How Far Is Atlanta From New Jersey? A Practical Guide for Atlanta Travelers

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and trying to figure out how far it is to New Jersey, the exact distance and travel time will depend on where in New Jersey you’re going and how you plan to get there. New Jersey is a whole state, not a single city, so “how far” can vary quite a bit.

Below is a clear breakdown from an Atlanta-focused perspective, whether you’re planning a road trip, flight, or bus/train combo.

How Far Is Atlanta From New Jersey in Miles?

Because New Jersey stretches from north to south, it helps to compare a few common destinations.

Approximate Distance From Downtown Atlanta

From Downtown Atlanta (near Five Points) to:

• Newark, NJ (northern New Jersey, near NYC area):
  ~870–900 miles by road
• Jersey City, NJ:
  ~860–890 miles by road
• Trenton, NJ (central NJ, state capital):
  ~820–850 miles by road
• Camden, NJ (near Philadelphia):
  ~780–810 miles by road
• Atlantic City, NJ (shore):
  ~800–830 miles by road

For most Atlanta travelers, a ballpark is:
Atlanta to New Jersey is roughly 780–900 miles, depending on your final city.

How Long Does It Take to Travel From Atlanta to New Jersey?

1. Driving From Atlanta to New Jersey

From the Atlanta metro (Downtown or Midtown) to:

• Northern NJ (Newark / Jersey City area):
  ~13–15 hours of driving, without long stops
• Trenton / Central NJ:
  ~12–14 hours
• South Jersey (Camden, Cherry Hill area):
  ~11–13 hours

Real-world driving time will depend on:

• Traffic leaving Atlanta (especially on I‑75/I‑85 and around the I‑285 perimeter)
• Rush-hour bottlenecks in cities like Charlotte, Richmond, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia, depending on your route
• Weather along the way, especially in winter in the Mid-Atlantic

For most Atlantans, this is realistically a full-day or overnight drive.

2. Flying From Atlanta to New Jersey

If you’re in Atlanta, the fastest and most common way to reach New Jersey is by air.

Most flights from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) go to airports that serve New Jersey travelers, such as:

• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – in New Jersey
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) – in Pennsylvania, but close to South Jersey
• New York airports (JFK, LGA) – in New York, but common for North Jersey destinations

Typical nonstop flight time from ATL to Newark (EWR):
About 2 to 2.5 hours in the air.

Door-to-door, plan for:

• Time from your home or hotel in Atlanta to ATL
• Check-in, security, and boarding (often 1.5–2 hours)
• Deplaning and ground transportation on the New Jersey side

So total door-to-door travel time is often 5–7 hours even with a quick nonstop flight.

3. Bus and Train Options From Atlanta to New Jersey

There is no single, direct train from Atlanta to most New Jersey cities, but you can combine train and bus to make the trip without flying or driving yourself.

From Atlanta, your main transit hubs are:

• Atlanta Amtrak Station
  1688 Peachtree St NW
  Atlanta, GA 30309
• Atlanta Greyhound Station (Midtown)
  232 Forsyth St SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303

Typical Rail/Bus Travel Pattern

• Train (Amtrak Crescent) from Atlanta to the Northeast (e.g., Washington, D.C., or New York City)
• Then transfer to another train (Amtrak or commuter rail) or bus to reach your specific New Jersey city

Approximate total travel time:
Around 18–24+ hours, depending on schedules, layovers, and final destination in New Jersey.

This can be a scenic, less rushed option if:

• You prefer not to drive long distances
• You want to avoid flying
• You’re comfortable with longer travel times

Common Routes From Atlanta to New Jersey

Driving Routes Atlantans Commonly Use

Route 1: I‑85 and I‑95 Corridor (Very Common)
A typical drive from Atlanta to New Jersey might look like:

1. Take I‑85 North out of Atlanta (leaving via Downtown Connector I‑75/85).
2. Continue toward Greenville, SC, then Charlotte, NC.
3. Connect to I‑95 North (through Virginia, Washington, D.C. area, Maryland, Delaware).
4. Continue on I‑95 into New Jersey (toward Newark, Trenton, or the Turnpike).

