How Far Is Atlanta From Orlando? A Practical Guide for Atlanta Travelers

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city and thinking about a trip to Orlando, Florida, the first question is usually: How far is it, really—and what’s the best way to get there?

This guide breaks down distance, drive time, flights, buses, and trains, plus practical tips specifically for people starting in Atlanta.

The Basic Distance: Atlanta to Orlando

The distance between Atlanta, GA and Orlando, FL depends on how you travel:

• By road (most common driving route):
  ≈ 440–460 miles one way
  (Most drivers use I‑75 South through Macon and Valdosta, then Florida’s Turnpike or I‑75/I‑4 into Orlando.)

• By air (nonstop flight path):
  ≈ 400 miles in a straight line (also called “as the crow flies”).

For most Atlanta travelers, that means a solid full-day drive or a quick flight.

How Long Does It Take to Get From Atlanta to Orlando?

Here’s a quick overview of typical travel times from Atlanta to Orlando:

Times can vary with traffic, weather, road work, and time of day, especially when leaving metro Atlanta or arriving near Orlando’s theme park areas.

Driving From Atlanta to Orlando

Main Driving Route

Most Atlanta drivers use this general route:

1. Start in Atlanta
   Get on I‑75 South from the Downtown Connector (I‑75/I‑85) or I‑285.

2. Head south on I‑75
   Pass through or near:

   • Macon, GA
   • Tifton, GA
   • Valdosta, GA

3. Enter Florida on I‑75
   From there, common options are:

   • I‑75 South → Florida’s Turnpike toward Orlando, or
   • I‑75 South → I‑10 East → I‑75 South → Florida’s Turnpike/I‑4 (depending on your exact destination in Orlando)

4. Arrive in Orlando area
   Many travelers exit toward:

   • I‑4 East for the theme park area (Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, International Drive)
   • Local Orlando roads if staying downtown or in nearby suburbs.

Realistic Drive Time From Atlanta

Leaving from central Atlanta (Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead), plan for:

• 6.5–7.5 hours of driving time with light-to-moderate traffic
• 7–9 hours door-to-door once you factor in:
  • Gas stops
  • Food and restroom breaks
  • Slower speeds through metro areas and near Orlando attractions

Atlanta traffic can add 30–60 minutes easily if you leave during peak times.

Best Times to Drive From Atlanta to Orlando

To avoid the worst of Atlanta’s congestion:

• 🚗 Best departure windows:

  • Weekdays: Aim for after 9:30 a.m. or before 3:00 p.m., or leave after 7:00 p.m.
  • Weekends: Mornings are generally smoother, especially before 9:00 a.m.

• Try to avoid:

  • I‑75/I‑85 Downtown Connector during rush hours
  • Friday afternoon departures, especially on holiday weekends or school breaks (many Atlanta families drive to Florida then).

Cost Considerations When Driving

If you’re leaving from Atlanta, common expenses include:

• Gas:
  The round trip is roughly 900+ miles. Your total fuel cost depends on:

  • Your car’s MPG
  • Current gas prices in Georgia and Florida

• Tolls:
  Most Atlanta drivers encounter tolls mainly on Florida’s Turnpike and/or some Orlando-area toll roads. You can:

  • Pay cash where allowed, or
  • Use a SunPass or compatible toll transponder if you already have one

• Parking:
  If you’re heading to Orlando theme parks or resorts, expect:

  • Separate parking fees at major parks
  • Resort parking fees at some hotels

Flying From Atlanta to Orlando

If you prefer a shorter trip, flying is often the fastest and most straightforward route.

Main Airports

From Atlanta, you’ll typically fly:

• Departure:
  Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320

• Arrival (common Orlando options):

  • Orlando International Airport (MCO) – main airport, closest to downtown and theme parks
  • Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) – smaller, used by select airlines; farther from major attractions

Flight Time From Atlanta to Orlando

• Nonstop flight time: about 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes
• Total travel time door-to-door from Atlanta: usually 3–4+ hours, including:
  • Getting to ATL (MARTA, rideshare, or parking)
  • Check-in and security (plan to arrive at least 1.5–2 hours early, especially at busy times)
  • Taxiing, boarding, and deplaning
  • Ground transportation on the Orlando side

Getting to the Airport in Atlanta

Common ways to reach ATL:

• MARTA Rail:
  • Take the Red or Gold line to the Airport Station (south end of the line).
  • The station connects directly to the Domestic Terminal.
• Rideshare / Taxi:
  • Available widely across the Atlanta metro area.
• Driving yourself:
  • Multiple long-term parking options near ATL (economy lots, private off-airport lots, and daily decks).

