How Far Is Atlanta From Las Vegas? Distance, Travel Time, and Best Ways to Go

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada, the first thing you probably want to know is: how far is it, really? And just as important: what’s the easiest way to get there from Atlanta?

Below is a clear breakdown of the distance, flight time, driving time, and travel options specifically from the Atlanta area, plus practical tips for planning your trip.

How Far Is Atlanta From Las Vegas?

Distance in miles and kilometers

From Atlanta (ATL) to Las Vegas (LAS), the approximate distances are:

• By air (direct flight path):
  ~1,745 miles (about 2,808 km)
• By road (driving distance):
  ~1,950–2,050 miles (about 3,140–3,300 km), depending on your route out of metro Atlanta

Because of the route highways take, the driving distance is longer than the straight-line flight distance.

Quick Comparison: Flying vs. Driving From Atlanta to Las Vegas

Here’s a simple overview to help you compare your options:

Flying From Atlanta to Las Vegas

For almost everyone starting in Atlanta, flying is the fastest and most practical way to get to Las Vegas.

Main airports involved

• Departure (Atlanta):
  Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  General airport information: (800) 897-1910

• Arrival (Las Vegas):
  Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) (formerly McCarran)
  Located just a few miles south of the Las Vegas Strip

Flight time from Atlanta to Las Vegas

• Nonstop flights: About 4 to 4.5 hours in the air
• Total door-to-door time from Atlanta (including getting to ATL, security, boarding, taxiing, and deplaning) often ends up closer to 6–7 hours.

If you take a connecting flight with a layover (for example, in Dallas, Denver, Houston, or Phoenix), expect:

• Around 6–9+ hours total travel time, depending on layover length.

Nonstop vs. connecting flights from Atlanta

From Atlanta, there are typically nonstop flights to Las Vegas on major U.S. carriers. Nonstops are usually more convenient for:

• Weekend Vegas trips
• Short vacations
• Last-minute business travel

Connecting flights may be more common at certain times of day, on specific airlines, or during off-peak seasons.

Getting to ATL from around metro Atlanta

If you’re staying or living in the Atlanta area, common ways to reach Hartsfield-Jackson include:

• MARTA Rail:

  • Take the Red or Gold line to Airport Station, which is directly inside the Domestic Terminal.
  • Useful if you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near MARTA-accessible suburbs like Sandy Springs or Doraville.

• Driving and parking:

  • The airport has North and South Economy Lots, Park-Ride lots, and various daily and hourly parking garages.
  • Many travelers from suburban areas like Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, and Fayetteville use off-airport parking services or rideshare.

• Rideshare and taxi:

  • Rideshare pickups (such as app-based services) use designated areas at the Domestic and International terminals.
  • Traditional taxis queue outside the baggage claim area.

Driving From Atlanta to Las Vegas

If you prefer a road trip or don’t want to fly, driving from Atlanta to Las Vegas is possible, but it’s a long haul.

How far is the drive?

Most common driving routes from Atlanta to Las Vegas fall in the range of:

• ~1,950 to 2,050 miles
• Typically 28–32 hours of actual driving time, not counting:
  • Fuel stops
  • Meals
  • Overnight stays
  • Traffic or construction delays

Typical driving routes from Atlanta

A common route from Atlanta uses major interstates that are easy to follow:

1. I-20 West out of Atlanta through:

   • Birmingham, AL
   • Jackson, MS
   • Shreveport, LA
   • Dallas/Fort Worth, TX

2. Connect to I-30 and I-40 West through:

   • Northern Texas
   • New Mexico
   • Arizona

3. Cut north and west toward Las Vegas using regional highways near the Arizona–Nevada border to reach the Las Vegas valley.

There are variations, but most routes:

• Stick to major interstates
• Pass through a mix of Southern states and the Southwest
• Involve at least two to three days of driving if you want regular rest and overnight stops

How many days should you plan?

From Atlanta, it’s reasonable to plan:

• 2 long days of driving (12–15 hours per day) for very experienced and shared drivers
• 3 days of more comfortable daily driving (8–10 hours per day)

🛈 Tip: If you’re traveling with kids, pets, or prefer shorter stretches, lean toward 3 days or more and plan overnight stops in major towns or cities along the route.

