Driving through Atlanta?

[Mickeygolf]

We leave Friday Aug. 3rd from Iowa taking the normal 64/57/24/75 route. Everything seems fine except for the Atlanta portion. My AAA Trip Tik is taking me on the I-285 route around Atlanta instead of driving straight through on I-75. I've read different ways to do this with some saying go right through Atlanta on 75 and stay in the HOV lane and others suggesting going around on 285. I'd like to hear opinions again.

Does the 285 route take longer?
What is the HOV lane?
We'll be driving through on a Saturday between 8 and 10 AM.
I don't mind driving through big cities especially if it's quicker.

I just want to get to WDW as quickly and effeciently as we can. Love to hear all recommendations.

Thanks!!!

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

Events (like a ball game or a convention), accidents, or construction are all possible things that could cause a delay.

Traveling early in the morning will be helpful.

Tune to AM 750 or 95.5 FM for WSB traffic reports.

I live on the NE quadrant of the Atlanta metro area, so let's see that some experienced travelers have to say. I think either way would be fine unless there is an issue like I listed above.

 

[griswalds]

HOV stands for high occupancy vehicle. It is the car pool lane, you have to have 2 or more occupants in your car. On a Saturday morning I say just go straight through, much quicker and easier. Although I haven't been keeping up with any construction downtown but I doubt they would be working on the weekends anyway.

 

[sarab]

At that time of the day it really doesn't matter. I usually prefer to go straight through the city. Keep your eyes on the electronic traffic boards to make sure that area is free of accidents before you pass 285. The Hov lanes are great to use if necessary.

 

[willowsnn3]

That time of day I would say go straight thru Atl on 75. 285 would just add more time & miles.
We live just south of Atlanta (just south of where you would merge back onto 75 if you took 285) and we'll be leaving a few hours after you go thru

 

[troyer]

I was wondering the exact same thing we are coming from n.e. Oklahoma and my Tom tom I just bought said this would would be the way to go through Atl.

 

[kathie859]

In my too-numerous-to-count trips to Florida, I've taken I-285 once. If you are traveling (especially during the work week) the I-75 HOV lane usually moves along at a decent clip.

 

[Butterbunkins]

I have taken 285 and find the traffic to be just as bad as staying on 75. I have been through during rush hour and off times and the only time traffic was fine was the one time I went through in the middle of the night. The city looks quite beautiful at that time too!

 

[Mickeygolf]

Thanks for all the advise. I figured the HOV was the multi passenger lane, but I couldn't figure out the acronym Sounds like we need to drive right through Atlanta which makes me happy. The kids will get to see another large city on the way down. The good thing is there are no baseball games either day we drive through on the way down or back, so hopefully it will be an uneventful drive.

Thanks for all your help!!!