Getting From Atlanta, GA to Forest Park: Routes, Tips, and What to Expect

If you’re trying to figure out how to get from Atlanta, GA to Forest Park, you’re really looking at travel between downtown or central Atlanta and the nearby Clayton County city of Forest Park, just south of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Whether you live in Atlanta, are flying in, or just need a quick trip to Forest Park for work, shopping, or visiting friends, the good news is that the distance is short and the options are simple.

Where Forest Park Is in Relation to Atlanta

Forest Park is a small city just south of Atlanta, in Clayton County.

• Distance from downtown Atlanta to Forest Park: usually about 10–13 miles, depending on your exact start and end points.
• General direction:south / south-southeast of downtown.
• Major landmarks nearby:
  • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (north of Forest Park)
  • Fort Gillem area on the east side
  • Lake City just southeast

If you’re starting near:

• Downtown Atlanta (around Five Points or the State Capitol): you’ll likely head south on I‑75/85, then continue on I‑75 South toward Forest Park.
• Midtown or Buckhead: you’ll typically take I‑85 or surface streets into downtown, then follow I‑75 South.

Main Ways to Travel from Atlanta to Forest Park

You can get from Atlanta to Forest Park by:

• Driving (car or rideshare)
• MARTA bus + limited train connections
• Taxi or shuttle from the airport
• Biking or walking (only for very specific, short segments)

Driving and rideshare are usually the fastest and most flexible options for most people.

Driving From Atlanta to Forest Park

1. Fastest Common Driving Route (Downtown Atlanta → Forest Park)

From downtown Atlanta (around Peachtree St / Five Points):

1. Get onto I‑75/85 South (the Downtown Connector).
2. Stay on I‑75 South when I‑75 and I‑85 split.
3. Take Forest Parkway or Old Dixie Highway / US‑41/19 exits, depending on your destination in Forest Park.
4. Follow local roads into Forest Park neighborhoods or commercial areas.

Typical drive time:

• Off‑peak: about 15–25 minutes
• Rush hour: can stretch to 30–45+ minutes, especially on the Downtown Connector and I‑75 southbound.

2. Key Exits and Streets Around Forest Park

If you’re heading to common areas inside Forest Park:

• Forest Parkway (GA‑331)
  Useful for:

  • Central Forest Park
  • Commercial corridors
  • Access to local neighborhoods

• Old Dixie Highway (US‑41/19)
  Useful for:

  • Businesses along Old Dixie
  • Some residential areas
  • Quick connections to side streets in Forest Park

• Jonesboro Road (GA‑54) (slightly east, sometimes used)
  Useful for:

  • Eastern Forest Park
  • Nearby Lake City and Jonesboro Road commercial areas

Quick Route Comparison (Driving)

Times vary with traffic, weather, and events in the city.

Using MARTA and Public Transit

There is no MARTA rail station directly in Forest Park, but you can use MARTA buses and nearby train stations to get close or reach certain stops within the area.

1. Rail + Bus Combination

A common pattern for Atlanta to Forest Park by transit is:

1. Take MARTA rail (Red or Gold line) to a southside station, most commonly:

   • Airport Station (inside the domestic terminal)
   • College Park Station

2. Transfer to a MARTA bus that serves routes along or near Forest Park.

Bus coverage in Forest Park is more limited than in central Atlanta, so planning your exact route by address is important. Many riders rely on:

• Routes traveling along Forest Parkway
• Routes near Old Dixie Highway or Jonesboro Road, depending on the day and time

Because bus routes and numbers can change over time, it’s smart to:

• Check the current MARTA bus map and schedule before your trip.
• Note that evening and weekend service can be less frequent.

2. Using MARTA from Downtown Atlanta

From Five Points Station in downtown:

1. Ride the southbound rail line (toward Airport).
2. Get off at:
   • Airport or
   • College Park
3. Transfer to the appropriate bus route heading toward your Forest Park destination.

Travel time estimate:

• Rail portion: 15–25 minutes from downtown to Airport or College Park.
• Bus portion: another 15–40 minutes, depending on route, traffic, and walking connections.

Public transit will almost always take longer than driving, but it can be cost‑effective if you do not have a car.

From the Atlanta Airport to Forest Park

Many people searching “Atlanta GA to Forest Park” are actually flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and heading to Forest Park lodging, family, or work.

