How Far Is Atlanta, Georgia to Nashville, Tennessee? A Practical Guide for Atlanta Travelers

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city and thinking about a trip to Nashville, Tennessee, the first thing you probably want to know is: how far is it, really, and what’s the easiest way to get there?

This guide walks through distance, travel times, routes, and transportation options starting specifically from Atlanta, with practical tips to help you plan a smooth trip between the two cities.

The Basic Distance: Atlanta to Nashville

From Downtown Atlanta to Downtown Nashville:

• Driving distance: About 250–265 miles (depending on your exact starting point in Atlanta)
• Typical driving time: Around 3.5 to 4 hours in light to moderate traffic
• Direction: Mostly northwest from Atlanta

This makes Nashville a doable same-day drive from Atlanta, whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a short business trip.

Quick Comparison of Travel Options

Approximate Distance & Travel Time from Atlanta to Nashville

Times vary with traffic, weather, time of day, and day of the week, especially leaving Atlanta and approaching Nashville during rush hours.

Driving from Atlanta to Nashville

For most people in Atlanta, driving is the most straightforward way to get to Nashville.

Main Driving Route

The most common route from central Atlanta is:

1. Take I-75 North out of Atlanta
2. Merge onto I-24 West near Chattanooga
3. Stay on I-24 West all the way into Nashville

Key waypoints you might pass:

• Marietta and Kennesaw (Northwest metro Atlanta)
• Calhoun and Dalton, Georgia
• Chattanooga, Tennessee
• Then on to Nashville via I-24

If you’re starting from different parts of Atlanta, you may use:

• I-285 (the Perimeter) to connect to I-75 North
• Downtown Connector (I-75/85) to head north from Midtown or Downtown

Typical Drive Time from Atlanta Neighborhoods

These are rough time ranges in normal conditions:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta to Nashville: ~3.5–4 hours
• Buckhead to Nashville: ~3.75–4.25 hours
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (south ATL) to Nashville: ~3.75–4.5 hours (depending on traffic through the city)
• North Metro (e.g., Sandy Springs, Roswell) to Nashville: ~3.25–4 hours

When Traffic Matters Most

Common slow spots leaving or returning to Atlanta:

• Downtown Connector (I-75/85) near Midtown and Downtown
• I-75 North around Cobb County (especially near I-285 and Cumberland / Truist Park)
• I-24 near Chattanooga and again approaching Nashville

To reduce delays:

• Try to leave after the morning rush (after about 9:30 a.m.) or before the afternoon rush (before about 3 p.m.)
• Avoid Friday evenings heading out of Atlanta if possible, as traffic toward North Georgia and Tennessee can be heavy
• Check a live traffic app before you get onto I-75

Fuel, Rest Stops, and Breaks

From Atlanta to Nashville, you’ll pass many gas stations, rest areas, and food options, especially around:

• Cartersville and Calhoun
• Dalton
• Chattanooga (major midway stop with plenty of services)

For a comfortable trip, many Atlanta drivers plan:

• 1 quick stop (if traveling solo and used to longer drives)
• 2 short stops if traveling with kids, pets, or a group

Taking a Bus from Atlanta to Nashville

If you don’t want to drive, a bus can be a practical option, especially if you live close to central Atlanta.

Where Buses Typically Depart in Atlanta

Intercity bus services often operate from or near:

• Downtown Atlanta
• Areas around the Five Points or Garnett MARTA stations

Because specific bus carriers and pickup points can change over time, it’s best to:

• Check the exact departure address when booking
• Consider using MARTA to reach your departure point to avoid downtown parking

Bus Travel Time

• Typical time: Around 4.5 to 6 hours from Atlanta to Nashville
• Why it’s longer than driving yourself:
  • Possible stops in Chattanooga or other cities
  • Loading/unloading passengers
  • Scheduled layovers, depending on the route

For many Atlanta travelers, the bus is most appealing when:

• You don’t want to drive through the mountains or interstate traffic
• You prefer a budget-friendly option and can be flexible on exact arrival time

Flying from Atlanta (ATL) to Nashville (BNA)

If you’re in Atlanta, you have access to one of the busiest and best-connected airports in the country:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

