Atlanta to Augusta: Your Practical Guide to Traveling Between Georgia’s Two Major Cities

Traveling from Atlanta to Augusta is a common trip for work, family, sports events, and weekend getaways. Whether you’re an Atlanta resident heading to the Masters Tournament, a visitor flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and continuing on to Augusta, or you just want to understand your options, it helps to know the routes, travel times, and best ways to get there.

This guide focuses on how the Atlanta–Augusta trip typically works, with details that are especially useful if you’re starting in Atlanta, Georgia.

How Far Is It from Atlanta to Augusta?

The distance from Downtown Atlanta to Downtown Augusta is roughly:

• 140–150 miles by road
• About 2 to 2.5 hours of driving in normal traffic

Your actual travel time depends on:

• Starting point in Atlanta (Midtown, Buckhead, airport, suburbs, etc.)
• Time of day (rush hour vs. late evening)
• Day of week (weekdays vs. weekends or major event days like the Masters)
• Route chosen (most people take I‑20)

For most Atlanta residents, the fastest and most direct route is via Interstate 20 East (I‑20 E) almost the entire way.

Main Ways to Travel from Atlanta to Augusta

You have several realistic options:

• Drive yourself
• Use a rideshare or private car service
• Take a bus
• Rent a car after flying into Atlanta
• Use a shuttle or charter (often for groups or events)

There is no direct passenger train service between Atlanta and Augusta at this time, so ground transportation is the primary choice.

Driving from Atlanta to Augusta

Typical Route

Most people drive:

1. Get on I‑20 East from your part of Atlanta
2. Stay on I‑20 E for roughly 140 miles
3. Take exits into Augusta depending on where you’re going (Downtown, medical district, Augusta National area, etc.)

Approximate Drive Times from Common Atlanta Areas

*Times assume normal traffic and weather, and can be longer during rush hour or major events.

Traffic Considerations Leaving Atlanta

When heading from Atlanta to Augusta, the slowest segment is usually getting out of metro Atlanta, especially:

• Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) near Midtown and Downtown
• I‑20 East between Downtown and Lithonia, particularly:
  • Around Moreland Ave
  • Near I‑285 East interchange
  • In the Lithonia and Stonecrest Mall areas

If you can, try to:

• Avoid weekday rush hours: roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.
• Plan a mid-morning departure (around 9:30–11:30 a.m.) or early afternoon for smoother traffic

Parking and Arrival on the Augusta Side

What you do when you get to Augusta depends on your plans:

• Downtown Augusta: Public street parking and garages are available near Broad Street and Reynolds Street.
• Masters / Augusta National Golf Club: During the Masters Tournament, parking and traffic patterns are highly controlled. Plan extra time and follow local signage and event instructions.
• Hospitals or medical visits: If you’re visiting Augusta University Medical Center or other facilities, check visitor parking details ahead of time.

Using Rideshare or Private Car Services

If you don’t want to drive yourself from Atlanta to Augusta, rideshare and private car options may be available, especially for:

• Business travelers
• Visitors flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Groups heading to special events (like the Masters or conferences)

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

Long-distance rides from Atlanta to Augusta are sometimes available, but:

• They can be expensive due to distance and time.
• Drivers may be less likely to accept such a long trip, especially at peak times or in bad weather.
• You’ll still need transportation within Augusta once you arrive.

These trips tend to work best if:

• You’re traveling with 2–4 people and can split cost.
• You’re going to a single destination (hotel, event, or campus).

Private Car Services and Chauffeurs

Some Atlanta-area companies and limo services offer pre-booked trips between Atlanta and Augusta, often:

• From Hartsfield-Jackson Airport or a Downtown/Midtown hotel
• For corporate clients, VIP guests, or event traffic (especially during the Masters)

Things to confirm when booking:

• Total fare, including tolls, fuel, and waiting time (if any)
• Pickup location (e.g., specific airport terminal door, hotel entrance)
• Cancellation policy and any late-fee rules
• Whether return trips are included or need a separate booking

Bus Travel from Atlanta to Augusta

For many Atlanta residents, buses are the most budget-friendly way to get between Atlanta and Augusta.

