How Far Is It From Atlanta to Chicago? Your Complete Distance and Travel Guide

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Chicago, Illinois, you’ll want to know not just how far it is, but also how long it takes and the best ways to get there from Atlanta’s major travel hubs.

Below is a clear breakdown of distance, travel time, and transportation options specifically from Atlanta to Chicago, plus tips that matter for Atlanta residents and visitors.

How Far Is Atlanta From Chicago?

In general, Atlanta to Chicago is about 590–720 miles, depending on your exact route and mode of travel.

• By car (road distance): roughly 700–720 miles
• By air (straight-line distance): about 590 miles
• By train or bus (via existing routes): similar to driving distance, but with route variations

For most people in Atlanta, the two main starting points are:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Chicago has two major airports:

• O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – northwest of downtown
• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – closer to downtown, on the southwest side

Quick Comparison: Distance & Typical Travel Times

*Times are general ranges and can vary with traffic, weather, and schedules.

Driving From Atlanta to Chicago

How Far Is Chicago by Car From Atlanta?

Driving from Atlanta to Chicago is roughly:

• 700–720 miles one way
• Commonly 10–12 hours of actual drive time, not including gas, food, or rest stops.

This makes it a full-day drive for most Atlanta travelers.

Typical Driving Routes

Most Atlanta drivers follow interstate highways the entire way. Two of the most common routes:

1. I-75 North → I-24 → I-57 → I-80/I-94

   • General path: Atlanta → Chattanooga → Nashville → southern Illinois → into the Chicago area
   • Good if you prefer staying on major interstates with plenty of services.

2. I-75 North → I-24 → I-65 → I-94

   • General path: Atlanta → Chattanooga → Nashville → Louisville → Indianapolis → Chicago region
   • Also popular and well-traveled, with several major city stops.

Both routes keep you on well-maintained highways with frequent gas stations, rest areas, and food options, which is reassuring if you’re leaving from Metro Atlanta early in the morning or late at night.

Driving Tips From Atlanta

• Plan your departure time.
  To avoid Atlanta rush hour, try to leave:

  • Before 7:00 a.m., or
  • After about 9:30 a.m., or
  • Later in the evening after 7:00 p.m.

• Expect multiple major-city traffic zones.
  Besides Atlanta traffic, you may pass or skirt:

  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Nashville, TN
  • Possibly Louisville, KY or Indianapolis, IN
  • The Chicago metro area, which has its own heavy traffic

• Weather awareness.
  In winter, the further north you drive, the higher your chance of snow and ice, especially around Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. In summer, allow for heavy rain and thunderstorms, particularly through Tennessee.

• Overnight stops.
  If you don’t want to do the whole 10–12 hours in one stretch, many drivers from Atlanta break up the trip with an overnight stay in:

  • Nashville, TN, or
  • Somewhere in southern Illinois or Indiana

Flying From Atlanta to Chicago

For many people in Atlanta, the fastest and most convenient way to get to Chicago is by air.

How Far Is Atlanta to Chicago by Air?

• The air distance between ATL (Atlanta) and the Chicago area is about 590 miles.
• Most nonstop flights take around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours and 15 minutes in the air.

However, when you include:

• Travel to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Security screening
• Boarding
• Taxiing and possible delays

…the total door-to-door time from your home or hotel in Atlanta to a destination in Chicago is more realistically 3.5 to 5+ hours.

Main Airports Used

In Atlanta:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Major hub with frequent flights to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Chicago Midway (MDW).
  • Easy to reach from:
    • MARTA train (Airport Station at the end of the Red and Gold lines)
    • I-75, I-85, and surrounding Atlanta highways

In Chicago:

• O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

  • Large airport northwest of downtown Chicago
  • Connected to the city by the Blue Line train and multiple ground transportation options.

• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

  • Closer to downtown than O’Hare
  • Accessible via the Orange Line train and bus options.

