit Rome regularly or you’re in Rome heading to the city, knowing your options makes the trip easier and less stressful.

Below is a clear guide to driving, buses, shuttles, and practical tips specifically for people traveling between Rome, GA and Atlanta, GA.

How Far Is Rome, GA From Atlanta?

The distance between downtown Rome and downtown Atlanta is roughly 70–75 miles, depending on your exact starting and ending points.

  • Typical driving time: about 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Main factor affecting time:Atlanta traffic, especially around I-75, the Downtown Connector (I-75/85), and the Perimeter (I-285)

If you’re going to the Atlanta airport (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport), plan on a bit of extra time beyond what your GPS shows—traffic and airport security lines can add up.

Driving From Rome, GA to Atlanta

For most people, driving is the simplest and fastest way to get from Rome to Atlanta.

Main Driving Route (Most Common)

Rome → Atlanta via GA-101 and I-75

  1. Start in Rome and head south on GA-101 (also posted as Rockmart Road from Rome).
  2. Continue toward Rockmart and then link up to US-278 or nearby connecting roads depending on your navigation.
  3. Join I-75 South toward Atlanta.
  4. Continue on I-75 South into Metro Atlanta.
  5. For downtown Atlanta, follow signs for the Downtown Connector (I-75/85 South).
  6. For Midtown, Buckhead, or North Atlanta, stay on I-75 or connect via I-285 depending on your destination.
  7. For Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, follow I-75 South and take exit signs for the airport (Domestic or International Terminal).

Travel apps often recommend a slightly different route depending on traffic, but I-75 South is usually the backbone of the trip.

Alternate Routes

Some drivers prefer alternate routes to avoid congestion:

  • Rome → Cartersville → Atlanta

    • Take GA-20 or local routes from Rome toward Cartersville.
    • Join I-75 South in Cartersville.
    • Continue on I-75 toward Atlanta.

  • Scenic back-road routes
    Some people choose more rural roads through Bartow or Paulding County to avoid interstate traffic. These can be quieter but often longer and slower, especially if you get stuck behind trucks or farm vehicles.

Typical Travel Times by Time of Day

Time of DayApprox. Drive Time Rome → Atlanta
Early morning (5–7 a.m.)~1 hr 15–30 min
Morning rush (7–9:30 a.m.)~1 hr 30–2 hrs+ (heavier traffic)
Midday (10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.)~1 hr 20–40 min
Evening rush (3:30–7 p.m.)~1 hr 30–2 hrs+
Late evening/night (after 8 p.m.)~1 hr 15–30 min

⏱️ Tip: Always check traffic conditions on a navigation app before leaving Rome or Atlanta. Wrecks on I-75 or the Connector can add significant delays.

Getting From Rome to Atlanta Without a Car

There is no direct MARTA rail or commuter train between Rome and Atlanta. However, you can combine regional services and local transit to make the trip without driving yourself.

1. Regional Bus & Shuttle Options

Service can change over time, but many Rome residents use some combination of:

  • Regional buses or shuttles connecting Rome to the northwest suburbs of Atlanta (such as Cartersville or Marietta).
  • From there, connect to CobbLinc, Xpress buses, or drive/ride-share to a MARTA station.

If you’re planning to do this:

  • Check local Rome transportation providers and Northwest Georgia regional transit for current bus or van services.
  • Once you reach an Atlanta-area transit hub (for example, near Marietta), you can often connect by:
    • CobbLinc buses (local transit in Cobb County)
    • MARTA bus routes or MARTA rail stations (e.g., Arts Center, North Avenue, Five Points)

Because specific private shuttle services can change, it’s wise to call ahead or check their current schedules before you rely on them for a time-sensitive trip.

2. Park-and-Ride + MARTA Strategy

If you’re comfortable driving part of the way, one common Atlanta strategy is:

  1. Drive from Rome to a MARTA-accessible area, such as:

    • North Springs Station
      7010 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
    • Doraville Station
      6000 New Peachtree Rd, Doraville, GA 30340
    • Or another station with a large parking deck (e.g., Indian Creek, College Park, Kensington, Lindbergh Center).

  2. Park at the MARTA station (daily rates apply at many stations).

  3. Take MARTA rail into your final destination in Atlanta (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, airport, etc.).

This method helps you avoid driving in the heaviest downtown traffic and dealing with expensive or limited parking in central Atlanta.

Rome, GA to Atlanta Airport (Hartsfield-Jackson)

Many travelers from Rome are specifically headed to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) for flights.

Driving to the Airport

From Rome:

  1. Head toward I-75 South as described earlier.
  2. Stay on I-75 South through metro Atlanta.
  3. Follow airport signs and exit for:
    • Domestic Terminal (North or South) or
    • International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal).

