How Far Is Washington, DC From Atlanta, GA? Your Complete Travel Distance & Time Guide

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city and planning a trip to the nation’s capital, it’s natural to ask: how far is it from Atlanta to Washington, DC—and what’s the best way to get there?

Below is a clear breakdown of miles, drive time, flight time, train and bus options, plus practical tips tailored to travelers starting in or near Atlanta, Georgia.

How Far Is It From Atlanta to Washington, DC?

The distance between Atlanta, GA and Washington, DC depends on how you travel:

• Driving distance: about 640–640+ miles (most common routes from central Atlanta)
• Flight distance (straight line): about 540 miles
• Train distance: similar to driving, because trains follow a land route through the Southeast
• Bus distance: usually around 630–650 miles, depending on routing and stops

For most Atlanta travelers, the two most common starting points are:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta (near Peachtree Center, Georgia State Capitol, etc.)
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Washington, DC destinations most people aim for are:

• Central DC (around the National Mall, Capitol, and downtown)
• Washington Union Station (train and many buses)
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Quick Distance & Travel Time Comparison

Approximate Travel From Atlanta to Washington, DC

*Times are general ranges and can shift with traffic, weather, and schedule changes.

Driving From Atlanta to Washington, DC

How Far Is the Drive?

From downtown Atlanta (near Five Points or Centennial Olympic Park) to the U.S. Capitol area in DC, you’re looking at roughly:

• Distance: about 640–660 miles, depending on your exact start/end points and route
• Drive time: typically 9–11 hours of actual driving in normal conditions

If you’re leaving from suburban Atlanta—for example, Sandy Springs, Marietta, or Decatur—your mileage may increase or decrease slightly, but it’s still in the same general range.

Common Driving Routes from Atlanta

The most common routes from Atlanta to Washington, DC include:

1. I‑85 North → I‑95 North

   • Go northeast on I‑85 from Atlanta through South Carolina and North Carolina
   • Connect to I‑95 North (often near the NC/VA area or via connecters such as I‑40)
   • Continue to the DC metro region
   • This is a popular and straightforward interstate-heavy route

2. I‑85 North → US‑29 / Various Connectors into Virginia and DC

   • Follow I‑85 then shift onto regional highways as you approach Virginia and DC
   • Sometimes preferred to avoid specific high-traffic stretches of I‑95

What to Expect on the Road

From Atlanta, you’ll pass or skirt cities like:

• Greenville and Spartanburg (SC)
• Charlotte and Greensboro (NC)
• Various parts of Virginia as you get closer to DC

Traffic can become heavier near major metro areas and especially as you enter Northern Virginia and DC suburbs.

🔹 Tip for Atlanta drivers:
If you’re heading out of the city, consider timing your departure to avoid weekday rush hours on the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) and congestion around I‑285. Leaving early in the morning or later in the evening often makes for smoother progress north.

Flying From Atlanta to Washington, DC

Flight Distance and Time

From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to the Washington, DC area:

• Air distance: around 540 miles
• Typical flight time (in the air): about 1.5 to 2 hours

Most nonstop flights from Atlanta fly into:

• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) – closest to downtown DC
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – farther out, in Virginia
• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) – north of DC, in Maryland

Airport Details in Atlanta

If you’re starting in the Atlanta area, nearly all commercial flights to DC depart from:

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

You can reach ATL easily from most Atlanta neighborhoods using:

• MARTA Rail (Red and Gold lines to Airport Station)
• Rideshare, taxis, or shuttles
• Driving and parking at on-site or nearby lots

Total Travel Time Door-to-Door

While the flight itself is short, remember to account for:

• Time to get from your home, hotel, or office in Atlanta to ATL
• Security screening and boarding time
• Travel from DCA, IAD, or BWI into central Washington, DC

From many parts of Intown Atlanta (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Buckhead, etc.), a realistic door-to-door timeline is often:

• 4–6 hours total from your starting point in Atlanta to your destination in central DC

Taking the Train From Atlanta to Washington, DC

Amtrak Distance and Time

Amtrak serves Atlanta via Peachtreet Station, located in the Brookwood area:

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

From Atlanta to Washington Union Station:

• Rail distance: about 630–650 miles depending on the routing
• Typical travel time: roughly 12–14 hours, often overnight on some routes

Trains follow a land route that traces much of the Eastern Seaboard through the Carolinas and Virginia before arriving in DC, so the mileage is similar to driving.

