How Far Is Atlanta From Mississippi? Distance, Drive Times, and Travel Tips

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering how far it is to Mississippi, the answer depends on which part of Mississippi you’re heading to and how you plan to travel. Atlanta sits in north-central Georgia, while Mississippi stretches from the Gulf Coast up to the Tennessee border, so distances and drive times can vary quite a bit.

Below is a practical breakdown tailored to people living in, visiting, or traveling from Atlanta.

How Far Is It From Atlanta to Mississippi?

Mississippi is a neighboring state to the west of Georgia, with Alabama in between. There is no direct border between Georgia and Mississippi, so any route from Atlanta to Mississippi will take you through Alabama.

Here are typical one-way driving distances and times from downtown Atlanta to several major Mississippi destinations:

Destination in MississippiApprox. Distance from AtlantaTypical Drive TimeMain Route From Atlanta
Meridian, MS~300 miles4.5–5 hoursI-20 W through Alabama
Jackson, MS (capital)~380 miles5.5–6 hoursI-20 W
Tupelo, MS~320 miles5–5.5 hoursI-20 W → US-45 / I-22
Oxford, MS~380 miles6–6.5 hoursI-20 W → US-82 / US-278
Biloxi / Gulf Coast~390–420 miles6–7 hoursI-85 S → I-65 S → I-10 W
Southaven (by Memphis)~420 miles6.5–7 hoursI-20 W → I-22 W / US-78

These are approximate and can change with traffic, construction, and weather, especially when leaving metro Atlanta.

Driving From Atlanta to Mississippi

For many people in Atlanta, driving is the most straightforward way to get to Mississippi. The routes are mostly interstate highways and fairly simple to follow.

Common Driving Routes

1. Atlanta to Jackson, Mississippi (via I-20 West)
This is one of the most common trips from Atlanta to Mississippi.

  • Head west on I-20 from downtown Atlanta.
  • Pass through Douglasville, Villa Rica, and Bremen in Georgia.
  • Continue through Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
  • Stay on I-20 W directly into Jackson, MS.

Good to know:

  • This is usually a 5.5–6 hour trip without long stops.
  • Weekday rush hours getting out of Atlanta (especially around Downtown Connector, I-285, and west I-20) can lengthen the drive.

2. Atlanta to Meridian, Mississippi

If you’re heading to the eastern side of Mississippi:

  • Take I-20 W out of Atlanta, same as the Jackson route.
  • Continue past Birmingham and drive toward Tuscaloosa.
  • Stay on I-20 W / I-59 S and follow signs for Meridian.

This route is usually 4.5–5 hours from much of metro Atlanta.

3. Atlanta to the Mississippi Gulf Coast (Biloxi, Gulfport, etc.)

For a beach or casino trip from Atlanta to the Gulf Coast:

  • Take I-85 S from Atlanta toward Montgomery, Alabama.
  • From Montgomery, connect to I-65 S toward Mobile.
  • Near Mobile, merge onto I-10 W.
  • Continue west on I-10 toward Biloxi, Gulfport, or Bay St. Louis.

Plan for 6–7 hours depending on exact destination and traffic.

Flying From Atlanta to Mississippi

If you’re short on time or don’t want to drive, flying from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is often the quickest option.

Typical Flight Options

From Atlanta, there are nonstop or one-stop flights to several Mississippi cities, such as:

  • Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) – near Jackson
  • Gulfport–Biloxi International Airport (GPT) – Gulf Coast
  • Sometimes Tupelo (TUP) or Meridian (MEI) via regional carriers or connections

Most nonstop flights from Atlanta to Mississippi’s main airports are around 1 to 1.5 hours in the air, not counting:

  • Security wait times
  • Boarding
  • Getting to and from ATL and the Mississippi airport

Getting to ATL From Around Atlanta

If you’re in metro Atlanta, you have several options to reach Hartsfield–Jackson:

  • MARTA Train:
    • Both the Red and Gold lines go directly to the Airport Station, attached to the Domestic Terminal.
  • Car / Rideshare / Taxi:
    • Main airport entrance is off I-85 at 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320.
  • Airport Shuttles and Park-and-Ride Lots:
    • Widely used by Atlanta-area residents coming from suburbs like Marietta, Lawrenceville, Newnan, and McDonough.

Once in Mississippi, you’ll typically need a rental car, rideshare, or local taxi service, since public transit options can be more limited than in Atlanta.

Bus and Train Options From Atlanta to Mississippi

There is no single dedicated commuter-style line between Atlanta and Mississippi, but long-distance buses are an option for travelers who prefer not to drive or fly.

Bus Travel

Long-distance bus companies commonly run routes:

  • From Atlanta to cities like Birmingham, AL or Montgomery, AL
  • With connections continued on to Jackson, Meridian, or Gulfport, MS

Trip lengths can be much longer than driving, often 8–11+ hours with transfers and layovers, but costs can be lower than flying.

Atlanta bus hubs are often located near or around downtown; schedules and exact locations may vary, so it’s important to confirm departure points and times in advance.

Train Travel

As of now:

  • Amtrak does not run a direct passenger train from Atlanta to Mississippi.
  • Some travelers piece together mixed-mode trips (for example, train to a nearby hub plus bus or car), but it’s not as straightforward as driving or flying from Atlanta.

How to Choose the Best Way to Travel From Atlanta to Mississippi

The best option from Atlanta depends on your schedule, budget, and destination in Mississippi.

When Driving Makes Sense

Driving may be your best choice if:

  • You’re heading to smaller towns or rural areas in Mississippi.
  • You want the flexibility to stop in places like Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, or Meridian along the way.
  • You’re traveling with family or a group and can split the driving.

Pros:

  • Flexible schedule
  • Easy for luggage and road-trip stops
  • Often cheaper per person for groups

Cons:

  • 4.5–7 hours on the road
  • Potential traffic delays leaving or re-entering Atlanta

When Flying Makes Sense

Flying may be a better fit if:

  • You’re going to Jackson, Gulfport/Biloxi, or larger cities with airports.
  • You want to minimize travel time and avoid a long drive.
  • You’re comfortable navigating busy airports like ATL.

Pros:

  • About 1–1.5 hours in the air
  • Can turn a full-day drive into a half-day trip

Cons:

  • Time spent in security lines, boarding, and getting to/from airports
  • Typically higher cost than driving, especially at the last minute

When Buses Are Worth Considering

Long-distance buses may work if:

  • You’re flexible on timing and want a lower-cost option.
  • You don’t mind a longer total travel time with possible transfers.

They can be an option for students, solo travelers, or those without a car in Atlanta.

Quick-Reference: Atlanta to Mississippi Travel Snapshot

From Atlanta, Georgia to the Mississippi state line or major cities:

  • Closest entry point (eastern Mississippi near Meridian):
    • About 4.5–5 hours by car, roughly 300 miles via I-20 W.
  • Jackson, MS:
    • Around 5.5–6 hours by car, about 380 miles via I-20 W.
    • About 1–1.5 hours by plane (plus airport time).
  • Gulf Coast (Biloxi/Gulfport):
    • Around 6–7 hours by car via I-85 S → I-65 S → I-10 W.
    • Roughly 1–1.5 hours in the air to Gulfport–Biloxi.

For anyone in or visiting Atlanta, Mississippi is far enough to feel like a real trip, but close enough that you can usually make the journey in half a day or less by car or plane, depending on where you’re headed.