Traveling From Atlanta, Georgia to Columbus, Georgia: Local’s Guide to the Route

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting the city and need to get to Columbus, Georgia, you’re looking at one of the most common point‑to‑point trips in the state. Whether it’s for Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), a college visit to Columbus State University, business, or a weekend getaway on the Chattahoochee River, understanding your options from Atlanta will save you time, stress, and money.

This guide walks through all the main ways to travel from Atlanta to Columbus, with a focus on what actually matters to someone starting in or near Atlanta.

Key Facts About the Atlanta to Columbus Trip

• Approximate distance: 100–115 miles (depending on your starting point in Atlanta)
• Typical drive time: About 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
• Primary route:I‑85 South → I‑185 South
• Main Atlanta starting area: Downtown/Midtown or Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Common reasons for the trip: Military base access (Fort Moore), college, business, family, and leisure trips

Driving From Atlanta to Columbus

For most people in metro Atlanta, driving is the fastest and most flexible way to get from Atlanta to Columbus.

Main Driving Route

From downtown Atlanta (around the Georgia State Capitol or Five Points):

1. Take I‑75/85 South (Downtown Connector).
2. Stay on I‑85 South toward Montgomery/Columbus.
3. Near LaGrange, merge onto I‑185 South toward Columbus.
4. Continue on I‑185 until you reach Columbus; exits feed into key parts of town and Fort Moore.

From Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

1. Follow airport signs to I‑85 South.
2. Then take I‑185 South to Columbus as above.

🛣 Typical drive time:

• Light traffic: ~1 hour 40–50 minutes
• Rush hour or construction: Up to 2+ hours

What Atlanta Drivers Should Know

• Rush hours matter: Leaving downtown or the airport between about 7–9 a.m. or 4–6:30 p.m. can add significant time just getting out of Atlanta.
• Tolls: The main route via I‑85 and I‑185 uses free lanes; no standard toll is required. If you choose Express Lanes on parts of I‑85 closer to Atlanta, variable tolls may apply.
• Gas and rest stops: You’ll find plenty of options along I‑85, especially around:
  • Newnan
  • LaGrange
  • Junction of I‑85 and I‑185
• Weather considerations: Heavy rain, storms, or fog can slow travel, especially in rural stretches approaching Columbus.

Drive vs. Other Transportation Options

Here is a simple comparison for an Atlanta‑based traveler:

Taking a Bus From Atlanta to Columbus

If you don’t want to drive, intercity buses are the main alternative.

Where Buses Usually Depart in Atlanta

Most long‑distance buses serving Columbus use one of these Atlanta‑area points:

• Atlanta Greyhound / Intercity Bus Terminal
  232 Forsyth St SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  (Near downtown and MARTA’s Garnett Station)

• Some carriers may also use stops near Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport or park‑and‑ride lots in metro Atlanta. Exact locations depend on the company and schedule.

From Atlanta, buses typically:

• Head southwest via I‑85
• Connect to I‑185
• Arrive near downtown Columbus or a designated local station/stop

Pros and Cons for Atlanta Riders

Advantages:

• No need for a car or parking in Columbus.
• Often cheaper than a one‑way rideshare or taxi, especially if you book early.
• You can read, work, or rest during the trip.

Drawbacks:

• Fixed schedules: You must work around departure and arrival times.
• Longer total travel time: Boarding, possible layovers, or extra stops add time.
• You’ll need to arrange local transportation in Columbus (rideshare, taxi, or local transit).

If you are coming from a MARTA‑accessible area in Atlanta, it’s often easiest to:

1. Take MARTA to Garnett Station or Five Points, then
2. Walk to the bus terminal for your Columbus bus.

Rideshare or Taxi From Atlanta to Columbus

Ordering a rideshare (Uber, Lyft) or city taxi for a long‑distance trip is possible but can be very expensive.

When Atlanta Residents Actually Consider This

• You do not drive or don’t have access to a car.
• You need to get to Fort Moore or Columbus quickly and can’t match a bus schedule.
• You have luggage or mobility issues that make bus travel difficult.
• A small group is traveling together and can share the cost.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Pricing:
  • Expect substantially higher fares than local Atlanta rides. Long‑distance fares are dynamic and can be affected by time of day, demand, and traffic.
• Return trip:
  • Confirm how you’ll get back to Atlanta. A one‑way ride might be easy to arrange from Atlanta, but returning from Columbus may require extra planning.
• Pick‑up options in Atlanta:
  • Common departure areas include Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and Atlanta Airport. Starting from the airport can be helpful if you’re connecting from a flight.

