How long is the drive from Atlanta to Alabama?

Located in the country’s southeast, Alabama has boundaries with Georgia to the east, Mississippi to the west, and Tennessee to the north.While the remainder of Alabama’s southern border is shared with Florida, the southwest point of the state is situated on the Gulf of Mexico.
Alabama is famous for being the birthplace of the civil rights movement and for its southern hospitality. It is also a well-liked vacation spot, especially from Atlanta, which is close by.
The quickest route, via I-20 West, takes 50 minutes from Atlanta to the Alabama state line. It will take around two hours and twenty minutes to get from Atlanta to Montgomery and two hours and fifteen minutes to travel to Birmingham.
Continue reading to find out more about traveling by car from Atlanta, Georgia, to well-known Alabama locations, including Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, and Birmingham. We’ll also go over the key elements that might affect your trip and our top picks for the fastest way to travel from Atlanta to Alabama.
How long does it take to go to Alabama from Atlanta?
Route | Main Road | Distance | Driving time |
---|---|---|---|
Atlanta to the Alabama State Border | I-20 | 60 miles | 55 minutes |
Atlanta to Huntsville | I-20 | 180 miles | 03 hours 30 minutes |
Atlanta to Birmingham | I-20 | 150 miles | 02 hours 15 minutes |
Atlanta to Montgomery | I-20 | 160 miles | 02 hours 20 minutes |
Atlanta to Mobile | I-20 | 330 miles | 04 hours 35 minutes |
For the sake of this tour, the distances are computed assuming that you are starting your journey from downtown Atlanta, which is close to the Georgia State Capitol.

Depending on where you’re going, you can travel from downtown Atlanta to Alabama via I-75 to Huntsville, I-20 to Birmingham, or I-85 to Montgomery and Mobile.
All of these routes take less than five hours from Atlanta, as the chart above shows, and it should only take you fifty-five minutes to get from Atlanta to the state border (along I-20).
How many hours does it take to drive from Atlanta to Birmingham
The travel from Atlanta to Birmingham, Alabama, should take around two hours and fifteen minutes.
Overall, this ought to be a simple drive. Additionally, you may leave Atlanta after breakfast and arrive in the heart of Birmingham in less than two and a half hours, just in time for lunch.
It’s a rather easy journey from Atlanta to the Alabama state border. Leaving Atlanta, you will begin by traveling I-20, taking care to avoid traffic during rush hour (6–10 am and 4–7 pm).

Considering that accidents might occur, especially in the Atlanta area, I-20 is regarded as Georgia’s most hazardous route.
The journey from Atlanta to the Alabama state line takes less than an hour. However, if you want to break up the trip and enjoy some fresh air, you may stop at Douglasville.
Since Douglasville is 20 miles into the 60-mile drive from Atlanta to the Alabama state border, it’s a decent location to stop if you need something to eat. Fortunately, Douglasville is home to a large number of both chain and small restaurants.
We assume that stopping for a meal would increase your travel time by approximately one hour, making your trip from Atlanta to the Alabama state line a total of one hour and fifty minutes.
Driving to Birmingham from the Alabama state line
You will continue on I-20 for an additional 84 miles from the Alabama state line, traveling directly west to Birmingham. You will pass Pell City, Oxford, and Heflin en route.
Traveling from Atlanta to Birmingham requires leaving I-20, turning onto I-59S, and then entering the city through Carraway Boulevard for the last six miles.
The 150-mile trip from Atlanta to Birmingham, Alabama, takes two and a half hours.
What exactly driving time from Atlanta to Mobile, Alabama?
There is no way to pinpoint the exact time it takes to travel from Atlanta to Mobile, Alabama, but the most direct route is 330 miles long, and it should take 4 to 5 hours under normal circumstances, excluding rush hour and significant holidays.
Drive from Atlanta to Montgomery
After leaving Atlanta on I-85 and heading southwest, Montgomery is a little under 160 miles away. This is a very straightforward and easy path to take.
There are also many of places to stop for snacks, petrol, or a respite from driving. Conveniently situated along I-85, the little communities of Auburn, West Point, and Newnan provide a variety of dining and retail opportunities.

