How to Get to Atlanta by Road, Bus and Air

Atlanta sits at the crossroads of the Southeast, and your best route in depends on where you are starting, how much time you have, and whether you want to park once and walk.

Arriving by Air: Hartsfield-Jackson and the Second Airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is 10 miles south of downtown, with the domestic terminal on the west side and the international terminal on the east. MARTA's Red and Gold lines run from the domestic terminal to Peachtree Center and Midtown in 20 to 25 minutes for a flat fare. A rideshare to Downtown costs roughly $18 to $28 and takes 20 minutes in normal traffic; to Buckhead, 30 to 40 minutes and $30 to $45. If you land after midnight, the train stops around 1 a.m., so budget for a taxi or rideshare.

DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK) in Chamblee handles private and charter flights, but there is no scheduled airline service. For most visitors, ATL is the only practical airport. Book a hotel within walking distance of a MARTA station if you plan to use transit—Downtown around Peachtree Center, or Midtown near the Arts Center station. If your trip centers on Buckhead, a hotel near Lenox Square or Phipps Plaza saves you a car transfer.

By Road: Interstates, Drive Times and Parking

I-85 and I-75 converge just north of Midtown at the Brookwood interchange, then run south through the city as the Downtown Connector. I-20 crosses east-west south of downtown. From Charlotte, the drive is about 4 hours via I-85 South. From Nashville, 4 hours via I-24 East to I-75 South. From Birmingham, 2.5 hours via I-20 East. From Savannah, 4 hours via I-16 West to I-75 North. From New Orleans, 7 hours via I-10 East to I-65 North to I-85 North.

Arrive outside weekday windows of 7 to 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. if you can; the Connector can turn a 15-minute hop into 50 minutes. Hotel parking Downtown and Midtown runs $25 to $45 per night; Buckhead and Perimeter Center are often $15 to $25. Many suburban hotels include parking. If you are driving in for a convention at AmericasMart or Mercedes-Benz Stadium, book a hotel with a garage and walk or take MARTA rather than moving the car.

By Bus: Greyhound, Megabus and the Stations to Know

Greyhound's Atlanta station is at 232 Forsyth Street SW, directly across from the Garnett MARTA station on the Red and Gold lines. Megabus drops at 435 West Peachtree Street NW near the Civic Center MARTA station. FlixBus uses curbside stops around Downtown and Midtown; check your ticket for the exact corner. From Charlotte, buses take about 5 hours; from Birmingham, 2.5 hours; from Nashville, 4 hours.

Bus arrivals often land late at night. The Forsyth Street area is quiet after dark, so if you arrive after 10 p.m., book a Downtown hotel within a few blocks—the area around Peachtree Center and the Hilton Atlanta on Courtland Street is a short ride or a 15-minute walk. For Megabus, a Midtown hotel near West Peachtree and 10th Street puts you within walking distance. Buses are the cheapest option, but the schedule is thin on Sundays and holidays.

Which Option to Book, and What to Skip

If you are coming from more than 250 miles away, fly into ATL. The time saved beats the fare difference once you count fuel, stops and Atlanta's traffic. If you are within 150 miles—Chattanooga, Athens, Macon, Columbus—drive; you will want a car for the suburbs anyway. Take the bus only if the schedule fits your arrival window and you are staying near a MARTA station. For a first visit, I would book a hotel in Midtown near the Arts Center or Midtown stations: walkable to restaurants, a 10-minute train ride to Downtown, and easy access to I-85 and I-75.

Skip the rental car if you are staying inside the Perimeter and sticking to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead and Decatur; MARTA and rideshares cover those well, and hotel parking adds up. Rent a car only for day trips to Stone Mountain, Six Flags Over Georgia, or the North Georgia mountains. April, May, September and October are the most comfortable months for walking; July and August afternoons regularly hit the mid-90s, so plan indoor stops between 1 and 4 p.m.

Questions, answered

How do I get from ATL airport to Downtown Atlanta?

Take MARTA's Red or Gold line from the domestic terminal to Peachtree Center; it runs every 10 to 20 minutes and takes about 20 minutes. A rideshare costs roughly $18 to $28 and takes 20 minutes outside rush hour.

Is it better to drive or fly to Atlanta?

Fly if you are more than 250 miles away; the time savings outweigh the extra cost. Drive if you are within 150 miles, such as from Chattanooga, Athens or Macon, and want a car for suburban stops.

Where do buses arrive in Atlanta?

Greyhound arrives at 232 Forsyth Street SW, across from Garnett MARTA station. Megabus stops at 435 West Peachtree Street NW near Civic Center station. FlixBus uses curbside stops in Downtown and Midtown.

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