Orlando to Atlanta: Distance, Travel Time, and the Best Ways to Get Between the Two Cities

If you spend time in Atlanta, Georgia, chances are you’ll find yourself planning a trip to Orlando, Florida at some point—whether it’s for Disney, Universal, conferences, or a quick escape to warmer weather. Understanding how far Orlando is from Atlanta, and the best way to get there, makes trip planning much easier.

How Far Is Orlando From Atlanta?

In simple terms:

• Driving distance: About 440–460 miles (depending on your exact start/end points)
• Flying distance (nonstop): About 400 miles
• Typical driving time: Around 6.5–7.5 hours in normal traffic
• Typical flight time (in the air): About 1 hour 15 minutes

From Downtown Atlanta (near Peachtree Center) to Downtown Orlando, most routes land in the mid-400 miles range.

Quick Comparison: Ways to Travel From Atlanta to Orlando

Driving From Atlanta to Orlando

For many people in Atlanta, driving is the default way to get to Orlando. It gives you flexibility with luggage, timing, and stops—especially helpful for families and larger groups.

Main Driving Route

The most common route from Atlanta to Orlando:

1. Start in Atlanta (often via I‑75 South)
2. Continue on I‑75 S toward Macon
3. Take I‑475 S around Macon (bypass)
4. Reconnect with I‑75 S toward Valdosta and the Florida state line
5. Near Lake City, Florida, take I‑10 E briefly
6. Then head south on I‑75 and connect to Florida’s Turnpike toward Orlando

You’ll pass familiar Georgia waypoints such as:

• McDonough / Stockbridge just south of Metro Atlanta
• Forsyth and Macon
• Warner Robins (a short detour off I‑75)
• Tifton and Valdosta near the Florida line

Once in Florida, you’ll follow signs toward Orlando, often arriving on the Turnpike, I‑4, or nearby major arteries.

How Long Does the Drive Take From Atlanta?

• Light traffic, minimal stops: Around 6.5 hours
• Normal conditions with a few breaks:7–7.5 hours
• Heavy traffic/holiday weekends: Can stretch to 8+ hours

Rush-hour traffic when leaving Atlanta (especially on I‑75 in Clayton and Henry counties) can add a lot of time, so many travelers aim to:

• Leave early in the morning (before 7 a.m.), or
• After evening rush hour (after 7 p.m.)

Typical Costs When Driving

Things Atlanta travelers usually factor in:

• Gas: The route is roughly 440–460 miles. Depending on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, that’s usually one fill-up each way, sometimes more.
• Tolls: Florida’s Turnpike and some Orlando-area roads use electronic tolling.
• Parking in Orlando: Hotels near theme parks often charge parking fees; day parking at attractions can also be significant.

👍 Tip: If you have a toll transponder from Georgia (like a Peach Pass), it may or may not be compatible with Florida toll roads, depending on current arrangements. Many Atlanta drivers still use the regular toll-by-plate system or pay cash where available. Check current toll payment options before you go.

Flying From Atlanta to Orlando

If your priority is speed, flying from Atlanta to Orlando is usually the fastest end‑to‑end option.

Distance and Flight Time

• Air distance: About 400 miles
• Nonstop flight time: Typically 1 hour 15 minutes–1 hour 30 minutes in the air

However, when planning from Atlanta, remember to include:

• Time to drive or ride to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Check-in and security (often 60–90 minutes)
• Taxiing and potential delays
• Transport from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to your hotel or destination

In practice, an Atlanta–Orlando trip by air is usually 3–4 hours door-to-door, sometimes more.

Main Airports Involved

In Atlanta:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Location: Around 7 miles south of Downtown Atlanta
  • Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Access from Atlanta:
    • MARTA: Take the Red or Gold line to Airport Station
    • Car, rideshare, taxi, or shuttle via I‑85 or local roads

In Orlando:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
  • Main hub for Atlanta flights to Orlando
• Some itineraries may use Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), but most major Atlanta–Orlando routes go into MCO.

