Traveling from somewhere in the continental United States to the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia can take anywhere from a few hours by plane to several days by car, depending on your starting point. With its rich history, booming business scene, and wealth of attractions, Atlanta is a popular destination for tourists and business travelers alike. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the various routes and transportation methods for getting to Atlanta from the US, approximate travel times, and tips for planning your ideal trip.
Flying to Atlanta
For most travelers coming from elsewhere in the US, flying is the fastest and most convenient option for getting to Atlanta. The city is served by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the country's busiest airports and a major hub for Delta Air Lines.
From the Northeast US: Flight times from New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. average about 2-3 hours. With the frequency of flights and multitude of carriers like Delta, American Airlines, and United serving these routes, it's easy to find an affordable fare and flexible departure.
From the Midwest: Major Midwest hubs like Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, and St. Louis are about 2-2.5 hours away from Atlanta by direct flight. Delta and other major airlines offer regular nonstop routes.
From Texas and the South Central US: From Dallas and Houston, expect flights around 2 hours. Coming from Memphis, Nashville or New Orleans, flights are only 1-1.5 hours.
From Florida and the Southeast: Flights connect Atlanta to Miami, Orlando, Tampa and other Florida cities in under 2 hours. Journeys are even shorter from cities like Charlotte, Charleston and Savannah at about an hour or less.
From the West Coast: Cross-country flights arrive from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Francisco and Seattle in 4-6 hours, depending on your departure city. Southwest, Delta, and American Airlines frequently offer these routes.
From Hawaii and Alaska: Travelers from Anchorage can get to Atlanta in 6 hours nonstop on Delta. Flying from Honolulu takes about 10 hours with a connection.
Driving to Atlanta
For road trippers traveling to Atlanta by car, drive times can vary greatly based on your starting point. Here are some estimated driving times from major US cities:
From New York City: A road trip from NYC to Atlanta covers about 12 hours and 780 miles on a direct route taking I-95 South to I-20 West.
From Chicago: Driving the 700 miles from Chicago takes approximately 11.5 hours. Take I-57 South to I-24 East.
From Dallas: Making the 790 mile drive along I-20 East from Dallas takes around 12.5 hours.
From Los Angeles: Getting to Atlanta from LA involves a cross-country haul of over 2,000 miles taking 40+ hours of nonstop driving.
From Miami: The 660 mile trip up I-95 North and I-75 North takes around 11 hours.
Travelers from the West Coast and points beyond may choose to break up the extended drive to Atlanta into multiple days. No matter your starting point, be sure to account for rest stops, gas fill-ups, meals, and potential traffic delays in your travel time.
Traveling to Atlanta by Train
While less convenient than flying for long distances, Amtrak train service connects Atlanta to cities like New York, Chicago, New Orleans, Charlotte, and more. For example, the Crescent route from New York to Atlanta covers 1,377 miles in about 27 hours. From Los Angeles, expect a multi-day trip with transfers, taking 100+ hours in total.
Within the Southeast, rail can provide a scenic alternative to driving. The Palmetto route connects Charleston to Atlanta in 6.5 hours. And the City of New Orleans makes the trip from Memphis in under 8 hours.
Travel Tips for Arriving in Atlanta
- Book flights in advance for the best fares and availability, especially during peak seasons.
- Consider flying mid-week as weekends tend to be pricier.
- Have your hotel address handy when arriving at the airport to tell cab or rideshare drivers.
- Avoid rush hours if driving into downtown Atlanta.
- Take MARTA rail from the airport or use ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft.
- Reserve an airport parking spot in advance for long stays.
- Fill up on gas before entering Atlanta since prices are higher.
- Allow extra time for Atlanta's frequent traffic congestion.
No matter how you get to Atlanta, proper planning ensures you'll arrive refreshed, relaxed, and ready to explore this captivating Southern destination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Traveling to Atlanta
How long is the flight from New York to Atlanta?
Flights from New York to Atlanta take around 2-3 hours, with many daily nonstop options on Delta, American, United and other major carriers.
What is the cheapest and fastest way to get to Atlanta from Los Angeles?
The fastest way is to fly nonstop, which takes about 4 hours. Flying is also generally cheaper than driving or taking the train from LA. Shop for deals on Delta, American, Southwest and other airlines.
How long does it take to drive from Miami to Atlanta?
Driving the approximately 660 miles from Miami to Atlanta takes around 11 hours with nonstop highway driving. Be sure to account for breaks and traffic delays.
What is the train travel time from Chicago to Atlanta?
On Amtrak, the train from Chicago to Atlanta takes about 27 hours to cover 1,100 miles. This includes transfers along the route. For shorter travel times, flying is recommended.
How far is Atlanta from New Orleans by car?
The drive from New Orleans to Atlanta is about 462 miles, which takes roughly 8 hours by direct highway driving without stops factored in.
In summary, when planning travel to Atlanta from across the US, flying is generally the fastest option and most convenient for long distances. The flight time from most major cities is 2-4 hours. Driving times can range widely from 8 hours up to 2+ days cross-country. Train is scenic but slower. No matter how you choose to get to Atlanta, smart preparation ensures a smooth journey to this great Southern hub.
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