How Far Is Atlanta From Dallas? Distances, Travel Times, and Best Ways to Go

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Dallas, Texas, the first thing you probably want to know is: how far is it, really, and what’s the easiest way to get there?

Here’s a clear breakdown of the distance from Atlanta to Dallas, how long it typically takes by car, plane, bus, or train, and practical tips that matter specifically for travelers starting in or near Atlanta.

The Basic Distance: Atlanta to Dallas

In simple terms:

• Driving distance (I-20 route): about 780–800 miles
• Flying distance (nonstop flight path): about 720–730 miles
• Typical time zone change: Dallas is 1 hour behind Atlanta (Central Time vs. Eastern Time)

So when you leave Atlanta (Eastern Time) and arrive in Dallas (Central Time), the local time in Dallas will usually be one hour earlier than in Atlanta.

Driving From Atlanta to Dallas

Driving is a popular option for Atlanta residents who like road trips or need flexibility with luggage and timing.

How long is the drive?

Most people driving from Atlanta to Dallas take Interstate 20 (I‑20) almost the whole way. Typical drive time:

• Estimated driving time:11–12 hours of actual road time
• Realistic same‑day trip time (with gas/food stops):12–14 hours

The total time depends on:

• Traffic leaving the Atlanta metro area
• Speed and number of stops
• Weather and road conditions, especially through Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana

Common driving route from Atlanta

From central Atlanta (for example, near Downtown or Midtown):

1. Get onto I‑20 West (via the Downtown Connector I‑75/85 or I‑285).
2. Follow I‑20 West through:
   • Western Georgia
   • Alabama (through Birmingham)
   • Mississippi (through Jackson)
   • A corner of Louisiana
3. Continue on I‑20 into Texas, passing through Shreveport and Longview, then on toward Dallas.

You’ll exit toward your specific Dallas destination once you’re in the metro area.

Pros and cons of driving from Atlanta

Advantages:

• 👍 Full control over schedule – leave Atlanta when you want.
• 👍 No airport lines or security.
• 👍 Flexible for families, pets, or lots of luggage.
• 👍 Easy to combine with stops in Birmingham, Jackson, Shreveport, or other cities along I‑20.

Potential downsides:

• 👎 It’s a long day in the car if you drive straight through.
• 👎 Traffic around Atlanta, Birmingham, and Dallas can slow you down.
• 👎 Long-distance driving can be tiring; some Atlanta drivers break the trip into two days.

Safety and planning tips for Atlanta drivers

• Avoid peak rush hours leaving Atlanta if possible (especially 7–9 a.m. and 4–6:30 p.m. on weekdays).
• Consider routing around the city using I‑285 if you’re starting from the suburbs or outer metro area.
• Check traffic and road conditions through:
  • Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT): 511 phone service within Georgia
• If you plan an overnight stop, many travelers split the drive near Jackson, Mississippi or Shreveport, Louisiana.

Flying From Atlanta to Dallas

If you want the fastest way from Atlanta to Dallas, flying is usually your best option.

How far is the flight?

• Nonstop flight distance: about 720–730 miles
• Nonstop flight time (in the air): usually around 2 hours
  (But remember the 1-hour time difference, so it may look shorter on your watch when you land.)

Major airports for Atlanta–Dallas travel

In Atlanta:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  ATL is the main airport for almost all commercial flights leaving the Atlanta metro.

In the Dallas–Fort Worth area:

• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – large, major hub
• Dallas Love Field (DAL) – closer to central Dallas, served by select airlines

Total travel time airport-to-airport

From an Atlanta traveler’s perspective, realistic door‑to‑door time often looks like:

• Travel to ATL from your home/hotel: 30–90 minutes, depending on where you are in metro Atlanta and traffic
• Arrive at ATL before flight: typically 1.5–2 hours before departure for domestic flights
• Flight time: about 2 hours
• Deplaning, baggage claim, and exit: 30–60 minutes
• Travel from DFW or DAL to your final Dallas destination: 20–60+ minutes, depending on traffic and location

Overall, it often works out to about 4.5–6 hours total from when you leave your place in Atlanta to when you reach your final stop in Dallas, assuming a nonstop flight.

