The short distance between Atlanta and Macon makes either city an ideal day trip destination from the other, with plenty of time once there to explore the sights and attractions. Macon’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival draws many visitors, and the city also offers several historic attractions and a nice downtown area.
The distance from Atlanta to Macon is around 85 miles, along the I-75. In typical traffic, it is a drive of around an hour and a quarter. From Atlanta Airport to Macon is a little closer, around 78 miles, which should take a little over an hour in good traffic.
Although train services from Macon to Atlanta unfortunately do not currently exist, it is easy to travel between the cities by bus, with many direct services operating each day and travel time of around an hour and a half or so. Shuttle transportation from Atlanta Airport is also available.
See also:
– Things to do in Atlanta
– Things to do in Macon, GA
– Public transport in Atlanta
– The best time of year to visit Atlanta
!Please check all details before planning your travel. Availability of services, prices and other information may change at short notice.
The distance from Atlanta to Macon is around 85 miles, taking the I-75. Typical drive time is around 1 hour 15 minutes, but in heavy traffic, it can take almost 2 hours.
Distance from Atlanta to Macon and typical drive time, via the fastest route:
Bus services from Atlanta to Macon are available through Greyhound. Megabus do not currently have a stop in Macon.
There are usually 8 daily bus services from Atlanta to Macon, and usually 8 more daily services from Macon to Atlanta. Some services may not operate on weekends. Some services include a stop at Atlanta Airport (ATL).
Travel time is fairly short, at around an hour and a half to an hour and three quarters. All routes are direct, with no need to make a connection. Typical advance economy fares are around $20-$25 each way ($40-$50 round trip), with tickets cheaper than this available for some trips.
As there are so many buses each day in each direction, this is a very convenient choice for day trip travel from Atlanta to Macon or from Macon to Atlanta, with a choice of morning, afternoon and evening departures in each direction allowing a full day or just a morning or afternoon in either city.
Atlanta’s Greyhound station is in the city’s Downtown neighborhood (232 Forsyth Street SW), with public transportation by bus or rail available to other parts of the city.
Macon’s Greyhound station is at 200 Cherry Street, within walking distance of downtown Macon and many attractions. Local bus services, plus taxis and rideshare services, are also available to complete your journey.
Atlanta to Macon bus options:
Macon to Atlanta bus options:
Groome Transportation offers shuttle transportation between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Macon, with trips usually departing every hour daily from early morning to evening.
Travel time from Atlanta Airport’s domestic terminal to Macon is 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes depending on where you stop in Macon. Travel time to and from Atlanta Airport’s international terminal is an extra 15 minutes.
The adult fare is $41 each way ($82 round trip), and for children ages 3-7 it is $26 ($52 round trip). Infants travel free, and pets are welcome for an additional fare of $12 each way ($24 round trip). Pick up and drop off at various specific Macon hotels is available for an additional fee.
The main shuttle stop in Macon is at 4540 Sheraton Drive, around 8 miles from downtown Macon. Additional stops are available by request at Macon area hotels, and at the Mercer University and Wesleyan College Student Centers. The Mercer University Center stop, other than the hotel stops, is the closest to downtown Macon.
It is not currently possible to travel between Atlanta and Macon by train, although there has been some recent talk of resurrecting a former passenger rail service from Atlanta to Savannah, also stopping at Macon.