How Far Is Columbus, Georgia From Atlanta? A Local’s Guide to the Trip

If you’re in Atlanta and thinking about a quick getaway to Columbus, Georgia, you’re looking at a manageable trip that many Atlanta residents make for day trips, college visits, or weekend escapes.

Here’s exactly how far Columbus is from Atlanta, how long it usually takes, and what you should know before you go.

Distance From Atlanta to Columbus, GA

The distance between Atlanta and Columbus, Georgia depends slightly on your exact starting point and route, but for most people:

• Driving distance: About 100–110 miles
• Typical route: From Downtown Atlanta via I-85 South and I-185 South
• General direction:Southwest from Atlanta

If you plug in “Atlanta, GA” to “Columbus, GA” in a GPS, you’ll almost always see driving distances in this range.

How Long Is the Drive From Atlanta to Columbus?

For most Atlanta drivers, the drive time is:

• About 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours in normal traffic

Travel time changes based on:

• Where you start in Atlanta (Downtown vs. North Atlanta vs. the Airport area)
• Time of day (rush hour vs. mid-day)
• Road conditions on I-85 and I-185

Typical Drive Times by Starting Point in Atlanta

*Times assume typical traffic and minimal stops.

The Main Driving Route: Atlanta to Columbus

For most people in metro Atlanta, the fastest and simplest route is:

1. Get to I-85 South (from Downtown, Midtown, or the Perimeter).
2. Continue on I-85 South past Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
3. Take Exit 21 near LaGrange to merge onto I-185 South.
4. Stay on I-185 South straight into Columbus, Georgia.

A few local notes:

• I-85 South can be congested near Downtown Atlanta and the Airport during rush hours.
• Once you’re past the Peachtree City / Newnan area, traffic usually opens up.
• I-185 is generally lighter and an easy final stretch into Columbus.

What If You’re Starting Near Atlanta’s Airport?

If you’re flying into Atlanta and heading directly to Columbus, you’ll be pleasantly close:

• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Columbus:
  • About 95–100 miles
  • Usually 1.5 hours or less, depending on traffic around the airport

Most travelers:

• Pick up a rental car at the airport
• Get on I-285 briefly, then connect to I-85 South
• Follow the same I-85 South → I-185 South route

This is a common route for people visiting Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning) or Columbus State University after flying into Atlanta.

Is There a Bus or Shuttle From Atlanta to Columbus?

If you don’t want to drive yourself, there are typically:

• Intercity bus services that run between Atlanta and Columbus, often leaving from areas near Downtown Atlanta or near the Airport.
• Some shuttle services that operate between Hartsfield–Jackson Airport and Columbus, especially serving military families heading to Fort Moore.

Options can change over time, so it’s best to:

• Check major bus operators that serve Atlanta and Columbus
• Search for “Atlanta Airport to Columbus GA shuttle” and confirm current schedules and pricing
• Verify pick-up points — many shuttles operate from airport ground transportation areas or designated hotel/parking locations nearby

Travel time by bus or shuttle is usually similar to driving:

• Around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on intermediate stops and traffic.

Is There a Train From Atlanta to Columbus?

Currently, there is no direct passenger train service between Atlanta and Columbus, Georgia.

If you’re in Atlanta and prefer not to drive:

• Your realistic options are car, bus, shuttle, or private ride service.
• Some people may combine rental cars with bus routes if they don’t want to pick up a vehicle in the city.

How Far Is Columbus From Atlanta in a Straight Line?

If you’re curious about “as-the-crow-flies” distance:

• The straight-line distance between Atlanta and Columbus is roughly 90 miles.

That’s shorter than the driving distance because highways curve and don’t follow a perfect line, but it gives a sense of how close the cities really are.

When Is the Best Time to Drive From Atlanta to Columbus?

From an Atlanta driver’s perspective, the timing of your trip can make a big difference.

Better Times to Travel

• Mid-morning (10 a.m. – noon): After Atlanta’s morning rush hour
• Early afternoon: Often smoother, especially leaving the city
• Weekends (mid-day): Generally lighter traffic than weekday peaks

Times to Be Cautious

• Weekday mornings (6:30–9:30 a.m.): Heavy traffic on I-75/85 and I-85 South near Downtown and the Airport
• Weekday late afternoons (4–7 p.m.): Commuter traffic leaving Atlanta and heading southbound
• Holiday weekends: Extra congestion, especially if you’re leaving Atlanta along with many others

If you must leave at a busier time, allow extra buffer time, especially if you have an appointment, campus tour, or event scheduled in Columbus.

Why Atlanta Residents Travel to Columbus

From Atlanta, Columbus is close enough to feel like an easy trip but far enough to feel like a change of scenery. Atlantans commonly head to Columbus for:

• Fort Moore (Fort Benning) – Many military families and visitors fly into Atlanta and then drive to Columbus.
• Columbus State University – Campus visits, events, and move-in days.
• Chattahoochee Riverwalk & outdoor recreation – Whitewater rafting, biking, and riverfront walks.
• Day trips – Exploring a different Georgia city, often combining with stops in LaGrange or smaller towns along the way.

If you’re used to Atlanta’s dense traffic and big-city sprawl, Columbus often feels more relaxed while still offering restaurants, entertainment, and outdoor activities.

Practical Tips for Atlanta-to-Columbus Trips

Here are a few Atlanta-specific planning tips:

• 🕒 Plan around Atlanta traffic: If you’re leaving from Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, add extra time to simply reach I-85 South.
• ⛽ Fuel up before you leave metro Atlanta: While there are plenty of stops along I-85 and I-185, it’s often easier to top off at familiar stations near College Park, East Point, or along the south side of I-285.
• ☔ Check weather along the route: Heavy rain can slow traffic significantly between Atlanta and LaGrange and on I-185.
• 🍔 Food and rest stops: Common stopping points between Atlanta and Columbus include areas near Newnan, LaGrange, and service areas off I-185.
• 🚗 Rental cars: If you’re visiting Atlanta and heading to Columbus, picking up a car at Hartsfield–Jackson is usually more convenient than going into downtown first.

How Far Is Columbus From the Atlanta Metro as a Whole?

If you live outside the city proper but still in the Atlanta metro area, you’ll add some extra mileage and time:

• South metro (Fayette, Clayton, Henry counties): Often 1.5–2 hours total to Columbus.
• North metro (Cobb, Gwinnett, North Fulton): Commonly 2–2.5 hours, depending on how quickly you can get to I-85 South.
• East metro (DeKalb, Rockdale, Newton): Similar to central Atlanta, but factor in extra time crossing the city or using I-285 to reach I-85.

For most of the metro, Columbus is still a reasonable same-day round trip, especially if you leave early and avoid peak traffic.

In practical terms, Columbus, Georgia is about 100–110 miles and roughly a 2-hour drive from Atlanta, making it one of the more accessible out-of-town destinations for residents, visitors, and travelers flying into Hartsfield–Jackson and heading southwest through the state.