When Flying Makes Sense for Atlantans

Flying is usually a better fit if you:

• Are going for a short trip (weekend or 2–3 days)
• Want to avoid long-distance driving
• Are traveling solo or as a couple and can find reasonable fares
• Have limited vacation time and need to save hours

Families and larger groups in Atlanta sometimes choose driving instead, because baggage, parking, and airfare for multiple people can make flying more expensive overall—even if it’s much faster.

Bus and Train Options Between Atlanta and Orlando

Some travelers in Atlanta prefer not to drive or fly. In that case, long-distance bus or train can be alternatives.

Bus Travel

Long-distance bus companies often operate routes from Atlanta to Orlando, typically:

• Departing from bus stations near Downtown Atlanta or the Westside
• Arriving at bus terminals or designated stops in the Orlando metro area

General expectations:

• Travel time: Usually 8–10+ hours, depending on route and traffic
• Distance: Comparable to the driving route (mid‑400 miles)
• Pros: Budget-friendly, no need to drive
• Cons: Longer travel time than flying and less privacy or flexibility than driving

Train Travel (Amtrak)

Atlanta is served by:

• Amtrak Peachtree Station
  • Address: 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Located in Midtown/North Atlanta, accessible by local bus, rideshare, or car

From Atlanta to Orlando by train:

• There is no direct, high-frequency Atlanta–Orlando line that operates like a commuter route.
• Travelers often consider connecting routes that may involve transfers and longer total travel times.
• Total time can exceed 10 hours and depends heavily on the specific train schedules at the time of booking.

For Atlantans, train travel is usually chosen for the experience—a more scenic, slower journey—rather than speed.

Understanding the Distance in Everyday Terms

To put the Atlanta–Orlando distance in perspective:

• It’s farther than a typical Atlanta beach trip (such as to Savannah or Tybee Island) but
• Shorter than driving from Atlanta to South Florida locations like Miami.

From the perspective of an Atlanta resident, a trip to Orlando usually feels like:

• A full travel day by car, or
• A half-day door-to-door by plane, depending on traffic and timing

This is why many people in Atlanta schedule Orlando visits for long weekends or school breaks, rather than as quick same-day up-and-back trips.

Planning Your Trip from Atlanta to Orlando

When you’re mapping out the distance and choosing how to travel, Atlantans commonly weigh:

1. Time vs. Cost

   • Driving: More time, often less cost per person—especially for groups.
   • Flying: Less time, potentially more cost, plus airport logistics.

2. Who’s Traveling

   • Families with kids often prefer their own vehicle, extra snacks, and flexible stops.
   • Solo travelers or couples may choose flights or buses to avoid long drives.

3. Where You’re Starting in Atlanta

   • From Downtown or Midtown, reaching ATL Airport is straightforward via MARTA.
   • From suburbs like Marietta, Lawrenceville, or Fayetteville, it may be just as convenient to drive straight south as to travel to the airport first.

4. Where You’re Going in Orlando

   • Theme park area (e.g., near I‑4, Disney, Universal):
     • Driving takes you directly to resort areas off I‑4.
     • Flying requires an airport transfer (Shuttle, rideshare, or rental car).
   • Downtown Orlando or nearby cities: Both driving and flying remain practical; total time will differ.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Distance from Orlando to Atlanta:

  • Around 440–460 miles driving
  • Around 400 miles flying

• Travel time:

  • Drive: Usually 6.5–7.5 hours from Atlanta to Orlando
  • Fly: Around 1–1.5 hours in the air, often 3–4 hours total including airport processes
  • Bus/Train: Typically 8–10+ hours, depending on route and schedule

• Best choice depends on:

  • Your budget,
  • Your schedule,
  • How many people are traveling, and
  • Whether you prefer convenience, speed, or flexibility.

With a clear sense of how far Orlando is from Atlanta and the different ways to make the trip, you can choose the option that fits your plans—whether you’re heading out from Downtown Atlanta, Buckhead, or the metro suburbs.