How Far Is It from Atlanta to Philadelphia? Distance, Travel Time, and Best Ways to Go

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the first thing you’ll want to know is: how far is it, and what’s the easiest way to get there?

Whether you’re visiting family, heading to a conference, or planning a quick getaway from Atlanta, this guide walks through distance, drive times, flights, trains, and buses, all from an Atlanta perspective.

How Far Is Atlanta from Philadelphia?

The distance between Atlanta and Philadelphia depends on how you travel:

• Driving distance: about 780–800 miles by road
• Flight distance (straight line): about 665–700 miles
• Train distance: similar to driving, since routes go through the same general corridor
• Bus distance: around 750–800 miles, depending on the route

For most Atlanta travelers, the big question is less about exact miles and more about time, cost, and convenience. Here’s a quick overview.

Travel Options from Atlanta to Philadelphia at a Glance

*Actual times vary with traffic, weather, time of day, and route.

Driving from Atlanta to Philadelphia

If you’re starting in the Atlanta metro area and prefer to be in control of your schedule, driving can be a good option.

Typical Driving Distance and Time

• Distance: about 780–800 miles
• Time: usually 11 to 13 hours of driving time, without long stops
• Primary route from Atlanta:
  • Commonly via I‑85 North, then connecting to I‑95 North toward Philadelphia

Many Atlanta drivers take:

• I‑85 North out of Atlanta
• Continue through South Carolina and North Carolina
• Connect with highways toward Virginia, then I‑95 North through Maryland and Delaware
• Continue to the Philadelphia area

What Atlanta Drivers Should Plan For

• Traffic leaving Atlanta:
  • Expect heavier congestion around Downtown Connector (I‑75/85), I‑285, and major interchanges during rush hours.
• Overnight vs. same-day drive:
  • Some Atlanta travelers prefer splitting the trip with an overnight stop (for example, in North Carolina or Virginia) instead of driving 11–13 hours straight.
• Weather:
  • In winter, conditions may be very different in Pennsylvania than they are in Georgia, especially if you’re used to Atlanta’s milder winters.

Parking and Arrival in Philadelphia

If you’re driving from Atlanta into Center City Philadelphia, be prepared for:

• Tight city parking
• Garage and lot fees
• One-way streets and busy traffic corridors

For some Atlanta travelers, it’s easier to park once and use public transit or rideshares in Philadelphia rather than driving around the city nonstop.

Flying from Atlanta to Philadelphia

For most people in Atlanta, flying is the fastest and most straightforward way to get to Philadelphia.

Flight Distance and Time

• Flight distance: around 665–700 miles
• Flight time (nonstop): typically about 1.5 to 2 hours in the air
• Total trip time door-to-door: often 3–5 hours, including:
  • Getting to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Check-in and security
  • Boarding
  • Taxiing and potential delays
  • Baggage claim and ground transportation in Philadelphia

Departing from Atlanta: Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL)

Most flights to Philadelphia will depart from:

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

Helpful tips for Atlanta flyers:

• Arrive early:
  • Many travelers aim for 2 hours before a domestic flight, sometimes more during peak times and holidays.
• Airport access from within Atlanta:
  • MARTA rail serves the airport directly via the Airport Station at the end of the Red and Gold Lines.
  • The station connects into the Domestic Terminal.

Arriving in Philadelphia

Most nonstop flights from Atlanta land at:

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Located about 7–10 miles from Center City Philadelphia, depending on your route.

From PHL, travelers typically use:

• Airport rail connections
• Taxis or rideshares
• Rental cars

If you’re comparing driving vs. flying from Atlanta, keep in mind:

• Flying saves many hours of travel time
• Driving lets you avoid airport routines and rental cars and gives you flexibility if you need a vehicle in Philadelphia

Taking the Train from Atlanta to Philadelphia

Atlanta is served by Amtrak, which provides passenger train travel to the Northeast, including Philadelphia, usually with connections.

Train Distance and Time

• Distance: comparable to road distance
• Travel time: often 16–20+ hours, depending on route and connections
• Routes can change over time, so it’s important to check current schedules.

Atlanta’s Amtrak Station

If you’re leaving by train from Atlanta, you’ll typically depart from:

Amtrak – Peachtree Station (Atlanta)
1688 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
General Amtrak info: (800) 872-7245

Considerations for Atlantans:

• Smaller station: Unlike Hartsfield–Jackson, the Amtrak station is relatively small, with limited services compared with large terminals.
• Access and parking:
  • Located in Midtown/Northside Atlanta, directly on Peachtree Street.
  • If you’re coming from other parts of metro Atlanta, plan your transportation (rideshare, taxi, or drop-off) ahead of time.

Who the Train Works Best For

Traveling by train from Atlanta to Philadelphia may appeal to you if:

• You prefer to avoid flying and long drives
• You want more space to move around than on a bus or in a car
• You don’t mind a longer travel time

Bus Travel from Atlanta to Philadelphia

Buses offer a more budget-friendly way to travel the long distance between Atlanta and Philadelphia.

Distance and Time by Bus

• Distance: around 750–800 miles, depending on bus route
• Typical time: often 15–18+ hours, sometimes more with layovers or transfers

Where Buses Usually Depart in Atlanta

Major intercity bus services typically use central or near-downtown locations in Atlanta, often near transit-accessible areas.
Before you travel, verify:

• The exact departure address
• What time you need to arrive
• Whether there are overnight segments or transfers

Since details can change, check:

• Current schedules
• Arrival and departure points
• Baggage limits and on-board amenities

Who Should Consider the Bus

From an Atlanta standpoint, bus travel to Philadelphia may be a fit if:

• You’re prioritizing lower cost over speed
• You’re comfortable with longer seated travel
• You don’t need the flexibility of having your own car in Philadelphia

Choosing the Best Way to Travel from Atlanta to Philadelphia

From Atlanta, your best option depends on how you balance time, comfort, and cost.

If You Live in Metro Atlanta

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to arrive the same day with minimal travel time?
  → Nonstop flights from Hartsfield–Jackson are usually the fastest.

• Do I like road trips or need my car in Philadelphia?
  → Driving may make sense, especially if:

  • You’re staying outside central Philadelphia
  • You’re visiting multiple cities in the Northeast

• Am I trying to keep costs as low as possible?
  → Consider bus travel or booking flights early to find competitive fares.

• Do I want to avoid airports and long drives?
  → Amtrak offers a middle ground, but expect a longer total travel time.

Approximate Travel Time Snapshot from Atlanta

• Fastest:

  • Flight (nonstop): 1.5–2 hours in the air; about 3–5 hours total with all steps

• Middle ground:

  • Driving: about 11–13 hours one way, plus stops

• Longest:

  • Train: often 16–20+ hours
  • Bus: often 15–18+ hours

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Atlanta to Philadelphia by road is roughly 780–800 miles, often 11–13 hours of drive time.
• Flying from ATL to PHL is usually the fastest and most practical choice for many Atlanta-area travelers.
• Train and bus options are available for those who prefer not to fly or drive, but usually take significantly longer.
• When planning your trip from Atlanta, consider:
  • How quickly you need to be in Philadelphia
  • Your budget
  • Whether you need a car once you arrive

Understanding the distances and travel times from Atlanta to Philadelphia helps you choose the route that best fits your schedule, comfort level, and plans on the ground once you get there.