Best way through Atlanta?

[cbrfan]

Another poster mentioned on a different thread that they take the HOV lane through Atlanta instead of taking the bypass. For those who've done it, which way is better? And is there any time of day that you would choose the other route?

 

[madge]

as much as we always dread it--going straight through in the HOV lane is much better than the by-pass. For the most part, 18-wheelers are not allowed to travel through downtown, unless they have a reason to be there.

I have to say that driving through Atlanta has gotten better for us over the years. much better than Nashville or travelling I-4 through Orlando

but, to answer your question--go straight through, any time of the day.

 

[SuzEm]

Madge -Can't believe you prefer Atlanta traffic over Nashville. I've driven in Nashville traffic for years and it doesn't phase me... Atlanta usually puts me into white knuckle mode.

CBRfan -I always drive straight thru Atlanta, but after getting caught once in Friday afternoon traffic (which lasts from 4 til at least 7), I try to avoid morning or afternoon rush hours during the week, and especially on Friday! And taking the bypass at that time doesn't seem to make much difference. Check schedule on sporting events held downtown, also, if you're going thru town.

 

[madge]

Madge -Can't believe you prefer Atlanta traffic over Nashville. I've driven in Nashville traffic for years and it doesn't phase me... Atlanta usually puts me into white knuckle mode
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That's just it--you are used to the traffic in Nashville Over the years (coming from the North) we have watched the construction and traffic increase dramatically--especially on I-65 around White House on into town and then again on I-24 (is that the road?) to Murfreesboro. We have gotten into the habit of taking the new road 840, I think, and it is better. As with city, it's all in the timing.

At least with Atlanta, we know it is going to be white knuckle for the 45 minutes it takes to get through the area....we have come to know and love that part of the drive, LOL.

Madge
who hates driving ANYWHERE in rush hour traffic

 

[SuzEm]

Well that explains alot! I rarely if ever go north of town on I-65, unless going to Louisville, and never go I-24 south of town (I find a different route). You are right, those stretches of road are no different from Atlanta!

 

[TRAPPED-PARENT]

We've gone both ways. It's kind of a crap-shoot; however, tend to go straight through (with a camper no less!!!) more often.

 

[madge]

Well that explains alot! I rarely if ever go north of town on I-65, unless going to Louisville, and never go I-24 south of town (I find a different route). You are right, those stretches of road are no different from Atlanta!

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whew! I was beginning to think I might be losing it that whole mess at 1-65 & the Briley Pkwy is just a giant headache. That said, we are seriously thinking about flying out of Nashville if we can get a deal. It's a little farther than driving to Louisville (we are an hour from Louisville, 2 hours from Nashville) but if the prices are better then we will definitely go for it!

I hate complaining about Nashville traffic--we love to visit there

 

[cbrfan]

Looks like it's going to be straight through for us! Thanks to all of you for your help. We'll be going through on Tues night, so hopefully it won't be too bad.

 

[ncligs]

The best way that nobody mentioned to get through Atlanta is to fly.......

 

[cbrfan]

LOL, ncligs!! We thought of that. But I'm on medication that suppresses my immune system and am supposed to stay away from anyone contagious. A plane didn't seem like the best place to do that. I ALWAYS end up sitting next to biggest sneezer and cougher on the plane! So I guess we're stuck taking out a second mortgage and gassing up the car.

 

[ticketwm35]

No the best way is at 2:00 a.m. in the morning thats when we always go.Never a problem.

Ticketwm35

 

[SuzEm]

"The best way that nobody mentioned to get through Atlanta is to fly......."

Unless, of course, your connecting flight is in Atlanta, then it can sometimes be WORSE than driving thru Atlanta! Been there, done that....numerous times.

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

I would say straight through - using HOV lanes.
The by-pass seems to always have accidents and generally has gotten much worse. You will run into some rush hour traffic, but generally the HOV lanes move fairly quickly at that time.

 

[cbrfan]

Anyone have an idea of when morning rush hour starts?

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by cbrfan
Anyone have an idea of when morning rush hour starts?

My son lived in Buckhead for 2 years, he says it starts anytime between 6:00 am-9:00 am.

 

[cbrfan]

Thanks to all of you for your help and advice. And my DH thanks you, as he wanted to go through Atlanta last year and I wouldn't let him. LOL. He'll have his way this year!