How Far Is Atlanta From St. Louis? Distance, Travel Times, and Best Ways to Go

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering how far it is to St. Louis, Missouri, you’re usually thinking about one of three things: driving, flying, or taking a bus/train-style combo. The distance and travel time look different for each option, and it helps to know what to expect before you plan a weekend trip, a family visit, or a road adventure out of Atlanta.

Key Distances From Atlanta to St. Louis

From the heart of Atlanta (Downtown / Midtown area) to Downtown St. Louis:

*Times vary based on traffic, weather, time of day, and chosen route.

How Far Is Atlanta From St. Louis by Car?

For many people living in or visiting Atlanta, driving is the most flexible way to get from Atlanta to St. Louis.

Driving Distance

• Approximate driving distance:550–575 miles
• Most routes are interstate-heavy, which makes for relatively straightforward navigation.

Main Driving Routes From Atlanta

1. I‑75 North → I‑24 West → I‑57 North → I‑64 West

   • Common route if you’re leaving from Downtown, Midtown, or the Airport area.
   • Passes through parts of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois on the way to Missouri.
   • Generally offers a smooth trip on major highways.

2. Variations via I‑20 or I‑59

   • Some navigation apps may route you slightly differently depending on traffic or road work.
   • Distance and time usually stay in the same general range.

Typical Drive Time From Atlanta

• Plan for about 8–9 hours of driving time under normal conditions.
• This estimate assumes:
  • Light-to-moderate traffic leaving Atlanta and entering St. Louis
  • Normal highway speeds
  • Only short fuel/restroom stops

If you’re traveling during rush hour in Atlanta (especially near the Downtown Connector, I‑75/I‑85, or the I‑285 perimeter), your total time may increase.

Atlanta Departure Tips for Drivers

• To avoid heavy congestion:
  • 🚗 Leave Atlanta before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:30 a.m. on weekdays.
  • Avoid starting your trip during the evening rush (about 4:00–7:00 p.m.).
• If you’re renting a car near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), try to build in extra time for:
  • Rental car center shuttle
  • Paperwork and vehicle pickup

Flight Distance and Time From Atlanta to St. Louis

If you prefer to fly, Atlanta is one of the easiest places to start. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a major hub, and flights to St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) are frequent.

Flight Distance

• Approximate flight distance (straight line):around 480–500 miles between Atlanta and St. Louis.
• This is sometimes called the “as-the-crow-flies” distance, which is shorter than the driving distance.

Typical Flight Time

• Nonstop flight time: usually about 1.5 hours in the air.
• Door-to-door from an Atlanta address, you should factor in:
  • Getting to ATL (time varies by neighborhood):
    • From Downtown Atlanta: often 15–25 minutes in light traffic.
    • From Buckhead or Sandy Springs:30–45+ minutes, depending on conditions.
  • Check-in and security: typically 1–2 hours before departure.
  • Boarding and taxiing: add another 30–45 minutes in many cases.

Realistically, door-to-door from most Atlanta neighborhoods to a destination in St. Louis, even with a nonstop flight, often totals 4–5 hours or more.

Using Atlanta’s Airport Efficiently

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

For Atlanta travelers:

• Parking: Multiple economy and daily lots; consider time to ride the terminal shuttles.
• MARTA to the airport:
  • The Airport Station is located inside the domestic terminal.
  • You can take the Red or Gold line from stations like Midtown, North Avenue, or Five Points to reach ATL without worrying about traffic or parking.

How Far Is It by Bus (and What About Trains)?

There is no simple, direct passenger train from Atlanta to St. Louis that works like a quick point-to-point ride. Travelers who prioritize cost sometimes look at long-distance bus services or mixed bus/train trips.

Bus Travel From Atlanta to St. Louis

• Distance: similar to driving, but routes can vary.
• Typical travel time: often 11–13+ hours, depending on:
  • Number of stops
  • Connection cities
  • Time of day and traffic

You may see schedules that go from Atlanta to another major hub, then on to St. Louis, which adds time.

In Atlanta, long-distance buses commonly use central locations close to downtown or near major transit connections. If you’re leaving from the city’s core:

• Build in time to get to the bus terminal.
• Consider using MARTA rail or bus to avoid downtown parking and traffic.

What About Trains?

From Atlanta, the main Amtrak passenger service is the Peach State routes, with a station at:

Amtrak – Peachtree Station
1688 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309

There is not a fast, single Amtrak line from Atlanta to St. Louis. Reaching St. Louis by train usually requires:

• Traveling from Atlanta to another major rail hub first.
• Making one or more transfers.
• Accepting a much longer overall travel time compared with driving or flying.

Because of these logistics, many Atlanta travelers heading to St. Louis prefer car or plane over a train-based itinerary.

Comparing Your Options From Atlanta to St. Louis

If you’re choosing how to travel from Atlanta to St. Louis, here’s a quick way to think about it:

• Fastest overall (including ground time):
  • Usually flying, especially from neighborhoods with easy access to MARTA or short drives to ATL.
• Most flexible and direct:
  • Driving, especially if:
    • You’re traveling with family or a group.
    • You want to stop along the way.
    • You’re bringing luggage, equipment, or pets.
• Lowest cost (in many cases):
  • Bus travel, but at the expense of comfort and time.
• Least practical from Atlanta specifically:
  • Train-only routes, due to transfer requirements and long durations.

Practical Planning Tips for Atlanta Travelers

When planning your trip from Atlanta to St. Louis, consider:

1. Your starting point in Atlanta

   • Intown neighborhoods (Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward):
     • Easy access to MARTA for the airport.
     • Less predictable driving times because of central traffic.
   • Suburban areas (Cobb, Gwinnett, South Fulton, Clayton):
     • Driving straight out toward interstates may be more appealing.
     • Airport trips may take longer, especially in peak traffic.

2. Time of year

   • Winter: Watch for weather along the route, especially as you go farther north.
   • Summer: Construction and holiday traffic can slow both flights and interstate travel.

3. Time of day

   • Leaving Atlanta:
     • Try to avoid peak rush hour on the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) and I‑285.
   • Arriving in St. Louis:
     • Similar rush-hour patterns can add time near downtown and major beltways.

4. Comfort vs. speed

   • If you’re traveling with kids or older adults from Atlanta, it may be worth paying more for:
     • A nonstop flight.
     • More frequent breaks on a road trip.

In summary, Atlanta is roughly 550–575 driving miles and about 1.5 flight hours from St. Louis, making it a full-day drive or a short hop by plane. Whether you live in Atlanta or are visiting and using the city as a starting point, you have flexibility in how you get there—just match your choice (car, plane, or bus) to your time, budget, and comfort needs.