Things Atlanta drivers should prepare for

Traveling from Georgia to Nevada by car means crossing multiple climate zones and regions. Consider:

• Vehicle readiness:

  • Have your brakes, tires, fluids, and air conditioning checked before leaving metro Atlanta.
  • For a long trip like this, many Atlantans get a quick inspection at a local mechanic before heading west.

• Weather changes:

  • Summers in West Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona can be extremely hot.
  • If you leave Atlanta in winter, remember that higher elevations out west can have snow or ice.

• Fuel and rest:

  • After you pass larger metro areas, gas stations can be more spread out than in Georgia. Don’t let your tank run too low in rural stretches.

Bus, Train, and Mixed Ground Travel From Atlanta to Las Vegas

There is no single direct train line from Atlanta to Las Vegas, and bus options typically involve multiple transfers. These routes are generally:

• Slower than flying or driving
• More suitable for very budget-conscious travelers or those who prefer not to fly

Most Atlanta travelers who choose ground options:

• Use a long-distance bus service out of the Atlanta area bus stations
• Or combine bus and train segments, which can take 2–3 days or more

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

• Check options in advance from central transit points like Downtown Atlanta bus terminals
• Allow for overnight travel and multiple stops

Time Zone Difference: Atlanta vs. Las Vegas

When you travel from Atlanta to Las Vegas, you cross three time zones:

• Atlanta: Eastern Time (ET)
• Las Vegas: Pacific Time (PT)

Las Vegas is 3 hours behind Atlanta.

Example:

• If it’s 3:00 p.m. in Atlanta, it’s 12:00 p.m. (noon) in Las Vegas.

This matters when you:

• Book flights and look at departure vs. arrival times
• Schedule hotel check-ins, show times, and reservations in Las Vegas
• Plan calls or virtual meetings with people still in Atlanta while you’re in Nevada

How to Choose the Best Way to Travel From Atlanta to Las Vegas

Here are some quick guidelines based on typical priorities for travelers starting in or around Atlanta:

If you want to get there fast

• Best option:Nonstop flight from ATL to LAS
• Why:
  • Around 4–4.5 hours in the air
  • Total same-day travel, even with airport time

If you want a scenic adventure or multi-stop trip

• Best option:Drive from Atlanta to Las Vegas
• Why:
  • Flexibility to stop in cities like Birmingham, Dallas/Fort Worth, Amarillo, Albuquerque, or Flagstaff
  • Possibility to add national parks or scenic desert routes as side trips

If you’re on a tight budget and very flexible on time

• Best option:
  • Compare low-cost flights out of ATL
  • Or research multi-leg bus/ground travel
• Why:
  • Sometimes, discount airlines from Atlanta can be cheaper than a long ground journey once you factor in food, lodging, and time

Common Atlanta-Specific Questions About the Trip

Is there a big difference between leaving from Atlanta vs. a nearby airport?

Most people in the Atlanta region use Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) for Las Vegas trips because:

• It’s the main international hub in Georgia
• It offers the most frequent and flexible flight options
• MARTA and highway access are straightforward from most parts of metro Atlanta

Smaller regional airports around Georgia typically do not offer direct flights to Las Vegas and may require extra connections, making the overall trip longer.

How early should I get to ATL for a flight to Las Vegas?

For flights from Atlanta to Las Vegas:

• Arriving about 2 hours before a domestic departure is commonly recommended, especially:
  • During busy travel seasons
  • If you’re checking bags
  • If you’re unfamiliar with airport layout

Hartsfield-Jackson is a large, busy airport, so allow extra time for:

• Security lines
• Riding the Plane Train between concourses
• Finding your gate

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Straight-line distance: About 1,745 miles from Atlanta to Las Vegas by air
• Driving distance: Roughly 1,950–2,050 miles, usually 28–32 hours of driving
• Fastest option: A nonstop flight from ATL to LAS, typically 4–4.5 hours in the air
• Road trip option: Plan for 2–3 days, with stops and hotel nights along the way
• Time zone difference: Las Vegas is 3 hours behind Atlanta (Eastern vs. Pacific Time)

Whether you’re an Atlanta local planning a Vegas getaway or a visitor trying to understand your options from the city, knowing these distances and travel times makes it much easier to choose how you’ll get from Atlanta to Las Vegas.