Where to Stay Near Six Flags Over Georgia: Best Hotels by Six Flags Atlanta
If you’re planning a trip to Six Flags Over Georgia just west of Atlanta, choosing the right hotel can make your visit much easier. Whether you live in metro Atlanta and want a quick staycation, or you’re visiting from out of town, there are several convenient hotels near Six Flags Atlanta that fit different budgets and travel styles.
Below is a practical guide to where to stay, how close you’ll be to the park, what traffic is really like, and what to consider if you want to combine your Six Flags visit with time in downtown or Midtown Atlanta.
Quick Overview: Areas to Stay Near Six Flags Over Georgia
Six Flags Over Georgia is located at 275 Riverside Parkway, Austell, GA 30168, just off I‑20 West, about 10–15 miles from downtown Atlanta (depending on your route).
You’ll find hotels in three main areas:
- Immediate Six Flags / Riverside Parkway area (closest to the park)
- I‑20 & Thornton Road / Lithia Springs area (a short drive, often more options)
- Downtown & Midtown Atlanta (farther from the park, better for sightseeing)
Here’s a simple comparison:
| Area | Approx. Drive to Six Flags | Best For | Things to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Six Flags / Riverside Pkwy | 1–5 minutes | Park access, quick breaks, short stays | Limited dining; mostly park-focused stays |
| Thornton Rd / Lithia Springs | 8–15 minutes | More hotel choices, family trips, free parking | Suburban feel; you’ll need a car or rideshare |
| Downtown / Midtown Atlanta | 15–30+ minutes (traffic) | Combining Six Flags with city attractions | Pay for parking at hotel; heavier traffic |
Hotels Closest to Six Flags Over Georgia
If your top priority is walking or driving just a few minutes to the park, look at the hotels right around the Six Flags exit on I‑20. These are ideal if:
- You’re doing only Six Flags
- You want to go back to the room midday to rest
- You’re traveling with younger kids who tire out quickly
Common features you’ll see in this immediate area:
- Free parking at many properties
- Basic breakfast options (varies by hotel)
- Outdoor pools at some locations (seasonal)
- Quick access to Riverside Parkway and the park entrance
Things to consider:
- The immediate Six Flags area is very park-focused. Outside of the hotels and the park itself, there are fewer restaurants and shops within easy walking distance.
- If you want a lot of dining and nightlife choice, you’ll likely drive or rideshare to downtown Atlanta, Camp Creek Parkway, or Cumberland/Truist Park.
Who this area is best for:
- Families who want maximum time on rides and minimal time in the car
- Locals doing a one-night staycation focused on the park
- Groups that may want to come back to the room between park sessions
Staying Near Thornton Road & Lithia Springs (Short Drive, More Options)
Just west of the park, the I‑20 & Thornton Road interchange (around Lithia Springs / Austell) has a cluster of hotels that many Six Flags visitors use. It’s typically about an 8–15 minute drive to the park, depending on traffic.
Why this area works well:
- More hotel variety: budget motels, mid-range chains, and suite-style options
- Easy access to I‑20 for heading into Atlanta or out toward Douglasville
- More nearby restaurants and fast-food options than at the park exit
- Often a good balance between price and convenience
What to keep in mind:
- You’ll need a car or rideshare to get to Six Flags.
- Traffic can back up at park opening and closing, especially on weekends and during summer, so plan extra time.
- Some hotels here serve as a base not only for Six Flags but also for drivers passing through Atlanta, so the feel is more general travel corridor than theme-park zone.
Who this area is best for:
- Visitors looking for a multi-night stay at a moderate price
- Families who want larger rooms or suite-style stays
- People planning to visit both Six Flags and other west-metro Atlanta spots like Douglasville, Sweetwater Creek State Park, or the Cobb County area
Staying in Downtown or Midtown Atlanta and Day-Trip to Six Flags
If you want to see more of the city and treat Six Flags as one part of your Atlanta trip, staying in downtown or Midtown Atlanta can make sense. Expect a 15–30+ minute drive to Six Flags Over Georgia each way, depending on:
- Time of day
- Weekday vs. weekend
- Events (Hawks, Falcons, concerts, etc.)
Pros of staying in Downtown or Midtown
- Easy access to Atlanta attractions like:
- Georgia Aquarium
- World of Coca-Cola
- Centennial Olympic Park
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- State Farm Arena
- Better access to MARTA rail and buses for non-Six Flags days
- Much wider range of restaurants, bars, and nightlife
Cons to consider
- You’ll likely pay for hotel parking (often nightly).
- Heavier rush hour traffic getting to I‑20 West and out to the park.
- You’ll want to leave early in the morning on park day to avoid backups near the Downtown Connector and along I‑20.
