Traveling From Columbus, Georgia to Atlanta: Routes, Options, and Local Tips

The trip from Columbus, Georgia to Atlanta is one of the most common routes in the state. Whether you live in Atlanta and need to get to Columbus for work or family, or you’re visiting Atlanta and want to explore another Georgia city, it helps to understand your driving, bus, and shuttle options, plus what to expect along the way.

This guide focuses on what Atlanta-area travelers actually need to know: routes, travel times, costs, parking, and how this trip fits into moving around metro Atlanta.

How Far Is Columbus, Georgia From Atlanta?

Columbus is located southwest of Atlanta, near the Alabama border. The distance and time depend on your exact starting and ending points, but here are common estimates:

• Distance: About 100–115 miles
• Typical drive time: Around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours in normal traffic
• Primary route:I-85 North and I-185 / US-80

For most travelers, it’s a straightforward highway drive with only a few major decision points.

Best Driving Routes: Columbus to Atlanta (and Back)

If you’re driving between Columbus and Atlanta, you’ll almost always be on I-185 and I-85 at some point.

Main Route: Fastest and Most Direct

Columbus → Atlanta (typical route):

1. Start on I-185 North out of Columbus.
2. Continue until I-185 ends into I-85 near LaGrange.
3. Take I-85 North toward Atlanta.
4. Stay on I-85 into Atlanta’s Downtown Connector (I-75/85).
5. From there, choose your exit:
   • Midtown / Downtown: Use exits along the I-75/85 Connector.
   • Buckhead / North Atlanta: Continue to GA-400 North or surface streets.
   • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: Exit earlier at airport signs before entering downtown.

Atlanta → Columbus (reverse):

1. From central Atlanta, get onto I-75/85 South (the Downtown Connector).
2. Merge onto I-85 South toward Columbus/Montgomery.
3. Take Exit to I-185 South toward Columbus.
4. Follow I-185 into Columbus; local exits lead to Uptown Columbus, Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), and surrounding areas.

Alternate and Scenic Options

If you want to avoid some interstate traffic or take a more scenic route, some drivers use surface highways:

• US-27 / GA-85 / GA-16 combinations
  These routes can pass through smaller towns and rural areas.
  • Pros: Less congestion than I-85 at times, more small-town scenery.
  • Cons: More lights, slower speeds, more time.

For most Atlanta drivers, the interstate route is still preferred unless there’s heavy traffic or construction.

Typical Travel Times and When to Leave Atlanta

Driving between Columbus and Atlanta is highly affected by metro Atlanta traffic, especially near I-285 and the Downtown Connector.

From Atlanta to Columbus

You’ll usually get the smoothest drive if you:

• Leave after the morning rush:
  • Best window: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Or travel later in the evening:
  • After about 7:00 p.m., traffic generally eases.

From Columbus to Atlanta

The main congestion is when you approach metro Atlanta:

• Morning rush into Atlanta usually builds between 6:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
• Afternoon rush leaving Atlanta often peaks 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

If you’re heading into Atlanta and want a smoother ride:

• Aim to arrive before 7:00 a.m. or after 10:00 a.m.
• Or plan for extra time if you must arrive right at peak hours downtown.

Driving Costs and Parking in Atlanta

For Atlanta residents, the Columbus trip is a common weekend or day-trip drive. Key cost factors:

• Gas: Around 200–230 miles round-trip, depending on your start and end points.
• Tolls: There are no tolls on I-185 or I-85 between Columbus and downtown Atlanta.
• Parking in Atlanta:
  • Downtown & Midtown: Expect a mix of garages, lots, and meters.
    • Daily rates vary widely; planning ahead helps.
  • Near MARTA stations: Some stations, like College Park and North Springs, have parking lots/garages if you want to park and ride into downtown.
  • Airport: Long-term parking is available at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport if you’re connecting with a flight.

Bus and Shuttle Options: Columbus to Atlanta

If you don’t want to drive, or you’re flying in or out of Atlanta, there are bus and shuttle services between Columbus and Atlanta.

Intercity Bus Services

Several intercity bus companies regularly run routes between Columbus and Atlanta, often stopping:

• In Atlanta, at or near:
  • Downtown / Midtown bus stops
  • Sometimes near MARTA rail stations or central hubs
• In Columbus:
  • Near downtown / Uptown Columbus
  • Or along major corridors connecting with local transit

Common features of these services:

• Travel time: Often 2–2.5 hours, depending on stops and traffic.
• Comfort level: Typically coach-style seating, restrooms on board on many routes.
• Tickets: Usually must be purchased online, via app, or at kiosks/offices, not on cash-only basis.