Getting to ATL from around Atlanta

Some ways Atlanta residents and visitors commonly reach the airport:

• MARTA Rail:
  • The Red and Gold lines go directly to the Airport Station, inside the Domestic Terminal.
  • Useful if you’re staying near Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or close to MARTA rail stations.
• Driving and parking:
  • On-site parking at ATL plus off‑site park‑and‑ride lots in College Park, Hapeville, and nearby areas.
• Rideshare / taxi:
  • Widely available from across the Atlanta metro, but give extra time during rush hours or major events.

Bus Options From Atlanta to Dallas

Long-distance buses can be a budget‑friendly option, though they take significantly longer.

Typical Atlanta–Dallas bus travel

• Estimated distance: similar to driving, around 780–800 miles
• Usual travel time: often 14–18+ hours, depending on:
  • Route
  • Number of stops
  • Transfers

Departure points in Atlanta can vary by company, but many services use bus stations or designated stops near central Atlanta.

What to expect if you choose the bus

Advantages:

• 💰 Typically cheaper than flying, especially if booked early.
• You don’t have to drive or focus on the road.
• Often multiple departures per day, depending on the operator.

Things to keep in mind:

• Much longer travel time than flying or driving yourself.
• Limited ability to control stops or schedule.
• Comfort level can vary depending on the company, time of day, and crowding.

For Atlanta travelers, the bus makes the most sense when:

• You’re trying to keep costs as low as possible.
• You don’t mind overnight travel or a full day on the road.
• You don’t want to drive but still want ground transportation.

Train Travel: Is There an Atlanta–Dallas Train?

There is no direct, simple passenger train route that connects Atlanta and Dallas the way a short regional train might connect nearby cities.

Long-distance rail in the U.S. is more complicated on this route and usually:

• Requires multiple connections
• Takes much longer than car, bus, or plane
• Can be less convenient for most Atlanta travelers trying to get directly to Dallas

Because of this, most people in Atlanta heading to Dallas choose car, plane, or bus instead of train.

Quick Comparison: Travel Options From Atlanta to Dallas

Below is a simple overview tailored for someone starting in Atlanta:

Choosing the Best Option From Atlanta

When you’re deciding how to get from Atlanta to Dallas, think about:

1. Your schedule

   • Need to arrive the same day with extra time in Dallas?
     → Flying from ATL is usually the most time‑efficient.
   • Comfortable with a long day or overnight trip?
     → Driving or bus may work.

2. Your budget

   • Watching costs closely?
     → Compare bus fares, discount airline tickets, and the cost of gas for an ~800‑mile drive.

3. Your starting point in Atlanta

   • If you’re close to a MARTA rail station or live near Downtown/Midtown, flying from ATL is often very convenient.
   • If you live in the outer suburbs (for example, Douglasville, Conyers, McDonough, Kennesaw, Lawrenceville), you may find it easier to:
     • Drive directly to Dallas, or
     • Drive to ATL or a park‑and‑ride lot, then fly.

4. How you feel about long drives

   • Some Atlanta residents enjoy turning the Atlanta–Dallas trip into a mini‑vacation, stopping in cities like Birmingham, Jackson, or Shreveport.
   • Others prefer to avoid hours on I‑20 and get there quickly by air.

Time Zone and Arrival Considerations

One detail that can be easy to overlook:

• Atlanta (Georgia): Eastern Time (ET)
• Dallas (Texas): Central Time (CT)

Central Time is one hour behind Eastern Time.

What this means for you:

• If your plane leaves Atlanta at 10:00 a.m. ET and the flight is about 2 hours, you might land in Dallas around 11:00 a.m. CT.
• When driving, your phone or GPS may automatically adjust the time as you cross into Central Time near the Alabama–Mississippi or Mississippi–Louisiana region, depending on your route.

If you’re coordinating with people in Dallas or planning meetings, keep that one‑hour time difference in mind.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Atlanta to Dallas by road: about 780–800 miles, usually 11–14 hours by car.
• Atlanta to Dallas by air: about 720–730 miles, with ~2 hours of flight time and about 4.5–6 hours total including airport steps.
• Bus: can be an economical choice but usually takes 14–18+ hours.
• There is no simple direct train that makes sense for most travelers on this route.
• Dallas is one time zone west of Atlanta, so clocks are generally one hour earlier in Dallas.

With this in mind, you can choose the option that best fits your time, budget, and comfort level starting right here in Atlanta, Georgia.