Who this area is best for:
- First-time visitors who want a full Atlanta experience
- Adults or older kids who want city life plus one Six Flags day
- Locals making a downtown weekend out of a Six Flags visit
How to Choose the Right Hotel Near Six Flags Atlanta
When comparing hotels near Six Flags Over Georgia, focus on a few key questions:
1. How important is being very close to the park?
- If you want to go back to your room midday (for naps, swims, or breaks), look at:
- Hotels at the Six Flags / Riverside Parkway exit
- If you’re fine with a short drive to save money or get more options:
- Look at Thornton Road / Lithia Springs
- Or stay in downtown/Midtown Atlanta if you also want city attractions
2. Are you driving or relying on rideshare?
- Driving your own car
- Opens up hotel options west along I‑20 or in town
- Don’t forget to factor in Six Flags parking fees and potential hotel parking fees in downtown/Midtown.
- Using Uber/Lyft
- Works well from downtown, Midtown, and I‑20 corridor hotels
- Costs can add up, especially during peak or surge times at park closing
- Staying closer to the park usually means shorter, cheaper rides
3. What room type and amenities do you need?
Consider:
- Free breakfast: Helpful for early park mornings
- Pool: Good for kids to unwind after a hot summer day in the park
- Suites or extended-stay style rooms: Useful for larger families or longer stays
- On-site laundry: Helpful if you’re on a longer road trip
Many Six Flags area hotels are traditional limited-service properties: room, basic breakfast (at some chains), Wi‑Fi, and parking.
Timing and Traffic Tips for Six Flags Visitors
Atlanta traffic can impact your choice of hotel and your daily plan.
Best times to drive to the park
From nearby hotels (Riverside Pkwy / Thornton Rd)
- Aim to be on the road 30–45 minutes before park opening.
- For evenings, leaving the park right after closing can mean a backup on I‑20; if possible, wait a bit or leave slightly earlier.
From downtown or Midtown Atlanta
- Try to avoid weekday morning rush (7–9 a.m.) and evening rush (4–7 p.m.) on your way to or from the park.
- Weekend mornings are usually easier, but special events downtown can still cause congestion.
Weather and seasonal considerations
Six Flags Over Georgia is typically busiest:
- On summer weekends
- During spring break periods (often overlapping with Atlanta-area school calendars)
- Around holiday events like Fright Fest and winter holiday celebrations
During hotter months, many visitors prefer nearby hotels so they can break up the day, cool off, and return at night when temperatures drop.
Combining Six Flags With Other Nearby Spots
If you’re choosing a hotel, it may help to decide what else you plan to see around Atlanta:
Downtown Atlanta (about 10–15 miles east of the park)
- Georgia Aquarium
- World of Coca‑Cola
- CNN Center area
- College Football Hall of Fame
Midtown Atlanta
- Piedmont Park
- Atlanta Botanical Garden
- Fox Theatre
West of the park
- Sweetwater Creek State Park (roughly a 15-minute drive west of Six Flags) for hiking, lake views, and a more outdoor-focused day.
If your trip is mostly Six Flags + downtown attractions, staying downtown often balances everything well.
If it’s mostly Six Flags + outdoor or west-metro activities, the Thornton Road / Lithia Springs area can be more central.
Practical Planning Checklist for Hotels Near Six Flags Atlanta
Before you book:
- Map the exact distance from hotel to Six Flags Over Georgia (look at minutes, not just miles).
- Check parking details:
- Does the hotel charge for parking?
- Factor in Six Flags parking as well.
- Confirm breakfast and amenities:
- Is breakfast included or extra?
- Is the pool seasonal and currently open if that matters to you?
- Look at access to I‑20:
- Hotels with a straightforward route to I‑20 make your park commute simpler.
- Plan your non-park days:
- If you’re spending more time in the city than at the park, a downtown or Midtown location may make more sense even if the drive to Six Flags is longer.
Getting to Six Flags Over Georgia From Atlanta
To help visualize hotel locations, it’s useful to know the typical routes:
From Downtown Atlanta
- Take I‑20 West and follow signs for Six Flags Over Georgia. It’s usually 15–20 minutes in light traffic, but rush hour or events can extend that time.
From Midtown Atlanta
- Take the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) south to I‑20 West, then head toward the park.
From the Airport (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport)
- Many travelers:
- Take I‑285 North/West to I‑20 West,
- Or go into downtown and then head west if they’re staying there.
- Drive time from the airport to the Six Flags area is often 25–40 minutes, depending on traffic and exact hotel location.
- Many travelers:
Most hotels near Six Flags and along I‑20 will provide basic driving directions if you call the front desk.
If you focus on how much time you’ll actually spend at the park versus exploring the rest of Atlanta, it becomes much easier to narrow down the best hotel near Six Flags Atlanta for your trip. Determine whether park proximity or city access matters more, factor in your transportation and budget, and then pick the cluster—Six Flags exit, Thornton Road, or downtown/Midtown—that fits your plans best.