How Far Is Athens from Atlanta? Your Practical Guide from the ATL

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city and planning a day trip, one of the most common questions is: How far is Athens from Atlanta, Georgia?

The short answer: Athens is about 70–75 miles from Atlanta, depending on where you start and which route you take. But the distance only tells part of the story. Travel time, traffic, and your transportation options all matter if you’re trying to plan your day.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused breakdown to help you decide how and when to make the trip from Atlanta to Athens.

How Many Miles Is It from Atlanta to Athens?

Most people measure the distance from:

• Downtown Atlanta (around Five Points or the Georgia State Capitol)
• To Downtown Athens (near the University of Georgia campus)

Using those rough points, Athens is about:

• 70–75 miles by road
• Driving time is typically 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on traffic and your exact start/end points.

If you’re coming from a specific Atlanta neighborhood, the distance shifts slightly:

• From Midtown or Downtown Atlanta: ~70–75 miles
• From Buckhead: ~75–80 miles
• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport: ~80–85 miles
• From Decatur or East Atlanta: often slightly closer, ~65–70 miles

Common Driving Routes from Atlanta to Athens

For most Atlanta residents and visitors, driving is the easiest and most flexible way to get to Athens.

Main Route: I‑85 N and GA‑316 E

For many people starting in central or north Atlanta, this is the go-to route:

1. Head north/east on I‑85 from Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.
2. Take Exit 106 for GA‑316 E toward Athens.
3. Follow GA‑316 E most of the way.
4. Near Athens, GA‑316 connects with US‑29/US‑78/US‑129, which take you into the city.

Typical time:

• About 1 hour 20 minutes–1 hour 40 minutes, depending on:
  • Time of day
  • I‑85 traffic
  • Construction zones

This route is often preferred because GA‑316 is designed as a main connector to Athens and passes several suburbs like Lawrenceville and Dacula.

Alternate Route: I‑20 E and GA‑138/GA‑78

If you’re on the east or southeast side of Atlanta (Decatur, Stone Mountain area, or east I‑20 suburbs), you may prefer a more direct eastern route:

• Take I‑20 E out of Atlanta.
• Connect via GA‑138/GA‑78 and related state routes toward Athens.

This can be more scenic but sometimes slower because of local traffic and traffic signals. It’s used more by residents familiar with the east metro area.

Distance and Time at a Glance

Here’s a simple summary for planning from Atlanta to Athens:

*Times are typical under normal conditions and can be longer during rush hour, major events, or road work.

How Long Does It Really Take with Atlanta Traffic?

The distance between Atlanta and Athens rarely changes, but your travel time definitely can.

When Traffic Is Light

• Early morning on weekends
• Midday on weekdays (outside of lunch rush)
• Later in the evening after typical commuting hours

In these windows, many drivers report:

• Around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes from central Atlanta to Athens
• Slightly longer from the airport or far northside suburbs

When Traffic Is Heavy

You’re most likely to hit slowdowns:

• Weekday mornings leaving Atlanta on I‑85 N (commuter traffic)
• Weekday late afternoons and evenings returning to Atlanta
• Days with major events in Atlanta or in Athens (especially UGA home football games)

In heavier traffic, the trip can stretch to:

• 1 hour 45 minutes or more, especially if there are accidents, lane closures, or weather issues.

👉 Local tip: If you’re heading to Athens from Atlanta for an event (like a UGA game or a concert), it’s smart to leave at least an hour earlier than you think you need, particularly on Saturdays in the fall.

Is Athens Close Enough for a Day Trip from Atlanta?

Yes. For Atlanta residents and visitors, Athens is a very realistic day trip.

Many people in Atlanta:

• Drive to Athens in the morning
• Spend the day around Downtown Athens, UGA campus, and nearby neighborhoods
• Drive back in the evening

If you’re planning a day trip, keep in mind:

• You’ll spend roughly 3 hours round-trip in the car under normal conditions.
• Parking in Athens, especially downtown and around UGA, can be busy but is generally manageable.
• Evening events in Athens (shows, games, dining) are popular with people who drive in from Atlanta for a few hours.

