Planning a trip from Atlanta to New York City (NYC)? Whether you live in metro Atlanta, are flying through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), or visiting the city and want to add NYC to your itinerary, there are several practical ways to make the trip.
This guide walks through flights, trains, buses, and driving from Atlanta to NYC, with timing, costs, and local tips tailored specifically to Atlanta travelers.
Most common options from Atlanta to NYC:
Here’s a quick overview:
| Option | Typical Travel Time* | Best For | Main Atlanta Departure Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | ~2–2.5 hours in air | Speed, convenience, frequent schedules | Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta Intl Airport |
| Train (Amtrak) | ~18–20+ hours | Scenic travel, no driving | Peachtree Station (Brookwood) |
| Bus | ~14–18+ hours | Lowest cost, many daily departures | Atlanta bus terminals (e.g., Midtown/Downtown) |
| Driving | ~12–14+ hours | Full control, stops along the way | Anywhere in metro Atlanta |
*Does not include check-in, traffic, or layover time.
For most Atlanta-area travelers, flying is the go-to choice.
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
You can reach ATL by:
Major NYC-area airports commonly served from Atlanta:
Flight time is typically around two to two and a half hours, but plan extra time for:
If you prefer to avoid flying or driving, Amtrak offers a rail route from Atlanta to New York City.
Peachtree Station (Atlanta Amtrak)
The typical service between Atlanta and NYC is via a long-distance train line that:
This option works best if you:
Buses are often the most budget-friendly way to go from Atlanta to New York, but they take time.
Long-distance buses typically use central Atlanta locations, such as:
Specific terminals or pick-up points can vary by company, so always check the exact address when you book. Many Atlanta residents use rideshare, local bus, or MARTA rail to get to these locations.
Travel time is usually 14–18+ hours, depending on:
Many buses offer:
A bus from Atlanta to NYC can be a good choice if you:
If you’d rather be in complete control of your schedule, driving from Atlanta to NYC is possible in a long day or over one or two nights.
From central Atlanta (for example, near Downtown or Midtown) to Manhattan:
Travel time is generally around 12–14 hours of driving, not counting:
This option works best if you:
Your ideal way to go from Atlanta to New York City depends on your priorities:
No matter how you go from Atlanta to NYC, local transportation is key.
For many residents and visitors, MARTA is the simplest way to reach your starting point:
To ATL Airport:
To Central Bus Pick-Up Areas:
To Peachtree Station (Amtrak):
This can be convenient if you have luggage, are traveling late at night, or are coming from suburbs like Marietta, Decatur, Sandy Springs, or College Park.
When planning your Atlanta-to-NYC trip, think through:
Your schedule:
Your budget:
Your comfort level:
Your location in metro Atlanta:
By weighing these factors—with the realities of Atlanta traffic, MARTA access, and your own schedule—you can pick the flight, train, bus, or drive that makes the most sense for your trip from Atlanta to New York City.