Flight Tips for Atlanta Travelers

• Arrive early at ATL.
  Because ATL is one of the world’s busiest airports, many travelers allow:

  • 2 hours before a domestic flight as a baseline
  • More time during major holidays or peak travel periods

• Use MARTA if you’re staying in-town.
  If you’re in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, riding MARTA straight to Airport Station can be easier than dealing with parking and airport traffic.

• Compare arrival airports in Chicago.

  • O’Hare (ORD): More flights, but farther from downtown, potentially more time in transit once you land.
  • Midway (MDW): Often more convenient for quickly reaching Chicago’s central neighborhoods.

Taking the Train: Atlanta to Chicago by Amtrak

There is no single direct Amtrak train from Atlanta to Chicago, but it is still possible to travel largely by rail with connections.

How the Route Typically Works

From Atlanta, you start at:

• Amtrak Peachtree Station
  1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

From there, many travelers:

1. Take the Crescent (train line) from Atlanta north to a connection point (often Washington, D.C. or another major rail hub), and then
2. Transfer to another Amtrak route heading west to Chicago.

Because routes and schedules can shift over time, it’s important to check the latest Amtrak schedule before planning.

Distance and Time by Train

• The overall distance is similar to or slightly longer than driving, due to routing.
• Total travel time can range roughly from 13 to 18 hours or more, often with overnight segments and layovers.

When Train Travel Makes Sense

For someone in Atlanta, train travel to Chicago can be appealing if you:

• Prefer not to fly
• Enjoy during-the-day scenery and more legroom
• Don’t mind a longer total travel time and possible overnight travel

Bus Travel: Atlanta to Chicago by Intercity Bus

Several intercity bus lines connect Atlanta and Chicago, usually with one or more stops or transfers.

Distance & Time by Bus

• The road distance is still around 700–750 miles.
• Bus trips typically take 12–16 hours, depending on:
  • Route
  • Traffic
  • Number of stops and transfers

Common Atlanta Departure Areas

While specific terminals can change over time, intercity buses commonly use major hubs in or near central Atlanta with access to MARTA and major roads. If you’re staying in:

• Downtown or Midtown, plan extra time to get to the bus terminal or stop using:
  • MARTA
  • Rideshare
  • Taxi

Pros and Cons for Atlanta Riders

Advantages:

• Often cheaper than flying
• No need to drive yourself or pay for long-term parking
• Can depart from relatively central Atlanta locations

Trade-offs:

• Longer travel time than flying or direct driving
• Limited personal space compared with driving your own car
• Schedule may not perfectly match your ideal departure/arrival times

Choosing the Best Option From Atlanta

When deciding how to get from Atlanta to Chicago, consider:

1. Time vs. Cost

• If you value speed, flying from ATL to ORD or MDW is usually fastest door-to-door.
• If you value budget and don’t mind a long trip, bus or train may work.
• If you value flexibility, driving lets you leave when you want and stop along the way.

2. Where You Are in Atlanta

• If you’re near a MARTA rail line or staying in:

  • Downtown
  • Midtown
  • Buckhead
    then flying is especially convenient because you can reach Hartsfield-Jackson directly via MARTA.

• If you’re in the suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, or Fayetteville), consider:

  • Whether it’s easier to drive all the way, or
  • Drive/ride to ATL, park, and fly.

3. Weather and Season

• Winter:

  • Flights may face delays due to snow and ice in Chicago.
  • Driving can be riskier in the northern sections of the route.

• Summer:

  • Afternoon storms in the Southeast and Midwest can affect both flights and driving conditions.

Planning ahead, building in extra buffer time, and checking up-to-date conditions before departure are especially helpful when traveling this distance.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Driving distance: Around 700–720 miles from Atlanta to Chicago, usually 10–12 hours of driving.
• Flight distance: About 590 miles, with 1.75–2.25 hours in the air and 3.5–5+ hours total door-to-door.
• Train and bus routes exist but are slower, typically 12+ hours with connections or multiple stops.
• For most people starting in Atlanta, the choice comes down to driving vs. flying, depending on your schedule, budget, and comfort with long-distance road trips.