When is the best time to avoid traffic when driving into Atlanta?

Question

I'm planning on driving to Atlanta from Columbia, SC one weekend and was just curious about what time of the day would be best for me to head into Atlanta and possibly avoid the heavy traffic. I'm not saying I'm going to avoid all the traffic just don't wanna be stuck in a traffic jam that's all. Preferably someone whose driven in Atlanta can answer this question.

Please no DumbAzz or SmartAzz answers! Just and honest question

Thanks

Answer 1

If you are traveling on the weekend there won't be an issue with the traffic unless you run into a construction delay or an accident. During the work week you just need to avoid the interstates between 7 and 9 am and 3 - 7 pm

Answer 2

The worst congested roads are the ones you'll need to use to get to Philips Arena. I-75, I-85, I-285, I-20 are the major interstates. All of them are busy during rush hour. You won't be able to avoid them to get to the arena. If you really want to avoid congestion and traffic avoid the rush hours, period. Morning rush runs from about 7:30 - 10:00. Afternoon rush runs 3 - 7. In other words, there is no avoiding the traffic congestion in Atlanta unless you drive into town in the middle of the night. Which, btw isn't a bad idea. I hope you picked a nice hotel in the downtown area, that area around the arena can get bad in a hurry. One block in the wrong direction and you're deep in the "hood". Be careful. be aware of your surroundings and don't take any foolish chances.

Answer 3

Just stay of the roads between 7am-9am and then 4pm - 7pm during the week, except on Fridays when traffic starts getting heavy around 2pm. If you are arriving on Saturday or Sunday you should be fine pretty much anytime, although I would check the traffic map on the Georgia Department of Transportation or GA DOT website to see where there is construction delays.

Answer 4

Just avoid rush hour like with Washington, DC. Actually, Washington is worse than Atlanta, but there are a ton of commuters on the freeways in Atlanta from 7-9AM and 4-6PM.

Answer 5

I agree with McCoy; though, I would add on the weekends you should check to make sure there are no major events going on downtown. When major events are going on, traffic can be pretty heavy through town and since you are from out of town I don't imagine you would know back roads so that would really suck to get caught up in that.

Answer 6

If you're going on a Saturday then I would say anytime is ok... If its Friday try to get their between 9 and 4 or after 7 if you can't make it in that time frame.

Answer 7

I agree with Richard-about 3:00 am

Answer 8

try and schedule your trip so that you arrive in Atlanta at 3 AM