How Far Is It From Philadelphia to Atlanta? Your Complete Distance & Travel Guide

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (or expecting visitors from Philly), it helps to know exactly how far it is, how long it takes, and the easiest ways to get between the two cities.

Below is a clear breakdown of the distance from Philadelphia to Atlanta, plus what that means for driving, flying, buses, and trains—all from an Atlanta-focused point of view.

Overview: Distance From Philadelphia to Atlanta

The distance between Atlanta and Philadelphia depends on how you travel:

*Times are general ranges and can vary with traffic, weather, exact route, and schedule.

Key takeaway:
From an Atlanta perspective, Philadelphia is roughly 800 miles away by road and about a 2‑hour nonstop flight away by air.

Driving From Atlanta to Philadelphia

How far is the drive?

If you’re driving from Atlanta to Philadelphia, you’ll cover roughly:

• 780–820 miles, depending on your starting point in metro Atlanta and the exact route you choose.

Many drivers leave from central Atlanta (for example, near Downtown, Midtown, or Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport) and head north, then northeast, toward Pennsylvania.

Typical driving time

Most Atlanta–Philadelphia routes fall into this range:

• Driving time: about 11 to 13 hours of actual road time
• With stops: many travelers plan for 12 to 14 hours total, including gas, food, and rest breaks

If you’re leaving from busy parts of the city—like Downtown Atlanta, Buckhead, Decatur, or the Perimeter area—you’ll want to factor in Atlanta traffic, especially weekday rush hours on I‑75/85 and I‑285.

Common driving routes from Atlanta

The most common general pattern from Atlanta to Philadelphia is:

1. Atlanta → Chattanooga via I‑75 North
2. Chattanooga → Knoxville on I‑75 / I‑40
3. Knoxville → Virginia / Maryland area on I‑81
4. Continue northeast, then connect toward Pennsylvania and into Philadelphia

Some GPS directions may route you differently, especially if there are construction zones or incidents. Always check current conditions before you go.

Things to consider for Atlanta drivers

• Traffic leaving Atlanta:
  • Morning and evening rush hours along I‑75/85, I‑20, and I‑285 can significantly slow your departure.
• Weather:
  • In winter, you may go through areas that get snow and ice long before Atlanta does.
• Rest stops:
  • If you’re leaving from the Atlanta area, plan fuel and food stops past the initial Atlanta metro stretch where traffic is thinner and options are easier to access.
• Overnight vs. same-day drive:
  • Many Atlanta drivers break the drive into two days, especially if traveling with children or avoiding overnight highway driving.

Flying From Atlanta to Philadelphia

For most people starting in Atlanta, flying is the fastest and easiest way to get to Philadelphia.

Flight distance and time

From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL):

• Flight distance (great-circle/air miles): about 665–700 miles
• Typical nonstop flight time: about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours in the air

With security, boarding, taxiing, and airport transfers, you should expect the door‑to‑door journey from an Atlanta home or hotel to your Philadelphia destination to take more like 4–6 hours total.

Key Atlanta airport details

Most trips from Atlanta to Philadelphia will start at:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Location: Just south of Downtown Atlanta
• Main terminals: Domestic Terminal (North and South) and the International Terminal (Concourse F)
• Ground transportation: MARTA rail, rideshare, taxis, shuttles, rental cars

From central neighborhoods like Midtown, Downtown, or Old Fourth Ward, MARTA trains offer a direct ride to ATL’s domestic terminal via the Red and Gold lines.

Flying time vs. driving time from Atlanta

If you’re weighing your options from Atlanta:

• Flying is usually best if:

  • You want to minimize time in transit
  • You’re on a short trip (business, weekend visit, event)
  • You’re comfortable getting to and from ATL and PHL by public transit or rideshare

• Driving might be better if:

  • You prefer to avoid airports or security lines
  • You’re traveling with a lot of luggage or equipment
  • You want to stop in cities between Atlanta and Philadelphia
  • You’re traveling with several people and can split driving duties and costs

Bus Travel From Atlanta to Philadelphia

If you’re in Atlanta and looking for a budget-friendly way to get to Philadelphia, long-distance buses are an option.

Typical travel time

• Bus travel time: usually 15 to 20+ hours, depending on route, stops, and connections

You’ll generally spend much longer on the road than if you drive yourself, but you won’t have to worry about actually driving or parking.

Where buses typically depart in Atlanta

Intercity buses often use facilities in or near Downtown Atlanta, such as:

• Central bus stations or shared transportation hubs
• Stops near MARTA-accessible areas

You can usually reach these points using:

• MARTA rail (e.g., to Five Points, Peachtree Center, or nearby stations)
• Local buses, rideshare, or taxis from neighborhoods around Atlanta

Because locations and operators can change, it’s wise to confirm departure and arrival points and arrive early, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Downtown streets or parking.

Train (Amtrak) Travel Between Atlanta and Philadelphia

Trains are another option, though not the most direct from Atlanta.

General travel time

• Total train time: often 16–20+ hours between Atlanta and Philadelphia
• Usually involves at least one connection, since Atlanta’s Amtrak service is limited compared with cities like Washington, D.C. or New York

Atlanta’s Amtrak station

If you’re taking Amtrak from Atlanta, you’ll use:

Atlanta Peachtree Station (Amtrak)

• Address: 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Location: Between Midtown and Buckhead
• Access:
  • Short rideshare or taxi from Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead
  • Some travelers use the nearby Arts Center MARTA Station and then a short bus or rideshare trip

From Atlanta, you’d typically ride northward on an Amtrak route that connects with the broader Northeast Corridor system, then continue on to Philadelphia.

Train travel offers a more relaxed experience, but it is usually slower and sometimes more expensive than buses or advance-purchase flights, depending on the date and schedule.

Comparing Your Options From an Atlanta Perspective

Here’s how the distance and time stack up for an Atlanta-based traveler:

• Driving (about 800 miles)

  • Time: 11–13 hours of active driving
  • Best if you want flexibility, are traveling with others, or plan to visit cities between Atlanta and Philadelphia.

• Flying (~700 air miles)

  • Time: 1.75–2 hours of flight, about 4–6 hours door‑to‑door
  • Best if you want the fastest trip from Atlanta, especially for business, short visits, or events in Philly.

• Bus

  • Time: 15–20+ hours
  • Best if you’re budget-conscious and don’t mind a longer trip.

• Train (Amtrak)

  • Time: 16–20+ hours, typically with connections
  • Best if you prefer rail travel, want to avoid driving and highways, and are flexible on timing.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers

Here are a few simple tips if you’re planning the journey from Atlanta to Philadelphia:

• Plan around Atlanta traffic:

  • Leaving before morning rush hour or after evening rush can save time, whether you’re driving or heading to Hartsfield-Jackson.

• Use MARTA where it makes sense:

  • For flights, MARTA often provides a predictable ride to ATL, especially from Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, and Sandy Springs.

• Factor in parking vs. rideshare costs:

  • If you live in the metro area, compare airport parking fees to round-trip rideshare or MARTA costs.

• Check weather along the route:

  • If you’re driving, remember that conditions north of Atlanta (Tennessee, Virginia, Pennsylvania) can be very different, especially in colder months.

In summary, Philadelphia is roughly 800 road miles and about a 2‑hour nonstop flight from Atlanta. From an Atlanta standpoint, flying is usually the most time-efficient option, while driving, buses, and trains give you more flexibility or lower upfront costs, depending on your priorities.