Drive through Atlanta or not??

[RN01]

We will be driving from Southern IL to Orlando on Sat Jan17 and the shortest way would take us right through Atlanta around noon. Everyone I've talked to say Atlanta is awful to drive through. Is this true? We could take an alternate route that would go north to south through Alabama but would take 2 hours longer. What should we do???

 

[alexturner74]

You shouldn't have any trouble. You could take 75 straight through, or you could take the 285 bypass around the city. However, like I said, I don't suspect that you'll have any trouble at all, especially on a Saturday afternoon. There's nothing significant going on that day except for a Hawks game and a Georgia Tech basketball game, but those are at night.

 

[chamonix]

I don't really have any advice, but I wanted to say Hi! to a fellow southern illinoisan!

We haven't driven it yet, but think we might next summer. I have heard from a friend here who drives it several times a year that she has gone both ways, and each time just decides as they are driving--when they get to where the road splits they decide which way they are going. Please come back to post when you return from your trip to tell us which way you went and what you thought. Have a good trip!

 

[tmli]

We've driven thru Atlanta many times, it really isn't that big of a deal. I would not add 2 hrs just to avoid it.

 

[Figaro]

Hi, RN01!

My spouse will drive all the way through Illinois to avoid Chicago, but has no problem at all driving in Atlanata. We don't take the bypass, because that is where all of the trucks are and do stay in the 24 hour high occupancy vehicle lane (need to have two or more in the vehicle), which is almost never all that busy. The first few times we did this, we would kind of freak out, as that lane has its own exits. But after driving through there a few times, we learned to just stay to the left, follow the signs for that lane and that we would be just fine.

Hope this helps!

 

[MamaQuack]

RN01,

drive thru Atlanta, save the extra 2 hours and I also agree with the post about I-285 - too scarry for this girl and I've survived 6 years of Chicago driving!!!! you will be fine and have saved all that extra time!!!

Have fun with Mickey!

MamaQuack

 

[disneymom3]

We have driven around Atlanta several times--on 285. I didn't find the trucks worrisome at all. Yes, they go fast, but honestly so do Georgia drivers! (And I grew up in So'CA) Just stay over to the right and check your rearview mirror before changing lanes. Definitely not worth adding 2 hours to the trip!

 

[Teri Zolman]

We drove through Atlanta on December 19 and again on the 26th. The 26th was even through rush hour and it was no big deal. I would not go out of my way to avoid it. Have fun.

 

[donmil723]

A question for all those who have driven through Atlanta recently . . . would you take I-75 through Atlanta or the bypass that goes around Atlanta to the east or to the west. We'll probably be going through on a Saturday evening 7 pm or so.

Thanks!

Donna

 

[alexturner74]

donmil723

I would recommend 75.

 

[clkelley]

We come in to Atlanta on I-20 then go directly to I-75. Don't take the bypass!!

I never have a big problem in Atlanta going that way.

Don't go the Alabama route. When you leave I-65 it is two lane roads down to I-10. Ugh!!!

Carol