Atlanta to Los Angeles: Distance, Travel Time, and Best Ways to Get There

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Los Angeles, California, one of the first things you’ll want to know is: how far is it, and how long will it take to get there?

Below is a clear breakdown of the distance from Atlanta to Los Angeles, plus what that really means for flying, driving, and taking alternative routes.

How Far Is It From Atlanta to Los Angeles?

The distance from Atlanta to Los Angeles varies slightly depending on how you travel:

Travel TypeApproximate DistanceTypical Time (One Way)
Direct flight (air)~1,940 miles~4.5–5.5 hours in the air
Driving (road distance)~2,150–2,250 miles~31–35 hours of driving
Bus (multi-day)~2,200+ milesAbout 2–3 days with stops
Train (with connections)~2,200+ milesOften 2–3 days or more

All of these distances start from the Atlanta area (usually around Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport or central downtown) and end in the Greater Los Angeles area.

Flying From Atlanta to Los Angeles

For most people in Atlanta, flying is the fastest and most practical way to get to Los Angeles.

Flight Distance and Time

  • Nonstop flight distance: about 1,940 miles
  • Nonstop flight time: typically 4.5 to 5.5 hours in the air
  • Total trip time with airport processes: usually 6–8 hours door to door, depending on:
    • When you arrive at the airport
    • Security lines
    • Taxiing and any delays

Main Atlanta Departure Point

Most flights from Atlanta to Los Angeles depart from:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
General information: (800) 897-1910

This is Atlanta’s primary airport and a major hub, so multiple daily flights to Los Angeles–area airports are common.

Typical Los Angeles–Area Airports

From Atlanta, you may fly into:

  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – the primary airport for the LA region
  • Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) – convenient for Burbank, Hollywood, and parts of the Valley
  • Long Beach Airport (LGB) – smaller airport, south of downtown LA
  • Ontario International Airport (ONT) – further inland, useful for the Inland Empire area

When booking from Atlanta, check which LA-area airport is closest to where you’re staying, since that can affect your ground travel time after landing.

When to Arrive at ATL

For a domestic flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles, many travelers plan to:

  • Arrive at ATL about 2 hours before departure
  • Allow extra time during:
    • Early morning and late afternoon rush
    • Holidays and major events

Because ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world, giving yourself a cushion helps avoid stress, especially if you are checking bags.

Driving From Atlanta to Los Angeles

If you prefer a road trip or need to bring more belongings, you might consider driving from Atlanta to Los Angeles.

Driving Distance and Route

  • Typical driving distance: roughly 2,150–2,250 miles, depending on your exact route and LA destination.
  • A common route from Atlanta heads:
    1. West on I-20 toward Alabama and Mississippi
    2. Then connecting to interstates that lead through Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona
    3. Finally entering California and the Greater Los Angeles area

Because Atlanta is located in the Southeastern U.S. and Los Angeles on the West Coast, you will be crossing multiple states and time zones.

Driving Time

  • Pure driving time: about 31–35 hours without long stops
  • Realistic trip length with rest:
    • 3–5 days if you drive safely with overnight stays
    • Shorter if you share driving with others and limit sightseeing

Driving straight through without adequate rest is not recommended. Most people break the trip into segments, such as:

  • Atlanta → Dallas
  • Dallas → Albuquerque or Phoenix
  • Then into the Los Angeles area

Things Atlanta Drivers Should Consider

If you’re planning to drive from Atlanta:

  • Weather changes:
    • You might go from humid Southeast conditions to dry deserts and potentially cooler desert nights.
  • Vehicle prep:
    • Check fluids, tires, brakes, and air conditioning before leaving Atlanta.
    • Many Atlanta drivers schedule a quick inspection with a local mechanic before a long cross-country drive.
  • Time zones:
    • Atlanta is in Eastern Time (ET).
    • Los Angeles is in Pacific Time (PT), which is 3 hours behind Atlanta.
  • Costs:
    • Fuel, overnight stays, food, and tolls (depending on route) can add up and sometimes rival the cost of a flight, especially for solo travelers.

A long drive can be memorable if you plan to sightsee along the way, but if your priority is simply to get from Atlanta to Los Angeles quickly, flying is usually more practical.

Taking the Bus or Train From Atlanta to Los Angeles

Some travelers leaving Atlanta prefer bus or train travel for budget reasons or for the experience, even though it takes longer.

Bus Travel

  • Distance covered: around 2,200+ road miles
  • Total travel time: usually around 2–3 days, depending on:
    • Number of transfers
    • Length of layovers
    • Route taken

Buses typically depart from the Atlanta bus terminals in or near downtown. Because schedules and exact locations can change, many Atlanta residents confirm:

  • Departing address
  • Arrival station in the Los Angeles area
  • Baggage policies

before booking.

Train Travel (With Connections)

There is no single, direct train from Atlanta to Los Angeles, but many travelers:

  • Take a train from Atlanta’s Peachtree Station to another major city
  • Then transfer to a long-distance train heading toward the West Coast

Peachtree Station (Atlanta Amtrak)
1688 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309

Travel by train can be scenic and more relaxed, but:

  • It usually takes 2–3 days or more from Atlanta to Los Angeles
  • You will need to coordinate transfer times and layovers carefully

For both bus and train, Atlanta travelers often compare total travel time, comfort, and cost versus a standard flight.

Time Zone Difference: Atlanta vs. Los Angeles

When planning meetings, hotel check-ins, or arrivals:

  • Atlanta (Georgia): Eastern Time (ET)
  • Los Angeles (California): Pacific Time (PT)

Los Angeles is 3 hours behind Atlanta.

So if it’s 5:00 p.m. in Atlanta, it’s 2:00 p.m. in Los Angeles.
This matters when:

  • Booking flights and reading departure vs. arrival times
  • Planning calls with people back in Atlanta while you’re in Los Angeles
  • Scheduling check-ins, tours, or events in LA

Which Option Makes the Most Sense From Atlanta?

Here’s a quick guide for someone starting from Atlanta and heading to Los Angeles:

  • You want to get there fast:
    • Fly from ATL to an LA-area airport. Expect around 4.5–5.5 hours in the air and 6–8 hours total travel time.
  • You want a road-trip experience:
    • Drive from Atlanta to Los Angeles, around 2,150–2,250 miles and 3–5 days with reasonable stops.
  • You’re prioritizing budget and are flexible on time:
    • Consider bus or train from Atlanta, knowing it can take 2–3 days or more and involve transfers.

For anyone in Atlanta—whether you live here or are visiting and starting your journey from this city—the key takeaway is that Los Angeles is roughly 2,000 miles away by air and over 2,100 miles by road, and your best option depends on how quickly you need to arrive, your budget, and how you prefer to travel.