To the airport from the Convention Center

From the Georgia World Congress Center to the airport midafternoon, how much time should I give myself?

The Georgia World Congress Center is located in downtown Atlanta, and getting to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) from there typically takes about 20–30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. However, mid-afternoon can sometimes be a busy time on the roads, especially as rush hour traffic begins to build. Here's a breakdown of how much time to allow:

  • Car (Taxi, Ride-Share, or Rental Car): It generally takes about 20–30 minutes to get from the Georgia World Congress Center to the airport, but traffic during mid-afternoon can extend this time. You should allow for at least 30–45 minutes of travel time, especially if you're using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, as you may have to wait for a car.
  • MARTA (Public Transit): If you're taking MARTA (Atlanta's public transportation system), you can catch a train at the Five Points station, which is about a 10-minute walk from the Georgia World Congress Center. The MARTA Blue or Green Line will take you directly to the airport, and the ride typically takes around 15 minutes. You should still allow extra time for waiting for the train, especially if you're traveling during busy hours, so aim for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour total from the time you leave the Convention Center.
  • Buffer Time at the Airport: It's also important to factor in how much time you need once you arrive at the airport. Airlines generally recommend arriving at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours for international flights. If you're traveling during a busy time, security lines can be long, so it's a good idea to allow for some buffer time. If you're taking MARTA, you may also need to allow additional time to get through security, especially during peak travel periods.

In total, I recommend allowing at least 1.5–2 hours from the time you leave the Georgia World Congress Center to the time you should be arriving at the airport to ensure you have enough time for travel, security, and any unexpected delays.


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