Best route to/from Atlanta?

[Panhandler]

So I'm going to the Tom Waits concert in Atlanta (yes I'm bragging ). I put in for directions at Google Maps - and they advise that I go east on I-10 to Cottondale, and then north through Dothan - up to Montgomery - then follow I-85 to Atlanta. Total time - 7.5 hours !?!?!?!
When I lived in Mobile, we could do it in less than 4 hours, depending on traffic...What gives?
Surely there is a better route???

 

[Smiling JOe]

There are numerous ways to go. From SoWal, you should be able to get to Atlanta in 5hours and 15 minutes without trouble. From Dothan, do not go to Montgomery. Instead, travel up hwy 431 to Eufaula, then Phenix City, AL, taking the bypass. Get on I-185 N and it will run into I-85N, taking you into the heart of Atlanta.

 

[steele mama]

There are numerous ways to go. From SoWal, you should be able to get to Atlanta in 5hours and 15 minutes without trouble. From Dothan, do not go to Montgomery. Instead, travel up hwy 431 to Eufaula, then Phenix City, AL, taking the bypass. Get on I-185 N and it will run into I-85N, taking you into the heart of Atlanta.

What he said!

 

[Panhandler]

Ooooo, that seems like a whole lotta nuthin'. I'm imagining at least a few speeding traps, Alabama deputies, cavity searches ? Is it a four lane at least? I can't imagine what you people do for hurricane evacuation...Thanks...

 

[TreeFrog]

There are numerous ways to go. From SoWal, you should be able to get to Atlanta in 5hours and 15 minutes without trouble. From Dothan, do not go to Montgomery. Instead, travel up hwy 431 to Eufaula, then Phenix City, AL, taking the bypass. Get on I-185 N and it will run into I-85N, taking you into the heart of Atlanta.

Ditto that.

If you haven't been through Eufaula before and you like old houses, you might want to budget a few minutes to look around there. They have a fine district of antebellum and Victorian era houses that you will pass through on 431. I keep wanting to make it up there for their pilgrimage each April.

 

[steele mama]

Ooooo, that seems like a whole lotta nuthin'. I'm imagining at least a few speeding traps, Alabama deputies, cavity searches ? Is it a four lane at least? I can't imagine what you people do for hurricane evacuation...Thanks...

Lots of 4 lane and yes, be careful in Alabama especially between Dothan and Eufala! Abbeville police,"16 miles above the speed limit is more than we allow in these parts." I wasn't driving!

 

[Smiling JOe]

Ooooo, that seems like a whole lotta nuthin'. I'm imagining at least a few speeding traps, Alabama deputies, cavity searches ? Is it a four lane at least? I can't imagine what you people do for hurricane evacuation...Thanks...

Most of the route is four lane. I've never seen an Alabama cavity search performed by anyone other than licensed dentists, but don't give a trooper a reason. ;-)

 

[TreeFrog]

Ooooo, that seems like a whole lotta nuthin'. I'm imagining at least a few speeding traps, Alabama deputies, cavity searches ? Is it a four lane at least? I can't imagine what you people do for hurricane evacuation...Thanks...

Nice highways the whole way, mostly 4 lane. I rarely see a trooper, but there's nothing wrong with a good radar detector.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Just don't exceed the speed limit by more than 10mph and you should be alright. They never look at me twice when going 10 over.

 

[Panhandler]

Most of the route is four lane. I've never seen an Alabama cavity search performed by anyone other than licensed dentists, but don't give a trooper a reason. ;-)

Aww shucks, I guess I'll leave my dope, guns, and copy of the Koran at the house...

Seems like a more interesting drive than the Interstate - so I'm looking forward to it! Also going to the new aquarium - which is supposed to be OUT OF THIS WORLD! Will post pics - Thanks all!