Getting Around: Key Directions From Atlanta, Georgia to Major Destinations

Atlanta sits at the crossroads of several major interstates, rail lines, and an international airport, which makes it a natural starting point for trips across Georgia and the Southeast. Whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or are planning a route that passes through, understanding directions from Atlanta, Georgia can save you time and stress.

This guide walks you through the most common routes people ask about when starting in Atlanta, plus local tips, landmarks, and practical tools to help you navigate.

Quick Orientation: Atlanta’s Major Roads and Landmarks

Before diving into specific directions, it helps to know the core layout of Atlanta:

• Downtown: Centered around Five Points, State Capitol, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, and Georgia State University.
• Midtown: North of Downtown along Peachtree Street, home to Piedmont Park and major office towers.
• Buckhead: Farther north on Peachtree Road, a major commercial and residential district.

Key highways you’ll use when heading out of Atlanta:

• I‑75: Runs north–south; north toward Marietta, Kennesaw, Chattanooga; south toward Macon, Florida.
• I‑85: Also north–south; north toward Norcross, Greenville, Charlotte; south toward Columbus, Montgomery.
• I‑20: Runs east–west; west toward Douglasville, Birmingham; east toward Conyers, Augusta.
• I‑285 (“The Perimeter”): The loop highway around Atlanta that connects all the major interstates.
• GA‑400: Major north–south route from Buckhead through Sandy Springs, Roswell, and up to North Georgia.

If you’re in Downtown Atlanta, most long-distance directions will start by getting you onto I‑75/85 (the combined highway that runs through the city) or onto I‑20.

Essential Tools for Getting Directions From Atlanta

You can get directions from Atlanta using several reliable methods:

• Online maps and apps (Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze):
  Enter your starting point (for example, “Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport” or a street address) and destination. These apps account for traffic, which matters a lot in Atlanta.

• MARTA system maps:
  If you’re staying near a rail station, MARTA can be an efficient way to reach the airport, stadiums, Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead without worrying about parking.

• Printed maps or GPS devices:
  Still useful in rural areas outside Metro Atlanta where cell coverage can be spotty.

For official road information, closures, and detours, many travelers use state-level traffic update services or listen to local radio traffic reports, especially during rush hours.

Directions From Atlanta to Popular Georgia Destinations

From Atlanta to Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

The airport is located just south of Downtown Atlanta and is one of the city’s most frequent destinations.

By Car from Downtown Atlanta:

1. Get onto I‑75/85 South (the Downtown Connector).
2. Follow signs for Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
3. Take exit signs for Domestic Terminal or International Terminal:
   • For Domestic: Usually exit toward Camp Creek Parkway / Airport and follow signs to North or South Terminal parking.
   • For International: Follow signs for International Terminal / Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (often via a separate exit off I‑75).

By MARTA Rail:

• Take the Red or Gold Line southbound to Airport Station, which is directly inside the Domestic Terminal.
• From Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, this is often the easiest way to avoid highway traffic and parking fees.

Key note: Plan extra time during peak travel periods and weekday rush hours, as I‑75/85 can become heavily congested.

From Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is one of the most common trips Atlantans make to the Georgia coast.

Typical Driving Route (about 3.5–4 hours, depending on traffic):

1. From central Atlanta, enter I‑75/85 South.
2. Merge onto I‑75 South toward Macon.
3. Near Macon, follow signs to merge onto I‑16 East toward Savannah.
4. Stay on I‑16 until it ends near Downtown Savannah, then follow local signs to your specific destination.

Key tips:

• Fuel and food options are plentiful along I‑75 and I‑16.
• I‑16 is mostly rural; check your gas level before you leave Macon.
• Traffic can slow around Macon, especially on weekends and holidays.

From Atlanta to Athens, Georgia

Athens, home to the University of Georgia, is a frequent trip for sports, events, and day visits.

Typical Driving Route (about 1.5–2 hours):

1. From Atlanta, take I‑85 North.
2. Exit onto GA‑316 East toward Athens.
3. Continue on GA‑316; as you approach Athens, follow signs to your neighborhood or campus destination (Downtown Athens, UGA, etc.).

Alternative routes using US‑78 East may be preferred from certain eastside neighborhoods, but GA‑316 is the most direct from much of Metro Atlanta.

