Your Guide to Six Flags Over Georgia in Atlanta
Six Flags Over Georgia is one of the biggest and most popular theme parks in the Atlanta area, drawing locals and visitors for roller coasters, water rides, and seasonal events. If you’ve searched for “Atlanta Six Flags”, you’re almost certainly looking for information about Six Flags Over Georgia, located just west of the city.
This guide walks you through what to expect, how to get there, when to go, and how to make the most of your visit if you live in or are visiting Atlanta, Georgia.
Where Is “Atlanta Six Flags”?
Although many people call it “Six Flags Atlanta”, the park’s official name is Six Flags Over Georgia, and it’s located in Austell, just outside the city limits but still part of the greater Atlanta metro area.
Address:
- Six Flags Over Georgia
275 Riverside Parkway
Austell, GA 30168
The park is roughly:
- 15–20 minutes from Downtown Atlanta (with light traffic)
- 20–25 minutes from Midtown
- 25–40+ minutes from Buckhead, Decatur, or the northern suburbs, depending on traffic
Because Atlanta traffic can be heavy, especially on weekdays and weekend afternoons, it’s smart to build in extra drive time.
Getting to Six Flags Over Georgia from Atlanta
By Car
Driving is the most common way Atlantans get to Six Flags.
From Downtown Atlanta:
- Take I-20 West
- Use Exit 46 (Six Flags Parkway)
- Follow signs directly to the park
From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport:
- Take I-285 North to I-20 West, then follow signs to Exit 46
Parking:
The park charges for parking (including general and preferred options). Many locals buy parking in advance when they purchase tickets or passes to speed up entry.
By Public Transit (MARTA + Rideshare)
There is no MARTA rail station directly at Six Flags, but you can get fairly close and then use a rideshare or taxi.
Typical option:
- Take MARTA rail to HE Holmes Station (West Line / Blue Line).
- From HE Holmes, use a rideshare or taxi to the park entrance (about a 10–15 minute drive in normal traffic).
This can be a practical option if you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, or near a MARTA line and don’t want to rent a car.
When Is Six Flags Over Georgia Open?
Six Flags Over Georgia operates on a seasonal schedule:
- Spring: Opens on select days (often weekends at first, then more frequently for spring break periods).
- Summer: Open most days, typically with longer hours.
- Fall: Reduced weekday operations, with weekend events like Fright Fest.
- Late Fall/Winter: Special seasonal events like Holiday in the Park, with limited operating days.
Because hours and open days can shift year to year:
- Check the current operating calendar shortly before your visit.
- Weekends, holidays, and school breaks in metro Atlanta tend to be busier.
Major Rides and Attractions
Six Flags Over Georgia is known for its roller coasters and thrill rides, but it also has plenty for families and younger kids.
Big-Name Thrill Rides
You can expect a rotating lineup, but long-time local favorites often include:
- Goliath – A large steel coaster many Atlanta thrill-seekers consider a must-do.
- BATMAN: The Ride – An inverted coaster with multiple inversions.
- SUPERMAN: Ultimate Flight – A “flying” coaster where riders face downward.
- Other coasters and high-thrill rides that change and update over time.
These rides tend to have the longest lines midday, especially on Saturdays and during summer or school breaks.
Family and Kid-Friendly Areas
For Atlanta families, Six Flags offers:
- Milder coasters and spinning rides suitable for older children.
- Kid zones with smaller rides, character themes, and gentler experiences.
- Family-oriented attractions that often stay less crowded early in the day.
Locals often plan the day by starting with big coasters early and then family/kid rides later when lines for thrill rides peak.
Water Attractions and Hurricane Harbor
Six Flags Over Georgia includes water attractions, often under the Hurricane Harbor branding.
Key points for Atlanta visitors:
- Water park access is typically included with regular park admission when it’s in season.
- The water areas generally operate during warmer months (late spring through summer).
- On hot Atlanta days, water attractions can become very popular, so arriving earlier in the day can help you avoid the largest crowds.
Bring appropriate swimwear and know that some rides have specific dress and footwear rules.
Tickets, Passes, and Discounts
Prices and offers change, but common options include:
- Single-Day Tickets – Good if you’re only visiting once.
- Season Passes – Popular with locals who plan to visit multiple times a year.
- Memberships or multi-visit options – Sometimes offered for frequent guests.
Atlanta-area residents often look for:
- Advance-purchase discounts online.
- Seasonal deals around spring opening, summer, and holidays.
- Occasional group or corporate discounts through workplaces, schools, or organizations.
If you live in metro Atlanta and think you’ll visit more than a couple of times per year, it may be worth comparing daily ticket vs. season pass costs before you buy.
Food, Drinks, and Dining Tips
Food inside Six Flags works similarly to many theme parks:
- Multiple quick-service restaurants offering burgers, pizza, chicken, salads, etc.
- Snack stands with funnel cakes, pretzels, ice cream, and drinks.
