<p>We’re planning a visit from NC to Emory this summer via 85 south. I know going through Atlanta can be a bear. What is the best time of day to go through that area?</p>
<p>You are best if you arrive mid day in Atlanta. Coming from North Carolina (you did not say where), if you leave early in the morning you should be fine–Assuming about a five hour trip. You will get off I-85 before you get to downtown Atlanta which will help a lot. (Clairmont Road exit to get to Emory). Unfortunately, Emory is not located immediately off I-85 so you will have to use Mapquest (or other website) to get to the actual address you want. I have done the North Carolina to Atlanta trip dozens of times. It is not too bad. I have had more trouble around Charlotte than in Atlanta, actually.</p>
<p>The good news is you will get to Emory before you get to downtown. Unfortunately you still have to cross the I-285 beltway, which backs up at rush hour. So any time other than rush hour is preferable.</p>
<p>The closest freeway exit is North Druid Hills. Cross over I-85, go past the first shopping center and turn right onto Briarcliff which will take you almost to campus. From Briarcliff it will be either a left onto North Clifton with the campus coming up on your right in 1.5 miles - or a subsequent left onto North Decatur with the campus coming up on your left in 1 mile.</p>