Road Trip to Columbus, Ohio: What's the Drive Time Like?

Summers are all about road trips! With COVID-19 still looming, more and more people are opting for a socially distant (and socially responsible) way to explore different areas. If you're planning a summer trip, consider a drive to Columbus, Ohio, from Atlanta, Georgia. Here are some of the fastest and slowest routes, along with the time it will take you to get there.

Fastest Route: via I-75 North

The fastest route between Atlanta and Columbus, OH is via I-75N. This route takes you through Chattanooga, Knoxville, Lexington, and Cincinnati before reaching Columbus. The distance covered along this route is approximately 604 miles and should take around 9-10 hours, depending on traffic.

If you schedule your departure early in the morning or late night (outside peak traffic hours), the drive can take as little as 8.5 hours. However, keep in mind that construction and unexpected road closures can add to that time.

The Scenic Route: via I-85 and I-77

If you're someone who enjoys scenic drives, this route might just be for you! The second option is via I-85 North and then onto I-77 North before finally reaching Columbus. This route takes you through lush green hills, the Appalachian Mountains, the Virginia Piedmont, and Amish Country in Northeast Ohio.

The distance covered is approximately 689 miles, and it should take around 11-12 hours to reach Columbus. If you take this route on weekends or during peak hours, then the driving duration may extend due to traffic congestion.

Time of Day

It's essential to plan the exact time of day you wish to undertake this road trip. If you start driving during morning or evening rush hours, then it could extend your driving duration by a significant margin. For example, if you're driving during rush hour (7 AM - 9 AM), it may take you up to 11-13 hours to reach Columbus.

On the other hand, if you depart during off-peak hours (late night or early morning), you can save up to 2 hours. So, plan accordingly.

Final thoughts

When planning a road trip from Atlanta, GA to Columbus, OH, multiple factors come into play, such as distance, routes, traffic patterns, and time of day. Overall, the I-75 North is the fastest option, taking about 9-10 hours, while the more scenic I-85 and I-77 will take around 11-12 hours. Regardless of which route you choose, the journey will be worth it. Happy travels!