🔑 Planning tip:
For flights, especially during busy seasons:

  • Add 30–60 minutes on top of normal drive time from Rome to allow for:
    • Traffic delays on I-75 or the Perimeter
    • Airport parking, shuttle time from economy/remote lots
    • Check-in and security lines

Airport Parking vs. MARTA

  • If you’re comfortable with parking fees, you can park at the airport in:
    • Hourly or daily parking decks
    • Economy and park-ride lots (usually cheaper)
  • To avoid parking costs, some travelers:
    • Drive from Rome to a MARTA rail station with parking
    • Take MARTA’s Red or Gold Line directly to Airport Station (located inside the Domestic Terminal)

If you’re returning late at night, consider the time it takes to ride MARTA back to your car and then drive from there to Rome.

Traffic and Timing Tips for Atlanta Travelers

Travel between Rome and Atlanta is straightforward, but Metro Atlanta traffic patterns can catch people off guard.

Best Times to Travel Rome → Atlanta

If you can control your schedule:

  • Easier windows:
    • Late morning: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
    • Early afternoon: 12 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
  • Most congested times:
    • Morning: 7–9:30 a.m. heading into Atlanta
    • Evening: 3:30–7 p.m., especially outbound from Atlanta

If you need to be in downtown Atlanta by a specific time (for court, a medical appointment, or a concert), aim to arrive at least 30–60 minutes early, then plan where to wait or grab coffee nearby.

Practical Safety and Comfort Tips

  • Fuel up in Rome or early on I-75. Gas and rest stops are available around Cartersville and Acworth, but it’s easier not to be searching with a low tank in heavy traffic.
  • Watch speed changes as you move from rural highways to I-75 and then into Metro Atlanta.
  • Weather awareness:
    • Thunderstorms can slow traffic dramatically.
    • In rare winter events, ice can make travel between Rome and Atlanta difficult; many locals choose to avoid the highways during such conditions.

Parking in Atlanta When Coming From Rome

Once you make it to Atlanta, where you park can save time, money, and stress.

Downtown Atlanta

Common reasons Rome visitors go downtown include State Capitol business, events, or court.

  • Look for parking decks near:
    • Georgia State Capitol (206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334)
    • State, city, and county office buildings
    • Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena for events

Rates vary widely—closer to venues or government buildings is usually more expensive. Many visitors from Rome choose surface lots a few blocks away and walk.

Midtown and Buckhead

For Midtown Atlanta (near Georgia Tech, the Fox Theatre, and arts venues):

  • Expect garage and deck parking, plus some metered street parking.
  • Using MARTA from a park-and-ride station is often simpler than driving and parking right in Midtown.

For Buckhead (Lenox, Phipps, business districts):

  • Nearly everything is deck or valet parking.
  • If staying overnight, check whether your hotel includes parking or charges a daily fee.

Using MARTA Once You’re in Atlanta

If your goal is to get from Rome into the Atlanta area, then move around the city without a car, MARTA can be a big help.

Key MARTA Locations Visitors Use

  • Five Points Station – Central downtown hub, connections to all rail lines.
  • Peachtree Center, Civic Center, North Avenue, Midtown, Arts Center – For downtown and Midtown destinations.
  • Airport Station – Inside the Domestic Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson.
  • Lindbergh Center Station – Major park-and-ride and transfer point in Buckhead area.

If you park at a MARTA station outside of the core city and ride in, you’ll avoid much of Atlanta’s most congested driving.

When Rome–Atlanta Trips Are Most Common

If you’re planning your travel from Rome to Atlanta, it helps to know when many other people are making the same trip:

  • Workdays (Mon–Fri):

    • Commuters going to downtown Atlanta, Midtown, and Perimeter-area offices.
    • People headed to state government offices, federal buildings, or major hospitals in the city.

  • Weekends (Fri evening–Sun):

    • Fans traveling for sports games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or Truist Park.
    • Visitors going to concerts, theaters, or festivals.
    • Shoppers heading to Lenox Square, Ponce City Market, Atlantic Station, or outlet malls in the metro area.

On big event days, air travel days around holidays, or major downtown festivals, expect heavier traffic and give yourself extra time.

Quick Planning Checklist for Rome, GA → Atlanta

Use this short checklist each time you make the trip:

  • ✅ Know your destination: Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, airport, or suburbs?
  • ✅ Choose your route: Usually I-75 South, with backups in mind.
  • ✅ Check traffic: Look at conditions on I-75 and the Downtown Connector.
  • ✅ Plan timing: Avoid peak rush if you can; build in a buffer.
  • ✅ Decide on parking or MARTA: Park downtown or at a MARTA station and ride in.
  • ✅ Fuel and food: Top off gas near Rome or early on the route; identify rest stops if needed.
  • ✅ For flights: Add at least 30–60 minutes beyond normal drive time.

With a bit of planning, the drive from Rome, GA to Atlanta or from Atlanta back to Rome can be routine and manageable, whether you’re commuting, catching a flight, or just spending the day in the city.