Are There Trains or Flights From Atlanta to Columbus?

Train Service

There is no practical, direct passenger rail service between Atlanta and Columbus.

• The Amtrak station in Atlanta is:
  • 1688 Peachtree St NW
    Atlanta, GA 30309

Even though Atlanta has intercity rail connections, Columbus does not currently have an active intercity passenger rail station, so there’s no straightforward train route for this specific trip.

Flights

There is no regular commercial flight route from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Columbus, Georgia for typical travelers.

• The distance is relatively short (about a two‑hour drive), so air travel between the two cities is uncommon and usually not time‑saving once check‑in, security, and connections are included.
• Private charter flights might be available from Atlanta‑area airports to Columbus Airport (CSG), but these are specialized and typically higher‑cost options, not everyday consumer transportation.

For almost all Atlanta residents and visitors, driving or bus service will be the practical choice.

Getting From Atlanta Airport to Columbus, Georgia

If you’re flying into Atlanta and need to continue directly to Columbus, here’s how the trip usually works.

Option 1: Rental Car From Atlanta Airport

This is usually the most straightforward option.

1. After landing at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, follow signs to the Rental Car Center via the ATL SkyTrain.
2. Pick up your vehicle and connect to I‑85 South, then I‑185 South toward Columbus.

Advantages:

• Direct, door‑to‑door travel from the airport to Columbus.
• Control over timing and stops (food, gas, restrooms).
• Ideal if you need a car while staying in Columbus or on Fort Moore.

Option 2: Bus Connection From Atlanta Airport

Some bus services may operate routes or pick‑ups near the airport. A common pattern for travelers is:

1. Land at Hartsfield‑Jackson.
2. Use MARTA or a shuttle to reach the downtown Atlanta bus terminal or your bus carrier’s specific stop.
3. Board the bus from Atlanta to Columbus.

This option is usually cheaper than a rental car if you’re traveling solo and don’t need a vehicle in Columbus.

Option 3: Rideshare/Taxi From the Airport

• You can request a rideshare or taxi from the airport’s designated ride‑share/taxi zones directly to Columbus.
• Expect high fares, but it may be worthwhile if:
  • You’re traveling with others and sharing the cost.
  • You need to arrive at a specific address or base gate without transfers.

Atlanta to Fort Moore (Fort Benning) via Columbus

Many people traveling from Atlanta to Columbus are ultimately headed to Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), located just southeast of Columbus.

General Route From Atlanta to Fort Moore

1. Drive or take transportation from Atlanta to Columbus via I‑85 South → I‑185 South.
2. Continue on I‑185 toward the Fort Moore / Fort Benning area, following base signage.

If you’re unfamiliar with base access rules:

• Check in advance what identification and documents are required for visitors, contractors, or family members.
• Fort Moore maintains visitor and access control information through its public‑facing channels and phone lines.

Starting from Atlanta, plan extra time if:

• You’re traveling early in the morning or late afternoon.
• You need to check in at a visitor control center upon arrival.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Heading to Columbus

1. Plan your departure around Atlanta traffic.
Leaving from Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or the Perimeter during peak rush hours can easily add 30–45 minutes before you even clear metro Atlanta.

2. Consider parking costs and needs.
If you’re staying in downtown Columbus or near Columbus State University, ask about parking options ahead of time. For a quick day trip, parking is often easier and cheaper than in central Atlanta, but policies vary by location.

3. Build in a buffer if you have firm arrival times.
If you’re:

• Reporting to Fort Moore at a specific time
• Attending a college orientation or exam
• Going to a job interview in Columbus

leave Atlanta with at least an extra 30–45 minutes beyond the expected drive or bus time.

4. Think about your return trip to Atlanta.
If you’re using bus service, check the latest schedule for return departures so you’re not stranded. If you’re driving, be aware that arriving back into Atlanta between 4–7 p.m. can put you back in heavy city traffic.

5. Pack for the drive.
Even though it’s not an extremely long trip, Atlanta‑area travelers often bring:

• Water and snacks
• A full phone charge and car charger
• A printed address or directions for Columbus or Fort Moore in case of navigation issues

Traveling from Atlanta, Georgia to Columbus, Georgia is straightforward once you choose your mode of transportation. For most Atlanta residents and visitors, a direct drive on I‑85 and I‑185 or a budget‑friendly bus ride will be the most realistic, time‑efficient options.