How Far Is It From Atlanta to Orlando? Your Complete Distance & Travel Guide

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Orlando, Florida—maybe for theme parks, a convention, or a family visit—knowing the distance from Atlanta to Orlando and your best travel options makes planning much easier.

Below is a clear breakdown of how far it is, how long it takes, and the best ways to get from Atlanta to Orlando depending on whether you’re driving, flying, or taking bus/train options.

How Far Is Atlanta From Orlando?

Driving distance

The driving distance from Atlanta to Orlando is typically:

• About 440–460 miles
• Route usually taken: I‑75 South from Atlanta, then connecting to Florida’s Turnpike or I‑4 toward Orlando

From Downtown Atlanta (around the Georgia State Capitol area) to Downtown Orlando, most mapping tools estimate:

• Approximate distance: ~440 miles
• Estimated drive time:6.5 to 7.5 hours in normal conditions

Traffic, construction, holiday travel, and weather can affect this significantly, especially:

• Leaving Atlanta during weekday rush hours
• Approaching Macon and Valdosta
• Approaching the Orlando metro area, particularly near I‑4 and theme park exits

Flying distance

If you’re flying from Atlanta to Orlando:

• Nonstop flight distance (air miles): roughly 400–410 miles
• Typical nonstop flight time: about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes in the air

Most nonstop flights operate between:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Some flights also operate to Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), though these are less common for Atlanta-based travelers compared to ATL–MCO routes.

Quick Comparison: Driving vs. Flying From Atlanta to Orlando

Door-to-door time for flying includes getting to ATL, security, boarding, and travel from MCO/SFB into Orlando.

Driving From Atlanta to Orlando

Main driving route from Atlanta

From most parts of Metro Atlanta, the standard route is:

1. Get onto I‑75 South (via the Downtown Connector I‑75/85, I‑285, or local connectors).
2. Continue on I‑75 South through Macon and Valdosta.
3. Once in Florida, continue on I‑75, then connect to:
   • Florida’s Turnpike South toward Orlando, or
   • Stay on I‑75 and use connectors to I‑4 East toward Orlando.

This is usually the fastest and most direct route.

How long does the drive actually take from Atlanta?

For an Atlanta-based traveler, realistic timing looks like this:

• Nonstop with light traffic: ~6.5 hours
• With gas, food, and restroom stops:7–8 hours is common
• Holiday or peak days: can stretch beyond 8–9 hours

If you’re leaving from different parts of Atlanta:

• From Downtown/Midtown Atlanta:
  Plan around 7–8 hours total with normal stops.
• From North Atlanta suburbs (e.g., Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta):
  Add 20–40 minutes depending on traffic getting to I‑75 South.
• From South Atlanta or near Hartsfield-Jackson:
  You may save 15–30 minutes since you’re already closer to the southbound corridor.

Tips for driving from Atlanta to Orlando

• Best times to depart Atlanta:
  • Early morning (before 7 a.m.)
  • Late morning after rush (around 10 a.m.–11 a.m.)
• Avoid:
  • Weekday rush hours on the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85)
  • Holiday weekends (especially around school breaks and major holidays)

Helpful things to plan:

• 🚗 Rest stops:
  Many travelers stop in or around Macon, Tifton, or Valdosta for fuel and food.
• 💳 Tolls in Florida:
  If you use Florida’s Turnpike, expect tolls. You can use:
  • Cash at staffed plazas (where available), or
  • Electronic tolls (like SunPass or toll-by-plate, depending on your vehicle/arrangement).

If you’re renting a car in Atlanta, confirm how toll billing works before heading to Florida.

Flying From Atlanta to Orlando

Airports: Atlanta to Orlando

Most travelers in Atlanta will use:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Location: South of downtown Atlanta, off I‑85
  • General info line: (800) 897-1910

Common Orlando-area arrival airports:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
  • Primary airport for theme parks and Orlando attractions
• Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
  • Smaller, north of Orlando; mostly select carriers and routes

Flight time from Atlanta to Orlando

For a nonstop ATL → MCO flight:

• In-air time: around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total trip time, door-to-door from Atlanta: often 3.5–5 hours, including:
  • Travel from your Atlanta home/hotel to ATL
  • Check-in, bag drop, security screening
  • Boarding and taxiing
  • Disembarking and picking up luggage in Orlando
  • Travel from MCO to your Orlando destination

If you live inside the Perimeter (I‑285) and use MARTA or a rideshare to reach ATL, flying can be very efficient for a long weekend or short trip.

