Traveling from Wisconsin to st Augustine

Question

We will be traveling from Wisconsin to st Augustine on a Friday I estimate being in the Atlanta area around 4-5 Friday afternoon looking for information on if we should stop for the night north of the city and wake up early Saturday morning and drive the rest of the way. Or is there a good bypass around the city where traffic wouldn’t be so bad to get south of Atlanta and stay the night somewhere? Thanks for any info have never driven thru Atlanta area before

Answer

Driving through Atlanta for the first time can be a bit daunting, especially on a Friday afternoon, as traffic congestion is quite heavy during peak hours. Your estimated arrival in the Atlanta area around 4–5 PM coincides with rush hour, which typically lasts until around 7 PM.

Here are some options and tips to consider for your drive from Wisconsin to St. Augustine:

Option 1: Stop North of Atlanta
If you prefer to avoid peak traffic and reduce stress, consider stopping for the night in a suburb north of Atlanta, such as Marietta, Alpharetta, or Roswell. This way, you can wake up early Saturday morning and drive south when traffic is lighter.
Option 2: Bypass Atlanta
Atlanta has several bypass options:
- I-285 (The Perimeter): Encircles the city and can help you avoid downtown, but it can still be congested during rush hour, particularly on the north and east sides.
- I-75/I-85 Connector: The downtown connector is very busy and should generally be avoided during peak times.
- Alternative Routes: Depending on your GPS, you can take I-575 north to GA-20 east or other smaller highways to avoid central congestion. However, this may add some time to your trip.
Option 3: Push Through Traffic
If you decide to continue through Atlanta, plan for at least an extra 1–2 hours during Friday afternoon rush. Use a navigation app with live traffic updates (like Google Maps or Waze) to find the fastest current route.

Additional Tips:

Plan your rest stop locations ahead of time. Gas stations and hotels just outside Atlanta’s north suburbs are convenient for overnight stays.
Consider leaving your stop early Saturday morning (around 6–7 AM) to get through Atlanta before traffic builds up again.
Have alternate routes ready in case of accidents or unexpected congestion.
Check for hotel availability in advance if stopping north of Atlanta; mid-week or Friday evenings can fill up quickly near major highways.

Overall, for first-time travelers through Atlanta on a Friday afternoon, stopping north of the city for the night is usually the most stress-free option. You’ll avoid the worst of rush hour, get some rest, and enjoy a safer and more relaxed continuation of your trip south to St. Augustine on Saturday.

Traveling from Wisconsin to st Augustine

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