How Far Is It from St. Louis to Atlanta? Your Distance & Travel Guide

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to St. Louis, Missouri—or you’re in St. Louis trying to reach Atlanta—it helps to know exactly how far it is, how long it takes, and what the best travel options are.

Below is a clear breakdown of distance, driving routes, flight times, and travel tips specifically from an Atlanta perspective.

How Far Is St. Louis from Atlanta?

The distance between Atlanta and St. Louis depends on how you travel:

• Driving distance: About 555–575 miles one way
• Flight distance (straight line): About 470–480 miles
• Driving time: Typically 8–9 hours with normal traffic and short stops
• Flight time (in the air): Around 1 hour 30 minutes

These numbers can vary slightly depending on your exact starting point in Atlanta (Downtown vs. suburbs) and your route.

Driving from Atlanta to St. Louis

Driving is a popular option if you want flexibility, are traveling with family, or prefer to avoid airports.

Main Driving Route from Atlanta

Most drivers from Atlanta to St. Louis use a straightforward, interstate-heavy route:

1. Start in Atlanta
   • From Downtown Atlanta, get on I-75 North or I-85 North and then connect to:
2. I-75 North → I-24 West
   • Head toward Chattanooga, TN, then continue through Tennessee.
3. I-24 West → I-57 North
   • Travel across southern Illinois.
4. I-57 North → I-64 West → I-55 North
   • Merge toward St. Louis, crossing the Mississippi River into the city.

This route is roughly 560 miles and usually takes about 8–9 hours of driving time, not counting longer meal breaks or heavy traffic.

Estimated Driving Time by Starting Point in Atlanta

Times assume normal highway conditions and short breaks.

What Atlanta Drivers Should Know 🚗

• Rush-hour timing:
  Leaving Atlanta between 6:30–9:00 a.m. or 3:30–7:00 p.m. can add 30–60 minutes just getting out of the metro area. Starting earlier in the morning or later in the evening is often smoother.
• Common stopovers from Atlanta:
  • Chattanooga, TN (about 2 hours from Atlanta)
  • Nashville, TN (about halfway, roughly 4 hours from Atlanta)
• Weather awareness:
  In winter, parts of Tennessee and southern Illinois can see snow and ice; in summer, heavy rain and storms are possible. Check conditions before you leave Atlanta, especially for overnight trips.
• Tolls:
  The standard Atlanta–St. Louis route is generally toll-free along the major interstates.

Flying from Atlanta to St. Louis

If you’re short on time, flying from Atlanta to St. Louis is usually the most efficient option.

Distance and Flight Time

• Air distance: About 470–480 miles
• Typical nonstop flight time (in the air): About 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total airport-to-airport time: Often 3–4 hours, including boarding and taxiing

You’ll depart from:

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

And arrive at:

• St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
  10701 Lambert International Blvd
  St. Louis, MO 63145

What Atlanta Flyers Should Plan For ✈️

• Getting to ATL:
  • MARTA (rail) is often the easiest way from Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead—take the Gold or Red Line directly to the airport station.
  • If you’re driving, allow extra time for parking and the airport security lines, especially at peak times.
• Time to arrive before departure:
  Many travelers aim to arrive 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight from Atlanta, depending on the day and time.
• Airport connections:
  ATL is large and busy, so factor in time to move between the main terminal and concourses using the Plane Train.

Bus and Train Options Between Atlanta and St. Louis

There is no single-seat, high-speed train that runs direct from Atlanta to St. Louis, and bus options often require connections. However, some travelers from Atlanta choose these options when:

• They don’t want to drive.
• They’re looking for a lower-cost alternative to flying.

Bus Travel from Atlanta

Buses typically:

• Depart from locations near Downtown Atlanta or other central hubs.
• Involve at least one transfer, commonly in cities such as Nashville or Louisville.
• Take significantly longer than driving or flying—often 12–16+ hours, depending on routing and layovers.

Train (Amtrak) Considerations

There is no direct Amtrak train line from Atlanta to St. Louis. Travelers focused on rail usually:

• Take Amtrak from Atlanta’s Peachtree Station (1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309) to another major hub.
• Connect via additional routes toward St. Louis.

This is generally slower and more complex than flying or driving, but some travelers prefer the train experience.

Which Travel Option Makes the Most Sense from Atlanta?

When you compare how far St. Louis is from Atlanta and how long each method takes, here’s a simple way to think about it:

• Fastest overall:
  Flying from Atlanta (ATL) to St. Louis (STL) is usually fastest when you factor in total door-to-door time, especially if you live close to a MARTA station or can easily reach the airport.
• Most flexible:
  Driving is ideal if you want control over your schedule, plan to stop in cities like Chattanooga or Nashville, or need a car in St. Louis.
• Lowest cost (sometimes):
  Bus travel can be cheaper but is usually much longer and less direct from Atlanta.
• Most scenic or relaxed:
  A road trip from Atlanta through Tennessee and into the Midwest lets you see changing landscapes and visit multiple cities along the way.

Quick Reference: Atlanta to St. Louis Distance & Time

From an Atlanta traveler’s perspective:

• Driving distance: ~560 miles
• Typical drive time: 8–9 hours
• Flight distance: ~475 miles
• Time in the air: ~1.5 hours
• Common routes from Atlanta:
  • By car: Atlanta → Chattanooga → Nashville → southern Illinois → St. Louis
  • By air: ATL → STL nonstop

Understanding these basics makes it easier to decide whether to drive, fly, or combine options when traveling between Atlanta and St. Louis.