Written and Fact-checked by Whereig Editors | Updated On: April 28, 2026 | 14:51 ET
Where is Athens Located? - Athens is a city located in the Athens County of Georgia, United States. Athens lies between 20.020409 Degrees North latitudes and 155.6688831 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Athens, Georgia
Athens Map, Georgia, USA
Where is Athens?: The Google Map showing the location of Athens in the U.S. state of Georgia.
Where is Athens Located?
Athens is a city located in the Athens County of Georgia, United States. Athens lies between 20.020409 Degrees North latitudes and 155.6688831 Degrees West longitudes. According to 2020 U.S.census, the population of Athens city is 127315 people and the city has a total area of 116.33 sq mi. The city has numerous parks and recreational facilities.
Thunderstorms, Tornadoes and Occasional Winter Storms
Average Snowfall
Approximately 2 inches annually
Driving Distances from Athens, Georgia
City
State
Distance (mi)
Approx. Drive Time
Winterville
Georgia
5
10 min
Bogart
Georgia
8
15 min
Watkinsville
Georgia
10
15 min
Jefferson
Georgia
18
25 min
Winder
Georgia
20
25 min
Commerce
Georgia
22
30 min
Monroe
Georgia
25
35 min
Madison
Georgia
35
40 min
Lawrenceville
Georgia
40
50 min
Atlanta
Georgia
70
1 hr 20 min
Transportation and Connectivity in Athens, Georgia
Nearest Airport
Athens-Ben Epps Airport
IATA Code
AHN
Major Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Major Highways
US Highway 78, US Highway 29, Georgia State Route 10 Loop
Rail Service
Freight Rail Service
Public Transit
Athens Transit and University Transit System
Athens is best known as the home of the University of Georgia, the state's flagship public university.
The city is a major center for education, healthcare, technology and research in northeast Georgia.
Athens has a nationally recognized music scene that helped launch several influential bands.
The local economy benefits from higher education, bioscience, manufacturing and tourism.
The city combines historic architecture, cultural attractions and a vibrant college-town atmosphere.
Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Athens, Georgia
Landmark Name
Type
University of Georgia
University Campus
Sanford Stadium
Sports Stadium
Georgia Museum of Art
Museum
State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Botanical Garden
Downtown Athens
Entertainment District
The Georgia Theatre
Historic Music Venue
Bear Hollow Zoo
Zoo
Sandy Creek Park
Recreation Area
Sandy Creek Nature Center
Nature Center
Tree That Owns Itself
Historic Landmark
Colleges and Universities Near Athens, Georgia
Institution Name
Type
Distance
Notable For
University of Georgia
Public University
Within City
Research, business, law and agriculture
Piedmont University - Athens Campus
Private University
Within City
Graduate and professional programs
Athens Technical College
Technical College
4 mi
Career and workforce education
Georgia Gwinnett College
Public College
38 mi
Liberal arts and sciences
North Georgia Technical College
Technical College
45 mi
Technical and vocational programs
Waterbodies in and Near Athens, Georgia
North Oconee River, Middle Oconee River, Oconee River, Sandy Creek, Lake Chapman, Bear Creek Reservoir, Lake Oconee, Hard Labor Creek Reservoir, Broad River, Cedar Creek
Golf Courses in and Near Athens, Georgia
University of Georgia Golf Course, Athens Country Club, Lane Creek Golf Club, Jennings Mill Country Club, The Georgia Club, Chimneys Golf Course, Double Oaks Golf Club, Traditions of Braselton Golf Club
Athens, Georgia - Key Historical Facts
Athens was established in 1801 as the site of the newly chartered University of Georgia.
The city was named after Athens, Greece, reflecting its educational mission and cultural aspirations.
The University of Georgia became the first state-chartered public university in the United States.
Athens grew into an important educational, commercial and agricultural center during the nineteenth century.
The city gained national recognition in the 1980s for its influential music scene, including bands such as R.E.M. and The B-52s.
Today, Athens is widely known for its university, arts community, historic districts and thriving cultural scene.
