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.
Avoid Distractions
- Georgia has a hands-free law—don’t use your phone while driving. Use Bluetooth or voice-activated systems for calls or navigation.
- Stay focused on the road, as Atlanta’s traffic can change suddenly (e.g., accidents or debris).
Handle Aggressive Drivers Calmly
- Atlanta ranks high for aggressive driving incidents. If someone tailgates or cuts you off, stay calm and don’t engage.
- Let aggressive drivers pass rather than competing for space. Use the right lane if you’re driving slower than 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:
- Transit vehicles
- Carpools with three or more occupants
- Motorcycles
- Emergency vehicles
- 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
Driving in Atlanta’s traffic, known for its congestion and aggressive drivers, requires focus and strategy. Here’s how to stay safe, based on practical tips and insights from available data:
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.
Stay Alert and Defensive
- Atlanta’s roads, especially I-285 and I-75/85, are notorious for heavy traffic and sudden slowdowns. Watch for brake lights and erratic lane changes.
- Keep a safe following distance (at least 3 seconds in good conditions, more in rain or heavy traffic).
- Scan mirrors frequently to anticipate aggressive drivers or tailgaters.
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)
What To Know About Driving Around I-285
Driving safely on Atlanta’s I-285, the 64-mile perimeter highway circling the city, demands extra caution due to its heavy traffic, frequent accidents, and complex interchanges. Here’s a concise guide to navigating I-285 safely, drawing on practical tips and insights:
- Stay Defensive and Focused
- I-285 is notorious for congestion, aggressive drivers, and sudden slowdowns. Keep a 3–4 second following distance and scan mirrors constantly for tailgaters or lane-weavers.
- Avoid distractions—Georgia’s hands-free law prohibits phone use. Use Bluetooth for navigation or calls.
- Watch for debris or disabled vehicles, common on I-285’s shoulders.
- Know High-Risk Areas
- Spaghetti Junction (I-285/I-85 northeast): Complex ramps and merging traffic; stay in the correct lane early.
- I-75/I-285 Interchanges (northwest and southeast): Heavy truck traffic and frequent backups; expect delays.
- GA-400 to I-85 South (top end, north side): Congested during rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM); plan alternate routes if possible.
- Crash data from Georgia DOT shows I-285 as a hotspot, with over 3,000 crashes annually in recent years.
- Time Your Drive
- Avoid peak hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) when traffic slows to a crawl, increasing rear-end collision risks.
- Use Waze, Google Maps, or Georgia 511 (dial 511 or visit 511ga.org) for real-time traffic and accident updates.
- Check for construction zones, often near I-20 or I-75 interchanges, which can reduce lanes.
- Drive Strategically
- Stay Right Unless Passing: Use right lanes for slower travel or exiting; left lanes are for faster traffic but can be aggressive.
- Signal early and check blind spots before lane changes—drivers may not yield.
- Maintain a consistent speed (posted limits are 55–65 mph) to avoid antagonizing faster drivers or causing slowdowns.
- Watch for merging trucks, especially near I-20 and I-75; give them space.
- Handle Weather Carefully
- Rain makes I-285 slick, especially on curves or older pavement sections. Reduce speed, use headlights, and increase following distance to 5–6 seconds.
- Fog or heavy rain can reduce visibility near wooded areas—use fog lights if equipped.
Final Word
In addition to driving safely, you should always keep an emergency kit (first aid, water, flashlight) in your car in case of breakdowns or long traffic delays.
If you’re in an accident, move to the shoulder if safe, call 911, and exchange information with other drivers.
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