I-75 And Bypasses In Georgia
 

My navigation is showing to take both bypasses in Atlanta and Macon. A few people told me to stay on 75 in Atlanta and not take the bypass. Although, they said to go the bypass route in Macon. Did you take the bypass in Atlanta?

I was feeling calm about this drive until people starting telling me how congested and crazy traffic is. Yikes, I'll just close my eyes through Atlanta, lol. At least when I get through it I won't be far from home. That will keep me focused.

Tippy, I used to live in Atlanta and would just zoom right through downtown without batting an eye...however, the last time I drove through there I didn't even recognize things (like the actual exit to my old house). I-75-I-85 going through downtown is to be avoided, at all costs...in my opinion. I would take 285, or better yet, route the trip around the whole area, but that's just me.

As for Macon, haven't done that in quite a while, but it used to be a piece of cake just staying on 75. LONG time ago, though.:)

Macon: always take bypass.
Atlanta: take bypass in the morning before 9 and in the afternoon from 2 to 7 and always in bad weather.
Traffic thru Atlanta on 75 has to move right and/or left across several lanes to access 20 and 85 and there two or three spots where traffic backs up big time without much warning.

Try not to go thru Atlanta during rush hours, probably 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM. Other than that, no problems. Just watch out for the crazies that you will see in any city.

Go around Macon and through Atlanta. Is your GPS set for fastest or shortest routes? Might be a difference.

What's so bad about Macon? That used to be like a sleepy small town. I probably haven't been through there in about 15-18 years, or so.

I live north of Atlanta. It is definitely a more direct route to bypass Macon, as it is east of the interstate. If there are two or more in the vehicle you can use the HOV lane, and going through downtown Atlanta isn't too bad UNLESS it's rush hour. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. We usually travel back and forth on the week-end.

Last time I went thru Atlanta - a very long time ago - it was a mid-week mid-day. Absolutely horrible, backed up for miles and miles.

Finally came upon the reason: a truck and two workers patiently filling pot-holes, by hand, in the center lane, looking totally calm, collected and unafraid! :)

SWR
:beer3:

If you have a co-pilot use google maps on your smart phone and display traffic. Then make your choice as you approach Atlanta. This has been a lifesaver for me, I always check before hitting major cities like Nashville, Atlanta, etc. I have a GPS with traffic and my smart phone with google maps with traffic in a mount next to the GPS. I drive 40k + miles a year for my job, so I use both with much success.

Just drove north that way yesterday/today. I hit Atlanta at 4 pm rush hour. Just stay left, then watch for the signs that direct you to move over to the right to stay on 75 North. Crazy traffic doesn't rattle me, but I wouldn't recommend driving through Atlanta unless on the weekend or non rush hour - the bypass may be the way to go. Macon was no problem.

Completely agree with this. Off hours traffic isn't bad. Rush hour is a beast.

We always timed going through Atlanta on the weekend and drove straight through. As I remember, if you go straight through, you won't encounter any trucks. They have to take the bypass. (Local deliveries excepted, of course.) Did that for ten-plus years, ending in 2012.

We lived north of Atlanta until 3 years ago. This is right on. Always take 475. If you can go on the week end go straight thru Atlanta on 75. Also the HOV lane is not bad but can be a little confusing if you haven't driven it before. 285 can be very busy too and lots of trucks. Just be patient whichever you decide cuz unless it's on the weekend it may take awhile. Good luck and have a safe trip.

I live north of Atlanta...until February when I will be a full time Villager!!! Anyway, be aware that 285, the bypass, is also very congested and FULL of 18 wheelers because they can't go through town unless they have business inside the perimeter. So although going through town can be crazy, going around town can be too. Oh, and be prepared to go at least 70 mph...in the slow lane. Cannot WAIT to get out of this traffic! I don't care how busy you say it is with the snowbirds in town...it can't be as bad as it is here!

North bound instructions/suggestions:

Heading north on I-75, use the Macon bypass.

I use bypass Macon because of reduced speed on 75 north; not recommended going through the city in the time of rush-hours.
Atlanta: it is fine to drive through (75 north) except rush-hours 6:30-9:30 am and 3:30-7:00 pm. Sundays is the best way going through all the time except there is a game coming up.