Transportation Options Between Atlanta and Athens

1. Driving Yourself

For most people in Atlanta, driving is the primary option, whether in a personal car or a rental.

Pros:

• Full control over your schedule
• Easy to explore Athens beyond downtown (neighborhoods, parks, breweries, venues)
• Straightforward routing via I‑85 and GA‑316

Things to keep in mind:

• Budget for gas, toll-free but sometimes busy highways, and parking in both cities.
• Be prepared for night driving if you’re returning late to Atlanta—GA‑316 and some connecting roads can be quite dark between towns.

2. Rideshare or Taxi

Booking a rideshare from Atlanta to Athens is possible but usually:

• Relatively expensive for the full distance
• More common for one-way trips, such as students or visitors going back to Athens

Most people do not rely on rideshare for routine round-trips because cost can add up quickly. However, some visitors flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport may occasionally use a rideshare or pre-arranged car service to get to Athens without renting a car.

3. Bus or Shuttle Services

Over time, there have been various shuttle and bus options connecting the Atlanta airport or metro area to Athens, especially to serve University of Georgia students, staff, and visitors. These services can change, so it’s important to:

• Check current schedules and pick-up points before you travel.
• Confirm if they serve Downtown Atlanta, the airport, or specific park-and-ride lots.

Some travelers use:

• Airport shuttles between Athens and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Bus services operating between major Georgia cities

Because details change, it’s wise to verify times and locations in advance if you prefer not to drive.

Planning Your Route from Specific Atlanta Spots

From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

If you land at the airport and need to get to Athens:

• By car:
  • Head I‑85 N through Atlanta, then connect to GA‑316 E.
  • Expect about 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes depending on time of day.
• By shuttle or bus:
  • Look for airport-to-Athens shuttle services that pick up at or near the domestic terminal.
  • Reserve ahead when possible.

From Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead

Most central Atlanta travelers:

• Access I‑85 N via the Downtown Connector or surface streets.
• Merge onto GA‑316 E and stay on it until Athens.

Navigation apps are helpful for choosing between slight route variations, especially when I‑85 has delays.

From East Atlanta or Decatur

If you’re already on the east side:

• You might connect to I‑285 E and then I‑85 N → GA‑316 E, or
• Use US‑78 and related roads, which some Eastside residents know well and prefer to avoid parts of I‑85.

The difference in distance is usually minor, so many people choose based on traffic conditions at the moment.

What to Expect When You Arrive in Athens from Atlanta

Once you’ve made the 70–75 mile trip, Athens is compact enough that most Atlanta visitors focus on a few key areas:

• Downtown Athens:
  • Walkable, with restaurants, bars, venues, and shops.
• University of Georgia (UGA) Campus:
  • Adjacent to downtown; known for its historic North Campus and sports facilities.
• Surrounding neighborhoods:
  • Residential and commercial areas just outside downtown that feature local businesses, coffee shops, and parks.

Parking is usually a mix of:

• Street parking
• Decks and lots, especially around downtown and UGA

If you’re coming in for a UGA football game or major event, expect:

• Heavier traffic as you approach Athens
• More limited parking near the stadium and downtown
• Heavier return traffic back toward Atlanta after the event

Quick Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Distance: About 70–75 miles from central Atlanta to downtown Athens.
• Time: Typically 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic and start point.
• Main route:I‑85 N → GA‑316 E is the primary and most common path.
• Best use: Very realistic as a day trip or overnight trip from Atlanta.
• Transport: Driving is the most common; airport shuttles and occasional bus options exist but require checking current schedules.

For anyone in or visiting Atlanta who wants a change of scenery, music, or college town energy, Athens is close enough to reach in a single, straightforward drive—just plan around Atlanta traffic, especially during busy travel times and major events.