How Far Is Augusta From Atlanta? A Local’s Guide to the Trip

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and thinking about a quick trip to Augusta, you’re probably asking: How far is Augusta from Atlanta, and what’s the best way to get there? Here’s a clear breakdown tailored to Atlanta residents, visitors, and anyone planning travel between the two cities.

The Basic Distance: Atlanta to Augusta

From downtown Atlanta to downtown Augusta:

• Distance by road: About 145–150 miles
• Main route:I-20 East almost the entire way
• Typical driving time: Around 2 to 2.5 hours in normal traffic

Most people in Atlanta simply hop on I-20 East and stay on it until they reach the Augusta area. It’s a straightforward, mostly interstate drive with no complicated turns.

How Long Does It Really Take?

The actual travel time depends a lot on when you leave Atlanta.

Typical driving times from Atlanta

• Light traffic (late morning, mid-day, late evening):
  About 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes
• Moderate traffic (weekday late morning or early afternoon):
  Around 2 hours 15 minutes to 2.5 hours
• Heavy traffic (rush hour, Fridays, holidays, event weekends):
  2.5 hours or more is common

Traffic factors to keep in mind

Leaving Atlanta, your main slowdowns are usually:

• Downtown Connector (I-75/85) and nearby interchanges
• The I-20 corridor through Downtown, East Atlanta, and Decatur
• Rush hours: roughly
  • 6:30–9:00 a.m. (toward downtown)
  • 3:30–7:00 p.m. (leaving downtown)

If you can, plan your Atlanta-to-Augusta drive to start after morning rush hour and before afternoon traffic, such as around 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Common Starting Points in Atlanta

The exact distance from Atlanta to Augusta varies a bit depending on where you start:

*Times assume typical traffic and taking I-20 East.

Because the main route is I-20, people on the east side of Atlanta (Decatur, Stone Mountain, Lithonia) usually have a slightly shorter and quicker drive than those on the north side (Buckhead, Sandy Springs).

The Main Route: I-20 East From Atlanta to Augusta

If you’re driving from Atlanta to Augusta, this is what the route usually looks like:

1. Get onto I-20 East from wherever you are in Atlanta

   • From Downtown/Midtown: use the Connector (I-75/85) and follow signs for I-20 East.
   • From Buckhead: head south toward downtown, then connect to I-20 East.
   • From Decatur/East Atlanta: you may already be close to I-20.

2. Stay on I-20 East for roughly 140 miles
   You’ll pass or be near:

   • Lithonia / Conyers
   • Covington
   • Madison
   • Greensboro
   • Thomson

3. Arriving in Augusta
   As you approach, look for exits into Augusta, North Augusta, and downtown Augusta. GPS directions will usually route you by exit number to your specific destination.

The route is mostly interstate highway, which keeps the drive simple and predictable.

Is There a Scenic or Alternate Route?

If you’d like something more scenic than staying on I-20 the whole way, some drivers from Atlanta choose to:

• Take US-278 / GA-12 through smaller towns like Social Circle and Union Point, then reconnect toward Augusta.
• Use back roads near Lake Oconee or Lake Sinclair for a more relaxed trip.

However, for most Atlanta travelers, particularly for day trips or business, I-20 East is the fastest and most practical choice.

Atlanta to Augusta by Car vs. Other Options

Driving (most common option)

For people living in or visiting Atlanta, driving is by far the most common way to travel to Augusta:

• You control your departure time.
• The route is direct and easy to follow.
• You can make quick stops at rest areas, gas stations, or restaurants along I-20.

If you don’t have your own vehicle in Atlanta, you can:

• Rent a car from locations near Hartsfield–Jackson Airport or large rental centers around the metro.
• Use car-sharing or rideshare for part of your journey, though full rideshare trips all the way to Augusta can get expensive due to distance.

Bus or shuttle

Service can change over time, but in general:

• Long-distance bus companies sometimes operate routes connecting Atlanta to Augusta, often departing from downtown Atlanta or near the airport.
• These rides typically take a bit longer than driving yourself, depending on stops and schedules.

If you prefer not to drive, check current intercity bus schedules from Atlanta to Augusta when you’re planning your trip.

Train or flight?

• There is no direct passenger train that runs straight from Atlanta to Augusta.
• There are no typical commercial flights just between Atlanta and Augusta for everyday travelers; the distance is short enough that flying is usually not practical unless part of a larger itinerary.

For most people in Atlanta, driving or taking a bus is the realistic way to get to Augusta.

Timing Your Trip From Atlanta

Because Atlanta traffic can be heavy, it helps to plan your departure time:

Better times to leave Atlanta

• Weekdays:
  • Late morning: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
  • Early afternoon: 12–2 p.m.
• Weekends:
  • Mornings or early afternoons generally provide smoother traffic than Friday evening rush.

Times to be more cautious

• Weekday evenings: leaving Atlanta between 3:30–7 p.m. can add noticeable time to your trip.
• Holiday and event weekends:
  • Big events in Atlanta or Augusta (like the golf events in Augusta) can cause heavier traffic along I-20.

Checking traffic conditions on a navigation app before you leave Atlanta can help you pick the best time and route.

Making It a Day Trip From Atlanta

Because the drive from Atlanta to Augusta is around 2–2.5 hours each way, many people use it as a day trip:

• Leave Atlanta in the morning.
• Spend the afternoon in Augusta.
• Return to Atlanta in the evening or stay overnight if you prefer a slower pace.

If you live in Atlanta and want a different city experience for a day—historic sites, riverfront areas, or just a change of scenery—Augusta is close enough to be practical, but far enough to feel like a getaway.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers

Here are a few quick, Atlanta-specific pointers for the trip:

• Fuel up before leaving metro Atlanta 🚗
  Prices can vary, but there are many options along I-20 East in Decatur, Lithonia, and Conyers.

• Watch speed limits
  I-20 speed limits can change as you leave the city and pass through different counties. Enforcement is common, especially near smaller towns off exits.

• Plan for weather

  • In summer, watch for afternoon storms that can slow traffic on I-20.
  • In winter, freezing rain or ice can sometimes affect bridges and overpasses, especially in the early morning or late at night.

• Parking in Augusta
  Compared to Atlanta, parking is usually easier and cheaper in many Augusta areas, particularly outside of major events.

Quick Summary for Atlanta: Distance to Augusta

• Distance: About 145–150 miles from most Atlanta starting points
• Drive time: Around 2–2.5 hours, depending on traffic and where you leave from in Atlanta
• Route: Almost entirely I-20 East from Atlanta to Augusta
• Best for:Day trips, weekend visits, and regional travel from the Atlanta area

If you’re in Atlanta and wondering whether Augusta is “too far” for a quick visit, the answer for most people is no—it’s a manageable, straightforward drive that many Atlantans make in a single day.