There are plenty of interstates that you should show due caution pn when traveling, but Interstate 285, better known as I-285, or better yet, 285, is another animal.
That’s just one of several Atlanta interstates that you may be have to drive on when traveling in and through metro Atlanta.
The traffic perennially ranks as one of the worst in the nation and there are a few reasons for that:
- The drivers are from all across the country
- Atlanta’s highways are built like race tracks
- Nobody really knows where they’re going
It’s the latter one that makes Atlanta traffic so stressful. Anyhoo, if you’re here you’re going to have to learn how to drive through the traffic.
How To Drive On 285 (Safely) In Atlanta
285 is a loop that encircles Atlanta. It is approximately 63.98 miles.
If you’re trying to really make up some time to get to where you’re going around Atlanta, you’ll encounter 285 — but you don’t have to be afraid.
When driving on 285, don’t be on a hurry. I know it’s like a race track.
It’s best to travel in the middle lanes of 285, that way you won’t be accidentally take an exit or be in the fast lane.
If you want to see where the traffic is, download the WSB-TV traffic app for real-time road information. You can also get the Waze app or Google Maps.
Atlanta Express Lanes: What You Need To Know
G-DOT introduced the I-85 express lanes (Hot lanes) on the northside a few years ago around metro Atlanta. HOT stands for High Occupancy Toll because it costs money.
The lanes stretch from Chamblee Tucker Road, just south of I-285, to Old Peachtree Road in Gwinnett County.
Who can use Hot lanes in Atlanta toll-free?
The HOT lanes are for those who register, including three or more person carpools, motorcycles, emergency vehicles, and Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFV) with the proper AFV license plate (does not include hybrid vehicles).
If you have three or fewer occupants, including solo drivers, you can pay to use the Express Lanes.
Here are the registered vehicles that are exempt from Express lane tolls:
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Transit vehicles
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Carpools with three or more occupants
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Motorcycles
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Emergency vehicles
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Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFV) with the proper AFV license plate (does not include hybrid vehicles)
How to get a Peach Pass in Atlanta
All vehicles, including those designated as “toll-exempt,” must be registered on an active Peach Pass account and have a Peach Pass transponder mounted inside or on the vehicle to use the Georgia Express Lanes.
You can sign up for a Peach Pass account online by clicking here or contact the Customer Service Center.
New to metro Atlanta? Watch this video on how Peach Pass works?
When is the best time to travel through Atlanta?
Because the Atlanta rush hour is virtually an all-day thing, you may find it best to travel through Atlanta after 8 p.m. The best time in fact may be between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. on week days.
On weekends, it’s best to get on the roads early, like 6 to 7 a.m. That way, you’ll beat the normal weekend traffic, which starts around 7ish.
Here Are 3 Ways To Deal With Atlanta Traffic
Carpool
In metro Atlanta, it’s very easy to sign up to car pool: Do you need help finding a carpool partner. Sign up at GeorgiaCommuteOptions to find a commute partner.
Guaranteed Ride Home
In metro Atlanta, you can get a Guaranteed Ride Home if an unexpected event makes getting to your place of residence improbable.
Guaranteed Ride Home promises up to five free rides home or to your car, by taxi from work each year if an unexpected event occurs.
1. Download the application, then email, fax or mail it to G-Dot. Sign Up for GRH.
Call 1-877-942-6784 (locally: 404-656-4270) for questions or to schedule a ride.
Take MARTA, it’s SMARTA
Yes, taking MARTA really is smarter. The train commute may take a big longer for some people, but what it takes up in time it gives back in stress and comfort.
The rail network is comprise of four service lines that travel in all four compass points: the Red, Gold, Blue, and Green Lines.
Atlanta rail: How much does MARTA fare cost?
If you want to ride the rail in Atlanta, The MARTA fare is $2.50 for a one-way trip.
Machines in the MARTA Stations take exact cash or credit cards. If you don’t have a Breeze Card ($2), which is reloadable, you must get a or a $1 disposable paper ticket.
Children
Children 46 inches and under can ride MARTA for free. Limit two children per paying adult
Senior Citizens, Disabled Riders and Medicare Recipients
$1.00 (view details)
MARTA Mobility Paratransit
$4.00 (learn more)