How Far Is Atlanta From Raleigh? Your Practical Travel Guide Between the Two Cities

If you live in Atlanta, you’ll see Raleigh, North Carolina pop up often—whether it’s for college visits, business trips, family, or a quick weekend getaway. Knowing how far Atlanta is from Raleigh (and the best way to get there) helps you plan time, budget, and logistics more confidently.

Below is a simple breakdown of distance, driving time, flying options, and what Atlanta travelers should know before heading to Raleigh.

The Basic Distance: Atlanta to Raleigh

In everyday travel terms, Atlanta is roughly 400–450 miles from Raleigh, depending on your exact starting and ending points.

Here’s the big picture:

So when someone asks, “How far is Atlanta from Raleigh?”, the practical answer is:

Driving From Atlanta to Raleigh

Main Driving Route

From Atlanta to Raleigh, the most direct and commonly used driving route is:

• I‑85 North out of Atlanta
• Continue on I‑85 through South Carolina and into North Carolina
• Near Greensboro, NC, follow signs toward Raleigh using I‑40 East or other connecting highways

Approximate driving distance:

• Downtown Atlanta (Five Points / Peachtree area) to Downtown Raleigh: about 400–430 miles

Typical driving time:

• 6–7 hours, assuming steady traffic and brief stops

What Atlanta Drivers Should Plan For

1. Atlanta departure timing

• Leaving Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead during weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.) can easily add 30–60 minutes to your drive just to clear metro Atlanta.
• Consider getting on the road early (pre‑7 a.m.) or after the evening rush to save time.

2. Traffic hot spots along the way

Beyond Atlanta, you may encounter heavier traffic near:

• Greenville–Spartanburg, SC
• Charlotte, NC
• Greensboro, NC

These are major I‑85 corridors, so slowdowns are common, especially around peak commute times and holiday weekends.

3. Tolls?

• The primary I‑85 route between Atlanta and Raleigh generally does not require tolls.
• Always watch for any posted toll sections if you deviate from the main highway or use certain express lanes near big cities.

4. Fuel and rest stops

Most Atlanta drivers stop 1–2 times along the way for fuel, food, and restrooms. Typical stopping points include:

• Around Greenville, SC (roughly halfway)
• Around Charlotte, NC

📝 Tip: If you’re leaving from busy areas like Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Perimeter Center, or Cumberland/Vinings, allow extra time just to reach I‑85 and settle into highway driving.

Flying From Atlanta (ATL) to Raleigh–Durham (RDU)

If you prefer speed and convenience, flying from Atlanta to Raleigh is often the best option.

Flight Distance and Time

• Air distance: about 350 miles
• Nonstop flight time: usually 1–1.5 hours in the air
• Door-to-door total time (typical): around 3–4 hours, including:
  • Travel from your Atlanta starting point to Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Security, boarding, taxiing
  • Deplaning and getting from Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) to Raleigh proper

Key Atlanta Airport Details

Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Location: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Main customer service (general info): (800) 897‑1910

From Downtown Atlanta, ATL is typically:

• 15–25 minutes by car in light traffic
• 30–45+ minutes during peak commute times
• Also accessible by MARTA rail from Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead (via the Airport Station inside the Domestic Terminal)

RDU and Getting Into Raleigh

Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) is the main airport serving the Raleigh area.

From RDU to Downtown Raleigh, expect about:

• 20–30 minutes by car or rideshare, depending on traffic

📝 Tip for Atlanta travelers:
If you’re used to ATL’s size and layout, you’ll likely find RDU smaller and often easier to navigate. Plan extra buffer time at ATL, especially if traveling during busy morning or evening waves.

Bus and Train Options From Atlanta to Raleigh

The distance between Atlanta and Raleigh also makes bus travel an option for those prioritizing cost over speed.

Bus Travel

Typical bus services between Atlanta and Raleigh:

• Total travel time: often 7–10 hours, depending on:
  • Exact route
  • Number of stops
  • Time of day and traffic

Buses may depart from near Downtown Atlanta or other central points and arrive at stations or stops in the Raleigh area.

Pros for Atlanta travelers:

• Often cheaper than flying
• No need to drive long-distance or pay for parking

Cons:

• Longer travel time than driving yourself
• Less control over schedule and stops

Train Travel

There is no single, direct high-speed train running straight from Atlanta to Raleigh, so the train option usually involves:

• Travel on Amtrak routes with transfers, and
• Total times often exceed 10 hours, depending on schedules

Given the distance and routing, Atlanta residents typically choose:

• Driving, or
• Flying from ATL to RDU, rather than complex multi-leg train journeys.

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

When you’re deciding how to handle the Atlanta to Raleigh distance, consider these questions:

1. How much time do you have?

• Less than a day or tight schedule?
  • Flying is usually best. Door-to-door, it’s often around 3–4 hours.
• Flexible schedule and comfortable driving?
  • Driving 6–7 hours on I‑85 is very manageable for most people.

2. Are you traveling alone or with a group?

• Solo travelers:
  • Sometimes find bus or flight deals cheaper than paying for gas, parking, and wear on a personal car.
• Families or groups from Atlanta:
  • Splitting fuel and parking costs can make driving more economical.

3. What’s your starting point in Atlanta?

• If you’re close to Hartsfield‑Jackson (e.g., College Park, East Point, South Atlanta):
  • Flying may be especially convenient.
• If you’re in far suburbs (like parts of Gwinnett, Cherokee, or Henry Counties) closer to the I‑85 or I‑20 corridors:
  • You might prefer to drive directly rather than backtrack to ATL Airport.

Quick Comparison: Driving vs. Flying From Atlanta to Raleigh

Driving (from Atlanta to Raleigh)

• Distance: ~400–430 miles
• Time: Typically 6–7 hours
• Best for:
  • People who want flexibility with stops
  • Families or groups
  • Those who need a car in Raleigh
• Consider: Atlanta rush-hour traffic, fatigue on longer drives, potential delays near Charlotte and Greensboro

Flying (ATL to RDU)

• Distance: ~350 air miles
• Time in air:1–1.5 hours
• Door-to-door: Often 3–4 hours total
• Best for:
  • Business trips
  • Short weekend visits
  • Those who prefer not to drive long distances
• Consider: Getting to/from ATL and RDU, security lines, luggage, and ticket costs

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• How far is Atlanta from Raleigh?
  • About 400–430 miles by road, or around 350 miles by air.
• Driving time: Plan for 6–7 hours behind the wheel, not including long stops.
• Flying time: Around 1–1.5 hours in the air, usually 3–4 hours total with airport logistics.
• Best option from Atlanta:
  • Fly if you value speed and have airport access.
  • Drive if you want flexibility, are traveling with others, or need a vehicle in Raleigh.

With a clear sense of the distance and travel times between Atlanta and Raleigh, you can choose the route that fits your schedule, budget, and comfort level—whether it’s a quick hop by plane from Hartsfield‑Jackson or a road trip up I‑85.