Your Guide From Atlanta to Athens, GA: Routes, Transport, and Local Tips

Heading from Atlanta to Athens, Georgia is one of the most common short trips in the state, whether you are a local planning a day visit, a visitor flying into Hartsfield-Jackson and heading to the Classic City, or a parent making regular runs to the University of Georgia.

This guide walks through the main ways to travel between Atlanta and Athens, what to expect on the road, key landmarks, and practical tips that matter specifically if you’re starting in or around Atlanta.

How Far Is It From Atlanta to Athens?

For most Atlanta-area travelers, Athens is:

• Distance: About 70–80 miles from downtown Atlanta to downtown Athens
• Typical driving time: About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on traffic and route

Your exact time will vary based on:

• Where you start in the Atlanta metro (Midtown vs. Marietta vs. Decatur)
• Time of day (rush hour vs. midday or late evening)
• Whether there are accidents or construction on I‑85 or GA‑316

Driving From Atlanta to Athens: Main Routes

For most people, driving is the fastest and most flexible way to get from Atlanta to Athens. Below are the most common routes and what they’re like.

H2: Primary Route – I‑85 North to GA‑316 East

This is the most direct and straightforward route for many intown and northside drivers.

General path:

1. From downtown, Midtown, or the airport, get on I‑75/85 toward I‑85 North.
2. Take I‑85 North out of Atlanta.
3. Exit onto GA‑316 East toward Athens.
4. Continue on GA‑316 until it merges with US‑29/US‑78/US‑441.
5. Follow signs straight into Athens and the UGA/downtown areas.

Best if you’re starting from:

• Midtown/ Downtown Atlanta
• Buckhead
• Brookhaven / Chamblee / Doraville
• Dunwoody / Sandy Springs (via I‑285 to I‑85)

Pros:

• Largely limited-access highway (fewer stoplights).
• Familiar route for many commuting toward Gwinnett and beyond.
• Easy to follow with clear signage to Athens.

Cons:

• Rush-hour traffic on I‑85 leaving Atlanta can be heavy.
• GA‑316 can back up near the Lawrenceville and Bogart areas, especially during peak times or game days.

H2: Alternate Route – I‑20 East to GA‑138 / US‑78

Some Atlanta residents prefer a more southern route, especially those on the east or southeast side of the metro.

General path:

1. From the city, connect to I‑20 East (through Downtown).
2. Exit toward GA‑138, then connect to US‑78 East.
3. Follow US‑78 through towns like Loganville and Monroe toward Athens.
4. US‑78 merges into Athens; follow signs to your final destination.

Best if you’re starting from:

• East Atlanta / Kirkwood / Decatur
• Lithonia / Stonecrest
• Conyers or areas already along I‑20 East

Pros:

• Can be less congested than I‑85 at certain times.
• More small-town stops and services along the way.

Cons:

• More traffic lights and local traffic on US‑78.
• Travel time can be less predictable during peak local commuting hours.

H2: Scenic Back-Road Routes

If you’re not in a rush and want a more scenic drive, you can use a combination of state routes and local roads between the two cities. Common corridors include:

• GA‑20
• GA‑11
• GA‑53

These connect towns such as Winder, Monroe, and Covington. This option is more about the drive than speed, and it’s popular with people who want to avoid interstate traffic and see more of northeast Georgia.

Quick Comparison: Main Atlanta–Athens Routes

*Times are approximate and depend on traffic, construction, and start/end points.

Timing Your Trip: Traffic and Peak Periods

When you leave Atlanta for Athens can make a big difference.

Busiest Times Leaving Atlanta

Expect heavier traffic:

• Weekdays:
  • Morning: roughly 7:00–9:30 a.m. (Atlanta outbound)
  • Evening: roughly 4:00–7:00 p.m. (both directions around the Perimeter)
• During major events in downtown, Midtown, or around the Georgia World Congress Center and Mercedes-Benz Stadium

If possible, plan to leave:

• Mid-morning (around 10 a.m.–noon), or
• Later evening (after 7 p.m.)

for a smoother drive out of Atlanta.

UGA Game Days and Events in Athens

Athens traffic spikes for:

• University of Georgia home football games (Sanford Stadium)
• Graduation weekends
• Major events and concerts around downtown Athens or the Classic Center

On these days, the inbound route to Athens can be slow several hours before events, and outbound traffic back to Atlanta can be dense afterward. Building extra buffer time is wise if you have a firm arrival time.

Driving From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Athens

Many visitors land at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and head straight to Athens.

Typical route:

1. Exit the airport area toward I‑85 North via I‑75/85.
2. Continue on I‑85 North.
3. Exit onto GA‑316 East toward Athens.
4. Continue following signs into Athens.

Estimated time: About 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic leaving the airport and passing through Atlanta.

If you plan to rent a vehicle:

• Major rental car companies operate out of the ATL Rental Car Center at:
  • 2200 Rental Car Center Parkway, College Park, GA 30337

From there, follow signs back to I‑85 North.

Public Transportation and Shuttle Options

There is no direct MARTA or regularly scheduled passenger rail that runs all the way from Atlanta to Athens, so you’ll need to combine different options or use a road-based service.

H2: MARTA + Shuttle or Rideshare

If you don’t want to drive a car out of Atlanta, you can:

1. Use MARTA to reach a central location or the airport.
2. Transfer to a private shuttle, bus service, or rideshare to Athens.

