11 Unique Stops on the Drive from Chicago to Atlanta
The drive from Chicago to Atlanta spans just over 724 miles, bypassing the Great Smoky Mountains and into the heart of country music. Between a gritty, bold skyline and one of the most historically significant cities of America, there’s a surprising myriad of valley views and artistic pursuits.
While you can make the drive from Chicago to Atlanta in 11 hours non stop, I suggest stretching this Chicago to Atlanta road trip over a few days. Don’t just admire the mountain ranges – climb them!
Treat your ears to music shows and learn about the history of places you stop off – Chattanooga, Knoxville, Nashville, Indianapolis have so much culture to share with you!
The route is pretty straightforward as all major stop offs are on the same expressway bar one detour.
- Take route I-65 S from Chicago to Nashville.
- Switch to I-40 E from Nashville to Knoxville.
- Route I-75 is the most direct from Knoxville to Chattanooga.
- Back to route I-65 S from Chattanooga to Atlanta.
Best stops on the drive from Chicago to Atlanta
Map of the Chicago to Atlanta road trip,
you can see the Google map here.
1. Start the road trip in Chicago, Illinois
No doubt you’ve spent some time in Chicago, but if you haven’t, the Navy Pier, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park are just few of the many Chicago icons. Enjoy time out on Lake Michigan before you say ‘see you later’!
I’ve been to Chicago twice and it’s up there ahead of New Orleans and New York as my favourite city in the USA.
You can see all the best things to do in Chicago here, and if you’re in Chicago for winter, you need to read this article