Atlanta is positioned towards the north-west of Georgia and, as befits a busy and growing city, it’s superbly well-served by roads, spanning out not just to the rest of the state, but to neighbours such as Alabama, Tennessee, Florida and South Carolina.
As you’d imagine, the centre of Atlanta can be busy, especially in rush hour, but it’s still relatively easy to navigate. The airport is situated about seven miles to the south of Atlanta itself, and you can head into downtown Atlanta by taking the I-85 north – a drive of around 20 minutes. If you’re not driving to Atlanta, but visiting elsewhere, the I-85 also goes south-west as far as Montgomery, Alabama.
It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with Georgia’s traffic laws before you arrive – you will, of course, be driving on the right-hand side of the road and overtaking on the left. Seat belts are essential for the driver and all passengers, and mobile use while driving is illegal. Speed limits will be signposted, and vary from a top speed of 70mph on interstate roads, down through 45mph in residential areas and lower in built-up city areas.
There are several main – and popular – roads that you can use to find your way around Atlanta’s heart. In the Five Points district, downtown, many of these converge. If you go north from here along Peachtree Street you’ll find yourself in midtown and then the Buckhead area. It’s a street made famous by the film Gone with the Wind, but now houses many of the key landmarks in Atlanta. It’s a popular name – there are at least 70 other avenues, roads, lanes and walks all called Peachtree.
Getting out of Atlanta, the I-85 north has a toll lane, while some parts of the I-75 and I-575 have recently added toll sections. The I-75 south will take you to another great Georgia destination, Macon, with its wonderful old southern mansions. The I-85 north, meanwhile, will whisk you on a quick day trip to Lake Lanier, 50 miles north-east. Here you’ll find places to camp, boat and fish, as well as watersports. It’s the perfect way to make the most of car hire in Atlanta.