How Far Is Chicago From Atlanta? Distances, Travel Times, and Best Ways to Go

If you’re in Atlanta and wondering, “How far is Chicago from Atlanta?”, the answer depends on how you plan to travel. Whether you’re driving to see family, flying out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, or just comparing cities, it helps to know both the distance and the realistic travel time.

Below is a clear breakdown tailored to people living in Atlanta, visiting Atlanta, or planning a trip between Atlanta and Chicago.

How Far Is It From Atlanta to Chicago?

In simple terms:

• Driving distance: About 715–725 miles one way
• Flight distance (straight line): About 590–600 miles
• Typical nonstop flight time: Around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours in the air
• Typical drive time: Around 11–12 hours (not counting long stops or heavy traffic)

These numbers are approximate, but they’re accurate enough for trip planning from Atlanta.

Atlanta to Chicago by Car

Driving gives you flexibility and can make sense for families or longer visits.

Approximate Driving Distance and Time

• Route: Most drivers take I‑75 N → I‑24 W → I‑57 N → I‑94 W/I‑90 W into Chicago
• Distance: Around 720 miles (starting from central Atlanta, such as Downtown or Midtown)
• Time: Typically 11–12 hours of drive time in good conditions

Expect your time to vary based on:

• Atlanta traffic: Leaving from Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead during rush hour can add 30–60 minutes just to get out of the metro area.
• Stops: Add time for gas, food, and rest. A realistic one-day drive with breaks often becomes 13–14 hours total.
• Weather: Winter weather in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois can slow you down, especially if snow or ice is in the forecast.

Main Route Overview

From Atlanta, the common route is:

1. Take I‑75 North out of Atlanta.
2. Connect to I‑24 West near Chattanooga.
3. Continue on I‑24 through Tennessee and into Kentucky.
4. Pick up I‑57 North toward Illinois.
5. Transition to I‑94 / I‑90 to enter the Chicago area.

This keeps you on major interstates with plenty of gas stations, food options, and rest areas along the way.

Is It Realistic To Drive Atlanta to Chicago in One Day?

Yes, for many Atlanta travelers it is—but it’s a long day:

• Solo drivers often find it tiring without swapping drivers.
• Families sometimes choose to break it into two days, stopping in cities like:
  • Nashville, TN (roughly halfway)
  • Or southern/central Illinois for a shorter second leg

If you’re starting from farther out in Metro Atlanta (for example, from suburbs like Marietta, Alpharetta, or Peachtree City), build in extra time to reach I‑75 or the major interstates.

Atlanta to Chicago by Plane

For most people in Atlanta, flying is the fastest and simplest way to get to Chicago.

Flight Distance and Time

• Air distance (Atlanta to Chicago): About 600 miles
• Nonstop flight time: Usually 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours in the air
• Total travel time (door to door): Often 4–6 hours, including:
  • Getting to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Check-in and security
  • Boarding, taxi, and deplaning
  • Getting from the Chicago airport into the city

Which Airports Are Involved?

From Atlanta:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Major hub with frequent daily flights to Chicago

To Chicago, you’ll usually fly into:

• O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – Northwest of downtown Chicago
• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – Southwest of downtown

Both airports offer ground transportation into the city, but O’Hare is usually the primary choice for many Atlanta–Chicago flights.

Getting to ATL from Around Atlanta

For people living in or visiting Atlanta, common ways to get to Hartsfield–Jackson include:

• MARTA Rail:

  • Take the Red or Gold line to the Airport Station, which connects directly into the Domestic Terminal.
  • Useful if you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or along the MARTA lines.

• Driving and Parking:

  • Long-term parking lots and economy lots are available near ATL.
  • Plan extra time during busy travel seasons and weekday mornings.

• Rideshare or Taxi:

  • Common pickup points from most Atlanta neighborhoods and suburbs.
  • Good option if you don’t want to park at the airport.

For official airport information, directions, and parking details, you can contact:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  • General information line: (800) 897‑1910 (commonly listed)

Atlanta to Chicago by Bus or Train

If you prefer not to drive or fly, bus and train travel are slower but can be an option.

By Bus

Buses from Atlanta to Chicago generally:

• Leave from or near Downtown Atlanta
• Take roughly 15–18 hours, depending on route and stops
• May or may not be direct—some involve transfers

This can be a budget-friendly alternative if you’re flexible on time and schedule.

By Train (Amtrak)

There is no single, simple direct Amtrak line running straight from Atlanta to Chicago the way there is between some other city pairs.

Typical patterns for Atlanta travelers include:

• Traveling from Atlanta’s Peachtree Station:
  • Amtrak – Peachtree Station
    • Address: 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Routes may require connections, often through other cities, and can take well over a day of travel.

Because schedules and routes can change, it’s important to check current timetables and routes before planning a train trip between Atlanta and Chicago.

Simple Comparison: Atlanta to Chicago Travel Options

Below is a quick, high-level comparison from the perspective of someone starting in Atlanta.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Heading to Chicago

A few Atlanta-specific considerations if you’re planning the trip:

• Watch Atlanta rush hour:

  • Morning: roughly 6:30–9:00 a.m.
  • Evening: roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.
  • If you’re driving north on I‑75 or heading to Hartsfield–Jackson, try to avoid peak times when possible.

• Plan for weather differences:

  • Atlanta’s winters are usually milder, but Chicago winters can be much colder and snowier.
  • If you’re driving from Atlanta, pay attention to Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois forecasts, especially in late fall, winter, and early spring.

• Consider one-way vs. round-trip:

  • Some Atlanta travelers drive one way (for a move or long stay) and fly back, or vice versa, depending on cost and schedule.

• Check time zones:

  • Atlanta (Georgia): Eastern Time
  • Chicago (Illinois): Central Time
  • Chicago is typically one hour behind Atlanta, which can matter for meetings, check-ins, or event times.

Key Takeaways for Someone in Atlanta

• Driving distance from Atlanta to Chicago: about 720 miles, usually 11–12 hours behind the wheel.
• Flying distance: about 600 miles, with nonstop flights around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to the Chicago airports.
• Other modes like bus and train are available but are generally slower and better for those who value cost or scenery over speed.

For anyone living in Atlanta, visiting Atlanta, or planning a trip from here to Chicago, your main choice comes down to speed vs. flexibility: planes are fastest, cars offer freedom, and buses or trains are slower but can fit specific budgets or travel styles.