If you’re already staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, MARTA can be one of the most predictable ways to reach the airport, especially during rush hour.

Bus and Train Options From Atlanta to Orlando

Intercity Bus From Atlanta to Orlando

Long-distance bus services typically:

• Depart from Atlanta near or around:
  • The downtown or midtown area, depending on the company (exact locations can change, so always confirm)
• Arrive in Orlando at bus stations or curbside stops near:
  • Downtown Orlando
  • The tourist corridor or park shuttle connections, depending on the provider

Travel time: often 8–10+ hours, depending on the:

• Number of stops
• Time of day
• Traffic leaving Atlanta and entering Orlando

This can be an economical option, but it’s usually slower than driving yourself and much slower than flying.

Train (Amtrak) and Bus Combination

There is no direct Amtrak train from central Atlanta to Orlando that runs without some type of connection.

Common patterns include:

• Traveling from Atlanta to another city by bus or car, then boarding an Amtrak train that continues to Orlando
• Using a thruway bus connection coordinated with an Amtrak schedule

Total time can easily reach 10–12 hours or more, so this option is usually chosen by travelers who specifically prefer train/bus travel over flying or driving.

For schedules and routes, you would typically contact Amtrak directly or check current timetables before planning.

How Far Is Atlanta From Orlando’s Main Attractions?

If you’re in Atlanta and planning around specific Orlando destinations, here’s a rough idea of driving distances from Downtown Atlanta:

• Walt Disney World Resort area:
  ≈ 450 miles
  Around 7–8 hours in typical conditions

• Universal Orlando Resort / International Drive:
  ≈ 440–450 miles
  Around 7–8 hours

• Orlando International Airport (MCO):
  ≈ 440 miles
  Around 6.5–7.5 hours

Keep in mind:

• Your starting point in metro Atlanta (e.g., Alpharetta, Decatur, Marietta, or Peachtree City) can add 30–60 minutes each way.
• Orlando traffic around major attractions can be dense, especially:
  • Late afternoon and early evening
  • Weekends and school breaks
  • Holiday periods

Choosing the Best Way to Travel From Atlanta to Orlando

When you’re in Atlanta planning a trip to Orlando, think about:

1. Time vs. Budget

• Flying

  • Fastest overall
  • Good for quick weekend or short trips
  • Often higher ticket cost, but may save on hotels if it lets you shorten your stay

• Driving

  • More control over schedule
  • Good if traveling with family or a group, or bringing lots of luggage
  • Useful if you plan to visit multiple Orlando-area attractions that aren’t all connected by shuttles

• Bus/Train

  • Can be budget-friendly for solo travelers
  • Longest travel times

2. Comfort and Flexibility

• Driving from Atlanta gives you:

  • The flexibility to leave early or late based on your schedule
  • Ability to stop in other Georgia or Florida towns on the way

• Flying from ATL:

  • Minimizes time on the road
  • Useful if you don’t want to deal with Atlanta traffic, overnight driving, or long rides with small children

3. Weather and Season

From Atlanta, many people head to Orlando in:

• Winter and early spring to escape cold snaps
• School breaks (spring break, summer, fall break, winter holidays)

In busy seasons, traffic heading south on I‑75 out of Atlanta and through south Georgia can be heavy, especially Friday afternoons and Saturdays. Flights from ATL may also be fuller, so booking earlier is often helpful.

Quick Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Distance: Atlanta to Orlando is roughly 440–460 driving miles one way.
• Driving time: Plan on 6.5–7.5 hours of actual driving from central Atlanta, plus breaks.
• Flight time: Around 1.5 hours in the air, usually 3–4 hours total door-to-door from Atlanta to Orlando.
• Best route by car:I‑75 South from Atlanta through Macon and Valdosta, then onto Florida’s Turnpike/I‑4 into Orlando.
• Main airport: From Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) to Orlando International (MCO) for the most convenient access to Orlando’s attractions.

Knowing these basics makes it much easier to decide whether to drive, fly, or take a bus, and to plan how Atlanta fits into your overall trip to Orlando.