How Far Is Dallas From Atlanta? Your Practical Travel Guide

If you live in Atlanta, you’ll find yourself comparing cities a lot—especially other big hubs like Dallas, Texas. Whether you’re planning a road trip, a quick flight, or just curious about the distance, understanding how far Dallas is from Atlanta helps you plan time, cost, and logistics.

Below is a clear breakdown of distance, travel time, and your main options to get from Atlanta to Dallas (and back), with tips tailored to people starting from the Atlanta area.

The Basic Distance: Dallas to Atlanta

Straight-line (air) distance:

• Roughly 720–780 miles (about 1,160–1,255 km) between Dallas and Atlanta.
• This is often listed as around 730 miles for flight planning purposes.

Driving distance (road):

• From Downtown Atlanta to Downtown Dallas:
  • About 780–820 miles, depending on route.
  • The most common route is generally along I‑20 West almost the entire way.

How Long Does It Take To Get From Atlanta to Dallas?

Quick Overview by Transportation Type

Times can vary with traffic, weather, construction, and exact starting point in metro Atlanta.

Flying From Atlanta to Dallas ✈️

For most people in Atlanta, flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Dallas.

Distance and Flight Time

• Flight distance: Around 730 miles.
• Flight time: About 2 to 2.5 hours of actual airtime on a nonstop flight.
• With check-in, security, boarding, and arrival:
  • Plan on 4–5 hours total door-to-door airport-to-airport, not counting travel to and from each airport in the city.

Departure and Arrival Airports

From Atlanta, you’ll almost always fly out of:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  Major domestic and international hub on the south side of the city.

Common arrival airports in Dallas area include:

• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – Large international hub between Dallas and Fort Worth.
• Dallas Love Field (DAL) – Closer to Downtown Dallas, often used by domestic carriers.

Getting to ATL from Around Atlanta

Options from Atlanta and nearby suburbs:

• MARTA Rail:
  • The Red and Gold lines go directly to the Airport Station, located inside the domestic terminal.
  • Good option if you’re coming from Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or near a station.
• Car or Rideshare:
  • Main access via I‑85, I‑75, and Camp Creek Parkway.
  • Allow extra time during rush hours (morning and evening weekday peaks).
• Regional Access:
  • If you’re in outer suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Lawrenceville, McDonough), expect 30–70 minutes drive to ATL, depending on traffic.

Driving From Atlanta to Dallas 🚗

If you’d rather drive from Atlanta to Dallas, you’ll be crossing multiple states and time zones.

Approximate Driving Distance and Time

• Driving distance: About 780–820 miles.
• Typical drive time: Around 11 to 13 hours of actual driving time.
  • Add more time for meals, fuel stops, and breaks.
  • Many Atlanta drivers split the trip into two days for comfort.

Common Route From Atlanta

Most drivers from Atlanta to Dallas use I‑20 West:

1. Start on I‑20 W leaving Atlanta.
2. Continue through:
   • West Georgia (passing cities like Douglasville and Villa Rica),
   • Into Alabama (through Birmingham),
   • Then Mississippi (passing Meridian, Jackson),
   • Louisiana (through Shreveport),
   • And finally into Texas, heading toward Dallas.
3. Continue on I‑20 W until you reach the Dallas metro area.

This route is relatively simple, with I‑20 being your main interstate for most of the trip.

Time Zone Change

On this route, you cross from the Eastern Time Zone (Atlanta) into the Central Time Zone (Dallas):

• When you cross into Alabama and continue west, you’ll effectively gain one hour going from Atlanta to Dallas.
• When you return to Atlanta, you lose one hour, so keep this in mind when planning arrival times.