I drive from MI to TV straight thru, by myself.. I gage my drive time so I hit Atlanta between 2am and 4am.. Breeze right thru.. The place is lit up like a Christmas tree.

We're Michigan snowbirds who have been driving this route for the last 8 years. Trust me, take the by-pass around Macon much quicker. As far as Atlanta, we just sail through downtown....BUT we always try to do it on a Sat or Sun. As someone else stated, if you have 2 or more people in the car you can drive in the HOV lanes which makes it much easier. Also, even though we have a GPS and smartphones,iPads, etc. I always get a Trip Tik from AAA. Lots of good info if you are a AAA member.

Alright, thanks everyone. I was going to take a leisurely drive down but after reading your replies I'll make sure to get through Atlanta Sunday without using the bypass.

See you all soon!!!!

We live north of Atlanta and visited our TV house Labor Day weekend. Our move to TV is September 2015.

The Macon bypass cuts 8 miles off of the trip.

I agree with all posts that you do must use the bypass during morning and evening rush hour.

One more thing - going south to TV you will be caught up in Henry County evening rush hour traffic whether you use the bypass or not.

I use the bypass for Macon and 75 thru Atlanta if my wife is with me because of the HOV lanes. The HOV lane always seems to move when I go through Atlanta. Of course I travel through at either around 10 am or 2 pm due to planning for traffic.

490 miles today and did not take bypass in Atlanta and going through it was smooth sailing. Instead of being worried about Atlanta, it should have been Tennessee. I drove into a heavy patch of fog with a hard down pour of rain. I was white knuckled and followed tail lights of a truck in front of me. 27 mph for half a hour. Whew, what a ride.

By the way I was the only one on I-75 doing the speed limit. Lots of crazy speeding drivers. Tomorrow I become a frog. Yeah!

Glad you got through it. Atlanta on Sunday is a breeze on I-75.

Hairy drive. Happy landing, Tippy!

We must have passed each other! We are going north :(

Spent the weekend in TV.

Just 3 more months and we will be full time frogs - yipppppeeee!

Good job getting thru Tennessee the tree have grown up and you can't see how high up you are as you drive. When is the other half coming

Have you ever done TN in February? Yikes. Beautiful, though.

Texas to Delaware
 

Several years ago with wonderful weather,we drove across it....stopped in Knoxville .....
The scenery was absolutely beautiful....without the leaves,one could see so far across to the other side of the highway....my first experience ....

By the way....
 

You were a smart driver....we would be safe driving partners...
Maybe a day trip will be a given for us....
Did you have any problem with your wrist?

TN is gorgeous, especially coming from relatively flat MI in the dead of winter with its bare trees and dirty slush. Once you hit the hills and pine trees (and runaway truck lanes), TN is breathtaking, especially if there's a light dusting of snow. The hills are a bit scary in the winter, though. We usually had 4-wheel drive but don't anymore. So I'm thankful not to have to drive those mountains in February!

Are you here now, Tippy?

Yes, I'm here. Got all the way here without getting lost. Not so lucky trying to get to the car wash, driving around in circles, then gave up.

Asian Tom will be here November 8th. Happy to be home, at last.

Looking @ a 9 yr. old AAA trip tic it shows 285 exits going BOTH East & West as you approach Atlanta. They BOTH loop around Atlanta & BOTH hook up to I 75 south of Atlanta.
The mileage appears to be almost the same. Which 285 SHOULD I TAKE- EAST OR WEST of Atlanta???????????????

Take west.

Sign me...still living in Atlanta and can't wait until we retire in 3 months!

Tolls on I 75
 

I'm driving down from Cincinnati to The Villages...are there any tolls on this stretch...just have EZ Pass and if so would like to know ahead of time...thanks.

No tolls.

If your coming through Atlanta on the weekend stay on 75, it was smooth sailing. It's a straight shot and you won't get lost, just stay to the left and follow the lanes marked 75. It was easy to drive and plus the downtown area was beautiful.

Be sure to check the schedules for ball games.

Service areas on I-75
 

I just checked, and both the Falcons and the Braves are out of town on the weekend I plan on passing through....thanks for all the very useful advice, I appreciate it..

One more question...coming down I-75 are there service areas for gas fill ups on the Interstate, or do you have to exit the highway...I'm thinking it may vary by State...once again, thanks for your help

You must exit.