How Far Is Atlanta from Maryland? Your Guide to Distance, Travel Times, and Best Routes

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Maryland—whether to visit family, tour Washington, D.C.–area attractions, or head to cities like Baltimore—you’ll want to know not just the distance, but also the realistic travel time and best ways to get there.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to help you plan the trip with clear expectations.

How Far Is Atlanta from Maryland?

Because “Maryland” is a whole state, the distance from Atlanta depends on where in Maryland you’re going.

Here are approximate distances from Downtown Atlanta to several major Maryland destinations:

*Driving times assume normal traffic, limited stops, and decent weather. Atlanta rush hour, I‑285 congestion, or East Coast traffic can add significant time.

Key takeaway:
From Atlanta, most of Maryland is roughly 650–700 miles away by road, which usually means about a full day’s drive or a short direct flight.

Main Ways to Travel from Atlanta to Maryland

1. Driving from Atlanta to Maryland

For many Atlanta residents, driving offers the most control over timing and stops.

Common Driving Routes

Most drivers use combinations of these major interstates:

• I‑85 North → I‑77 → I‑81 → I‑70 / I‑270 / I‑695
• I‑85 North → I‑95 North (more direct to the East Coast corridor but often heavier traffic)

Typical route to Baltimore from Atlanta:

1. Take I‑75/85 North out of Downtown Atlanta.
2. Continue on I‑85 North through South Carolina into North Carolina.
3. Connect to I‑77 North and then I‑81 North through Virginia.
4. At Hagerstown, MD, take I‑70 East toward Baltimore-area connections (via I‑695).

This route is often chosen because it avoids some of the heaviest I‑95 corridor traffic, though it can be a bit longer in distance.

Estimated Drive Times from Atlanta

• Atlanta to Baltimore: About 10–11 hours without long stops
• Atlanta to Western Maryland (Cumberland): About 9–10 hours
• Atlanta to Bethesda / Silver Spring (near D.C.): About 10 hours

Add extra time if:

• You’re leaving Atlanta during rush hour (especially I‑75/85, I‑20, or I‑285).
• You hit traffic around Charlotte, NC or Northern Virginia / D.C. area.
• There’s road construction along I‑85, I‑77, or I‑81.

Pros of Driving from Atlanta

• Flexible schedule: Leave early from your neighborhood, whether that’s Buckhead, Midtown, Decatur, or the suburbs.
• Door-to-door: No checking bags, airport shuttles, or security lines.
• Good for groups or families: Costs per person can drop when sharing gas and parking.
• Easier to bring more luggage, pets, or equipment (sports gear, instruments, etc.).

Cons of Driving

• Long hours behind the wheel—at least one very full day.
• Possible fatigue, especially if you’re not used to 8–12 hour drives.
• Traffic bottlenecks on East Coast interstates, especially around big metro areas.
• Weather can be a factor, particularly in fall and winter as you move north.

Tip for Atlanta drivers:
If possible, leave before sunrise to clear metro Atlanta before the morning commute and arrive in Maryland earlier in the evening.

2. Flying from Atlanta to Maryland

For many travelers, especially from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), flying is the fastest and simplest option.

Maryland itself has Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), and many Maryland-bound travelers also fly into:

• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Virginia (very convenient for suburban Maryland near D.C.)
• Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Virginia (often used for Montgomery County and other nearby MD communities)

Approximate Flight Distance & Time

• Atlanta (ATL) to Baltimore (BWI):

  • Flight distance: about 575–600 miles (straight-line)
  • Flight time (nonstop): usually 1.5–2 hours in the air

• Atlanta (ATL) to DCA or IAD (for Maryland suburbs):

  • Similar distance and flight time: around 1.5–2 hours

Keep in mind:

• You’ll still need ground transportation in Maryland (rental car, rideshare, transit).
• Plan extra time for security, boarding, and possible delays, especially during Atlanta’s busy travel periods.

Pros of Flying from Atlanta

• Fast travel time: Same-day trip with only a couple of hours in the air.
• Convenient from almost anywhere in metro Atlanta thanks to:
  • MARTA access to AT&T’s domestic and international terminals
  • Large parking facilities and rideshare pick-up at Hartsfield-Jackson
• Multiple daily flights on many major airlines from ATL to BWI, DCA, and IAD.