Common patterns:

• Airport-based shuttles:
  Some shuttle services operate between Hartsfield-Jackson and Athens. They typically use designated pickup areas around the Ground Transportation Center.

• Rideshares (Atlanta to Athens):
  Rideshare services can make the full trip, but costs are usually much higher than renting a car or using a shuttle, especially one-way.

Because specific private operators can change over time, it’s best to:

• Check current services operating between Atlanta or ATL and Athens.
• Compare schedules, fares, and pickup locations before you travel.
• Confirm whether they stop directly at UGA, downtown Athens, or a central meeting point.

Bus and Intercity Coach Options

Intercity bus services sometimes connect Atlanta to Athens either directly or with a connection in Gainesville, Commerce, or other nearby cities. Service levels can change, so:

• Look for “Atlanta to Athens, GA” routes from major bus providers.
• See whether buses leave from:
  • Downtown Atlanta areas near Five Points or Civic Center
  • Dedicated bus terminals in the city center or near I‑20/I‑85 corridors

Travelers typically choose intercity buses if:

• They do not want to drive at all.
• They’re comfortable with fixed schedules and potential connections.
• They’re okay with being dropped off at a central spot in Athens rather than a specific address.

Can You Take a Train From Atlanta to Athens?

Currently, there is no direct passenger train (such as Amtrak or commuter rail) running between Atlanta and Athens.

• The closest Amtrak station to this corridor in metro Atlanta is the Peachtree Station at:
  • 1688 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

From this station, you cannot take a direct train to Athens. Any rail-based route would involve complex detours and is not practical for most travelers. For now, car, shuttle, or bus remain the realistic options.

Cost Considerations: Atlanta to Athens

How much you spend going from Atlanta to Athens depends on how you travel.

Typical Cost Factors

If you drive:

• Gas:
  For a round trip of about 150–170 miles, fuel costs will depend on your vehicle’s mileage and current gas prices in the Atlanta metro.
• Parking in Athens:
  In and around downtown Athens and the UGA campus, you may find:
  • Paid deck parking
  • Metered street parking (with time limits and enforcement)
  • Free but time-restricted or residential-permit areas

If you use shuttle or bus services:

• You’ll usually pay a per-person fare, sometimes with:
  • Student discounts (especially for UGA students)
  • Different rates for one-way vs. round trip

If you use rideshare:

• Expect pricing to scale with:
  • Time of day
  • Traffic and surge pricing
  • Pickup within the Atlanta metro vs. airport vs. suburbs

Comparing car rental vs. shuttle vs. rideshare before your trip can help you balance cost, convenience, and flexibility, especially if you’re flying into Atlanta and planning multiple trips to Athens.

Key Landmarks and Stops Along the Way

For many Atlantans, the run from Atlanta to Athens becomes routine, but there are some useful and recognizable stops along the main routes.

Along I‑85 North and GA‑316 East

Common stop areas include:

• Norcross / Duluth / Suwanee:
  Dense commercial areas with food, gas, and services.
• Lawrenceville (GA‑316 exits):
  Access to shopping centers, groceries, and rest areas.
• Near Winder / Bethlehem exits on GA‑316:
  Additional food and fuel options before you get closer to Athens.

Approaching Athens

As you near Athens via GA‑316 and US‑29:

• You’ll pass through Bogart and the west side of Athens, then into:
  • Atlanta Highway area (retail, food, services)
  • UGA campus and downtown Athens further east

If you’re heading directly to UGA, look for signs to:

• Lumpkin Street
• Broad Street
• Sanford Drive
• Various campus parking decks and visitor lots

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

For Atlanta Locals

• Plan around rush hour:
  Leaving before 7 a.m. or after 9:30 a.m. can make a big difference on I‑85.
• Check event calendars:
  If Athens has a major UGA game, concert, or graduation, build in extra time and prepare for more limited parking.
• Weather considerations:
  Heavy rain can slow traffic on I‑85 and GA‑316. In rare winter weather, both corridors can be affected; check conditions before leaving.

For Visitors Flying Into Atlanta

• Book transportation early:
  If you need a shuttle or rental car from Hartsfield-Jackson, reserving ahead of time helps avoid last-minute issues.
• Know your Athens drop-off point:
  Confirm whether you need to be at UGA housing, downtown, or a specific address; this affects which shuttle or rideshare option fits best.
• Allow connection time:
  If your flight is delayed, you may miss a planned shuttle; leave buffer between scheduled arrival and ground transport departure times.

Is the Atlanta–Athens Drive Safe and Easy?

For most drivers familiar with Atlanta highways, the Atlanta to Athens drive is manageable and routine:

• Highway-style driving most of the way (especially via I‑85 and GA‑316).
• Clearly marked signs pointing to Athens, UGA, and major exits.
• Regular access to gas, food, and rest stops.

To keep the trip smooth:

• Check real-time traffic before you leave (for incidents on I‑85 or GA‑316).
• Keep an eye on speed limit changes, especially near towns and as you enter Athens.
• Plan your arrival in Athens with parking in mind if you’re heading downtown or to campus.

Whether you live in Atlanta and are making a quick day trip, or you’re visiting the city and continuing on to Athens, understanding these routes and options will make the Atlanta to Athens journey straightforward, predictable, and much easier to plan.