Getting to ATL from around Atlanta

Some common options:

• MARTA Rail:
  • The Airport Station sits directly inside the Domestic Terminal.
  • From Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or any station on the Red/Gold lines, you can usually reach the airport in 20–45 minutes depending on your starting point.
• Car or rideshare:
  • From most intown neighborhoods: 20–40 minutes, longer in rush hour.
  • From northern suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta): often 45–75 minutes.

If you’re comparing drive vs. fly, consider: from walking out your door in Atlanta to arriving at a hotel in Orlando, flying may only save a few hours versus driving, depending on your exact locations and timing.

Bus and Train Options From Atlanta to Orlando

If you don’t want to drive or fly, there are ground transportation options:

Intercity bus services

Buses from Atlanta to Orlando generally:

• Travel distances similar to the driving route
• Take roughly 9–12+ hours, depending on:
  • Number of stops
  • Time of day
  • Traffic en route

Buses typically depart from central locations in or near Downtown Atlanta. For current schedules and pickup locations, check the major intercity bus operators serving Atlanta.

Who this works best for:

• Travelers who are budget-focused
• People who prefer not to drive
• Those who have flexible schedules and don’t mind longer travel times

Train options (Amtrak via nearby stations)

Atlanta itself is not on a direct north–south high-speed corridor to Orlando, but Amtrak does operate:

• Peachtree Station (ATL)
  • Address: 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

However, the most straightforward Amtrak route to Orlando often involves:

• A connection (such as traveling from Atlanta to a different city, then boarding a train heading down the east coast), or
• Starting from another station further east or south of Atlanta

This means:

• Travel times can be 12–16+ hours, depending on connections
• It’s typically slower and less direct than driving or flying from Atlanta

Best for:

• Those who prefer rail travel for comfort or scenery
• Travelers who are not in a hurry and enjoy a more relaxed journey

How to Choose the Best Way From Atlanta to Orlando

When you’re in or around Atlanta, your best option depends on:

1. Time vs. convenience

• Shortest total time:
  • Usually flying from ATL to MCO, especially from central Atlanta.
• Consistent routine/autonomy:
  • Driving gives you control over stops, timing, and what you bring.

2. Budget

• Budget-conscious:
  • Bus or carpooling can be cheaper than flying, especially for solo travelers.
  • Driving can be cost-effective for families or groups, once you split fuel, tolls, and parking.
• Willing to pay for speed and comfort:
  • Flying often wins for quick trips where every hour counts.

3. Where you are in Atlanta

• Intown (Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Westside, etc.):
  • Easy MARTA access to ATL -> flying is often attractive.
• Far north or south suburbs:
  • If reaching the airport takes an hour or more, driving directly to Orlando might be more appealing.

Practical Planning Tips for Atlanta–Orlando Trips

• Check travel times before you go:
  Use real-time navigation apps to check I‑75 traffic south of Atlanta, especially around rush hours and holidays.
• Think about your return time:
  Traffic back into Atlanta on Sunday evenings or after holidays can be heavy.
• Plan stops strategically:
  Cities like Macon, Tifton, and Valdosta make convenient mid-route breaks.
• If flying:
  Arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson early enough for security and allow extra time if traveling during peak periods like school breaks or major events in Atlanta.

In summary: Atlanta to Orlando is roughly 440–460 miles by road, usually 6.5–8 hours of driving, or about 1.5 hours of flying time (plus ground time on each end). Whether you live in Atlanta or are visiting and using the city as a starting point, you have multiple realistic options—driving for flexibility, flying for speed, or slower but budget-friendly ground transportation if you’re not in a rush.