How Far Is It From Nashville, Tennessee to Atlanta, Georgia?

If you live in Atlanta, are planning a trip from Atlanta to Nashville, or you’re in town and curious about a quick getaway to Music City, it helps to know exactly how far Nashville is from Atlanta, how long it takes to get there, and the best ways to travel.

This guide breaks down the distance from Nashville, Tennessee to Atlanta, Georgia, with a focus on what that means specifically for travelers starting in or coming to Atlanta.

The Basic Distance: Nashville to Atlanta

The distance between Nashville, Tennessee and Atlanta, Georgia depends on how you travel:

By Road (Driving Distance)

• Approximate driving distance:250–260 miles
• Typical driving time:3.5 to 4 hours in normal traffic

The most common driving route from Atlanta to Nashville is:

• I-75 North from Atlanta
• Connect to I-24 West near Chattanooga
• Continue on I-24 West into Nashville

This is the route many Atlanta residents use for weekend trips, college visits, concerts, or sports events in Nashville.

By Air (Flight Distance)

• Approximate flight distance (straight line): about 215–225 miles
• Typical flight time (nonstop): around 1 hour

Nonstop flights usually run between:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta
• Nashville International Airport (BNA) in Nashville

Actual travel time will be longer once you factor in:

• Getting to and from the airports
• Security and boarding time
• Baggage claim, if needed

Atlanta Starting Points: How Your Starting Location Changes the Distance

Because the Atlanta area is large and spread out, the exact distance and time to Nashville will vary depending on where in or around Atlanta you start.

Here are rough driving distances to Nashville from a few commonly referenced Atlanta-area points:

*Times assume relatively light to moderate traffic and minimal stops.

For many Atlanta residents in the northern suburbs (Cobb, North Fulton, Gwinnett), the drive is often slightly shorter because you’re already closer to I-75 and a bit farther north.

Best Ways to Travel From Atlanta to Nashville

1. Driving From Atlanta to Nashville

For most people in Atlanta, driving is the most flexible and cost-effective way to get to Nashville.

Primary Route:

1. From central Atlanta, get on I-75 North (often via the Downtown Connector: I-75/85).
2. Continue on I-75 North toward Chattanooga.
3. Near Chattanooga, take I-24 West toward Nashville.
4. Continue on I-24 West directly into the Nashville downtown area.

Typical Drive Time and Traffic Considerations

• Total drive time: usually 3.5–4 hours
• Atlanta traffic:
  • Expect slowdowns leaving the city, especially:
    • Morning rush: roughly 7–9 a.m.
    • Evening rush: roughly 4–7 p.m.
  • Congested areas may include:
    • The Downtown Connector (I-75/85)
    • The interchange near I-285
• Chattanooga area:
  • The approach to Chattanooga and the mountainous areas on I-24 can occasionally slow down due to construction, weather, or heavy truck traffic.
• Approaching Nashville:
  • As you near downtown Nashville, traffic can pick up, especially during business hours or when major events are happening.

Pros of Driving From Atlanta

• Flexibility: Leave when you want, stop when you want.
• Luggage: Easier to carry more bags, instruments, or equipment.
• Cost splitting: If you’re traveling with family or friends, sharing fuel and parking costs can be affordable.
• Scenery: Mountain and valley views around the Tennessee–Georgia border area.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Weather:
  • In winter, higher elevations near Chattanooga and on I-24 can be affected by snow or ice.
  • In heavy rain, visibility and traffic slowdowns are common.
• Rest stops:
  • Along I-75 and I-24, there are multiple Georgia and Tennessee welcome centers, rest areas, and standard highway services (gas, food, and bathrooms).
• Parking in Nashville:
  • Nashville’s downtown and popular neighborhoods (like The Gulch or Midtown) often use paid parking garages, meters, or lots. Factor parking into your budget.

2. Flying From Atlanta to Nashville

If you’d rather avoid the drive, flying from Atlanta to Nashville is a quick alternative.

Main Airports

• Atlanta:
  • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Located at: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Nashville:
  • Nashville International Airport (BNA)
  • Located at: 1 Terminal Dr, Nashville, TN 37214

Flight Time and Overall Travel Time

• In-air time (nonstop): about 1 hour
• Realistic total trip time door-to-door from central Atlanta to central Nashville: often 3–5 hours, including:
  • Getting to ATL (30 minutes to 1+ hour, depending on where you are in metro Atlanta)
  • Check-in and security (plan at least 1–2 hours before departure)
  • Boarding and taxiing
  • Deplaning and getting to downtown Nashville (20–30+ minutes by car or rideshare from BNA)

For some Atlanta residents, especially those closer to the airport or those with airline status, flying can still be competitive with driving in terms of total time.

