How Far Is Atlanta From Columbus, Ohio? A Practical Guide for Atlanta Travelers

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Columbus, Ohio, the distance and travel options are fairly straightforward—but your experience can feel very different depending on whether you fly, drive, or take a combination of ground transportation.

This guide breaks down how far Atlanta is from Columbus, OH, how long it usually takes to get there, and what Atlanta locals and visitors should know when planning the trip.

The Basic Distance: Atlanta to Columbus, Ohio

From downtown Atlanta to downtown Columbus, Ohio:

• Driving distance: about 550–600 miles
• Driving time: typically 8.5 to 10 hours, depending on traffic, weather, and stops
• Straight-line (air) distance: about 430–450 miles

These numbers can shift slightly depending on:

• Where you start in the Atlanta area (Midtown vs. Marietta vs. Hartsfield-Jackson)
• Where you’re going in Columbus (Downtown, Ohio State University area, suburbs)
• Route choice and traffic patterns

Quick Comparison: Ways to Travel From Atlanta to Columbus, Ohio

Driving From Atlanta to Columbus, Ohio

For many Atlanta residents, driving is the most straightforward option, especially for weekend trips or when you want the flexibility of having your own car in Ohio.

Typical Driving Distance and Time

• Distance: ~550–600 miles
• Travel time: usually 8.5 to 10 hours, assuming:
  • Normal highway conditions
  • Short stops for gas, food, and rest
  • No major construction or severe weather

If you’re leaving from central Atlanta (near Downtown or Midtown) and heading to Downtown Columbus, this is a reasonable estimate for a same-day drive.

Common Driving Route From Atlanta

The most commonly used route from Atlanta to Columbus, OH, typically includes:

1. I-75 North out of Atlanta
2. Continue through Chattanooga and Knoxville (if you take the eastern path)
3. Head northwest through Kentucky and into Ohio, then follow major highways into Columbus

Exact routing can vary depending on live traffic conditions and navigation app suggestions.

Things Atlanta Drivers Should Consider

• Timing your departure:

  • Leaving Atlanta during weekday rush hours (7–9 a.m. or 4–7 p.m.) can add significant time.
  • Many drivers prefer an early-morning departure (5–6 a.m.) to get out of the metro area before traffic builds.

• Weather:

  • In winter, conditions in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio can be more severe than what Atlantans are used to—snow, ice, and road closures are more likely.
  • Check road conditions before you go, especially between December and March.

• Rest stops and breaks:

  • Plan for fuel, restroom, and food stops every few hours.
  • If you’re starting in Atlanta with kids or a group, think through where you’ll stop for meals so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

Flying From Atlanta to Columbus, Ohio

Even though Columbus, OH is not very far from Atlanta in flying terms, getting there normally involves more than just a quick nonstop hop.

How Far Is It by Air?

• Air distance (Atlanta to Columbus): about 430–450 miles
• Typical flight time (in the air): around 1.5 hours of flying on each leg
• Total trip time (door-to-door): about 3.5–5 hours, including:
  • Getting to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Security screening and boarding
  • Potential layover
  • Deplaning and traveling from the airport in Columbus to your final destination

Airport Details for Atlanta Travelers

Atlanta Departure:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320
  Main roles for your trip:
  • Domestic departures and arrivals
  • Rental cars
  • MARTA rail access (Airport Station) directly to and from the terminal

Columbus Arrival:

• Main commercial airport serving Columbus:
  • John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) (in Columbus, OH)

From Atlanta’s perspective, you’ll typically:

• Depart from ATL
• Fly to CMH (sometimes via a connecting city, depending on airline and schedule)

Getting to ATL From Around Atlanta

Common ways to reach ATL from within the Atlanta metro:

• MARTA Train:

  • Take the Red or Gold Line to Airport Station, located inside the Domestic Terminal.
  • Good option if you’re coming from Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or Sandy Springs.

• Driving and parking:

  • Long-term parking lots serve both Domestic and International terminals.
  • Allow extra time for shuttle transfers to the terminal.

• Rideshare/taxi:

  • Dedicated pick-up and drop-off areas are located at ATL; be sure to follow airport signage for your specific ride service.

Bus or Coach Options From Atlanta to Columbus, Ohio

Bus service between Atlanta and Columbus, OH is typically not direct. Most itineraries include:

• One or more transfers in major cities such as Cincinnati or Louisville
• A longer total travel time, often 12–16+ hours depending on schedules and routes

For someone based in Atlanta, this option can be useful if:

• You don’t want to drive
• You’re looking for a lower-cost way to travel
• You’re comfortable with longer travel times and transfers

Because schedules and specific routes can change, it’s best to:

• Review current bus departure and arrival times from central Atlanta locations
• Confirm whether you’re departing from a downtown station, near the airport, or another terminal

Mixed Travel: Flying Partway, Driving the Rest

Some Atlanta travelers choose a hybrid approach:

• Fly from Atlanta to another regional airport (for example, in Cincinnati or another nearby city)
• Then rent a car and drive the remaining distance to Columbus

This can make sense if:

• Airfare to Columbus itself is high on your travel dates
• You plan to visit multiple cities in Ohio or nearby states
• You prefer breaking up the driving into a shorter segment

From Atlanta’s perspective, you would:

1. Travel to ATL as usual.
2. Take a flight to a regional airport you’ve selected.
3. Pick up a rental car and drive a few hours to Columbus, OH.

How to Decide the Best Way to Go From Atlanta to Columbus, Ohio

Because Atlanta to Columbus is in that middle range where both driving and flying are reasonable, it helps to weigh a few key factors.

When Driving May Be Best

Driving from Atlanta might be better if:

• You prefer door-to-door travel without airport lines
• You’re traveling with family or a group and want to avoid multiple plane tickets
• You need a car in Columbus for:
  • Visiting nearby towns
  • Business across the region
  • Extended stays

For many Atlantans, the 8.5–10 hour drive is manageable as a long day on the road, especially with shared driving duties.

When Flying May Be Best

Flying from ATL to CMH usually works well if:

• You’re on a tight schedule
• You’re traveling solo or as a couple
• You prefer spending less time on the road, even if it means dealing with airport logistics
• You’re comfortable planning around:
  • Potential layovers
  • Security lines at ATL
  • Transportation from the Columbus airport to your final destination

Planning Tips for Atlanta-Based Travelers

A few Atlanta-specific planning considerations:

• Leaving the city:

  • If you’re driving, consider exiting Atlanta before morning or evening rush hours. Getting through the downtown connector (I-75/85) can add significant time.

• Using MARTA to ATL:

  • If you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, or near a MARTA station, taking the rail to ATL can be more predictable than driving during peak traffic.

• Traveling with students or OSU connections:

  • If you have ties to The Ohio State University in Columbus, factor in campus-area traffic and event days when planning your arrival and departure.

• Seasonal differences:

  • Atlanta travelers heading north in winter may encounter colder temperatures and snow much earlier in the year than in Georgia. Build extra time into your driving or flight schedule around major winter storms.

At a Glance: How Far Is Atlanta From Columbus, Ohio?

• Driving distance: roughly 550–600 miles
• Driving time: about 8.5–10 hours from the Atlanta area
• Air distance: around 430–450 miles
• Typical door-to-door flying time: about 3.5–5 hours from Atlanta to Columbus, OH

If you’re starting from or passing through Atlanta, Georgia, you have multiple realistic ways to get to Columbus, Ohio—each with its own balance of time, cost, and convenience. The “best” option largely depends on your schedule, your budget, and how comfortable you are spending a full day either on the road or moving through airports.