How Far Is Chattanooga, Tennessee From Atlanta, Georgia? A Practical Guide for Atlanta Travelers

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city and thinking about a quick getaway, Chattanooga, Tennessee is one of the closest “out-of-state” destinations you can reach by car. It’s popular with Atlanta residents for day trips, weekend hikes, aquarium visits, and scenic mountain views.

Here’s exactly how far Chattanooga is from Atlanta, how long it usually takes, the best routes, and what you should know before you hit the road.

Distance From Atlanta to Chattanooga at a Glance

From downtown Atlanta (around Five Points or Peachtree Center) to downtown Chattanooga:

• Driving distance: about 115–120 miles
• Driving time: typically 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes
• Main route:I‑75 North to I‑24 West
• Direction of travel: generally northwest from Atlanta

If you’re coming from different parts of the Atlanta metro area, your starting distance will change slightly.

Approximate Distance by Starting Point in Metro Atlanta

*Times depend heavily on traffic, especially through downtown and the northern suburbs.

The Main Driving Route From Atlanta to Chattanooga

For most Atlanta drivers, the route is simple and almost entirely interstate.

Standard Route: I‑75 North to I‑24 West

From central Atlanta:

1. Get on I‑75 North / I‑85 North (the Downtown Connector).
2. Stay on I‑75 North when it splits from I‑85 near Midtown.
3. Continue on I‑75 North through:
   • Cobb County (Cumberland/Marietta area)
   • Kennesaw
   • Cartersville
   • Calhoun
   • Dalton
4. Near Chattanooga, follow signs to I‑24 West toward Chattanooga / Nashville.
5. Take the appropriate exit into downtown Chattanooga or your specific neighborhood (like Lookout Mountain, North Shore, or around the Tennessee Aquarium).

This is the fastest and most direct route for the vast majority of Atlanta drivers.

How Traffic Affects Travel Time From Atlanta

The actual time it takes to get from Atlanta to Chattanooga can vary a lot depending on when you leave and where in Atlanta you start.

Busy Times Leaving Atlanta

Traffic usually slows things down during:

• Weekday mornings (about 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.)
  • Heavy congestion on the Downtown Connector, I‑75 North through Midtown, and especially around Cobb County (Cumberland, I‑285 interchange).
• Weekday evenings (about 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
  • Northbound I‑75 out of Atlanta toward Marietta and Kennesaw can be very slow.

If you want a smoother trip from Atlanta to Chattanooga, many locals try to:

• Leave after 9:30 a.m. on weekdays, or
• Head out late morning or midday on weekends, avoiding Friday rush hour.

Choke Points on the Atlanta–Chattanooga Drive

Common slow areas along the route:

• Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) through central Atlanta
• I‑75 North/I‑285 interchange in Cobb County
• Shopping and commercial areas around Cumberland Parkway / Cobb Galleria
• On busy holiday weekends, occasional slowdowns near Cartersville, Calhoun, or Dalton

Because the route is mostly interstate, even when traffic’s heavy, it usually still flows—just slower.

Is Chattanooga a Day Trip From Atlanta?

For many people in Atlanta, Chattanooga is very realistic as a:

• Day trip: Leave in the morning, return in the evening
• One- or two-night weekend getaway

The round-trip driving time from Atlanta to Chattanooga and back is usually around 3.5–4.5 hours total, making it manageable if you plan your day well.

Example Day Trip Timing From Atlanta

• Leave Atlanta: 8:00 a.m.
• Arrive Chattanooga: ~10:00 a.m.
• Spend the day exploring
• Leave Chattanooga: 6:00 p.m.
• Arrive back in Atlanta: ~8:00 p.m.

Many Atlanta families and couples use Chattanooga as an easy escape for:

• The Tennessee Aquarium
• Lookout Mountain attractions
• Riverfront walks
• Hiking and outdoor activities

Distance by Mode of Transportation

Although driving is by far the most common way Atlantans get to Chattanooga, there are a few other options.

1. Driving (Most Common)

• Distance: ~115–120 miles from central Atlanta
• Travel time: typically 1 hour 45 minutes to 2+ hours
• Pros: Flexible timing, easy for families, good for hauling luggage or outdoor gear
• Cons: You’ll deal with Atlanta traffic and parking on both ends

2. Bus Service

Several intercity bus companies operate between the Atlanta area and Chattanooga.

