How Far Is Atlanta from Fort Lauderdale? Your Practical Travel Guide From the ATL

If you live in Atlanta, are flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), or are planning a trip from Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the distance and travel options are straightforward—but the best choice can depend a lot on your schedule, budget, and how you like to travel.

Below is a clear breakdown of how far Atlanta is from Fort Lauderdale, and what that really looks like by car, plane, bus, and train for someone starting in or around Atlanta.

The Short Answer: Distance Between Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale

In simple terms:

• Driving distance: About 580–600 miles
• Direct flight distance (as the crow flies): About 580 miles
• Typical nonstop flight time: Around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
• Typical driving time: About 9–10 hours in normal traffic

So, Atlanta is roughly 600 miles from Fort Lauderdale, whether you fly or drive. The main difference is how you choose to cover that distance.

How Far Is Atlanta from Fort Lauderdale by Car?

For many Atlanta residents, especially those used to road trips down I-75, driving is a familiar option.

Main Driving Route

Most drivers use a simple north–south route:

1. Start in Atlanta
   • From Downtown or Midtown, you’ll typically get on I-75 South via the Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85).
2. Take I-75 South through Macon and South Georgia
   • Pass through or near Macon, Tifton, and Valdosta.
3. Enter Florida and keep following I-75 South
   • This includes the stretch known as “Alligator Alley” (between Naples and Fort Lauderdale area) once you reach Southwest Florida.
4. Continue east toward Fort Lauderdale via I-595 East or area highways, depending on your final destination.

Driving Distance & Time

• Approximate distance:580–600 miles one way
• Typical driving time:9–10 hours with normal stops
• Realistic Atlanta departure points:
  • From Downtown Atlanta: about 590–600 miles
  • From Hartsfield–Jackson Airport: similar, since it’s right off I-85/I-75

Travel time can vary based on:

• Rush hour traffic leaving Atlanta (especially along the Downtown Connector and the Perimeter/I-285)
• Weather and construction along I-75 in Georgia and Florida
• Holiday or weekend beach traffic closer to South Florida

Pros and Cons of Driving from Atlanta

Advantages:

• Flexible schedule: Leave when you want, stop when you want.
• Control over luggage: No baggage fees; easy to bring beach gear, coolers, or family items.
• Useful if you need a car in Fort Lauderdale: Saves on rental costs there.

Things to keep in mind:

• Long day of driving: Plan rest, food, and fuel stops.
• Tolls in Florida: Sections of I-75 near Fort Lauderdale involve tolls; many Atlanta drivers use a SunPass or pay-by-plate.
• Fatigue: Consider sharing driving if traveling with others.

How Far Is Atlanta from Fort Lauderdale by Plane?

If you’re based in Atlanta, flying is usually the fastest and most convenient way to get to Fort Lauderdale.

Airports You’ll Use

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

• Arrival:
  Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
  (Just south of downtown Fort Lauderdale and near major beach areas)

Flight Distance & Time

• Approximate flight distance (ATL to FLL): ~580 miles
• Nonstop flight time: About 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours in the air
• Total travel time door-to-door from Atlanta: Often 4–6 hours, once you factor in:
  • Getting to Hartsfield–Jackson
  • Check-in and security
  • Boarding and taxi time
  • Baggage claim and local transportation in Fort Lauderdale

Getting to ATL from Around Atlanta

Atlanta residents and visitors usually reach ATL by:

• MARTA Rail:
  • Airport Station is directly inside the Domestic Terminal.
  • North–South (Red/Gold) lines go to the airport from Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead.
• Driving and parking:
  • Multiple on-site lots and off-site park-and-ride services.
• Rideshare or taxi:
  • Designated pickup zones at domestic and international terminals.

If you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, MARTA is often the simplest option to avoid traffic and parking costs.