Where Buses Usually Depart in Atlanta

Most intercity buses serving the Atlanta–Augusta route typically use central Atlanta locations, which may include:

• Downtown Atlanta areas near major streets
• Sometimes locations near Hartsfield-Jackson Airport or designated bus hubs

Before you go, double-check:

• The exact pickup and drop-off addresses
• Required arrival time before departure
• Luggage limits and policies

What to Expect from Bus Travel

• Travel time: Similar to driving—often around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on stops and traffic.
• Comfort: Most long-distance buses have air conditioning, reclining seats, and often restrooms on board.
• Scheduling: Some routes run several times a day; others may be limited, especially late at night or on certain days.

Bus travel is particularly helpful if you:

• Don’t own a car in Atlanta
• Want to avoid driving long distances
• Need a lower-cost option compared to rideshare or private cars

Renting a Car in Atlanta to Drive to Augusta

If you’re visiting Atlanta—especially flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)—renting a car for the trip to Augusta is common.

Where to Rent a Car

At or near the Atlanta airport, rental car services are consolidated at the Rental Car Center:

• Address: 2200 Rental Car Center Parkway, College Park, GA 30337
• Accessible via the ATL SkyTrain from the airport terminals

In-town, you’ll also find car rental branches throughout:

• Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead
• Major corridors like Peachtree Street, Ponce de Leon Avenue, and around Perimeter Center

What to Consider When Renting

• One-way vs. round trip:
  If you plan to return to Atlanta, a round-trip rental is usually simpler.
  If you’re flying out of Augusta or continuing elsewhere, ask about one-way rental fees.
• Insurance coverage:
  Confirm whether your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rentals, or whether you need add-ons.
• Tolls & mileage:
  While I‑20 generally does not have tolls in this corridor, some rental plans have mileage limits. Verify in advance.

Airport-to-Augusta Travel: Starting at Hartsfield-Jackson

Many travelers land in Atlanta and then need to continue on to Augusta the same day.

Typical Options from Hartsfield-Jackson to Augusta

1. Rent a car at the Rental Car Center and drive I‑20 E.
2. Book a private car or shuttle in advance.
3. In some cases, use a bus service with pickup near or accessible from the airport area.

If timing is tight:

• Build in extra time for security, baggage claim, and rental pickup.
• Consider whether a hotel stay in Atlanta overnight makes sense before driving to Augusta, especially if you arrive late in the evening or are jet-lagged.

Safety and Comfort Tips for the Atlanta–Augusta Drive

Even though I‑20 is a well-traveled corridor, it’s still a long enough drive to plan ahead.

Before you leave Atlanta:

• ⛽ Fuel up early, especially if you’re starting in town or at the airport. While there are gas stations along I‑20, filling up near Atlanta can avoid last-minute stress.
• ☕ Pack water and snacks, especially if traveling with kids or during late-night hours when fewer stops are open.
• 📱 Charge your phone and consider downloading offline maps in case of signal gaps.

On the road:

• Watch for speed changes and construction zones along I‑20.
• Be prepared for heavy truck traffic on some stretches.
• During bad weather (heavy rain, storms, or fog), drive cautiously and consider extra time.

If you’re returning to Atlanta from Augusta:

• Expect potential slowdowns as you approach I‑285 and then Downtown.
• If you’re heading to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, allow a buffer for security and check-in, typically arriving 2 hours before domestic flights.

When Is the Best Time to Travel from Atlanta to Augusta?

For most Atlanta-based travelers:

• Best times:
  • Mid-morning (approximately 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
  • Early to mid-afternoon (about 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.) on weekdays
• Times to avoid if possible:
  • Weekday rush hours leaving Atlanta: 7–9 a.m., 4–7 p.m.
  • Sunday afternoons or evenings returning toward Atlanta, when traffic can be heavier
  • Days surrounding major events in either city, especially the Masters Tournament in Augusta

If your schedule is flexible, choosing off-peak times can make the drive noticeably smoother.

Quick Planning Checklist for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

Before you go from Atlanta to Augusta, run through:

• How are you traveling?
  • Driving your own car
  • Renting a car
  • Taking a bus
  • Using rideshare or private car
• When are you leaving?
  • Aim for non-rush-hour windows out of Atlanta.
• What’s your destination in Augusta?
  • Downtown, medical center, Augusta National area, hotel, or family address
• Do you have what you need?
  • Driver’s license, insurance, phone charger, payment method, water/snacks
• Do you know your return plan?
  • Same day vs. overnight, return route and timing

With a little planning, the Atlanta to Augusta trip is straightforward, and most people find it to be a manageable, familiar drive once they’ve done it once or twice.