Atlanta Hotels Near Six Flags: Where to Stay, What to Expect, and How to Choose
Looking for Atlanta hotels near Six Flags Over Georgia? Whether you’re planning a quick weekend at the park, a family staycation, or hosting out-of-town visitors, choosing the right hotel near Six Flags can make or break the trip.
Below is a practical guide to the closest hotels, how far they really are from the park, what different areas around Six Flags are like, and how to pick the best option for your plans and budget.
Getting Oriented: Where Six Flags Over Georgia Is in Atlanta
Six Flags Over Georgia is located at:
- 275 Riverside Parkway, Austell, GA 30168
Even though the park has an Austell mailing address, it sits just west of the I-285 Perimeter, off I-20 West, and is very much part of the greater Atlanta area.
When people say “Atlanta hotels near Six Flags,” they’re usually talking about three main zones:
- Hotels directly around the Six Flags exit on I-20
- Hotels a short drive away in West Atlanta / along I-20
- Downtown / Midtown Atlanta hotels that are still within reasonable driving distance
Each area has a different feel, price range, and set of tradeoffs.
How Close Is “Near”? Typical Drive Times
Here’s a simple overview of how long it usually takes to get from common hotel areas to Six Flags Over Georgia by car, without heavy traffic:
| Hotel Area | Typical Drive to Six Flags | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Directly at I-20 Six Flags exit | 2–7 minutes | Maximum convenience, quick mid-day breaks |
| West Atlanta (I-20 corridor) | 10–20 minutes | Balance of price, access to more restaurants |
| Downtown Atlanta | 15–25 minutes | Sightseeing + park in one trip |
| Midtown Atlanta | 20–30 minutes | Nightlife, dining, MARTA access + car to park |
In rush hour (especially weekday mornings and late afternoons), I-20 West and I-285 can back up significantly. If you’re staying farther inside the city, plan to leave earlier than you think you need to on busy summer days, weekends, and holidays.
Hotels Right by Six Flags Over Georgia
If your top priority is being as close to Six Flags as possible, look for hotels around:
- Riverside Parkway
- Lee Industrial Boulevard
- the I-20 / Six Flags Parkway exit
These properties typically offer:
- Very short drive times to the park (often 5 minutes or less)
- Park-oriented amenities like free breakfast, family-sized rooms, and sometimes shuttle or rideshare pickup spots
- A more suburban / highway-side feel, with fast food and gas stations nearby rather than walkable neighborhoods
What to Expect From Six Flags–Area Hotels
Common traits around this cluster:
- Budget to mid-range prices most of the year
- Rates that jump during peak park season (spring break, summer weekends, Halloween events, and Fright Fest)
- Heavy family traffic, especially Fridays through Sundays
- Limited nightlife or attractions within walking distance other than the park itself
If you’re local to Atlanta and doing a staycation, these hotels can be ideal when:
- You want to rope drop (be there right at opening)
- You plan an afternoon break back at the hotel to rest, swim, or let kids nap
- You don’t want to drive across town in the dark after a long day at the park
Staying a Little Farther Out: West Atlanta & I-20 Corridor
If you want more dining options and a broader choice of hotels but still stay relatively close to Six Flags, consider locations along I-20 West such as:
- West Atlanta near Fulton Industrial Boulevard
- Lithia Springs
- Near Thornton Road (GA-6)
These areas typically offer:
- 10–20 minute drives to Six Flags, depending on traffic
- More variety in hotel brands and price points
- Easier access to restaurants, grocery stores, and big-box retailers
Pros of the I-20 West Corridor
- Good balance of cost and convenience
- Simple drive: mostly straight shot on I-20 to the Six Flags exit
- Often easier to find:
- Suites or extended-stay rooms
- Pet-friendly options
- Free parking as a standard feature
This can be a smart choice if you’re:
- Visiting family in West Atlanta, Mableton, Lithia Springs, or Douglasville
- Combining a park visit with other activities on the west side of town
- Looking for a quieter base than downtown but still near major roads
Downtown Atlanta Hotels Within Driving Distance of Six Flags
If you want to pair Six Flags with Atlanta sightseeing, downtown can be very practical. From most downtown hotels, Six Flags is about 15–25 minutes away by car when traffic is light.
Downtown Atlanta is home to major attractions like:
- Georgia Aquarium
- World of Coca-Cola
- Centennial Olympic Park
- State Farm Arena
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Why Choose Downtown for a Six Flags Trip?
You might prefer downtown if you:
- Are visiting Atlanta for more than just the theme park
- Want walkable access to restaurants, attractions, and MARTA transit
- Plan to do a game or concert downtown along with a day at Six Flags
Things to keep in mind:
- Parking downtown often has a nightly fee at hotels
- You’ll need to drive or use rideshare to get to Six Flags; there is no direct MARTA train to the park
- Traffic out of downtown onto I-20 West can be slow during business rush hours and on major event days
Midtown Atlanta: More Urban, Still Reasonably Close
Midtown Atlanta is a bit farther from Six Flags but offers:
- A lively mix of restaurants, nightlife, and arts
- Easy access to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine, and museums like the High Museum of Art
- Several major MARTA stations, which help you get around Atlanta without a car (though you’ll still likely need a car or rideshare for Six Flags)
Driving from Midtown to Six Flags usually takes:
- 20–30 minutes in typical, non-rush traffic
This option works well if:
- Six Flags is one part of a longer Atlanta vacation
- You want a more walkable neighborhood feel in the evenings
- You’re mixing business travel (often based in Midtown or Downtown) with a day at the park
Transportation: Getting Between Atlanta Hotels and Six Flags
Driving and Parking at Six Flags
Most visitors from Atlanta-area hotels will drive to Six Flags. Key points:
- The park is directly off I-20 West, exit for Six Flags Parkway / Riverside Parkway
- There is on-site paid parking in large surface lots near the entrance
- Gates can back up near opening time and at closing, so build in extra time
If you’re not familiar with the west side of Atlanta, using GPS navigation apps is highly recommended, especially to avoid backups on I-20 and I-285.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
For guests in Downtown, Midtown, or near the park, rideshare can be a solid option:
- Avoids paying park parking fees
- Can be cheaper than renting a car for a short trip
- Helpful if you’re not comfortable driving unfamiliar highways
When using rideshare:
- Confirm with your hotel front desk or app where the pickup/drop-off zones are at the park
- Be prepared for surge pricing at peak departure times (park closing, major holidays, and busy summer nights)
MARTA and Public Transit
There is no direct MARTA train to Six Flags Over Georgia.