Pros and Cons of Flying from Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale

Advantages:

• Fastest option for most people: Especially if your time in Fort Lauderdale is limited.
• Plenty of flights: ATL is one of the busiest hubs in the country, so schedules tend to be flexible.
• Easy connection from central Atlanta via MARTA.

Things to consider:

• Total time vs. flying: Even with a short flight, plan for airport processes.
• Baggage costs and size limits: Especially for beach trips with extra gear.
• Transportation once you land: You may still need a rental car, rideshare, or public transit in Fort Lauderdale.

Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale by Bus

If you’re looking for a budget-conscious option and don’t mind a longer journey, intercity buses connect the Atlanta area with South Florida.

Typical Bus Distance & Time

• Road distance: Similar to driving — around 580–600 miles
• Travel time: Usually around 13–15 hours, depending on stops and route.

Where You’ll Depart in Atlanta

Common departure points in Atlanta generally include bus stations near:

• Downtown Atlanta
  Near the Five Points area or other central transit hubs
• Other established intercity bus terminals around the city

Schedules, exact locations, and durations vary, so it’s wise to confirm current routes and times before planning.

Who Bus Travel Works Best For

• Travelers who want to avoid driving and save money versus flying.
• Those who don’t mind overnight travel or longer sitting periods.
• People traveling light, without a lot of luggage or kids.

Train Options: Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale

Train service between Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale is possible, but it’s not direct and is usually less convenient than flying or driving.

What to Expect

• No nonstop Atlanta–Fort Lauderdale train: You typically need to connect via another city.
• Overall travel time can be well over a day, depending on connections and schedules.

This option may appeal to travelers who:

• Prefer a more scenic, slower-paced journey
• Are comfortable with long-duration trips and flexible schedules

But for most Atlanta-based travelers heading to Fort Lauderdale for a weekend or short trip, flying or driving usually makes more sense.

At-a-Glance: Travel Distance & Time from Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale

Here’s a simple comparison of the main options if you’re starting in Atlanta:

*Times are general ranges and can vary based on traffic, schedules, and time of year.

Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors Planning the Trip

A few Atlanta-specific points to keep your travel smooth:

1. Plan Around Atlanta Traffic

• Morning and evening rush hours on the Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85) and I-285 can add significant time if you’re driving out of the city or heading to the airport.
• If you’re driving to Fort Lauderdale, leaving very early in the morning can help you:
  • Clear Atlanta rush hour
  • Get deep into Central or South Georgia before heavy traffic builds

2. Use MARTA to Simplify Airport Travel

• If you’re staying anywhere near a MARTA Red or Gold line station (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs), taking MARTA directly to Airport Station can:
  • Avoid parking fees
  • Reduce stress about traffic delays
  • Make timing more predictable

3. Consider How Long You’ll Stay in Fort Lauderdale

• Short weekend trip:
  Flying from ATL usually gives you the most time on the ground in Fort Lauderdale.
• Longer vacation (a week or more) with family or gear:
  Driving can be cost-effective, especially if you’d rent a car in Florida anyway.

4. Factor in Weather and Seasons

• Summer and holiday weekends:
  • Expect heavier I-75 traffic as many Atlanta-area residents drive to Florida beaches.
  • Flights may be busier and may require more advance booking.
• Hurricane season (mainly late summer to fall):
  Weather in South Florida can affect flights and driving conditions. It’s smart to:
  • Check forecasts
  • Build in flexibility if possible

So, How Far Is Atlanta from Fort Lauderdale in Practical Terms?

From an Atlanta perspective, Fort Lauderdale is close enough for a long weekend, but far enough that your choice of transport really matters:

• By air, you’re looking at about 2 hours of flight time from ATL to FLL, plus airport logistics.
• By car, it’s roughly a full day’s drive—commonly 9 to 10 hours each way.
• By bus or train, the distances are similar, but the time commitment is much longer.

Once you decide how much time you have, how much you want to spend, and whether you need a car in Florida, choosing the right way to cover that ~600-mile trip from Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale becomes much easier.