How Far Is Atlanta From Miami, Florida? Your Distance, Time, and Travel Guide

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and thinking about a trip to Miami, Florida, the first thing to figure out is how far it is and how long it will take to get there. Whether you’re planning a beach getaway, visiting family, or heading to a cruise port, understanding distance and travel options from Atlanta makes planning much easier.

The Basic Answer: Distance From Atlanta to Miami

From Atlanta to Miami, the distance depends on how you travel:

• Driving distance: About 660–680 miles (via I‑75 South and Florida’s Turnpike)
• Nonstop flight distance (straight line / “as the crow flies”): About 600 miles
• Typical driving time: Around 9.5 to 11 hours in normal conditions
• Typical nonstop flight time: About 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours

Most people in Atlanta either drive or fly to Miami; there’s currently no direct high-speed rail between the two cities.

Driving From Atlanta to Miami

Driving can be a good option if you want to control your schedule, bring more luggage, or make stops along the way.

Main Driving Route

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

1. Get on I‑75 South (via the Downtown Connector, I‑75/I‑85).
2. Continue on I‑75 South through Macon and Valdosta, into Florida.
3. Near Wildwood, FL, merge onto Florida’s Turnpike toward Miami.
4. Stay on the Turnpike until you connect to local Miami highways and streets.

This is the most common and usually the fastest route, with a total distance around 660–680 miles.

How Long Does the Drive Take?

• Typical range:9.5 to 11 hours of driving time
• Realistic day-of-travel time: Plan for 10–12 hours, including food, fuel, and restroom stops.

Factors that affect your time from Atlanta:

• Atlanta traffic: Rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.) on the Downtown Connector, I‑20, and I‑285 can add 30–60 minutes.
• Construction or accidents along I‑75 or the Turnpike.
• Weather: Heavy rain or storms, especially in Florida, can slow you down.
• Tolls on Florida’s Turnpike: Stopping at plazas or slow toll areas adds a little time.

🛈 Tip for Atlantans: If you’re leaving from neighborhoods like Buckhead, Decatur, Sandy Springs, or East Point, add 15–45 minutes to reach I‑75 South, depending on time of day and traffic.

Tolls and Costs

Driving from Atlanta to Miami usually includes toll roads in Florida, especially Florida’s Turnpike.

• You can pay using SunPass, toll‑by‑plate, or cash at some plazas (availability can vary).
• Driving the whole distance means paying for:
  • Fuel (often at least a full tank each way, depending on your vehicle)
  • Tolls in Florida

If you rent a car in Atlanta, check with the rental company about toll policies and any added service fees.

Flying From Atlanta to Miami

For many people in Atlanta, flying is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Miami.

Distance and Flight Time

• Flight distance: Around 600 miles from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Nonstop flight time: Usually 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours in the air

When you add travel time to and from both airports, security, and boarding:

• Total “door-to-door” time from an Atlanta home or hotel to a destination in Miami is often 4–6 hours.

Getting to the Airport in Atlanta

Most flights to Miami depart from:

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

Common ways to get there from around Atlanta:

• MARTA Rail:
  • Take any Red or Gold Line train to the Airport Station, which is directly inside the Domestic Terminal.
  • This is often the most predictable option from Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and parts of Doraville and Sandy Springs.
• Driving and parking:
  • You can park in on-site decks or nearby private lots and shuttles along Camp Creek Parkway and surrounding areas.
• Rideshare or taxi:
  • Widely available from most Atlanta neighborhoods and hotels.

If your flight leaves during peak hours, it’s common for Atlanta‑area travelers to arrive at ATL at least 2 hours before departure for a domestic flight.

Arrival in Miami

Most Atlanta–Miami routes land at:

Miami International Airport (MIA)
2100 NW 42nd Ave
Miami, FL 33126

From MIA, you can connect to:

• Metrorail via the Miami Intermodal Center
• Rideshare and taxis at designated pickup zones
• Rental car center, connected by the MIA Mover train

Other Travel Options (Bus, Train, and Mixed Trips)

If you prefer not to drive or fly, there are alternatives, but they usually take longer.

Bus From Atlanta to Miami

Long-distance bus services often operate between the Atlanta metro area and South Florida.

• Expect longer travel times, commonly around 13–15+ hours, depending on routing and stops.
• Buses may depart from central Atlanta bus terminals or designated curbside stops.

Buses can be useful if you want a budget-friendly option and don’t mind a longer ride.

Train (Amtrak) Considerations

Atlanta does have an Amtrak station:

Amtrak – Peachtree Station
1688 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309

However, there is no simple, direct Amtrak train from Atlanta to Miami that runs like a quick point‑to‑point route. Travelers sometimes:

• Take a combination of trains and buses, or
• Use Amtrak for part of the journey and then transfer.

This is usually slower and more complex than flying or driving, so it’s less common for quick trips.

Quick Comparison: Atlanta to Miami Travel Options

How Far Is Miami From Different Parts of Metro Atlanta?

The core distance (around 660–680 miles) is measured from near the center of Atlanta, but where you start can slightly change your trip:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:
  • Add 10–30 minutes to reach I‑75 or ATL airport.
• Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs:
  • To drive: Usually 20–40 minutes just to reach I‑75 South through local traffic.
  • To fly: Often 30–60 minutes to reach ATL, depending on time of day.
• Decatur, East Atlanta, Kirkwood:
  • Access to I‑20 and then I‑75 is fairly direct; add 20–40 minutes.
  • MARTA rail access (like from Decatur Station) makes airport trips simpler.
• South Metro (College Park, East Point, Union City):
  • Closer to ATL and nearer I‑85/I‑285 interchanges—slightly shorter airport trips.
• Farther suburbs (Marietta, Kennesaw, Alpharetta, Lawrenceville):
  • You may add 45–90 minutes just getting to the airport or I‑75 South, especially during rush hour.

For trip planning, think in terms of:

When Does It Make Sense to Drive vs. Fly?

From Atlanta, both options are reasonable, and the choice usually comes down to your priorities.

Flying Makes More Sense If:

• You want to maximize time in Miami and minimize time in transit.
• You’re okay with airport security and boarding routines.
• You live near MARTA or close to Hartsfield–Jackson and can get there easily.
• You find a reasonably priced nonstop flight from ATL to MIA or nearby South Florida airports.

Driving Makes More Sense If:

• You enjoy road trips and want to stop in Macon, Valdosta, Orlando, or Fort Lauderdale along the way.
• You’re traveling with family, pets, or large amounts of luggage.
• You want to avoid airport lines and keep full control over your schedule.
• You’re considering splitting the drive with an overnight stop somewhere in Georgia or North Florida.

Practical Planning Tips for Atlantans

A few simple steps can make the Atlanta–Miami trip smoother:

• Check Atlanta traffic patterns:
  • Consider leaving before morning rush or after evening rush if you’re driving south on I‑75.
• Weather-watch:
  • Summer storms in Georgia and Florida can affect both driving and flying times.
• Plan for rest stops:
  • On the drive, you’ll have frequent exits in South Georgia and North Florida with fuel, food, and restrooms.
• Budget realistically:
  • Compare the total cost: gas + tolls + parking vs. airfare + airport ground transport.

In summary: Atlanta is roughly 660–680 driving miles from Miami, Florida, and about 600 air miles. For someone in Atlanta, that usually means around 10–12 hours on the road or about 4–6 hours door-to-door when flying, depending on where you start in the metro area and how you choose to travel.