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.