How Far Is Atlanta From Baltimore? Travel Times, Options, and Tips for ATL Travelers

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Baltimore, Maryland, the distance and travel time can vary a lot depending on how you go. Whether you’re flying out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) or considering a road trip up the East Coast, here’s exactly what to expect.

How Far Is Atlanta From Baltimore?

In simple terms:

• Driving distance: about 680–700 miles one way
• Flight distance (straight line): about 575–580 miles
• Typical non-stop flight time: around 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours
• Typical driving time: about 10.5–12 hours, depending on traffic and stops

So for most people in Atlanta, flying is the fastest and most practical option, while driving can work if you prefer a road trip or need a car in Baltimore.

Flying From Atlanta to Baltimore

Main Airports

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

• Arrival (Baltimore):
  Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
  Located about 10–15 miles south of downtown Baltimore

Most travelers going Atlanta → Baltimore use ATL to BWI. Some may fly into Washington, D.C. area airports (DCA or IAD) and then connect to Baltimore by car or train, but BWI is usually the most direct choice.

Flight Distance and Time

• Approximate flight distance: ~575–580 miles
• Non-stop flight time: usually under 2 hours in the air

When you factor in:

• Getting to ATL
• Security lines
• Boarding time
• Deplaning and getting luggage at BWI

The total “door-to-door” time for most Atlanta residents ends up around 4–6 hours, depending on how far you live from the airport and what ground transportation you use in Baltimore.

Getting to ATL From Around Atlanta

Common ways Atlanta residents reach ATL:

• MARTA rail:
  • The Red and Gold lines both end at Airport Station, connected directly to the Domestic Terminal.
  • This is often the most predictable option during rush hour.
• Driving and parking:
  • On-site long-term parking at ATL and various off-airport lots around Camp Creek Parkway and nearby areas.
• Rideshare/taxi:
  • Uber, Lyft, and taxis can pick up and drop off at ATL passenger zones; time varies heavily with traffic on I‑75/I‑85 and I‑285.

If you’re in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, MARTA is usually a straightforward choice. From suburbs like Sandy Springs, Marietta, Decatur, or College Park, driving or rideshare may be more convenient.

Driving From Atlanta to Baltimore

If you prefer to drive from Atlanta to Baltimore, you’ll mostly stay on major interstates up the East Coast.

Approximate Driving Distance and Time

• Distance: about 680–700 miles
• Driving time (no long stops): usually 10.5–12 hours

Typical route:

1. Head north on I‑85 from Atlanta
2. Transition to I‑77 near the Carolinas
3. Connect to I‑81 or I‑95 (depending on your chosen path)
4. Continue north toward Maryland, following signs into Baltimore

Some drivers prefer staying on I‑85 to I‑95 (through the Carolinas and around Richmond), while others choose routes that include I‑81 to avoid some I‑95 traffic. Both are widely used by long-distance drivers from Atlanta.

Road Trip Considerations for Atlanta Drivers

If you’re leaving from the Atlanta metro:

• Give yourself time to get out of I‑285 and the core interstates, especially during:
  • Morning rush: roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.
  • Evening rush: roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.
• Expect heavier traffic near:
  • The I‑85 corridor leaving metro Atlanta
  • Approaches to major cities along the way
  • The Baltimore–Washington region on I‑95

Many Atlanta drivers break the trip into two days, stopping overnight somewhere in North Carolina or Virginia.

Comparing Travel Options at a Glance

Here’s a quick comparison of Atlanta → Baltimore travel from an Atlanta resident’s perspective:

Times can vary with weather, traffic, and time of day.

Taking the Train or Bus From Atlanta to Baltimore

While flying or driving are the most common options, some Atlanta travelers look at train or bus for budget or comfort reasons.

Train (Amtrak) From Atlanta

• Atlanta station:
  Amtrak – Peachtree Station
  1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

You can take Amtrak from Atlanta to the Northeast and connect to Baltimore Penn Station. However:

• The train distance is similar to the driving distance.
• Travel time is significantly longer than flying—often 13 hours or more, depending on the route and timing.

This option can suit travelers who:

• Prefer not to fly
• Enjoy the experience of rail travel
• Have flexible schedules

Bus or Coach Services

Long-distance bus services sometimes operate Atlanta → East Coast routes with stops or transfers that can lead to Baltimore. From Atlanta, buses often leave from locations near:

• Downtown Atlanta
• The MARTA network

Expect:

• Travel times that can range around 12–16+ hours, depending on the route and number of stops.
• Multiple breaks, and sometimes transfers in another city.

Buses are often chosen by budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind longer travel days.

How to Choose the Best Option From Atlanta

When deciding how to get from Atlanta to Baltimore, consider:

1. Time vs. Convenience

• If you’re in Metro Atlanta and need to maximize your time in Baltimore, flying out of ATL is usually the best balance of speed and convenience.
• If you are uncomfortable flying or want a scenic trip, driving or taking the train may be more appealing.

2. Where You Are in Atlanta

• Intown (Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead):
  • Quick MARTA access to ATL, so flying becomes even more convenient.
• Farther suburbs (e.g., Alpharetta, Marietta, Peachtree City, Douglasville):
  • Driving directly to Baltimore can feel more straightforward for some families, especially if you’d already be driving 30–60 minutes just to reach ATL.

3. Budget

• Flights can be affordable if booked early, but prices fluctuate.
• Driving spreads the cost into fuel, tolls, and wear on your vehicle.
• Bus and train can sometimes be less expensive but require far more time.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Straight-line distance from Atlanta to Baltimore is around 575–580 miles, but driving distance is closer to 680–700 miles.
• Non-stop flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to BWI typically take under 2 hours, making flying the fastest option.
• Driving from the Atlanta area to Baltimore usually takes 10.5–12 hours, not counting long stops, and works best if you want your own vehicle on arrival.
• Train and bus options are available from Atlanta but are much longer and are usually chosen for budget or comfort reasons, not speed.

From an Atlanta perspective, the trip to Baltimore is long enough to plan carefully, but short enough that a weekend or extended weekend trip can be very doable—especially if you fly.