How Far Is New Orleans From Atlanta? Your Distance, Time, and Travel Guide
If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and thinking about a trip to New Orleans, Louisiana, it helps to know exactly how far it is, how long it takes, and what your travel options look like from an Atlanta point of view.
This guide breaks down the distance from Atlanta to New Orleans, plus common ways to get there—by car, bus, train, and plane—so you can choose what fits your schedule and budget.
How Far Is It From Atlanta to New Orleans?
Driving distance
From Downtown Atlanta to Downtown New Orleans, the distance is roughly:
- 430–470 miles (about 690–755 km),
- depending on your exact starting point in metro Atlanta and where you’re headed in New Orleans.
Most Atlanta travelers use:
- I‑85 South → I‑65 South (via Montgomery, AL) → I‑10 West into New Orleans
or - I‑20 West → US‑49 South → I‑10 East into New Orleans.
In practice, many navigation apps will route you on I‑85 S to Montgomery, then I‑65 and I‑10, as it’s simple and mostly interstate driving.
How Long Does It Take to Get From Atlanta to New Orleans?
Typical travel times
Here’s a quick overview of common travel times from Atlanta to New Orleans:
| Mode of Travel | Approx. Time (Atlanta → New Orleans) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driving (car) | 6.5–8 hours | Nonstop, no major traffic or long stops |
| Bus | 8–10+ hours | Depends on route, stops, and traffic |
| Train (Amtrak, via connection) | 10–14+ hours | Often requires bus + train combo |
| Direct flight | 1.5 hours in the air | Plan on 3–4 hours total including airport time |
Your actual time will depend on traffic, time of day, weather, and route. Leaving Atlanta during weekday rush hour can easily add 30–60 minutes (or more) just to get clear of the metro area.
Driving From Atlanta to New Orleans
For many Atlanta residents and visitors, driving is the most flexible way to make the trip.
Main driving route from Atlanta
A common, straightforward route is:
- Start in Atlanta (for example, from Downtown or Midtown).
- Take I‑85 South toward Montgomery, Alabama.
- Near Montgomery, continue onto I‑65 South.
- Approach Mobile, Alabama, then merge onto I‑10 West.
- Follow I‑10 West directly into New Orleans.
This route stays on major interstates almost the entire way, which many drivers find easier for long-distance travel.
How long the drive really feels
- Nonstop: Around 6.5–7.5 hours under smooth conditions.
- With breaks (food, gas, rest): Plan on 7–8 hours.
If you’re leaving from northern suburbs like Alpharetta, Roswell, or Cumming, add 30–45 minutes. From southern suburbs like Fayetteville or McDonough, you may save some time getting to I‑85 or I‑75.
Tips for Atlanta drivers
- Avoid peak rush hours when leaving:
- Morning: roughly 7:00–9:30 a.m.
- Evening: roughly 4:00–7:00 p.m.
- Consider using surface streets or alternate routes if you’re starting from core neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, or Westside, just to reach I‑85 more smoothly.
- Check conditions around Montgomery and Mobile, as work zones there can slow you down.
📝 Good to know: Once you clear the denser Atlanta area and get onto I‑85 S well past Newnan, the drive generally becomes more consistent and less stop‑and‑go.
Flying From Atlanta (ATL) to New Orleans (MSY)
If you want to minimize travel time, flying from Atlanta to New Orleans is often the most efficient option.
Flight distance and time
- Flight distance (ATL → MSY): roughly 420–430 miles.
- Typical nonstop flight time: about 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes in the air.
- Door-to-door time from Atlanta:
- Traveling from your home/hotel to Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL),
- Going through security and boarding,
- Flying,
- Then getting from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to your destination,
- Often totals 3–4 hours or more.
Using Atlanta’s airport
Most travelers will depart from:
Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main phone (airport info): (800) 897‑1910
From within Atlanta, you can reach ATL by:
- MARTA rail:
- Take the Red or Gold line to the Airport Station, which is inside the Domestic Terminal.
- Rideshare, taxi, or shuttle: Available widely across metro Atlanta.
- Driving and parking: On-site parking plus private lots are located around the airport area.
Getting from MSY into New Orleans
Once you land in New Orleans at MSY, you can reach the city by:
- Airport shuttles
- Rideshare services
- Taxis
- Rental cars
Travel time from MSY to Downtown New Orleans is commonly 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Bus Options From Atlanta to New Orleans
For travelers who prefer not to drive or fly, intercity buses can connect Atlanta to New Orleans, typically with reasonable fares.
What to expect from bus travel
- Travel time: Often 8–10+ hours from Atlanta to New Orleans.
- Stops: Expect multiple stops along the way, which add time.
- Departure points: Many buses depart from central Atlanta locations; for example, near Downtown or close to public transit connections.
Because bus schedules and operators can change, you’ll want to:
- Check current schedules and routes when planning.
- Allow extra time to reach the Atlanta departure terminal, especially if you’re connecting via MARTA.
Rail (Train) Travel Between Atlanta and New Orleans
Atlanta does not have a frequent, direct passenger rail line to New Orleans in the same way some cities are connected. Limited rail options sometimes exist, often combined with bus segments.
Using the Atlanta Amtrak station
Atlanta Amtrak Station
1688 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone (Amtrak general info): (800) 872‑7245
From Midtown or Buckhead, the station is reachable by:
- Short drives or rideshares
- Local bus routes that operate in the Peachtree corridor (routes and times vary)
You can ask Amtrak for:
- Current connections from Atlanta toward New Orleans
- Whether the trip involves bus transfers, overnight segments, or routing through another city
Because these routes can be complex and not always direct, rail travel between Atlanta and New Orleans often takes 10–14+ hours and is usually chosen for the experience rather than speed.
Which Option Makes the Most Sense From Atlanta?
If you’re deciding how to travel from Atlanta to New Orleans, here’s a quick comparison tailored to an Atlanta starting point:
Driving
- Best for: Flexibility, road‑trip style travel, groups or families, people who want a car in New Orleans.
- Time: 6.5–8 hours from most parts of metro Atlanta.
- Consider: Atlanta traffic when you depart; fatigue on the return trip.
Flying
- Best for: Saving time, quick weekend trips, business travel.
- Time: About 1.5 hours in the air, typically 3–4 hours total when including airport procedures and ground transport.
- Consider: Airport security timing at ATL, transit or parking for the airport, and transportation from MSY into New Orleans.
Bus
- Best for: Travelers who don’t want to drive or fly and are looking for budget‑minded options.
- Time: Around 8–10+ hours.
- Consider: Comfort level with longer bus rides and multiple stops.
Rail (with possible bus connections)
- Best for: Those who specifically want a rail experience and have a flexible schedule.
- Time: Often 10–14+ hours.
- Consider: Less frequent schedules and the likelihood of transfers.
Planning Your Trip From Atlanta to New Orleans
When planning from Atlanta, it helps to:
- Decide your priority: speed, cost, comfort, or flexibility.
- Check traffic patterns if driving:
- Try to leave Atlanta outside of heavy rush hours.
- Use MARTA if flying:
- Taking the train to Airport Station can reduce stress and parking costs.
- Confirm exact addresses:
- In Atlanta (home, hotel, or departure point),
- In New Orleans (hotel, French Quarter, business district, etc.),
- So your estimated time and distance are more precise.
In simple terms, New Orleans is roughly 430–470 miles and about 7 hours of driving away from Atlanta. Whether you treat it as a quick flight, a full‑day drive, or a longer bus or rail journey, you can plan a route that fits how people in and around Atlanta actually like to travel.