• Distance: similar to driving (highway route)
• Travel time: often around 2–3 hours, depending on stops and traffic
• Departure points in Atlanta:
  • Areas near downtown or Midtown
  • Sometimes Doraville or other suburban points, depending on the carrier
• Arrival points in Chattanooga: generally near the downtown area or a central transit location

This can be a good option if you’re visiting Atlanta without a car and want to make a side trip.

3. Flying

There are no practical commercial flights from Atlanta to Chattanooga for most travelers:

• The air distance is only about 100 miles.
• Even if flights exist, by the time you:
  • Travel to Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  • Check in and pass security
  • Board, fly, deplane, and get from the Chattanooga airport into town

…you’ll usually spend more time and money than just driving or taking a bus.

Using Atlanta Transit to Start Your Trip

If you don’t want to drive from an in-town neighborhood directly onto the interstate, you have a couple of transit-related options inside Atlanta before heading north.

MARTA to Reach Pickup or Car Rental Points

You can use MARTA (Atlanta’s bus and rail system) to connect with:

• Car rentals near:
  • Hartsfield‑Jackson Airport (via the MARTA Airport Station + SkyTrain)
  • Some in-town rental locations near Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead
• Bus departure points if your intercity bus leaves from near a MARTA-accessible area

Key MARTA rail stations that are handy for travelers:

• Airport Station – at Hartsfield‑Jackson
• Peachtree Center, Five Points – for downtown access
• Arts Center, Midtown – for Midtown access
• Buckhead – for parts of North Atlanta and commercial districts

From there, you can reach major roads or pickup spots before heading out toward Chattanooga.

Planning Around Weather and Seasons

Because Chattanooga is northwest of Atlanta and at a somewhat higher elevation in spots, you might notice slight differences in weather, especially in cooler months.

Winter Travel

• Light snow or ice is more likely near the Tennessee state line and around mountainous areas outside Chattanooga than in downtown Atlanta, though it’s still relatively uncommon.
• If you’re leaving Atlanta on a cold or rainy day, check conditions near:
  • Dalton, GA
  • Ringgold, GA
  • Approaches into Chattanooga on I‑24

Summer Travel

• Summer heat is similar to Atlanta—hot and humid.
• Afternoon thunderstorms can slow traffic and reduce visibility along I‑75 and I‑24.

Whenever you travel, it’s useful to check a traffic and weather app right before leaving Atlanta to estimate drive time and see if there are any major incidents along I‑75.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Drivers Heading to Chattanooga

Here are some Atlanta-focused tips to make the trip smoother:

• Time your departure:

  • 🚗 Try to avoid leaving Atlanta between 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on weekdays if you’re heading north.
  • Mid-morning or late evening can be much easier.

• Fuel and food stops:

  • Many Atlanta drivers like to stop around Cartersville, Calhoun, or Dalton for gas, food, or restrooms. These areas have plenty of highway services.

• Watch the speed:

  • Speeds on I‑75 and I‑24 can fluctuate. Law enforcement is active in several stretches between Cartersville and Chattanooga, so it’s smart to stay close to posted limits.

• Parking in Chattanooga:

  • Downtown Chattanooga has a mix of surface lots, garages, and street parking.
  • If you’re heading to the Tennessee Aquarium, riverfront, or Lookout Mountain attractions, you’ll typically find paid parking close by.

Frequently Asked Questions From an Atlanta Perspective

Is Chattanooga closer to Atlanta than Savannah?
Yes. From Atlanta, Chattanooga is roughly 115–120 miles northwest, while Savannah is about 250–260 miles southeast. Chattanooga is much closer in both distance and drive time.

How far is Chattanooga from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport?
From the airport to downtown Chattanooga is typically around 120–125 miles and can take about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic through the city and onto I‑75 North.

Can I visit Chattanooga and be back in Atlanta the same night?
Yes. Many people living in or visiting Atlanta do Chattanooga as a same‑day trip, especially for specific attractions or outdoor activities. Just plan your timing carefully to avoid the worst traffic both leaving and returning.

Is the drive from Atlanta to Chattanooga scenic?
The early portion through metro Atlanta and suburbs is mostly urban/suburban interstate. As you continue north, especially past Cartersville and approaching Dalton and Ringgold, you start to see more rolling hills and mountain views, which become more noticeable as you near Chattanooga.

Key Takeaway for Atlanta Travelers

For anyone starting in Atlanta, Georgia, Chattanooga, Tennessee is about 115–120 miles away, usually a 1 hour 45 minute to 2+ hour drive via I‑75 North and I‑24 West. It’s close enough for a day trip but also works well for a weekend escape, and the route is straightforward for most Atlanta drivers.