Forest Park is just south and southeast of the airport, so travel is usually short.

Common Options

1. Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

• Pickups are typically organized at the airport rideshare pickup areas.
• Travel time: about 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic and specific destination.
• Cost: varies by time of day and demand, but for many visitors this is the most straightforward option.

2. Taxi

• Traditional taxis queue at the airport’s taxi stands.
• Similar travel time to rideshare.
• Simple if you prefer not to use an app.

3. Hotel or Private Shuttle

• Some hotels in or near Forest Park might operate shuttles to and from the airport.
• You’ll usually:
  • Meet the shuttle at a designated hotel shuttle pickup area at the airport.
  • Travel 10–25 minutes depending on stops and traffic.

4. MARTA Rail + Bus

• From the Airport MARTA Station, you can:
  • Walk into the station within the domestic terminal.
  • Take rail northbound and transfer to buses as needed if your Forest Park destination aligns with a specific route.
• This is less direct than rideshare or taxi but may suit budget‑focused travelers or those relying on public transit.

When to Expect Traffic

The I‑75/85 corridor between downtown Atlanta and the Forest Park area is one of the busiest in the region.

Heavier Traffic Times

Expect slower travel:

• Weekday mornings: roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m. (toward downtown, but also some congestion southbound)
• Weekday afternoons/evenings: roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m. (especially leaving downtown heading south)
• During:
  • Major events downtown or around the Mercedes‑Benz Stadium/State Farm Arena
  • Incidents on I‑75/85, I‑285, or near the airport

If you must be on time for:

• Flights
• Court dates or official appointments
• Job interviews or time-sensitive events in Forest Park

…plan to add 20–30 minutes of buffer time to whatever your navigation app suggests.

Parking in Forest Park

Compared with central Atlanta, parking in Forest Park is usually easier and less expensive.

Common patterns:

• Many small businesses, strip centers, and restaurants along Forest Parkway and Old Dixie Highway have surface lots.
• Neighborhood streets often have on‑street parking, but always:
  • Watch for no‑parking signs
  • Avoid blocking driveways or mailboxes
• For public buildings:
  • City offices, libraries, and schools generally have dedicated parking lots for visitors.

If you’re coming from Atlanta for:

• A court appointment
• A city service
• A community event

…check your destination’s parking instructions in advance, but in most cases, you won’t face the same kind of parking challenges you might see in downtown Atlanta.

Safety and Practical Tips

• Know your exact destination. In Forest Park, using full addresses (with ZIP codes) in navigation apps helps avoid confusion with similarly named streets in other Southside cities.
• Check your fuel. There are gas stations along I‑75, Forest Parkway, and Old Dixie Highway, but it’s easier not to be hunting for one in heavy traffic.
• Watch speed limits. As you leave the interstate and enter Forest Park city streets, limits drop quickly; enforcement can be active in residential and school areas.
• Use updated navigation. Road construction around the Southside, airport, and I‑285 can shift lanes and ramps. Updated GPS or phone maps can save time.

When Driving Might Not Be Best

There are situations where you may want to avoid driving yourself from Atlanta to Forest Park:

• You’re unfamiliar with Atlanta highways and are anxious about aggressive traffic patterns on the Downtown Connector.
• You’re arriving late at night and prefer a direct taxi or rideshare from the airport.
• You don’t want to deal with rush‑hour congestion and would rather sit on a bus or train.

In those cases, relying on a rideshare, taxi, or a pre‑arranged shuttle between Atlanta and Forest Park can be more comfortable, even if it costs more than driving your own car.

Quick Summary: Atlanta, GA to Forest Park

• Distance: Generally 10–13 miles from downtown Atlanta to Forest Park.
• Typical driving time:
  • About 15–25 minutes in lighter traffic
  • 30–45+ minutes in rush hour
• Main route:I‑75/85 South → I‑75 South, then exit onto Forest Parkway, Old Dixie Highway, or nearby roads.
• Transit: Use MARTA rail to Airport or College Park, then transfer to MARTA buses that serve parts of Forest Park.
• From the airport: Forest Park is very close; rideshare, taxi, shuttle, or a short drive are all common choices.

With a clear destination and a bit of planning around traffic, the trip from Atlanta, GA to Forest Park is straightforward and usually quick by metro Atlanta standards.