Commute time is one of the biggest factors shaping daily life in North Atlanta—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Online maps often show optimistic estimates that don’t reflect school traffic, bottlenecks, or the realities of peak hours.
This guide breaks down realistic commute times from four major North Atlanta suburbs—Peachtree Corners, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, and Cumming—based on typical weekday patterns, not best-case scenarios.
A Quick Reality Check on “Commute Time”
When locals talk about commute time, they’re usually factoring in:
- School drop-off congestion
- Morning and evening rush hours
- Highway bottlenecks (GA-400, I-285, Peachtree Industrial Blvd)
- Weather and incident delays
The difference between a 9:30 a.m. drive and an 8:00 a.m. drive can be 20–40 minutes, depending on where you live.
All estimates below reflect typical weekday conditions, not weekends or off-peak travel.
Peachtree Corners Commute Times
Peachtree Corners benefits from its location near multiple job corridors and its proximity to I-285.
To Downtown Atlanta:
- Morning rush: ~25–35 minutes
- Off-peak: ~20–25 minutes
To Buckhead:
- Morning rush: ~30–40 minutes
- Off-peak: ~25–30 minutes
To Perimeter / Dunwoody / Sandy Springs:
- Morning rush: ~20–30 minutes
Why it works:
Peachtree Corners commuters can choose among Peachtree Parkway (141), Peachtree Industrial Blvd, and quick access to I-285. That flexibility helps absorb traffic when one route slows down.
Johns Creek Commute Times
Johns Creek offers a suburban feel but relies heavily on surface roads to reach major highways.
To Downtown Atlanta:
- Morning rush: ~40–55 minutes
- Off-peak: ~30–35 minutes
To Buckhead:
- Morning rush: ~35–50 minutes
To Perimeter / Sandy Springs:
- Morning rush: ~30–45 minutes
What to know:
Local school traffic and limited direct highway access can add unpredictability, especially between 7:30–9:00 a.m.
Alpharetta Commute Times
Alpharetta sits directly on GA-400, which is both a strength and a challenge.
To Downtown Atlanta:
- Morning rush: ~45–65 minutes
- Off-peak: ~30–35 minutes
To Buckhead:
- Morning rush: ~35–55 minutes
To Perimeter / Sandy Springs:
- Morning rush: ~30–45 minutes
The tradeoff:
GA-400 provides a direct route, but even small incidents can ripple quickly during peak hours.
Cumming Commute Times
Cumming offers more space and newer development—but at the cost of longer drives.
To Downtown Atlanta:
- Morning rush: ~60–80 minutes
- Off-peak: ~45–50 minutes
To Buckhead:
- Morning rush: ~55–70 minutes
To Alpharetta:
- Morning rush: ~30–45 minutes
What residents plan around:
Most commuters either leave very early or shift work hours to avoid the worst GA-400 congestion.
Side-by-Side Snapshot
- Shortest average commute: Peachtree Corners
- Most predictable routes: Peachtree Corners, Johns Creek (local roads)
- Fastest off-peak drives: Alpharetta
- Longest daily commitment: Cumming
Bottom Line
If commuting regularly to Atlanta or major job centers:
- Peachtree Corners offers the most balanced and flexible commute
- Johns Creek favors lifestyle over speed
- Alpharetta rewards off-peak schedules
- Cumming suits those prioritizing space and planning around traffic
Understanding realistic commute times—rather than optimistic map estimates—can make the difference between a livable routine and daily frustration.
MARTA and Park-and-Ride Options (What Actually Works)
For some North Atlanta commuters, combining driving with MARTA can reduce stress and improve predictability—especially when downtown or airport trips are frequent. That said, MARTA access varies significantly by suburb.
Peachtree Corners
Peachtree Corners does not have a MARTA station within city limits, but it is relatively close to several North Fulton and DeKalb options.
Common park-and-ride choices include:
- Doraville MARTA Station – ~15 minutes
- Dunwoody MARTA Station – ~15–20 minutes
- Chamblee MARTA Station – ~20 minutes
Many Peachtree Corners residents use MARTA selectively—for downtown meetings, airport trips, or days when driving congestion is especially heavy—rather than as a daily commute solution.
Johns Creek
Johns Creek has no direct MARTA access and is farther from rail stations than Peachtree Corners.
Typical options:
- North Springs MARTA Station – ~25–30 minutes
- Doraville MARTA Station – ~30 minutes
As a result, most Johns Creek residents rely primarily on driving. MARTA is used more for occasional trips than daily commuting.
Alpharetta
Alpharetta benefits from direct access to GA-400 park-and-ride stations, making MARTA a more realistic option for some commuters.
Common stations:
- North Springs MARTA Station – ~15–20 minutes
- Doraville MARTA Station – ~25 minutes
Some Alpharetta commuters drive to North Springs early in the morning to secure parking, then use MARTA to avoid downtown congestion and parking costs.
Cumming
Cumming does not have MARTA rail service, but express bus and long-distance park-and-ride options exist.
Typical approach:
- Drive to North Springs MARTA Station (30–40 minutes)
- Use MARTA for downtown or airport access
Because of the distance, MARTA is usually a planned, occasional option rather than a daily routine for most Cumming residents.
Getting to Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL)
- Peachtree Corners: ~35–45 minutes (non-rush)
- Johns Creek: ~45–60 minutes
- Alpharetta: ~45–60 minutes
- Cumming: ~60–75 minutes
Many frequent flyers plan flights outside early morning rush or use MARTA from Doraville or North Springs.
When MARTA Makes Sense—and When It Doesn’t
MARTA works best for:
- Downtown or Midtown jobs
- Airport commutes
- Off-peak or flexible schedules
- Avoiding daily parking costs
Driving still wins for:
- Cross-suburb commutes
- School drop-off–dependent schedules
- Jobs outside the MARTA rail corridor
Bottom Line on Transit
While North Atlanta remains largely car-dependent, strategic use of MARTA and park-and-ride stations can make certain commutes more manageable—especially from Peachtree Corners and Alpharetta.
For most residents, MARTA isn’t a replacement for driving—but it can be a useful pressure valve when traffic, parking, or long downtown days start to wear thin.
Helpful Official Links for Commuters
For real-time conditions, transit planning, and official updates, these resources are the most reliable starting points.
- Georgia 511 (Live traffic, incidents, road conditions)
- Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
- MARTA (Schedules, stations, fares, service alerts)
- MARTA Rail Map
- MARTA Parking & Park-and-Ride Info
- Ride Gwinnett (Local bus service & commuter options)
- Gwinnett County Transportation
- Georgia Commute Options / GTA
- Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Tip: Checking incidents and service alerts before leaving can help avoid unexpected delays—especially during peak hours.
