How Far Is Atlanta from Philadelphia? Your Distance and Travel Guide

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and need to get to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—for work, school, family, or a quick getaway—it helps to know not just the distance, but also the best ways to travel, how long it really takes, and what to expect along the way.

This guide breaks it down from an Atlanta perspective, whether you’re leaving from Downtown, the suburbs, or flying out of Hartsfield-Jackson.

The Basic Distance: Atlanta to Philadelphia

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

• By road (driving distance): about 770–800 miles
• By air (nonstop flight distance): about 670 miles “as the crow flies”

For most people in Atlanta, the big questions are: How long will it take, and what’s the easiest way to go? Let’s look at each option.

Driving from Atlanta to Philadelphia

How long is the drive?

If you drive from Atlanta to Philadelphia, plan on:

• Driving time: about 11–13 hours in normal conditions
• Distance: around 770–800 miles, depending on your exact starting point in metro Atlanta and your route

This is typically a full-day drive. Many Atlantans either:

• Drive it in one push (leaving early in the morning), or
• Break it up with an overnight stop somewhere in North Carolina or Virginia.

Common driving routes from Atlanta

Most routes out of Atlanta use a combination of interstate highways. A common path is:

1. I-85 North out of Atlanta (leaving from Downtown, Midtown, or the Perimeter)
2. Connect toward I-77 or stay on I-85 depending on GPS routing
3. Continue north through the Carolinas and Virginia
4. Transition to highways leading into Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia area

Navigation apps will usually adjust based on traffic and construction, so it’s best to rely on updated directions when you leave.

What to expect on the road

From an Atlanta driver’s perspective:

• You’ll pass through or near Greenville/Spartanburg, Charlotte, and Richmond, depending on your route.
• Traffic can be heavier:
  • Leaving Atlanta during weekday rush hours (especially around the Downtown Connector and I-285)
  • Around larger cities closer to Philadelphia, especially during commuting times
• Weather considerations:
  • Atlanta drivers heading north in late fall, winter, or early spring should be prepared for colder temperatures and possible snow or ice in Virginia and Pennsylvania—even if it’s mild in Georgia.

Is driving worth it from Atlanta?

Driving may make sense if you:

• Prefer to avoid airports and security lines
• Need to bring a lot of luggage, pets, or equipment
• Want flexibility to stop in cities along the way
• Are traveling as a family or group, which can spread out gas and lodging costs

If you’re leaving from an Atlanta suburb (like Marietta, Decatur, or Fayetteville), add some extra time to reach your chosen interstate.

Flying from Atlanta to Philadelphia

For many people in Atlanta, flying is the fastest and simplest way to get to Philadelphia.

Flight distance and time

• Direct flight distance: about 670 miles
• Typical nonstop flight time: about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours in the air
• Total door-to-door time from Atlanta: usually 4–6+ hours, once you include:
  • Getting to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Check-in and security
  • Boarding and taxiing
  • Landing, baggage claim, and getting from the airport into Philadelphia

Airports: Atlanta vs. Philadelphia

Atlanta departure:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Location: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Accessible via MARTA (Airport Station), rideshare, taxis, and I-75/I-85

Philadelphia arrival:

• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
  • Located southwest of downtown Philadelphia
  • Connected by train, bus, taxis, and rideshare to Center City

Pros of flying from Atlanta

Flying is usually the best choice if you:

• Want to minimize travel time
• Are making a short trip from Atlanta and don’t want to spend two days driving
• Prefer to avoid long hours on the interstate

Many Atlanta travelers book early morning or late evening flights to maximize their time in Philadelphia.

Taking the Bus or Train from Atlanta to Philadelphia

If you’d rather not fly or drive, you can also look at bus and rail options. These are usually slower than flying, but may be appealing if you want to avoid airports, save on cost, or relax instead of driving.

Bus travel: Atlanta to Philadelphia

Long-distance buses typically depart from:

• Atlanta Bus/Coach stations near Downtown or the airport area (exact locations depend on the company and schedule)

For most bus routes:

• Travel time: often 15–20 hours or longer, usually with at least one transfer, commonly in cities like Charlotte or Washington, D.C.
• Distance covered: similar to driving (around 770–800 miles), but with route variations and stops

Buses may be a fit if you:

• Have flexible travel dates
• Don’t mind overnight travel
• Prefer not to drive or fly

Train travel: Atlanta to Philadelphia

Long-distance train service typically uses:

• Peachtree Station (Atlanta’s passenger rail station)
  • Address: 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

Traveling by train from Atlanta to Philadelphia generally:

• Involves a connection, often through major East Coast hubs
• Can take well over 15 hours, depending on the route and schedule

From an Atlanta resident’s point of view, trains are more about the experience and comfort (being able to move around, view scenery, or work) than about speed.

Quick Comparison: Atlanta to Philadelphia Travel Options

Below is a simple overview from an Atlanta starting point:

Choosing the Best Option from Atlanta

When deciding how to get from Atlanta to Philadelphia, think about:

1. Time vs. cost

• If you value time, flying from ATL is usually the clear winner.
• If you’re budget-conscious and don’t mind a long day or overnight trip, driving or bus can reduce costs, especially if you’re traveling with others.

2. Where you are in metro Atlanta

• Close to the airport (College Park, East Point, Hapeville):
  Flying is especially convenient—you’re minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson.
• Farther out (Gwinnett, Cobb, Henry, Cherokee counties):
  You’ll need to factor in extra drive time either to the airport or to start the road trip.

3. What you’re bringing

• Lots of gear, instruments, or bulky items:
  Driving may be easier and avoid extra airline fees.
• Light packing for a weekend trip:
  A quick flight from Atlanta to Philadelphia is often simplest.

4. Comfort and travel style

• If you dislike airports, security lines, or tight flight schedules, a long drive or train might feel less stressful—even if it takes longer.
• If you’re used to flying in and out of ATL, the airport routines may already feel straightforward.

Key Takeaways for Atlantans

• Distance from Atlanta to Philadelphia: roughly 670 miles by air and 770–800 miles by road.
• Fastest way from Atlanta: a nonstop flight from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
• Driving time: expect around 11–13 hours of road time one way.
• Bus and train options are available from Atlanta but usually take significantly longer than flying and longer than driving yourself.

Knowing these basics helps you choose the option that fits your schedule, budget, and comfort level—all starting from right here in Atlanta, Georgia.