Things Atlanta Flyers Should Consider

• Transit to ATL:
  • MARTA’s Red and Gold lines run directly to the Airport Station, attached to the Domestic Terminal.
  • This is often faster than driving from Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead during peak traffic.
• Parking near ATL:
  • There are on-site airport parking decks and several long-term lots.
• Time buffer:
  • From many Atlanta neighborhoods (Grant Park, West Midtown, Sandy Springs, etc.), plan at least 1.5–2 hours from your door to the gate, depending on traffic and security lines.

3. Taking the Bus from Atlanta to Maryland

Intercity bus services often connect Atlanta with cities in Maryland or nearby Washington, D.C.

Common patterns include:

• Atlanta → Washington, D.C. area, then:
  • Metro, commuter rail, or local buses into Maryland
• Atlanta → Baltimore or nearby stops, depending on the carrier and schedule

What to Expect

• Trips are typically overnight or very long daytime rides, often 12–16 hours depending on routes and stops.
• Buses generally depart from central Atlanta locations, often near or around Downtown or the Midtown corridor, depending on the company.
• Amenities can include Wi‑Fi, power outlets, and restrooms, but comfort levels vary by service and bus type.

Pros of the Bus Option

• Often cheaper than flying, especially if booked early.
• No need to drive or worry about long-distance fatigue.
• Can be practical for students, solo travelers, or those without a car.

Cons

• Longer total travel time than flying or driving.
• Less control over stops, timing, and route.
• Transfers may be required to reach your final Maryland destination.

4. Train (Amtrak) Options from Atlanta to Maryland

You can travel by Amtrak from Atlanta to cities serving the Washington–Baltimore–Maryland area, but it’s not a quick trip.

• The Atlanta Amtrak station is located at:
  1688 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

Typical route patterns:

• Atlanta → Washington, D.C. (Union Station) via long-distance service.
• From D.C., connect to:
  • Maryland commuter rail (MARC)
  • Amtrak Northeast Regional trains
  • Local transit into Maryland suburbs

What to Expect

• Travel times are often longer than flying, and in many cases similar to or longer than driving.
• Schedules may have only one train per day on some routes.
• Some travelers choose trains for comfort, the ability to walk around, or to avoid driving, not for speed.

Choosing the Best Way from Atlanta to Maryland

Your ideal option depends on time, budget, and preferences.

If You Want the Fastest Overall Trip

• Fly from ATL to BWI, DCA, or IAD, then take:
  • Rental car
  • Rideshare
  • Rail/transit into your specific Maryland destination

This is typically the shortest total travel time for most Atlanta-to-Maryland trips.

If You Prefer Flexibility and Control

• Drive from Atlanta using:
  • I‑85 → I‑77 → I‑81 → I‑70 for much of Maryland
  • Or I‑85 → I‑95 if you’re comfortable with heavier corridor traffic

Plan one long driving day with a couple of extended rest stops.

If You’re on a Tighter Budget

• Look into intercity bus options from Atlanta to:
  • Washington, D.C. area
  • Baltimore or nearby cities
• Compare the bus price to budget airline fares from Hartsfield-Jackson. Sometimes, sale fares make flying surprisingly affordable.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Heading to Maryland

• Watch Atlanta traffic when planning your departure.
  Try to avoid:
  • Weekday morning rush: roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.
  • Evening rush: roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.
• Check weather along the entire route if you’re driving:
  Conditions can change as you head north, especially in colder months.
• Plan your breaks.
  On a 10–11 hour drive, most people stop:
  • For fuel and restrooms every 2–3 hours
  • For at least one longer meal break
• For flights, build in buffer time.
  Atlanta’s airport is very busy; allow extra time for:
  • Security
  • Terminal changes
  • Parking or MARTA transfers
• Know your final Maryland destination.
  Distances and travel times vary a lot between:
  • Western Maryland mountains
  • Baltimore City
  • D.C. suburbs (like Bethesda, Silver Spring)
  • Eastern Shore (like Salisbury, Ocean City area)

Quick Reference: Atlanta to Maryland Distance & Time

• Driving distance:
  Generally 650–700 miles from Atlanta to many central/eastern Maryland destinations.
• Driving time:
  About 9–12 hours, depending on where in Maryland you’re going and traffic conditions.
• Flight distance:
  Around 575–600 miles (ATL to BWI/DCA/IAD, straight-line).
• Flight time (nonstop):
  About 1.5–2 hours in the air, plus airport time on both ends.

Knowing these ranges helps you decide whether driving, flying, bus, or train makes the most sense for your schedule and budget when traveling between Atlanta and Maryland.