From Montgomery, driving to Mobile, Alabama
The trip from Montgomery to Mobile, Alabama, is rather simple, much like the first part of the trip (from Atlanta to Montgomery). You will reach the center of downtown Mobile after traveling 167 miles south on I-65.
Only until you get to N Water Street, which parallels the Mobile River, can you truly depart I-65. During holidays, traffic along the shore may be more than usual, but this part of the trip is actually rather difficult.
Variables to consider that may affect how long it takes to drive from Atlanta to Alabama
Your travel time from Atlanta to Alabama may be impacted by a number of factors, including traffic, bad weather, road closures, and detours.
There certainly are hotspots to avoid and things to keep in mind while organizing your vacation, even if it’s impossible to predict every delay you could experience.
Possible hold-ups between Atlanta and Birmingham, Alabama
Due to the city’s heavy traffic, Atlanta has traffic congestion day and night.It’s probably dangerous to join the Tom Murphy Freeway (I-20) during rush hour if you’re pressed for time since you might easily quadruple your travel time in the event of an accident.
One well-known congestion is leaving Atlanta at the intersection of Interstate 285 and Tom Murphy Freeway (I-20). Another accident hotspot is located farther down the route, on the section of road close to Lithia Springs (Milepost 44).
You will encounter rush hour when employees depart the city if you leave Atlanta between 3 and 6 p.m.

The traffic from Six Flags Over Georgia should also be considered on this route. Traffic in this region may get rather heavy in the mornings, around opening time, because this wildly famous amusement park attracts big crowds, especially on weekends.
If you’re making the trek during the winter, this won’t be an issue because Six Flags Over Georgia is closed during this time of year and reopens in late March.
Your driving time will also be impacted by the speed limitations on this route. The highway (I-20), where the speed limit is 70 mph (with a 40 mph minimum), is used for the most part of the journey from Atlanta to the Alabama state boundary.
It’s worth noting that the smaller, urban roads on this route often have a 25 mph speed restriction, even though they only make up a minor percentage of the trip.
Traveling via Montgomery to Mobile, Alabama
Planning your departure from Atlanta on I-65 to Montgomery (or Mobile) is crucial to avoiding the crush of traffic leaving Georgia’s busiest city during peak hours, just as you’ll want to be cautious to avoid rush hour traffic on the Birmingham Route (via I-20).

There isn’t as much traffic near Montgomery and Mobile as there would be on the way out of Atlanta. Nevertheless, when traffic is at its lowest, it is always the safest and fastest time to commute.
Advice on how to go from Atlanta to Alabama in as little time as possible
All of the routes from Atlanta to Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile are rather simple and nearly entirely follow interstates. For this reason, navigating them is not too difficult.
Nonetheless, there are several considerations that will facilitate your journey: All of the routes from Atlanta to Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile are rather simple and nearly entirely follow interstates. For this reason, navigating them is not too difficult.
Nonetheless, there are several considerations that will facilitate your journey:
- Drive at night when traffic is probably less heavy if you feel comfortable doing so. Make the trip after 7 p.m., when rush hour ends.
- Plan your travel to take advantage of Sundays, when traffic is probably less heavy. However, keep an eye out for Atlanta Falcons NFL games, which frequently happen on Sundays.
- Georgia experiences hurricanes from June to November. Road restrictions may occur during tropical storms, so keep an eye on activities.
- In Atlanta, a large number of right-hand lanes abruptly become exit-only lanes. You will need to exit the Interstate if you become stranded in the right lane, therefore, use a GPS to direct you.
- Stock up on food and in-car entertainment to reduce stops and distractions. Prepare your playlist!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is driving in Atlanta easy?
In conclusion, traffic and complicated navigation make driving in Atlanta difficult, but it also presents chances to explore the city’s distinctive neighborhoods and culture. A smoother experience may be achieved by being prepared in advance and paying attention to traffic conditions.
Is Alabama close to Atlanta?
What is the distance between Alabama and Atlanta? There are 147 miles between Atlanta and Alabama. There are 180.9 miles on the route.
Is Atlanta a walkable city?
Atlanta’s size makes it quite bikeable, even if it may not be completely walkable. The Beltline and other bike amenities have made it considerably quicker and safer to cycle to the surrounding areas, which is made possible by Midtown’s convenient position.
What is the best month to visit Alabama?
Your interests and choices will determine when is the ideal time to visit Alabama. With the most agreeable temperatures, spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the greatest weather.
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