Occasionally, local bus routes or seasonal shuttles may serve the area, but most park visitors from inside the city rely on:
- MARTA rail or bus to get near their hotel or a pickup point
- Then rideshare or a car for the final stretch to the park
If you’re trying to avoid driving entirely, plan your route carefully and check current transit details in advance.
What to Look For in an Atlanta Hotel Near Six Flags
When comparing hotel options, especially if you’re traveling with family or a group, focus on features that matter specifically for a theme park stay.
1. Distance and Drive Time
Look at:
- Actual driving distance to 275 Riverside Parkway, Austell, GA 30168
- Typical commute times during:
- Morning park opening
- Evening park closing
Even an extra 10–15 minutes can feel long with tired kids after a full day.
2. Parking: Cost and Convenience
Around Six Flags and on the I-20 corridor, hotel parking is usually free.
In Downtown and Midtown, nightly parking charges are common.
If you’re budget-conscious:
- Factor hotel parking plus Six Flags parking into your total cost
- Sometimes a slightly more expensive suburban hotel with free parking ends up cheaper overall than a downtown hotel with high parking fees
3. Room Setup and Family-Friendliness
For families, check whether the hotel offers:
- Suites or adjoining rooms
- Pull-out sofas or rollaway beds
- Mini-fridges or microwaves for quick meals and snacks
- A pool, often a highlight for kids after the park
If you’re a local doing a quick one-night stay, the ability to get two queen beds or a suite can make it much more comfortable.
4. Breakfast and On-Site Dining
A free or low-cost breakfast can:
- Help you get to the park faster in the morning
- Save money compared with dining inside the park
If breakfast matters, look specifically for terms like:
- “Complimentary breakfast”
- “Continental breakfast included”
Also consider:
- Proximity to nearby restaurants or fast food if you’ll be eating late after the park closes
5. Safety and Comfort Considerations
Around any major highway and theme park area, experiences can vary from one property to another. When choosing:
- Review recent guest feedback for notes on cleanliness, noise, and staff responsiveness
- Consider staying in well-lit, busier areas if you’ll be arriving late at night
- Ask the hotel about front desk staffing hours and security if you’re concerned
Combining a Six Flags Visit With Other Atlanta Plans
If you’re local or visiting from out of town, you may want to structure your hotel choice around what else you’re doing in Atlanta.
If Your Trip Is Mostly About Six Flags
Prioritize:
- Hotels at or near the I-20 Six Flags exit
- Free parking
- Breakfast options
- Short drive time so you can:
- Arrive at opening without a long commute
- Take a mid-day break if needed
If You Want a Mix of Theme Park + City Attractions
Consider Downtown or Midtown hotels and plan:
- One day to drive or rideshare to Six Flags
- Additional days for:
- The Georgia Aquarium
- World of Coca-Cola
- Zoo Atlanta
- BeltLine walking or biking
- Events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena
In this case, the convenience of a more central location may outweigh the longer drive to Six Flags.
If You’re Visiting Friends/Family in West Metro Atlanta
Look at hotels:
- Along I-20 West
- In or near Lithia Springs, Douglasville, or West Atlanta
This approach lets you:
- Stay close to both your hosts and the park
- Avoid driving all the way into the core city if you don’t need to
Practical Tips for Booking an Atlanta Hotel Near Six Flags
Here are some Atlanta-specific tips to help you get the most out of your stay:
- Check event calendars. Major events downtown (sports, concerts, conventions) can raise hotel prices citywide, not just in the city center.
- Watch school break periods. Spring break, summer vacation, and long weekends can heavily impact both hotel rates and park crowds.
- Aim for weekdays when possible. Monday–Thursday nights near Six Flags can often be calmer and more affordable than Friday–Sunday.
- Plan for traffic on I-20. If you’re crossing from east of the city or from Downtown/Midtown, give yourself extra time for construction or routine slowdowns.
- Ask about shuttles. Some hotels near Six Flags occasionally offer seasonal or pre-arranged shuttles to the park; call ahead to confirm current options.
- Consider late checkout. If available, a later checkout time can make it easier to shower, rest, or pack up after a morning at the park.
Key Takeaways for Finding the Right Atlanta Hotel Near Six Flags
- Closest stays: Hotels at the Six Flags I-20 exit and along Riverside Parkway give you the fastest access.
- Balanced option: The I-20 West corridor (West Atlanta, Lithia Springs, Thornton Road) offers more hotel choices, easy driving, and usually free parking.
- City experience:Downtown and Midtown Atlanta hotels are still within driving distance of Six Flags and work well if you’re also exploring major Atlanta attractions.
- Focus on convenience: For park-focused trips, look for short drive times, free parking, breakfast, and family-friendly room setups.
- Account for Atlanta traffic and event days when planning your drive to and from the park.
By narrowing down what matters most—proximity, budget, or access to other Atlanta attractions—you can quickly decide whether to stay right by Six Flags, along I-20 West, or in a more central Atlanta neighborhood and still have an easy trip to the park.