Atlanta to Montgomery: How to Plan Your Trip From the ATL

Traveling from Atlanta to Montgomery, Alabama is a common route for Atlanta residents, college students, business travelers, and people visiting family across the state line. Whether you live in metro Atlanta, are flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), or just passing through, there are several practical ways to make this trip.

This guide walks you through all the main options—driving, bus, train alternatives, and flying—plus what to expect on the road, how long it takes, and tips that matter specifically if you’re starting in Atlanta, Georgia.

How Far Is It From Atlanta to Montgomery?

The distance from downtown Atlanta to downtown Montgomery is roughly:

• 160–170 miles by road
• About 2.5 to 3 hours of drive time in normal traffic

The most common route is I‑85 South to I‑65 South, which is straightforward for Atlanta drivers.

Best Ways to Travel From Atlanta to Montgomery

1. Driving From Atlanta to Montgomery

For most people in Atlanta, driving is the fastest and most flexible option.

Main Driving Route

From Downtown Atlanta (Five Points / Peachtree Center area):

1. Get onto I‑85 South (via the Downtown Connector, I‑75/85).
2. Stay on I‑85 South toward LaGrange/Columbus.
3. Near Montgomery, transition to I‑65 South (follow signs for Montgomery).
4. Exit into Downtown Montgomery or your neighborhood destination.

From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

1. Leave the airport following signs for I‑85 South or I‑285 depending on your rental location.
2. Most rental car centers connect easily to I‑85 South.
3. Follow I‑85 South toward Montgomery/Columbus.
4. Merge onto I‑65 South near Montgomery and exit as needed.

Typical Drive Time

• 2.5 to 3 hours in light to moderate traffic
• Add extra time:
  • During weekday rush hours leaving Atlanta (7–9 a.m., 4–7 p.m.)
  • On holiday weekends or during major events in Atlanta

Pros of Driving

• Door-to-door convenience: Easy if you’re starting from home in Atlanta or a hotel in Midtown/Buckhead.
• Flexible timing: Leave when you’re ready; no strict departure schedule.
• Good for families or groups: More cost-effective if several people are traveling.
• Easy rental options: Especially from Hartsfield–Jackson, which has a large Rental Car Center.

Cons of Driving

• You’ll deal with Atlanta traffic getting out of town.
• Single drivers pay the full cost of gas, tolls (if any), and parking.
• Weather (heavy rain, storms) can slow the trip, especially in rural stretches.

Bus Options: Atlanta to Montgomery

If you don’t want to drive, intercity bus service is usually the main non-driving option between Atlanta and Montgomery.

Where Buses Usually Depart in Atlanta

Long-distance buses typically leave from or near:

• Downtown Atlanta / Midtown corridors
• Areas close to major streets like Peachtree Street, Northside Drive, or the Five Points transit area

If you’re using MARTA, you can often get fairly close to bus departure points using:

• Five Points Station (Downtown)
• Peachtree Center Station (Downtown)
• Midtown Station

Check your specific bus company’s terminal address and check-in instructions before you go—locations and platforms can vary.

What to Expect From the Bus Trip

• Trip length: Often 3.5–5 hours, depending on service type and stops.
• Amenities: Many intercity buses now offer:
  • Reclining seats
  • Restrooms
  • Air conditioning
  • Some form of Wi‑Fi or power outlets on select coaches
• Tickets: Usually must be purchased in advance online or at a designated ticket counter or kiosk.

Pros of Taking the Bus

• You don’t have to drive or deal with traffic yourself.
• No need to pay for gas, tolls, or car rental.
• Can work, read, or rest during the trip.

Cons of Taking the Bus

• Longer travel time than driving yourself.
• Limited departure times each day.
• You’ll need local transportation on both ends (MARTA, rideshare, taxi, or a ride from friends/family).

Train Travel: Atlanta to Montgomery

There is no direct passenger train between Atlanta and Montgomery at this time.

If you’re in Atlanta and specifically want to incorporate rail:

• You’d typically still end up using a combination of car, bus, or connecting cities to get even close to Montgomery.
• This is usually less practical and more time-consuming than simply driving or taking a bus.

For most travelers in Atlanta, train travel isn’t a realistic primary option for this route.

Flying From Atlanta to Montgomery

Because Atlanta is a major aviation hub, some people wonder if it’s faster to fly.

Is There a Direct Flight?

Air connections between Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) may exist at times, but they:

• Are typically short flights (less than an hour in the air)
• Can be less frequent than flights between larger hubs
• May not always beat driving when you factor in:
  • Getting to ATL (often 30–60 minutes from many Atlanta neighborhoods)
  • Check-in and security (60–90 minutes)
  • Boarding, taxiing, and deplaning
  • Getting from Montgomery Regional Airport into the city

For many Atlanta travelers, door-to-door time for flying ends up similar to or longer than just driving 2.5–3 hours.

When Flying Might Make Sense

• You’re connecting in Atlanta from another city and continuing on to Montgomery.
• You prefer not to drive at all and don’t want to take a bus.
• A work policy or frequent-flyer arrangement makes flying more practical.

