How Far Is It From Atlanta to Chicago? Distance, Travel Time, and Best Ways to Go

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Chicago, Illinois, you’re probably wondering how far it is, how long it takes, and which travel option makes the most sense. Whether you’re an Atlanta local heading north for work, a visitor planning a side trip, or just comparing cities, this guide breaks down the distance and your main ways to get from Atlanta to Chicago.

The Basic Distance: Atlanta to Chicago

The distance from Atlanta to Chicago depends on how you travel:

  • By road (driving distance): about 715–725 miles
  • By air (nonstop flight distance): about 590–600 miles “as the crow flies”

Most people in Atlanta experience the trip in one of three ways: flying, driving, or taking a bus/train combination.

Flying From Atlanta to Chicago

For most people in Atlanta, flying is the fastest and easiest way to reach Chicago.

Flight Distance and Time

  • Approximate air distance:~600 miles
  • Typical nonstop flight time:1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes

That’s just time in the air. You’ll also want to factor in:

  • Getting to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Security screening and boarding
  • Taxiing and possible delays
  • Getting from the airport in Chicago into the city

Airports You’ll Use

In Atlanta:

  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
    • Location: South of downtown, off I-85
    • Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
    • Main hub for many major airlines and a busy origin point for flights to Chicago.

In Chicago:

Most Atlanta flights go to one of two major airports:

  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – large, international hub on the northwest side of the metro area.
  • Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – smaller than O’Hare, located closer to downtown on the southwest side.

Total Travel Time Door-to-Door

From an Atlanta perspective, the full door-to-door time usually looks like:

  • Travel to ATL: 20–60 minutes from most parts of metro Atlanta (longer during rush hour).
  • Airport arrival before flight: commonly 1.5–2 hours before departure.
  • Flight time: around 2 hours.
  • Arrival + getting to central Chicago: 30–60 minutes depending on airport and traffic.

Realistically, plan on 5–7 hours total from your home, hotel, or office in Atlanta to a destination in central Chicago.

When Flying Makes the Most Sense

Flying is usually best if:

  • You’re on a tight schedule.
  • You don’t enjoy long drives.
  • You’re going for business or a quick weekend trip.
  • You’re already used to getting in and out of ATL and prefer speed over flexibility.

Driving From Atlanta to Chicago

If you prefer your own car, want to control your schedule, or are planning a road trip, driving from Atlanta to Chicago is very doable in a long day.

Driving Distance and Route

  • Typical driving distance:715–725 miles
  • Estimated drive time (no long stops):11–13 hours

Most drivers in Atlanta take a version of this common route:

  1. Start in Atlanta and head north on I-75.
  2. Continue through Chattanooga, Tennessee.
  3. Merge onto I-24 (toward Nashville).
  4. Then head toward I-57 or I-65 (depending on route choice).
  5. Continue north into Illinois, then follow signs to Chicago.

The exact path can vary based on traffic, construction, and your navigation app. Many people from Atlanta look at:

  • I-75 → I-24 → I-57 → I-294/I-90 into Chicago, or
  • I-75 → I-24 → I-65 → I-80/I-94 into Chicago.

Both are long but straightforward interstate routes.

How Long the Drive Really Takes

On paper, 11–13 hours is common. In practice, from Atlanta you should consider:

  • Traffic leaving Atlanta, especially on:
    • I-75/I-85 downtown connector
    • I-285 (the Perimeter) during rush hours
  • Mountain and hilly stretches near Chattanooga
  • Possible slowdowns near major cities along the way and around Chicago

Many Atlanta drivers find that with fuel stops, meals, and short breaks, the trip can stretch to 12–15 hours.

Simple Road vs. Air Comparison

OptionApprox. DistanceTypical Total Time (From Atlanta Home/Hotel)Best For
Flying~600 air miles5–7 hoursSpeed, short trips, business
Driving~720 road miles12–15 hoursFlexibility, road trips, scenery

Taking a Bus or Train From Atlanta to Chicago

If you’d rather not drive or fly, you can get from Atlanta to Chicago using intercity bus or Amtrak, but it takes significantly longer than flying and even longer than most drives.

