Aquarium: what time to visit?

Question

Hello, we are planning to visit the aquarium on Thursday. We are driving from Greenville and can not leave until 10 AM and will stay in Chattanooga Thursday night. I guess if we leave Greenville at 10AM, we arrive Atlanta around 12, then we probably will hit afternoon rush hour when we are done at the aquarium? Or shall we leave Greenville after lunch and arrive aquarium around 3 and leave Atlanta around 6. Would this be a better option? Is driving breteen Atlanta and Chattanooga easy? Thanks for you help! We have a very takeout

Answer

It sounds like you're planning a great trip to the Georgia Aquarium! Let's break down your options for timing and travel to make the most of your day.

First, regarding the traffic situation in Atlanta: Atlanta is known for heavy traffic, especially during rush hours. The peak rush hour time usually starts around 4 PM and can last until 7 PM, so if you plan to visit the aquarium around 3 PM, you will likely avoid the worst of the afternoon rush. Here's a closer look at your two options:

Option 1: Leave Greenville at 10 AM, arrive in Atlanta around 12 PM
This would be a good option if you want to get to the aquarium early, as you'll have a couple of hours to explore before the crowds get heavier. However, you would likely hit the tail end of lunch hour traffic and may face some congestion getting into the city. When you finish at the aquarium (around 2-3 PM), you’ll be driving through the busiest part of the afternoon rush hour, which typically starts to build around 3:30 PM. Expect delays on the way out.
Option 2: Leave Greenville after lunch (around 12-1 PM), arrive at the aquarium around 3 PM
This might be the better option if you want to avoid rush hour traffic while leaving the aquarium. By 3 PM, traffic will have thinned out a bit, and you’ll have a smoother drive once you leave the aquarium. However, you may face some traffic on your way into the city, but it won't be as intense as the morning rush. You’ll also avoid the midday crowd at the aquarium and likely have more space to move around. However, keep in mind that you’ll be visiting the aquarium a bit later, so you’ll have less time to explore before you need to head out for your drive to Chattanooga.

As for the drive between Atlanta and Chattanooga, it is fairly straightforward but can get congested, especially as you approach the city. The trip is about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic, but if you leave after lunch, you should encounter less rush hour traffic between the two cities, especially on I-75 North. You may still run into some traffic just as you leave Atlanta, but overall, it’s a manageable drive.

In conclusion, Option 2 (leaving after lunch and arriving at the aquarium around 3 PM) might be your best bet for a more relaxed experience, both at the aquarium and on the road. You'll avoid the heaviest traffic on the way in and out of Atlanta, giving you a bit more time to enjoy the aquarium without feeling rushed.

Have a fantastic time at the aquarium and enjoy your road trip!