Pros:

• Simple, direct corridor
• Plenty of gas, food, and hotel options

Cons:

• Heavy traffic in metro areas, especially near D.C. and Baltimore
• Tolls in some sections of the Northeast

Route 2: I‑75 to I‑81 and Then East (Alternative)
Some drivers from Atlanta prefer:

1. I‑75 North to Chattanooga, TN
2. Pick up I‑81 North through Virginia
3. Later connect east toward I‑78 or I‑80, entering New Jersey from the west

Pros:

• Often less congested than I‑95
• More scenic mountain stretches

Cons:

• Slightly more complex routing
• Weather can be an issue in the mountains in colder months

Flight Options From Atlanta to New Jersey (Atlanta-Focused)

Main Atlanta Departure Point

Most people in the Atlanta area will depart from:

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

ATL is a major hub, so:

• Nonstop flights to Newark (EWR) are commonly available
• You may also find flights to Philadelphia (PHL) or New York (JFK/LGA), which are often used by travelers heading to different parts of New Jersey

New Jersey–Related Arrival Airports

From Atlanta, here’s how airports typically line up with New Jersey destinations:

• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – Best for:
  • North Jersey (e.g., Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken)
  • Quick access to New York City via train or bus
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) – Often used for:
  • South Jersey areas like Camden, Cherry Hill, and parts of the Jersey Shore
• New York (JFK, LGA) – Sometimes practical for:
  • North and Central Jersey if you’re comfortable transferring by train, bus, or car

📝 Tip for Atlantans:
When comparing fares from Atlanta, check ATL → EWR first if your destination is directly in New Jersey, since that keeps you in-state on arrival.

How to Choose the Best Way to Travel From Atlanta to New Jersey

From an Atlanta perspective, here’s how to think it through:

Consider These Key Factors

1. Your final New Jersey destination

   • North Jersey or NYC area?
     Flights to EWR, JFK, or LGA may all make sense.
   • South Jersey?
     PHL or driving might be more straightforward.
   • Shore towns (Atlantic City, Ocean City, etc.)?
     Flying close (EWR or PHL) plus a car rental can save time.

2. Your schedule

   • Need to be there the same day with minimal time in transit?
     Flying from ATL is usually the best choice.
   • Prefer flexibility and making stops along the way?
     Driving lets you leave Atlanta when it suits you and break up the trip.
   • Not in a rush and want to avoid flying?
     Train + bus can work, with more relaxed travel at the cost of time.

3. Comfort with long-distance driving

   • The drive is roughly 11–15 hours one way.
   • Many Atlantans split this into two days, stopping overnight in states like North Carolina or Virginia.

Quick Comparison: Atlanta to New Jersey Travel Options

All times are estimates from the Atlanta area and can vary with traffic, weather, and connections.

Practical Tips for Atlantans Traveling to New Jersey

• Leaving Atlanta by car:
  Try to avoid weekday rush hours on the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) and I‑285. Leaving early morning, later in the evening, or on a weekend often helps.

• Parking at ATL:
  If you decide to fly, plan ahead for parking or rideshare to Hartsfield–Jackson. Airport and nearby private lots can fill during peak seasons.

• Weather considerations:
  Atlanta winters are usually milder than in New Jersey. If you’re driving in late fall, winter, or early spring, check road conditions in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey before you leave.

• Traveling with kids or older adults:
  For long drives, consider an overnight stop halfway between Atlanta and New Jersey to make the trip more manageable.

So, How Far Is Atlanta From New Jersey?

From an Atlanta standpoint:

• You’re looking at roughly 780–900 miles to most parts of New Jersey by road.
• By car, that’s about 11 to 15 hours of driving from the Atlanta area.
• By plane, flying from ATL to the New Jersey region usually means around 2–2.5 hours in the air, with 5–7 hours total door-to-door.

The best option depends on whether you prioritize speed (fly), flexibility and control (drive), or comfort without flying (train + bus). All three are realistic choices for someone traveling from Atlanta, Georgia to New Jersey.