From Atlanta to Augusta, Georgia

Augusta is on the Georgia–South Carolina border, east of Atlanta.

Typical Driving Route (about 2–2.5 hours):

1. From central Atlanta, get onto I‑20 East.
2. Stay on I‑20 East all the way to Augusta.
3. Follow local exit signs for Downtown Augusta, the Augusta Canal area, or medical and business districts.

I‑20 East passes through Conyers, Covington, and Madison. This route is straightforward with rest stops and services along the way.

From Atlanta to Columbus, Georgia

Columbus lies southwest of Atlanta near the Alabama border.

Typical Driving Route (about 1.5–2 hours):

1. From Atlanta, head south on I‑85 South.
2. Near LaGrange, take I‑185 South toward Columbus.
3. Follow I‑185 into Columbus and exit toward your specific destination.

Traffic south of Atlanta can be heavy during commute times, particularly near the I‑85 / I‑285 interchange.

From Atlanta to Macon, Georgia

Macon is a key stop on the route to South Georgia and the coast.

Typical Driving Route (about 1.5 hours):

1. From Atlanta, take I‑75 South.
2. Continue straight on I‑75 into the Macon area.
3. Follow exit signs to Downtown Macon, I‑16 East (to Savannah), or other local routes.

If you’re starting from the east side of Atlanta, some drivers use I‑675 to reconnect with I‑75 heading south.

Getting Out of Atlanta Toward Neighboring States

Many trips from Atlanta cross state lines. Here are the most common directions from Atlanta into nearby states.

To Alabama (Birmingham, Montgomery)

Atlanta to Birmingham (about 2.5–3 hours):

1. Take I‑20 West from Atlanta.
2. Stay on I‑20 as you pass Douglasville and into Alabama.
3. Follow signs for Birmingham exits.

Atlanta to Montgomery (about 2.5–3 hours):

1. Take I‑85 South from Atlanta.
2. Stay on I‑85 as you cross into Alabama.
3. Follow signs for Montgomery, using local exits once you reach the metro area.

To Tennessee (Chattanooga, Knoxville, Nashville)

Atlanta to Chattanooga (about 2–2.5 hours):

1. From central Atlanta, take I‑75 North.
2. Continue on I‑75 through Marietta, Kennesaw, and Calhoun.
3. Follow I‑75 into Chattanooga; local exits will be clearly marked.

Atlanta to Knoxville (about 3.5–4 hours):

1. Follow I‑75 North from Atlanta through Dalton into Tennessee.
2. Near Chattanooga, continue on I‑75 North toward Knoxville.
3. Follow exits for the Knoxville area.

Atlanta to Nashville (about 4–4.5 hours):

1. Drive I‑75 North from Atlanta.
2. Near Chattanooga, connect to I‑24 West toward Nashville.
3. Follow I‑24 West all the way into the Nashville metro area.

To South Carolina (Greenville, Columbia)

Atlanta to Greenville, SC (about 2–2.5 hours):

1. Take I‑85 North from Atlanta.
2. Continue past the Georgia–South Carolina border.
3. Follow signs for Greenville exits off I‑85.

Atlanta to Columbia, SC (about 3.5–4 hours):

Common options include:

• I‑20 East from Atlanta to Columbia; or
• I‑85 North to I‑385 North, then connect to I‑26 East toward Columbia.

Most drivers prefer I‑20 East because it’s more direct from much of Atlanta.

In‑Town Navigation: Getting Around Atlanta Itself

Using I‑285 (“The Perimeter”)

I‑285 forms a loop around Atlanta and connects with I‑20, I‑75, I‑85, GA‑400, and more:

• North side (Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Perimeter area): Access to GA‑400 and I‑85.
• West side (Cobb County, near Truist Park): Connects with I‑75 North.
• East side (Decatur, Tucker): Connects with I‑20 East and I‑85 North.
• South side (Airport area, South Fulton): Connects with I‑75 and I‑85 South.

If you’re traveling from one suburb to another without going through Downtown, I‑285 often provides the most direct path, though it can be congested at rush hour.

Using MARTA for Directions From Key Atlanta Areas

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is useful if you want to avoid driving and parking, especially around the airport, stadiums, and central business districts.