Pros of Flying From Atlanta

• Speed in air: The actual flight is very short.
• Predictability: Less affected by highway traffic delays.
• Comfort: You can work, read, or rest rather than focusing on driving.

Considerations for Atlanta Travelers

• Airport access:
  • MARTA rail serves Hartsfield–Jackson ATL via the Airport Station, which can be convenient if you’re staying near Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead.
• Cost:
  • Costs can vary significantly depending on timing, airline, and how far in advance you book.
• Ground transportation in Nashville:
  • You’ll likely need a rideshare, taxi, rental car, or shuttle unless you’re being picked up.

3. Bus and Other Ground Transportation Options

If you don’t want to drive yourself or fly, intercity bus services are often available between Atlanta and Nashville. Services may run from central Atlanta locations (often near Downtown or the Civic Center area) to bus terminals in or around downtown Nashville.

Common features of these options:

• Travel time: Often 5–6 hours or more, depending on stops and the route.
• Cost: Can be budget-friendly compared to last-minute flights.
• Comfort level: Varies by operator and time of day.

For Atlanta residents, this can be a practical choice if you:

• Don’t own a car
• Prefer not to drive long distances
• Are looking for a lower-cost alternative to flying

Understanding Distance: Driving vs. Flying From an Atlanta Perspective

For people in Atlanta, Nashville sits in the category of “driveable long weekend destination”—similar in distance to cities like Charlotte, but in a different direction and with its own unique appeal.

Here’s how the distance from Nashville to Atlanta plays out in practical terms:

• Weekend trip:
  • You can leave Atlanta on a Friday afternoon, reach Nashville by evening, and be back Sunday night.
• Same-day turnaround:
  • With a 3.5–4 hour drive each way, a day trip is possible but long. Many Atlantans prefer at least one overnight stay.
• Business travel:
  • For meetings or events, some people in Atlanta fly up in the morning and back in the evening, especially when schedules are tight.
• Family visits and college trips:
  • The distance is manageable enough that Atlanta families often make campus visits to Nashville-area colleges or visit relatives over a weekend.

Tips for Atlanta Residents Planning a Trip to Nashville

When to Leave Atlanta

To make the most of the Atlanta–Nashville distance, timing your departure from Atlanta can make a big difference:

• Avoid peak Atlanta rush hours when possible:
  • Leaving before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on weekdays can help you clear the city more smoothly.
• Check for major events:
  • Large events in downtown Atlanta or at major venues near the interstate (stadiums, arenas) may increase traffic as you head out.

What to Expect Along the Route

• Terrain:
  • You’ll pass through northwest Georgia hills and into Tennessee’s more mountainous stretches, particularly around Chattanooga and on I-24.
• Services:
  • Gas, fast food, and rest stops are frequent. Travelers from Atlanta often plan stops around:
    • The Cartersville / Calhoun / Dalton area in Georgia
    • The Chattanooga area in Tennessee

Choosing Between Driving and Flying From Atlanta

Use these simple guidelines:

• Driving may make more sense if:

  • You’re traveling with family or a group
  • You want flexibility and a car in Nashville
  • You’re bringing a lot of luggage or gear
  • You’re planning to stop in Chattanooga or other places along the way

• Flying may make more sense if:

  • You’re traveling alone on business
  • You have limited time and need a same-day round trip
  • You’re close to Hartsfield–Jackson ATL or already at the airport for connecting travel

Frequently Asked Atlanta-Focused Questions About the Distance to Nashville

Is Nashville close enough to Atlanta for a same-day round trip drive?
It’s possible, given the 3.5–4 hour drive each way, but it will be a long day. Many Atlanta residents prefer at least one night in Nashville.

Is the road from Atlanta to Nashville mostly interstate?
Yes. The common route uses I-75 North and I-24 West, both major interstate highways. This makes the drive straightforward for most Atlanta drivers.

How far is Nashville from the Atlanta airport (ATL)?
Starting from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the distance to Nashville is usually around 255–265 miles, or roughly 3.75–4.25 hours of driving, depending on traffic and exact route.

Is the drive from Atlanta to Nashville scenic?
Parts of it are. Many Atlantans enjoy the views near Chattanooga and the mountain sections along I-24, especially during fall foliage season.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• The driving distance from Nashville, Tennessee to Atlanta, Georgia is about 250–260 miles, usually 3.5–4 hours by car.
• The flight distance is roughly 215–225 miles, with about 1 hour of in-air time between ATL and BNA.
• From an Atlanta perspective, Nashville is a convenient long-weekend destination, easily reachable by car or plane.
• The exact distance and travel time depend on where in metro Atlanta you start, with northern suburbs often cutting a bit of time off the drive.
• Both driving and flying are realistic options; the best choice depends on your schedule, budget, and preference for flexibility.

This is the practical distance picture between Nashville and Atlanta for anyone living in, visiting, or planning travel through Atlanta, Georgia.