How Far Is It From Dallas to Atlanta? A Practical Guide for Atlanta Travelers

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting the city and planning a trip to Dallas, Texas, it helps to know not just the distance, but also how long it takes, the best ways to travel, and what to expect along the way.

Below is a clear breakdown of how far Dallas is from Atlanta, plus driving, flying, and bus/train-style options that make sense from an Atlanta point of view.

Distance Between Dallas and Atlanta

The distance from Atlanta, Georgia to Dallas, Texas depends on how you travel:

• By road (driving distance):
  Roughly 780–800 miles (about 1,255–1,285 km), depending on your exact starting point in Atlanta and route choice.
• By air (direct flight distance):
  Around 720–730 miles (about 1,155–1,175 km) in a straight line.

For most travelers in Atlanta, the main options are driving or flying between the two cities.

Quick Comparison: Travel Options From Atlanta to Dallas

*Times are typical ranges; traffic, weather, and scheduling can change actual travel time.

Driving From Atlanta to Dallas

How Far Is Dallas From Atlanta by Car?

If you’re driving from Atlanta to Dallas, you’re looking at roughly:

• Distance: About 780–800 miles
• Drive time: Typically 11–13 hours of actual driving time, not counting long meal, fuel, or rest breaks

Most Atlanta drivers do this either:

• In one very long day, or
• Over two days, stopping overnight in cities like Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Jackson, or Shreveport.

Common Driving Routes From Atlanta

If you’re leaving from central Atlanta (for example, near Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead), common routes include:

1. I-20 West (Most Direct and Common Route)

   • Head west on I-20 from Atlanta
   • Pass through Birmingham, AL → Tuscaloosa, AL → Meridian, MS → Jackson, MS → Monroe, LA → Shreveport, LA
   • Continue into Texas toward Dallas
   • This is the route most Atlanta drivers use because it is straightforward and mostly interstate.

2. Alternate Variations
   Some drivers may link I-20 with other regional highways to avoid traffic, construction, or weather, but for most people in Atlanta, staying on I-20 is the simplest option.

Things Atlanta Drivers Should Consider

• Traffic leaving Atlanta:
  Traffic on I-20 near Downtown Connector (I-75/85), I-285, and the Westside can be heavy during rush hours. If you can, start early (often before 7 a.m.) or after the morning rush.
• Weather:
  Heavy rain or storms can affect visibility and speed, especially in rural stretches of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
• Fuel and food stops:
  Along I-20, you’ll find frequent services. Cities like Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Jackson, and Shreveport are common places for Atlanta travelers to stop for gas, meals, and overnight stays.
• Resting safely:
  Consider using well-lit, busy exits and established hotels if breaking the trip into two days.

Approximate Driving Time From Atlanta Neighborhoods

These are rough door-to-door driving times (no long stops, light-to-moderate traffic):

• Downtown Atlanta to Downtown Dallas: ~11.5–12.5 hours
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport area to Dallas: ~11–12 hours
• Northern suburbs (e.g., Sandy Springs, Alpharetta): Add ~30–60 minutes to reach and exit I-20 West

Flying From Atlanta to Dallas

How Far Is Dallas From Atlanta by Plane?

• Air distance (Atlanta → Dallas): Around 720–730 miles
• Typical nonstop flight time: About 2–2.5 hours in the air

Most flights from Atlanta to Dallas operate from:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

And usually arrive at:

• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) or
• Dallas Love Field (DAL)

What Atlanta Travelers Can Expect at the Airport

From Atlanta (ATL):

• Getting to ATL:
  • MARTA rail: Take the Red or Gold Line to the Airport Station, located inside the Domestic Terminal.
  • Driving: Plan for I-75/85 traffic, especially during rush hours.
  • Drop-off/pickup: Follow signs for North or South Terminal depending on your airline.
• Time at the airport:
  Many travelers from Atlanta allow 1.5–2 hours before domestic flights, especially at busy times.

Arriving in Dallas:

• From DFW Airport:
  • You can use local transit (e.g., DART rail and buses), airport shuttles, taxis, or rideshare services into Dallas.
• From Love Field (DAL):
  • Usually closer to central Dallas with taxi, rideshare, and local bus options.

Total Door-to-Door Time

While the flight itself is only about 2–2.5 hours, your full trip time from Atlanta typically includes:

• Travel to ATL
• Check-in and security
• Possible boarding and taxi time
• Travel from DFW or DAL into the Dallas area

In practice, most Atlanta travelers find the door-to-door time to be closer to 4–6 hours each way, depending on where you live in the metro area and airport timing.

Bus and Other Ground Options From Atlanta to Dallas

Bus Travel (Coach-Style)

Distance by bus is essentially the same as driving (around 780–800 miles), but:

• Travel time: Often 14–18+ hours, depending on:
  • Number of stops
  • Route variations
  • Time of day

Buses typically depart from facilities reachable from central Atlanta, often near Downtown or areas accessible by MARTA. If you’re already in the city and don’t want to drive or fly, bus travel can be an option, especially for budget trips.

Train-Style or Mixed Options

There is no simple, direct train that runs Atlanta to Dallas in a quick, straightforward way. Some travelers combine:

• Regional rail
• Long-distance rail
• Or bus segments

However, for someone living in or visiting Atlanta, these options are usually:

• Longer
• Less direct
• More complex to book and coordinate

For most Atlanta residents, flying or driving is more practical.

Choosing the Best Way to Travel From Atlanta to Dallas

When deciding how to go from Atlanta to Dallas, think about:

1. Time vs. Cost

• Fastest: Flying from ATL (around 2–2.5 hours in the air)
• Potentially cheaper (per person, especially for groups): Driving, if you share fuel and maybe hotel costs
• Budget without driving: Long-distance bus

2. Comfort and Convenience

• Flying avoids a full day in the car but adds airport logistics.
• Driving gives you full control over departure time, music, stops, and side trips.
• Bus travel means you don’t have to drive at all, but you’re on a set schedule and route.

3. Your Starting Point in Metro Atlanta

• If you live close to Hartsfield–Jackson or can easily reach MARTA, flying may feel very convenient.
• If you’re in outer suburbs or exurbs (for example, parts of Cherokee, Paulding, or Coweta Counties), driving straight out toward I-20 West may be simpler than dealing with airport congestion and parking.

Simple Summary for Atlanta Travelers

• How far from Dallas to Atlanta by car?
  About 780–800 miles, typically 11–13 hours of driving time.
• How far from Dallas to Atlanta by plane?
  About 720–730 miles in a straight line, with 2–2.5 hours of flight time.
• Main route from Atlanta:
  I-20 West through Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and into Texas.
• Best option if you’re short on time:
  Nonstop flight from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
• Best option for flexibility or road trips:
  Driving I-20 West from Atlanta to Dallas.

Knowing these distances and typical times makes it easier to plan your next trip from Atlanta to Dallas—whether you’re heading out for business, visiting friends and family, or just exploring another major city in the South.