Major Rail Lines:

• Red Line: From North Springs (Sandy Springs) through Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown, to Airport.
• Gold Line: From Doraville through Chamblee, Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown, to Airport.
• Blue Line: East–west through Downtown to Decatur and east suburbs.
• Green Line: East–west line serving parts of West Atlanta and Downtown.

Key Stations for Visitors and Residents:

• Five Points: Central hub in Downtown where lines intersect.
• Peachtree Center: Good for Downtown hotels and offices.
• Arts Center: Access to Midtown attractions and arts venues.
• Buckhead, Lenox, Lindbergh Center: Useful for Buckhead-area shopping, offices, and housing.
• Airport Station: Directly connected to the Domestic Terminal.

For local bus routes, riders typically use MARTA’s trip planner tools or posted schedules at stations.

Common Starting Points in Atlanta and How to Leave the City

Leaving From Downtown Atlanta

From Downtown, you are close to I‑75/85 and I‑20, so getting out of the city is straightforward:

• To head north (Marietta, Kennesaw, Chattanooga):
  Use I‑75/85 North, then keep left for I‑75 North.

• To head northeast (Norcross, Greenville, Charlotte):
  Use I‑75/85 North, then follow signs for I‑85 North.

• To head south (Airport, Macon, Florida):
  Use I‑75/85 South, then stay on I‑75 South for Macon or I‑85 South for Alabama.

• To head east/west (Augusta/Birmingham):
  Access I‑20 East or West from Downtown interchanges.

Leaving From Midtown or Buckhead

If you’re starting north of Downtown:

• From Midtown:

  • Use local streets (10th St, 14th St, or North Ave) to enter I‑75/85.
  • From there, choose I‑75/I‑85 North or South, or connect to I‑20 or I‑285.

• From Buckhead:

  • To go north (Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming): Take GA‑400 North.
  • To go south or east: Use GA‑400 South or Peachtree Road to link with I‑85, I‑75, or I‑20.
  • To reach the Airport: Often GA‑400 South → I‑85 South → I‑75/85 South → Airport exits.

Sample Route Snapshot: Common Trips From Atlanta

Below is a simple overview of typical highway routes many people use when leaving Atlanta:

This table is meant as a starting point; exact routes may vary depending on your specific Atlanta neighborhood and real-time traffic.

Practical Tips for Getting Directions From Atlanta

A few local habits and strategies can make traveling from Atlanta smoother:

• Check traffic before you leave 🕒
  Congestion on I‑75/85, I‑285, GA‑400, and I‑20 is common during weekday mornings and afternoons. Many drivers rely on navigation apps that can reroute around incidents.

• Plan extra time for airport trips
  When departing from Atlanta to the airport, factor in: highway traffic, parking or rental car returns, and security lines.

• Know your side of town
  If you live on the east side, you may prefer I‑20 and I‑285 East; west-siders often rely more on I‑20 West and I‑285 West. Starting point matters for the most efficient route.

• Watch for toll-free but busy GA‑400
  GA‑400 north of Atlanta is a primary route for Roswell, Alpharetta, and Cumming. It is toll‑free but can experience heavy commuter traffic.

• Use MARTA where it makes sense
  For Airport trips from Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead, MARTA Rail is often more predictable than driving, especially during peak rush hours.

Where to Get Local Help With Directions in Atlanta

If you prefer in-person guidance or printed materials:

• Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport Information Desks
  Located in the terminals; staff can help with directions, ground transportation, and connections.

• City of Atlanta Visitor Information Centers
  Often found near major tourist areas (such as Centennial Olympic Park vicinity), where staff may provide maps and guidance to and from city attractions.

• MARTA Station Agents
  At larger MARTA stations (Five Points, Airport, Peachtree Center, Lindbergh Center), you can ask staff about the best rail or bus routes from your starting point.

When asking for help, have your exact starting address and destination ready—many Atlanta streets share similar names (for example, multiple “Peachtree” streets), and clear details prevent confusion.

Understanding the main interstates, local connectors, and transit options gives you a strong foundation for almost any trip starting in Atlanta, Georgia. With a sense of direction and a good map or navigation tool, you can move confidently from Atlanta to destinations across Georgia and the region.