My quickest way to Atlanta from where we live is to not hit any red lights in town (it is possible) and to either take I-85 at 10 mph over the speed limit or go with the flow (which is usually possible and faster). Home to Neiman Marcus can be an hour with no fear of a ticket.
From SoWal I won't share all of my secrets. Basically we do Defuniak/Samson/Elba/Troy.From US 231 take a right onto Hwy 82 and a quick left@County Hwy. 85. That way you miss the Monkeytown traffic.
Travel through the beautiful cattle and horse ranches and then take a right on Waugh Road.
Get on I-85 at mile marker 16. The AL/GA state line is at mile marker 80. It starts over at 0 when you cross the 'Hooch. The Atlanta airport exit is at mile marker 70. Everything else is relative.
Hubby just negotiated the purchase of a company in Dalton. He now takes US 27 and avoids Atlanta traffic.