If you’re already in Atlanta (not just changing planes), driving or going by bus is usually more straightforward.

Comparing Your Options: At a Glance

Travel Options From Atlanta to Montgomery

Planning the Drive: Atlanta-Specific Tips

If you’re leaving from inside Atlanta, a little timing and route planning can make the trip smoother.

When to Leave Atlanta

To avoid the heaviest traffic:

• Weekdays:
  • Aim to leave after 9:30 a.m. and before 3:00 p.m., or after 7:00 p.m.
• Fridays & Sundays:
  • Expect extra congestion on I‑85 as people travel for the weekend.
• Event days:
  • If there’s a major game or concert at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or Georgia State’s Center Parc Stadium, traffic near Downtown and the Connector can spike.

Areas Where Atlanta Drivers Commonly Slow Down

• Downtown Connector (I‑75/85): Congestion around exits like:
  • Courtland St
  • Memorial Dr
  • I‑20 interchange
• Southbound I‑85: Traffic can be moderate until you clear the core metro area, including:
  • College Park
  • Union City
  • Fairburn

Once you’re past the main stretch of metro Atlanta, the drive becomes more open and rural, generally smoother and easier.

Stops and Rest Breaks Between Atlanta and Montgomery

The route between Atlanta and Montgomery passes several small cities and exits where Atlanta travelers often stop for:

• Fuel
• Restrooms
• Quick meals
• Short breaks from driving

Common stop areas along I‑85 South include:

• Newnan, GA
• LaGrange, GA
• Various exits in east Alabama as you get closer to Montgomery

When starting from Atlanta, many drivers:

• Top off gas before leaving the metro area or
• Plan a midway stop to stretch and switch drivers if traveling as a pair.

Using Atlanta Transit to Start Your Trip

If you don’t have a car in Atlanta but still want to make the trip, you can combine MARTA with a bus or rental car.

Getting to a Bus Pick-Up Point

• Use MARTA rail from areas like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or Decatur.
• Common stations to access central Atlanta include:
  • Five Points Station (Red/Gold/Blue/Green lines intersect)
  • Peachtree Center Station (Downtown hotels and offices)
  • Midtown Station (near North Avenue, 10th Street corridors)

From there, you may:

• Walk to your bus terminal if it’s close, or
• Take a short rideshare or taxi to a designated pickup location.

Getting to the Airport for Rentals or Flights

If you’re flying or renting a car at the airport:

• Take MARTA’s Red or Gold line directly to Airport Station, located inside the domestic terminal.
• Follow signs to:
  • Rental Car Center (via the ATL SkyTrain), or
  • Your terminal for flights.

This can save you from sitting in traffic and paying for long-term parking at ATL.

Safety, Weather, and Seasonal Considerations

Weather on the Route

Between Atlanta and Montgomery, you may encounter:

• Heavy rain and thunderstorms, especially in warmer months
• Occasional fog in rural stretches, mainly in the early morning
• Rare winter weather issues (ice or snow), which can affect bridges and overpasses

Check conditions before leaving Atlanta, particularly during:

• Thunderstorm-prone afternoons
• Winter cold snaps when road conditions can change quickly

Night vs. Day Driving

• Daytime: Better visibility and easier navigation for those unfamiliar with the route.
• Night: Less traffic leaving Atlanta, but rural stretches can be dark with fewer services open late.

Costs to Consider From an Atlanta Perspective

When deciding how to travel from Atlanta to Montgomery, consider:

• Driving
  • Gas (based on 160–170 miles and your vehicle’s mileage)
  • Any parking fees at your destination
  • Potential cost of a rental car if you don’t have your own
• Bus
  • Ticket price
  • Local transportation on both ends (MARTA, rideshare, taxi)
• Flying
  • Airfare
  • Airport transportation in Atlanta (parking vs. MARTA vs. rideshare)
  • Transportation from Montgomery Regional Airport into the city

For many Atlanta-based travelers, the total cost and time often favor driving or bus travel, unless air connections are particularly convenient.

Practical Next Steps for Atlanta Travelers

If you’re planning an Atlanta to Montgomery trip:

1. Choose your primary mode:

   • If you’re comfortable driving and want flexibility, plan the drive on I‑85/I‑65.
   • If you prefer not to drive, look into bus schedules and plan MARTA or rideshare connections in Atlanta.

2. Pick your departure time:

   • Aim to leave Atlanta outside peak rush hours when possible.

3. Plan your starting point:

   • From Intown neighborhoods (Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Westside), get onto the Downtown Connector and head toward I‑85 South.
   • From North Atlanta suburbs (Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta), give yourself extra time to reach the Connector.
   • From southside areas (College Park, East Point, Union City), you’re already well-positioned to join I‑85 South quickly.

4. Prepare for the road:

   • Check navigation apps for real-time traffic leaving Atlanta.
   • Keep a backup rest-stop plan between Newnan and LaGrange if you need a break.

With a clear sense of your options and what’s realistic from Atlanta, you can choose the route that fits your schedule, budget, and comfort level—and make the trip to Montgomery with minimal hassle.