Driving “around” vs “through” Atlanta

Question

Driving from Spartanburg, SC to Arkansas we usually go I-40 to Asheville and the I-26 to Spartanburg. We have gone through Atlanta to Birmingham a couple of times which is about the same, except for the stress levels. Is there a viable alternative other than I-85 to I-20 or taking 85 to 285 to 20? Thanks in advance for your help.

Answer

If you're looking to avoid the stress of driving directly through Atlanta while making your way from Spartanburg, SC to Arkansas, there are indeed a few viable alternatives to consider. The traditional routes you mentioned (I-85 to I-20, or taking I-85 to 285 to 20) are commonly used, but there are other routes that could potentially save you time and stress. Here are a few options:

1. I-85 to I-185 to US-27 South (via LaGrange, GA):

One alternative is to take I-85 South toward Atlanta, but instead of continuing through downtown Atlanta or taking the loop around 285, you can exit onto I-185 toward LaGrange. This will bring you through a more rural, less congested area. You can then continue on US-27 South, which will connect you with I-20 West in Alabama. This route avoids most of the Atlanta metro area and gives you a more scenic drive, although it's a bit longer than taking I-85 straight through. This might be a good option if you're willing to add some extra time to your trip for a quieter, more relaxing drive.

2. I-85 to US-278 West (via Dallas, GA):

Another option is to take I-85 South to US-278 West, which will lead you toward the western side of Atlanta, passing through smaller towns like Dallas and Villa Rica. This route takes you through a less densely populated area and avoids the bulk of the traffic near downtown Atlanta. You can then merge onto I-20 West in Alabama for the remainder of your trip. While this route will bypass Atlanta, it may take a little longer, depending on your timing.

3. I-85 to I-285 to I-20:

Although you mentioned avoiding this route, I-85 to I-285 to I-20 remains the most straightforward "around" Atlanta route. I-285 is the outer perimeter highway of Atlanta, and it does a good job of bypassing the downtown area. Depending on traffic, this could be the fastest way around the city. If you're traveling during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening), this route could be much less stressful.

4. Taking Smaller Roads (via US-441 or US-78):

If you're looking to avoid interstates as much as possible, you could explore smaller highways like US-441 or US-78, which run parallel to I-85 and I-20 in various sections. These roads will take you through more rural parts of Georgia and can help you avoid major traffic. However, this will be a much slower route, and while scenic, it might add several hours to your trip. It's best for those looking to avoid both the stress of big cities and the highway traffic, but it will definitely add time to your drive.

Things to Consider:

Traffic Times: Atlanta is known for heavy traffic, especially during rush hours (6-9 AM and 4-7 PM), so if you're traveling during these times, it's worth planning your route and timing to avoid these peak periods.
Distance vs. Time: While some of these routes avoid the heart of Atlanta, they may add time to your trip, so make sure to weigh the added distance against the reduction in stress.
GPS and Navigation: Make sure to use real-time navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze, as they can provide up-to-date traffic information and might suggest quicker alternatives based on current road conditions.

In summary, while I-85 to I-285 to I-20 is the most direct way around Atlanta, you can explore alternate routes like I-85 to I-185, or I-85 to US-278, depending on your preference for a less stressful drive through less trafficked areas. If avoiding city traffic is a priority and you don't mind a longer drive, these routes will offer a quieter, less congested experience.