Intercity Bus From Atlanta

Bus trips from Atlanta to Chicago are typically:

  • Distance traveled: roughly comparable to driving (700+ miles)
  • Travel time: can range from 13 hours to over 18 hours, often with transfers

Buses usually depart from or near Downtown Atlanta. From here, routes go north or northwest toward Tennessee and beyond, then continue to Illinois.

Bus travel might be useful if:

  • You don’t drive or prefer not to.
  • You want a lower upfront cost compared to many last-minute flights.
  • You don’t mind the longer travel time and shared seating.

Train (Amtrak) From Atlanta

Atlanta does have Amtrak service, but it is not a quick direct route to Chicago.

  • Atlanta Amtrak Station
    • Address: 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
    • Located in the Brookwood area between Midtown and Buckhead.

From an Atlanta resident’s perspective, getting to Chicago by train usually involves:

  • Traveling on an Amtrak line that may require connections in other cities (for example, Washington, D.C. or New Orleans, depending on route).
  • Very long total travel time, which can be much longer than driving.

Train travel is more of a scenic, slow-travel option, not a fast way to cover the distance between Atlanta and Chicago.

How to Choose the Best Way From Atlanta to Chicago

From Atlanta, the “best” way depends on your priorities.

Choose Flying If…

  • ⏱ Time is critical. You need to be in Chicago the same day with minimal travel hours.
  • ✈ You’re comfortable with Atlanta airport routines and security.
  • 👔 You’re traveling for business, meetings, or short weekend visits.
  • 🌧 You want to avoid winter road conditions between Georgia and the Midwest.

Choose Driving If…

  • 🛣 You enjoy road trips and want to control your stops and schedule.
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 You’re traveling with family or a group, which can spread out costs.
  • 🚗 You want a car in Chicago without renting one.
  • 🧳 You’re bringing items that are harder to fly with.

Consider Bus or Train If…

  • 🚍 You don’t want to drive and prefer not to fly.
  • 💰 You’re looking for a potentially lower-cost option and are flexible on time.
  • 😌 You’re okay with very long travel days in exchange for letting someone else handle the driving.

What Atlantans Should Factor In Before Leaving

Because your starting point is Atlanta, some local considerations can help you plan more smoothly.

1. Getting to and From Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL)

If you’re flying, think through how you’ll reach the airport:

  • MARTA (rail):

    • The Red and Gold lines go directly to the Airport Station, located inside the Domestic Terminal.
    • This can be the most predictable way to get to ATL from Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or North Springs.

  • Driving and parking:

    • Large airport parking decks and lots are available, plus long-term off-site parking near the airport.
    • From central Atlanta, budget 30–60+ minutes in case of traffic on I-75, I-85, or I-285.

2. Atlanta Traffic Timing

If you’re driving to Chicago from Atlanta:

  • Try to avoid departure during rush hours:
    • Morning: roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.
    • Evening: roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.
  • Leaving very early in the morning or later in the evening can help you get past:
    • The Downtown Connector (I-75/85) congestion
    • Crowded segments of I-285

3. Weather Differences

Atlanta’s weather is generally milder than Chicago’s, especially in winter.

  • In winter, be prepared for:
    • Snow, ice, and very low temperatures in and around Chicago.
    • Possible road hazards on your driving route between Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois.

If you’re used to Atlanta’s winters, Chicago can feel significantly colder, so plan clothing and car supplies accordingly if you’re driving.

Quick Reference: How Far and How Long From Atlanta to Chicago?

From the perspective of someone in Atlanta:

  • Straight-line distance (city to city): about 600 miles
  • Driving distance: about 715–725 miles
  • Typical nonstop flight time:1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Door-to-door trip by air from Atlanta: usually 5–7 hours total
  • Typical drive time from Atlanta:12–15 hours including breaks
  • Bus/train options: usually longer than driving, more suitable for those prioritizing cost or avoiding flying

Understanding these distances and times helps you choose the travel method that fits your schedule, budget, and comfort level—whether you’re an Atlanta local planning a Chicago getaway or a visitor using Atlanta as your starting point.