Athens does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest major airport is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, about 75 miles to the southwest. The drive from Atlanta airport takes roughly 90 minutes under normal traffic conditions — avoid it during Atlanta rush hours, which can stretch to two hours or more.
There is no direct train or bus service from Atlanta airport to Athens. Greyhound serves Athens from Atlanta's downtown bus terminal on a regular schedule, and the trip takes about two hours. Most visitors arrive by car. Once in Athens, a car is less necessary — downtown and the campus are walkable, and the main things to do are within easy reach on foot.