Nashville’s main airport is:

• Nashville International Airport (BNA)
  • 1 Terminal Dr, Nashville, TN 37214

Flight Distance and Time

• Air distance: About 215 miles
• Flight time (in the air): Usually around 1 hour
• Total door-to-door time from Atlanta: Often 3 to 4 hours, including:
  • Getting to ATL from your Atlanta location
  • Security screening and waiting at the gate
  • Taxiing, boarding, and deplaning in Nashville
  • Traveling from BNA into Downtown Nashville (about 15–20 minutes by car in light traffic)

For many people in Atlanta, flying makes sense when:

• You already live or are staying near the airport area (Hapeville, College Park, East Point)
• You’re connecting from another flight through ATL
• You value predictable timing and want to avoid interstate driving

Getting to ATL from Around Atlanta

Common options for reaching Hartsfield-Jackson from within the city:

• MARTA Rail:
  • The Airport Station is directly inside the domestic terminal
  • Easy if you’re staying near Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or along the Red/Gold lines
• Driving and Parking:
  • On-site long-term parking and several nearby private parking lots
• Rideshare or taxi:
  • Popular from Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead especially for early morning or late-night flights

Which Option Is Best from Atlanta?

Here’s how many Atlanta-area travelers think about it:

• Drive if:

  • You want flexibility with your schedule
  • You plan to explore areas between Atlanta and Nashville or need a car in Nashville
  • You’re traveling with family or a group, where splitting gas and parking is affordable

• Fly if:

  • You value time certainty or are already at ATL
  • You’re okay with airport procedures and baggage handling
  • You’re making a short business trip with limited time

• Take a bus if:

  • You prefer not to drive yourself
  • You want a budget-conscious option and don’t mind a longer travel window
  • You’re comfortable leaving from central Atlanta and arriving into central Nashville

Planning From Specific Parts of Metro Atlanta

Because the Atlanta metro area is spread out, your starting point affects how “far” Nashville feels.

From South Atlanta and Airport Area

If you’re near:

• College Park
• Hapeville
• East Point
• Union City

You’ll need to:

• Drive north through or around the city to connect with I-75 North, or
• Take MARTA to reach downtown or the airport if you’re planning to fly

This can add 30–60 minutes to your trip time, especially during rush hours.

From North Atlanta and Suburbs

If you’re in:

• Sandy Springs
• Dunwoody
• Roswell
• Alpharetta
• Marietta
• Kennesaw

You’re already closer to I-75 North, so:

• Driving to Nashville may feel shorter and more direct
• You’ll often avoid crossing the entire city to reach the interstate heading north

In these cases, the drive is often the most time-efficient choice.

Weather and Seasonal Considerations

Between Atlanta and Nashville, you’ll cross North Georgia and Southern Tennessee, including some hilly and mountainous areas near Chattanooga.

Things Atlanta travelers often keep in mind:

• Winter (especially January–February):

  • Occasional snow or ice can affect I-75 and I-24, particularly at higher elevations
  • Check road conditions if a cold front or winter storm is in the forecast

• Spring and Summer:

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms are common along the route
  • Plan for slower driving and possible reduced visibility

• Fall:

  • Often one of the more pleasant times to drive, with generally good visibility and milder temperatures

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

A few Atlanta-specific planning tips:

• 🕒 Avoid peak Atlanta rush hours when starting your trip if you can, especially:
  • Weekdays 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. on the Downtown Connector and I-285
• 🛞 Check your car before a long drive:
  • Tire pressure, fuel, and basic fluids, especially if you’re heading into the mountains near Chattanooga
• 📍 Know your exact starting address:
  • Plug your precise Atlanta starting point into a navigation app for a more accurate time estimate
• 🚗 Parking in Nashville:
  • If you’re staying downtown, look ahead at hotel parking options or nearby garages, as rates can vary

From an Atlanta point of view, Nashville is relatively close—far enough to feel like a different city with its own culture and music scene, but close enough for a long day trip or easy weekend.

The distance is roughly 250–265 miles, and depending on whether you drive, fly, or take a bus, you can typically get from Atlanta to Nashville in about 3 to 6 hours.