Atlanta - Getting There By Road

The USA has a network of sequentially numbered Interstate (I) highways. The roads with numbers ending in 0 cross the country east to west, while those ending in 5 run north to south.

Maximum speed limits are 113kph (70mph) on rural Interstates, 105kph (65mph) on urban Interstates and 88kph (55mph) on other roads. Locals regularly exceed these limits and pass with impunity on both left and right sides. In business or residential districts, a limit of 48kph (30mph) applies. The maximum legal alcohol-to-blood ratio is 0.08%. Both front and backseat passengers must wear seat belts, while children under the age of five years are required to be seated and belted in the back of the car in a child protective seat. Helmets are mandatory for motorcycle riders. As a deterrent, radar detectors are common. Fines can be issued on the spot for seat-belt or helmet offences, speeding and also throwing litter from the vehicle. Drunk-driving is always prosecuted and can result in penalties of up to a US$1,000 fine plus 12 months in jail.

The minimum age for driving in Atlanta is 16 years; however, there are various restrictions for drivers under 18 and 21 years. It is best to check the Georgia Motor Vehicle Division online (www.dmvs.ga.gov). National driving licences are sufficient if in English, otherwise International Driving Permits are required. Rush hours are 0700-0930 and 1600-1900.

The Southern Automobile Association (AAA) (tel: 1 800 222 1134; www.aaasouth.com) provides insurance and breakdown recovery for members at competitive prices, and also provides free maps and tourist guides.

Emergency breakdown service: AAA (tel: 1 800 222 4357/AAA HELP).

Routes to the city: Atlanta is intersected by Interstates 20, 75 and 85. I-20 travels west to Birmingham (Alabama) and Dallas (Texas) and east to Augusta and Columbia (South Carolina). I-75 passes through Atlanta on its way north from Florida to Michigan. I-85 heads southwest to Montgomery (Alabama) and northeast to Charlotte (North Carolina) and Virginia. I-285 is a perimeter highway that rings the metropolitan area but the city has expanded northwards to Marietta, Roswell and other suburbs outside the ring. An urban highway, GA400, links the northern suburbs with the city centre and provides easy access to the north Appalachians. GA400 is a toll road; the cost levied depends upon the mileage driven. 

Approximate driving times to city: From Nashville - 4 hours; Knoxville - 3 hours 30 minutes; Birmingham - 2 hours 20 minutes; Montgomery - 2 hours 30 minutes; Charlotte - 3 hours 30 minutes; Savannah - 4 hours.

Coach services: Greyhound (tel: (404) 584 1728 or 1 800 231 2222 or 1 800 229 9424; www.greyhound.com) has a 24-hour coach station, at 232 Forsyth Street Southwest, off Peachtree Street Southwest, where baggage and parcel services, ticketing and fast food are available. Greyhound operates coaches throughout the USA; some direct destinations include Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans and Orlando.