How Far Is It From Atlanta to Biloxi? Your Guide to Distance, Driving Time, and Travel Options
If you live in Atlanta and are thinking about a beach trip or a getaway to the Gulf Coast, Biloxi, Mississippi is one of the closest coastal options. Understanding how far it is from Atlanta to Biloxi—and the best ways to get there—can help you plan your route, timing, and budget.
The Distance From Atlanta to Biloxi
For most travelers starting in Atlanta, GA and heading to Biloxi, MS, here’s the basic distance:
- Driving distance: About 350–370 miles
- Typical drive time: Around 5.5 to 6.5 hours by car, depending on traffic and exact starting point
- Straight-line (air) distance: Roughly 320 miles
These estimates assume you’re leaving from somewhere near Downtown Atlanta or Midtown and heading to the Biloxi beachfront / Casino Row area.
Main Driving Route: Atlanta to Biloxi
The most common route from Atlanta to Biloxi is:
- I-85 South / I-285 (if needed) to connect to
- I-20 West toward Birmingham
- I-59 South from Birmingham toward Meridian
- I-10 East from near Slidell, Louisiana toward Biloxi, Mississippi
Typical Route Summary
| From Atlanta To… | Major Road | Approx. Segment Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL | I-20 W | ~150 miles | 2–2.5 hours from Atlanta |
| Meridian, MS | I-59 S | ~150 miles | Rural stretches, limited big-city stops |
| Biloxi, MS | I-59 S → I-10 E | ~70–90 miles | Brings you into coastal Mississippi |
Total: About 350–370 miles, generally 5.5–6.5 hours under normal conditions.
How Long Does the Drive Really Take From Atlanta?
From the perspective of someone in Atlanta, travel time can shift based on:
- Where you start
- From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): usually on the shorter end of the time range.
- From North Atlanta suburbs (e.g., Roswell, Alpharetta): usually add 20–40 minutes, especially at rush hour.
- Time of day
- Morning and evening rush around Downtown, Midtown, I-285, and I-20 can slow you down leaving the city.
- Construction and weather
- Road work on I-20 or I-59 and heavy rain along the Gulf can affect travel time.
For most Atlanta drivers, a 6-hour window is a realistic planning estimate, including a quick stop for gas or food.
Best Time to Leave Atlanta for Biloxi
To avoid the heaviest Atlanta traffic:
- Weekdays:
- Try leaving after 9:30 a.m. or before 3:00 p.m.
- Avoid starting your trip during 7:00–9:00 a.m. or 4:00–7:00 p.m. around I-75/85 and I-20 downtown.
- Weekends:
- Saturday mornings are usually smoother than Friday evenings.
- On holiday weekends, expect heavier traffic on I-20 West.
If you’re driving from inside the city (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead), it often works well to:
- Get on the road mid-morning, then stop for lunch around Birmingham, which is roughly halfway.
Driving From Key Atlanta Areas
Because Atlanta is spread out, your actual drive time will depend on your starting point:
- Downtown / Midtown Atlanta
- Easiest access to I-20 West.
- Expect ~5.5–6 hours total in good conditions.
- Buckhead / North Atlanta (e.g., Sandy Springs, Dunwoody)
- You may start with a short drive on GA-400, I-285, or Peachtree Road to connect to I-20.
- Plan for 6 to 6.5 hours, giving yourself extra time for city traffic.
- South Atlanta / Near the Airport (Hapeville, College Park, East Point)
- Quick access to I-285 and I-20.
- Often one of the fastest starting points, around 5.5–6 hours total.
Is There a Scenic Route From Atlanta to Biloxi?
If you’re not in a rush, you can adjust the route slightly without changing the distance too much:
- Via Montgomery, Alabama
- I-85 South from Atlanta to Montgomery
- Connect to US-231 / US-98 / I-10 toward the Mississippi Gulf Coast
- Similar overall distance, but a different mix of roads and scenery.
- Stops along the way many Atlanta travelers enjoy:
- Birmingham, AL – convenient halfway stop for food and fuel.
- Meridian, MS – another practical stop before you reach the coast.
This doesn’t dramatically change “how far” it is in miles, but it can change your driving experience.
Flying From Atlanta to Biloxi (Gulfport–Biloxi International)
Biloxi itself doesn’t have a major commercial airport, but Gulfport–Biloxi International Airport (GPT) is nearby and serves the coastal region.
From Atlanta:
- Departure airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL),
6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320 - Arrival airport: Gulfport–Biloxi International Airport (GPT), Gulfport, MS
- Flight distance: Around 320 miles (straight-line)
- Typical flight time: About 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes in the air (not including check-in, security, or ground transport).
Once you land at GPT, Biloxi is roughly:
- 15–25 minutes by car from the airport, depending on exact destination (e.g., casinos, beach, or downtown).
For someone based in Atlanta, flying can be time-competitive with driving if:
- You’re already near Hartsfield-Jackson, and
- You value arriving fresh and rested versus spending 6 hours on the road.
Bus or Other Ground Transportation From Atlanta
Direct long-distance bus routes from Atlanta to the Mississippi Gulf Coast can change over time. In general:
- You may find bus options that:
- Run from Downtown Atlanta to Mobile, AL, New Orleans, LA, or Jackson, MS, then require a transfer or local ride to Biloxi.
- Travel time by bus is usually:
- Longer than driving yourself, depending on transfers and schedules.
If you’re staying in Atlanta and don’t have a car, you might:
- Use MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) to reach:
- Five Points Station or Arts Center Station, then
- Walk or rideshare to a long-distance bus terminal (if using a national bus carrier).
Because schedules change, it’s best to confirm current routes and travel times directly with the carrier before planning your trip.
How Far From Atlanta to Biloxi Compared to Other Beach Trips?
For an Atlanta resident, Biloxi is often compared to other coastal drives:
- Atlanta to Biloxi: ~350–370 miles, about 6 hours
- Atlanta to Panama City Beach, FL: roughly 300–330 miles, around 5–5.5 hours
- Atlanta to Destin, FL: roughly 320–350 miles, around 5.5–6 hours
- Atlanta to Savannah / Tybee Island, GA: roughly 250–270 miles, around 4–4.5 hours
Biloxi is one of the closer Gulf Coast casino and beach destinations reachable in a day’s drive from Atlanta.
Practical Tips for Atlanta Drivers Heading to Biloxi
To make the most of the Atlanta-to-Biloxi trip:
- Plan fuel and food stops
- Birmingham, AL is a natural halfway break.
- If you’re leaving Atlanta mid-morning, lunchtime around Birmingham usually lines up well.
- Check Atlanta traffic before leaving
- Use local traffic apps or radio updates to see whether I-20 West is moving smoothly.
- If there are major incidents, you may choose a slightly different departure time.
- Watch weather near the Gulf
- Heavy rain or storms on the coast can slow you down during the final leg from I-10 into Biloxi.
- Consider your return timing
- If you must be back in Atlanta on a weekday morning, many residents choose to drive back the afternoon or evening before to avoid hitting rush hour on arrival.
Quick Reference: Atlanta to Biloxi at a Glance
How far is it from Atlanta to Biloxi?
- By road: about 350–370 miles
- Typical drive time:5.5–6.5 hours from most Atlanta neighborhoods
- By air (ATL to GPT): about 320 miles in the air, roughly 1–1.25 hours flying, plus airport and ground time
For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, Biloxi is a realistically one-day trip each way, close enough for a long weekend on the Gulf Coast while still manageable as a single continuous drive.