Best Times to Drive Through Atlanta, GA: Dodge the Traffic!

Okay, let’s face it, anyone who’s considered travel tips around Atlanta, Georgia probably already knows that the city definitely has some pretty, let’s just say, legendary traffic issues. So, is that trip through Atlanta making you sweat a little? Car rentals sound great, just not when they’re stuck on the Downtown Connector! You’re probably dreaming of smooth sailing, and it is almost totally achievable. Really, all you need is timing on your side. Here’s a totally easy peek at when you’re far more apt to enjoy the drive.

1. The Absolute Best Time: Late Nights (10 PM – 5 AM)

Yep, it is almost what it sounds like: Atlanta basically transforms into a sleepy town once it gets truly late. Usually, traffic chills completely way down after 10 PM, and it more or less stays that way until around 5 AM. So, if that journey doesn’t really need to be during regular hours, then driving overnight could be that super move. It’s definitely the time to experience light, even delightful travel through the heart of the ATL. Plus, you can enjoy all types of hotels.

2. Early Morning Weekends: A Sweet Spot

Weekends, especially real early on Saturday and Sunday mornings, offer a seriously sweet break from all that crazy Atlanta traffic. From roughly 5 AM to 10 AM, the roads seem to be generally clear. It almost makes you question if you are in Atlanta! It might be that totally golden opportunity to make solid time. This tip works rather well if you’re heading out of town or need to get through before the weekend stuff starts going full blast. This is quite a good option to visit most Atlanta resorts.

3. Midday on Weekends: Hit or Miss, But Still Better

So, the weekend day brings an, okay, slight increase in traffic. So, think after 10 AM. Now, even though it isn’t quite that early morning magic, midday’s often pretty okay when you compare it to Atlanta’s typical rush hours. Of course, a bunch depends. Major events and game days at Mercedes-Benz Stadium could be adding plenty of craziness to the roads. Yet, on a pretty standard weekend day, between, like, 11 AM and 3 PM, that trip has the possibility to be more predictable and smooth. Plus, find amazing activities near the city!

4. Weekday Off-Peak Hours: A Gamble Worth Considering

Okay, weekdays might be tougher, sure. Yet, there are, naturally, still times that can provide you that bit of breathing room. It seems generally, between 10 AM and 3 PM on weekdays, that you catch a lull between morning and afternoon commutes. The traffic isn’t, clearly, nonexistent, although it’s certainly way more manageable compared to rush hour. Still, keep in mind that construction projects, accidents, as well as other random things, might make those windows very hard to time. Use some traffic apps, so that way you can stay way ahead. When traveling through, stop and enjoy the great food that you can order.

5. Holidays: Surprisingly Serene

Now, isn’t it great? Holidays could actually present you with some incredibly awesome opportunities in order to drive through Atlanta pretty easily. That said, holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and even the Fourth of July often find a mass exodus out of town, especially around the actual day and maybe that day right before. Obviously, that doesn’t really mean the roads are completely empty. But you’re probably gonna find way lighter traffic. Still, check it first; a few holidays happen to line up with huge events and this has the possibility to bring with it, the usual traffic headache. Stop and see attractions and popular points of interest while there.