Driving Tips for Atlanta-Based Travelers

• Leave early: Starting in Atlanta before morning rush hour (especially if you’re near I‑285, I‑20, or Downtown) can save time.
• Plan fuel stops ahead: Once you’re in more rural stretches of Mississippi and Louisiana, services are available but can be spaced out.
• Weather checks:
  • In winter, check for storms or icy conditions along I‑20.
  • In spring and summer, be aware of heavy rain and thunderstorms in the Southeast and Texas.
• Parking in Dallas:
  • Plan ahead if you’re heading straight into Downtown Dallas or busy districts; garages and paid lots are common.

Bus Options From Atlanta to Dallas

If you don’t want to fly or drive yourself, intercity buses may connect Atlanta and Dallas, sometimes with transfers.

Typical Bus Distance and Time

• The road distance is similar: about 780–820 miles.
• Bus travel time: Often 12–16 hours or more, depending on:
  • Number of stops,
  • Transfers,
  • Chosen route.

Departing From Atlanta

Bus lines commonly use major terminals or stops in and around Downtown Atlanta and nearby areas. Because specific carriers and locations can change over time, it’s smart to:

• Check current departure and arrival points in Atlanta (commonly around central or midtown areas).
• Confirm schedule, route, and whether the bus is direct or requires a transfer.

Bus travel is usually slower but can be more budget-friendly, especially if you book in advance.

Is There a Train From Atlanta to Dallas?

There is no single, direct passenger train that runs straight from Atlanta to Dallas.

If you want to include train travel, you’d generally need to:

• Combine Amtrak service (for certain segments) with buses or rental cars for other parts of the journey.
• This can extend total travel time well beyond 17 hours, depending on connections.

For most Atlanta travelers, flying or driving is far more practical than trying to piece together a rail-based route.

Choosing the Best Way to Travel From Atlanta to Dallas

From an Atlanta perspective, here’s how the main options compare:

1. Flying (Fastest)

• Best if:
  • You want to maximize time in Dallas.
  • You’re okay with airport security and check-in routines.
• Pros:
  • Around 2–2.5 hours in the air.
  • Multiple flights per day from ATL.
• Cons:
  • May be more expensive than driving for groups.
  • Need to factor in travel to/from airports.

2. Driving (Most Control)

• Best if:
  • You like road trips.
  • You want flexibility with departure times and stops, or you need a car in Dallas.
• Pros:
  • Full control over schedule.
  • Can combine with other stops (e.g., Birmingham, Jackson, Shreveport).
• Cons:
  • 11–13 hours of driving is long for one day.
  • Gas, tolls (where applicable), and potential overnight stay add up.

3. Bus (Budget-Friendly, Slower)

• Best if:
  • You’re looking for a lower-cost option and don’t mind a long ride.
• Pros:
  • You don’t have to drive.
  • Typically more affordable than last-minute flights.
• Cons:
  • Long travel time (12–16+ hours).
  • Schedules and comfort vary.

Helpful Planning Tips for Atlantans

• Compare total time, not just distance.
  While the flight covers about 730 miles quickly, add airport logistics. A long drive can sometimes be comparable in total “door-to-door” time, especially if you live far from ATL.
• Think about your starting point in metro Atlanta.
  Residents in South Fulton, College Park, East Point, or Hapeville are close to ATL, making flying extra convenient. If you’re up in Cumming, Woodstock, or Loganville, a long drive to the airport may narrow the advantage of flying.
• Check time zone differences when making plans.
  Dallas is in Central Time, so if you’re coordinating meetings or events, adjust from Eastern Time accordingly.
• Account for traffic leaving or returning to Atlanta.
  If you’re driving, try to avoid:
  • Morning peak: roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.
  • Evening peak: roughly 4–7 p.m., especially around I‑285, I‑20, I‑75/85, and GA‑400.

In summary, Dallas is roughly 730 miles from Atlanta by air and about 780–820 miles by road. Expect around 2–2.5 hours on a nonstop flight or 11–13 hours of driving from the Atlanta area, with bus options taking longer. How you travel depends on your priorities for cost, time, and comfort, but starting from Atlanta, you have multiple solid ways to make the trip.