What Atlanta Travelers Should Know

• Train travel is usually slower than flying, but can be more relaxed.
• You can sleep, work, or read during the journey instead of focusing on the road.
• You’ll typically arrive at Washington Union Station, which is centrally located near the U.S. Capitol and connected to DC’s Metrorail and buses.

If you’re in Atlanta without a car, Peachtree Station is reachable by:

• Local buses, rideshare, or taxi from neighborhoods like Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead
• Limited nearby parking options, so planning ground transport in advance helps

Bus Travel From Atlanta to Washington, DC

Distance and Typical Time

Long-distance buses from Atlanta to Washington, DC generally cover:

• Distance: around 630–650 miles
• Time: usually 12–15 hours, depending on:
  • Number of stops
  • Time of day
  • Traffic conditions along I‑85 and I‑95

Most bus routes follow similar highways as drivers do, which explains the similar mileage.

Where Buses Usually Depart in Atlanta

Major intercity bus services typically use stops near:

• Downtown Atlanta / Midtown area
• Areas close to MARTA stations, which makes it easier to connect from various parts of the city

Because bus pickup locations and operators can change over time, Atlanta travelers usually:

• Confirm the exact street address on their ticket
• Use MARTA or rideshare to reach the bus stop, especially if coming from Decatur, College Park, East Point, or the northern suburbs

Choosing the Best Way to Travel From Atlanta to Washington, DC

From an Atlanta resident or visitor’s perspective, here’s how the options compare in practical terms:

1. Driving

Best for:

• People who want flexibility to stop in cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, or Richmond
• Families or groups who want to share driving and fuel costs
• Travelers carrying a lot of luggage or equipment

Trade-offs:

• Around 640–660 miles of driving is a long day on the road
• Traffic near Atlanta, Charlotte, and the DC metro area can extend drive time
• Parking in central DC can be expensive and limited

2. Flying

Best for:

• Atlanta travelers who want the fastest total travel time
• Business trips between Atlanta’s major employers and DC offices
• Short visits where you want to maximize time in Washington, DC

Trade-offs:

• Airport time and transfers add to the door-to-door journey
• Prices can vary based on season, time of day, and advance booking

3. Train (Amtrak)

Best for:

• Travelers who prefer a slower, scenic journey
• People who want to avoid driving and airports
• Those who appreciate the convenience of arriving at Washington Union Station

Trade-offs:

• Typically longer than flying or even some drive times
• Schedules may not be as frequent as flights

4. Bus

Best for:

• Budget-conscious travelers starting in Atlanta
• People comfortable with overnight or long-duration trips

Trade-offs:

• 12–15 hours on the road can be tiring
• Comfort and amenities can vary by service and bus type

Atlanta-Specific Tips for Planning Your Trip

Here are some practical pointers if you’re planning a trip from Atlanta to Washington, DC:

• Consider your Atlanta starting point.
  Coming from Gwinnett, Cobb, or North Fulton counties can change which route or mode of transport makes the most sense (for example, using MARTA to reach ATL vs. driving directly north).

• Plan around Atlanta traffic.
  Leaving during non-peak hours can significantly reduce your drive time out of the metro area, especially around I‑285 and the Downtown Connector.

• Use MARTA strategically.
  If you’re flying or taking certain buses, MARTA rail can be an efficient way to get from Downtown, Midtown, Decatur, or the airport area to your departure point without worrying about parking.

• Think about your arrival in DC.
  Where you plan to stay in DC (Capitol Hill, Downtown, Arlington, etc.) can influence whether DCA, Union Station, or a particular bus stop is the best arrival point.

In summary, Washington, DC is roughly 540 air miles and around 640–660 road miles from Atlanta, translating to about 1.5–2 hours by plane or 9–11 hours by car, with train and bus options taking a bit longer. How you choose to travel will depend on whether you prioritize speed, cost, comfort, or flexibility starting from right here in Atlanta.