Atlanta riders often use the Downtown/Midtown bus stops and then:

• Connect by MARTA rail or bus to get to neighborhoods like Decatur, Buckhead, or East Atlanta; or
• Walk or rideshare from the bus stop to nearby offices, hotels, or attractions.

Atlanta Airport Shuttles to Columbus

Many travelers flying through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) use shuttle services to reach Columbus, especially for Fort Moore, students, or visiting family.

Typical pattern:

• Pickup/Drop-off:
  • At or near the Domestic Terminal Ground Transportation Center at ATL.
• Destination in Columbus:
  • Frequently near local hotels, Fort Moore gates, or designated shuttle stops.

If you’re already in Atlanta, you can:

1. Take MARTA to the Airport Station (inside the terminal), then
2. Walk to the Ground Transportation area and board a pre-booked shuttle to Columbus (if your service uses airport pickup).

Always confirm:

• Exact pickup point,
• Luggage policies, and
• Whether they serve your specific destination (for example, a particular gate at Fort Moore or a hotel in Uptown Columbus).

Using MARTA With a Columbus Trip

MARTA itself does not run service to Columbus, but it can be a helpful first or last mile option within Atlanta.

Common MARTA Uses for Columbus Travelers

• Park-and-Ride, Then Bus/Shuttle:
  Park at a MARTA station in metro Atlanta (such as College Park, Five Points, or North Springs), ride MARTA to downtown or the airport, then connect to your Columbus bus or shuttle.

• Arrive by Bus/Shuttle, Then Use MARTA:
  Many intercity buses drop you near downtown. From there, you can:

  • Walk to Five Points MARTA Station, or
  • Use a nearby MARTA bus stop to transfer deeper into metro Atlanta.

MARTA Headquarters & Key Info Point:
MARTA Headquarters is located at
2424 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Customer information is also available inside major rail stations like Five Points and Airport.

Quick Comparison: Driving vs. Bus/Shuttle

Key Atlanta Landmarks Along the Route

When you’re heading between Columbus and Atlanta, you’ll pass several useful reference points as you approach or leave the city:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  Located just off I-85 south of downtown. Many Columbus travelers time their trip around flights here.

  • Main address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

• Downtown Atlanta / State Capitol Area
  Right along the I-75/85 Downtown Connector. Signs for Georgia State Capitol, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Georgia World Congress Center help you orient yourself.

• Midtown Atlanta
  North of downtown along I-75/85. Exits for 10th St, 14th St, and 17th St lead to major offices, Georgia Tech, and arts venues.

If you’re new to Atlanta, it’s helpful to know whether your final destination is in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near the Airport as you choose your route and time your drive.

Tips for a Smooth Columbus–Atlanta Trip

Here are some practical tips that matter specifically for Atlanta-area travelers:

• Check traffic before you leave
  Traffic around I-285, the Connector, and the Airport can change quickly. Many drivers check navigation apps for real-time conditions and potential detours.

• Plan around big events
  Major games, concerts, and conventions in Downtown or Midtown Atlanta (around Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or Georgia World Congress Center) can significantly slow your approach into the city.

• Know your exit before hitting the Connector
  From I-85, once you merge onto the Downtown Connector, exits come up quickly on both sides.

  • If you’re unfamiliar, review your exit number or street ahead of time.

• If you’re catching a flight
  Add extra buffer time for:

  • Atlanta traffic
  • Airport parking or rental car return
  • Shuttle check-in if you’re connecting to Columbus afterward

• If you’re arriving from Columbus to spend the day in Atlanta
  Consider parking at a MARTA station outside the core (like College Park or Lindbergh Center) and riding MARTA into downtown or Midtown. This can reduce parking stress and sometimes save money.

When a Columbus–Atlanta Trip Makes Sense

For people in or around Atlanta, the Columbus route is commonly used for:

• Visiting family or friends in Columbus or Fort Moore
• College-related trips, especially if you have connections with Columbus-area schools
• Military travel to and from Fort Moore with Atlanta as the flight hub
• Day trips to explore Uptown Columbus, the Chattahoochee RiverWalk, or regional events, then returning to Atlanta the same evening

Because the distance is relatively short, many Atlanta residents treat the drive as similar to a long cross-town trip, especially on weekends with lighter traffic.

If you’re traveling between Columbus, Georgia and Atlanta, your main decisions are how you want to balance time, cost, and flexibility. For most people in Atlanta, driving via I-85 and I-185 is the simplest, while buses and shuttles are useful if you’re flying through Hartsfield-Jackson or prefer to avoid the stress of metro Atlanta traffic and downtown parking.