How Far Is Atlanta From Little Rock, Arkansas? A Practical Guide for Atlanta Travelers

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Little Rock, Arkansas, the distance and travel options are straightforward—but the best choice depends on your schedule, budget, and whether you prefer driving or flying.

Below is a clear breakdown of how far Atlanta is from Little Rock, plus what Atlantans should know about driving routes, flights, buses, and trains.

The Distance From Atlanta to Little Rock at a Glance

Straight-line (air) distance:

• About 450–470 miles between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock.

Driving distance:

• Roughly 520–540 miles by road, depending on the exact route and your starting point in the Atlanta area.

Quick Comparison: Distance & Typical Travel Times

Driving From Atlanta to Little Rock

For many people living in or visiting Atlanta, driving is the most straightforward way to get from Atlanta to Little Rock, especially if you want flexibility with luggage or are planning a road trip.

Main Driving Routes

Most trips start somewhere around Downtown Atlanta, Midtown, Buckhead, or the suburbs and connect to I‑20 westbound. Two common options:

1. I‑20 West to Birmingham, then US routes toward Little Rock

   • Head west on I‑20 from Atlanta toward Birmingham, Alabama.
   • From Birmingham, many drivers follow a mix of U.S. highways and interstates northwest then west toward Arkansas.
   • Distance: usually around 520–540 miles total.
   • Pros: Simple to start from central Atlanta; I‑20 is a familiar corridor for many locals.
   • Cons: Not interstate the entire way; speed and traffic can vary.

2. Alternate routing via I‑75 / I‑24 / I‑40 (more indirect)

   • Some GPS routes may suggest going up toward Chattanooga or over toward Nashville then onto I‑40 West into Arkansas.
   • This is often longer in miles and time, but may appear if there are major delays on I‑20 or in Alabama.
   • Usually not the first choice unless there’s a specific reason.

🕒 Typical drive time:

• Plan for 7.5 to 9 hours of driving time in normal conditions, not including long stops.
• Rush hour traffic leaving Atlanta (especially near Downtown Connector/I‑75/85, I‑285, and the I‑20 junctions) can add 30–60 minutes.

Tips for Atlanta Drivers

• Leave outside rush hour:
  Avoid weekday peaks around 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m., especially if you’re starting near Downtown, Midtown, or the Perimeter (I‑285).

• Fuel and food stops:
  Once you’re out of metro Atlanta, you’ll find frequent services along I‑20 in Alabama. A lot of Atlanta drivers plan main stops near:

  • Anniston/Oxford, AL
  • Birmingham, AL

• Weather awareness:
  In winter or during severe storms, both I‑20 and connecting highways can be affected. Check conditions before leaving.

• Rental cars from Atlanta:
  You can pick up a rental at:

  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Neighborhood locations around Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, Sandy Springs, and other suburbs.
    This is useful if you’re visiting Atlanta and want to continue on to Little Rock by car.

Flying From Atlanta to Little Rock

If you want to minimize total travel time, flying from Atlanta to Little Rock is usually the most efficient option.

Distance and Flight Time

• Air distance: around 450–470 miles.
• Nonstop flight time: about 1.5 to 2 hours in the air.

From an Atlanta travel perspective, the main starting point is:

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

Little Rock’s main airport is:

• Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT)
  1 Airport Drive
  Little Rock, AR 72202

What Atlantans Should Know About Flying

• Total door-to-door time:
  Even though the flight is short, give yourself 3.5 to 5 hours total when you include:

  • Travel from your home/hotel to ATL (often 20–60+ minutes depending on where you are in the metro).
  • Check-in and security (arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure for domestic flights).
  • Deplaning and getting from LIT into Little Rock proper (usually a short drive).

• Getting to ATL from around Atlanta:

  • MARTA:
    • Take the Red or Gold rail line directly to the Airport Station, located inside the Domestic Terminal at ATL.
    • Useful if you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near MARTA-connected suburbs.
  • Rideshare or taxi:
    • Widely available across metro Atlanta.
    • Allow extra time during peak traffic or major events.
  • Driving and parking:
    • Long-term parking lots and private off-airport garages are spread around Camp Creek Parkway, Sylvan Road, and nearby areas.

• When flying makes the most sense:

  • You’re on a tight schedule and need to be in Little Rock the same day with minimal driving.
  • You’re already at or near ATL (for example, you’re connecting from another flight).
  • You prefer to avoid an 8-hour drive.

Bus and Train Options From Atlanta to Little Rock

Public transit between Atlanta and Little Rock exists, but it’s typically slower and less direct than flying or driving.

Bus Travel

Intercity bus services operating in and around Atlanta may offer routes to Little Rock, but usually with one or more transfers (often in cities like Birmingham, Memphis, or others).

Things to expect:

• Travel time: commonly 11–15+ hours depending on connections.
• Departure point in Atlanta:
  Routes may use central bus terminals or designated curbside pickup locations in or near Downtown Atlanta.
• Comfort level:
  Modern intercity buses often provide Wi‑Fi and power outlets, but you should be prepared for lengthy rides and possible layovers.

Buses are a potential option if:

• You don’t drive or don’t want to rent a car.
• You’re looking for a lower-cost option and are flexible with your schedule.

Train Travel (Amtrak Considerations)

From Atlanta’s perspective, Amtrak service is limited for this particular trip:

• Atlanta is served by:
  Amtrak – Peachtree Station
  1688 Peachtree St NW
  Atlanta, GA 30309

However:

• There is no direct Amtrak route from Atlanta to Little Rock.
• Reaching Little Rock by train from Atlanta would involve multiple connections through other cities and a very long travel time.
• For most Atlanta-based travelers, train travel to Little Rock is not practical compared with driving or flying.

Choosing the Best Way From Atlanta to Little Rock

If you’re in Atlanta and wondering how far Little Rock is and how to get there, the choice usually comes down to your priorities:

• Fastest overall:

  • Fly ATL → LIT
  • About 1.5–2 hours in the air, plus transit and airport time.

• Most flexible / road-trip friendly:

  • Drive ~520–540 miles from Atlanta.
  • Plan for 7.5–9 hours of drive time, plus stops.

• Budget-conscious and don’t mind long rides:

  • Consider long-distance bus options with transfers.
  • 11–15+ hours, depending on routing.

From an Atlanta travel standpoint, Little Rock is far enough to require some planning, but close enough that a same-day drive or quick flight is very realistic. Understanding the approximate distance, time, and routes helps you choose the option that best fits your schedule, budget, and comfort level.