- Refillable drink and snack programs are sometimes available for an added cost.
Important policies to keep in mind:
- Outside food and beverages are generally restricted, with exceptions often made for special dietary or medical needs.
- On hot Atlanta days, staying hydrated is important; many guests plan for:
- Water breaks between rides
- Shaded rest stops in the afternoon
Locals who visit often sometimes invest in dining plans when available, especially if they plan many full-day trips.
Best Times to Visit (Atlanta-Specific Tips)
Because Six Flags Over Georgia draws from the entire Atlanta metro area, crowd patterns follow local school and work schedules.
Generally Less Crowded Times
- Weekdays during the school year (when open).
- Non-holiday weekdays in early summer.
- Early or late in the operating season, outside of big event days.
Typically Busy Times
- Summer weekends (especially Saturdays).
- Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day).
- Metro Atlanta school breaks, including spring break and fall break periods.
- Fright Fest nights and Holiday in the Park evenings.
If you’re local and have flexibility, many Atlantans prefer:
- Arriving before opening to ride the most popular coasters with shorter waits.
- Visiting on weekday mornings when possible.
- Avoiding peak holiday weekends if you dislike long queues.
Seasonal Events at Six Flags Over Georgia
The park hosts special events that Atlantans often make a tradition:
Fright Fest (Fall):
Halloween-themed decorations, haunted attractions, and nighttime scares. This period is especially popular with teens and adults who enjoy horror themes.Holiday in the Park (Late Fall / Winter):
Holiday lights, seasonal entertainment, and a festive atmosphere. Families in and around Atlanta often visit during this time even if they’re less interested in big coasters.
Event offerings can change by year, but these are long-standing anchors in the park’s seasonal calendar.
Accessibility and Guest Services
Six Flags Over Georgia provides a range of services to help different guests enjoy the park:
- Accessibility guides for guests with mobility, sensory, or other needs.
- Ride restrictions and safety guidelines posted at each attraction.
- Guest Services locations inside the park for:
- Questions and assistance
- Lost and found
- Special accommodations
If you or someone in your party has specific physical or sensory needs, many Atlanta visitors find it helpful to:
- Review the park’s accessibility information before visiting.
- Stop by Guest Services early in the day to discuss available accommodations.
Safety and What to Pack
To make your Six Flags day smoother, Atlanta visitors often bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes – you will walk a lot.
- Weather-appropriate clothing – summers are hot and humid; spring and fall can vary.
- Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for sun protection.
- A small bag or fanny pack for essentials, remembering that:
- Some rides require you to store loose items in lockers or with non-riders.
Follow posted height requirements, health warnings, and safety instructions at each ride. If you are unsure about whether a ride is appropriate for you or a child, check with ride operators or Guest Services.
Hotels and Places to Stay Near Six Flags
If you’re visiting from out of town, there are a few common approaches Atlanta travelers use:
- Stay near the park (Austell area) for convenience and a short drive.
- Stay in Downtown or Midtown Atlanta to combine Six Flags with:
- Georgia Aquarium
- World of Coca-Cola
- Centennial Olympic Park
- State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium events
Many families choose a Downtown hotel near MARTA so they can enjoy city attractions on one day and drive or rideshare to Six Flags on another.
Tips for Atlanta Locals vs. Visitors
If You Live in Metro Atlanta
- Consider a season pass if you plan multiple visits.
- Avoid peak holiday weekends and aim for weekday or shoulder-season trips.
- Keep an eye on weather—summer storms can temporarily close outdoor rides.
If You’re Visiting Atlanta
- Plan transportation in advance:
- Rental car or rideshare if you’re not near easy transit options.
- Combine Six Flags with other Atlanta attractions to make the most of your trip.
- Check park hours and seasonal events, especially if you’re coming specifically for Fright Fest or Holiday in the Park.
Quick Reference: Atlanta Six Flags at a Glance
| Topic | Key Details (Atlanta-Focused) |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Six Flags Over Georgia (commonly called “Six Flags Atlanta”) |
| Location | Austell, just west of Atlanta (off I-20 West, Exit 46) |
| Distance from Downtown | About 15–20 minutes by car in light traffic |
| Public Transit Option | MARTA to HE Holmes Station + rideshare/taxi to the park |
| Main Draws | Roller coasters, family rides, water attractions, seasonal events |
| Busy Times | Summer weekends, holidays, school breaks, Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park evenings |
| Best for Locals | Weekday visits, season passes if going multiple times |
| Seasonal Highlights | Fright Fest (fall), Holiday in the Park (late fall/winter) |
If you’re in or around Atlanta, Georgia, “Atlanta Six Flags” almost always means a day at Six Flags Over Georgia—a major regional park close enough for a quick drive but big enough to fill a full day with rides, shows, and seasonal events. Planning around Atlanta traffic, weather, and school calendars will help you get the most from your visit.