How Far Is Atlanta From Virginia? Distance, Travel Times, and Best Ways to Get There

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Virginia—for a weekend getaway, a college visit, or to see family—it helps to know how far it is, how long it takes, and the best way to travel. Because Virginia is a whole state (not a single city), the exact distance depends on where in Virginia you’re heading.

Below is a clear breakdown tailored to travelers starting in or around Atlanta.

How Far Is Atlanta From Virginia?

From Atlanta, you can think of Virginia in three rough “zones”:

*Times assume normal traffic and minimal stops. Atlanta rush-hour traffic can add significant time just getting out of the metro.

So, Atlanta to “Virginia” is generally 5–10 hours by car, depending on your destination.

Driving From Atlanta to Virginia

For most people in Atlanta, driving is the most flexible and common way to get to Virginia.

Major Driving Routes

The main interstate you’ll use is I‑75 and/or I‑85, connecting to other highways as you head north and east.

Common routes include:

• Atlanta to Bristol, VA

  • Route: I‑75 N → I‑40 E (through Tennessee) → I‑81 N to Bristol
  • Distance: about 275–300 miles
  • Time: around 4.5–5 hours
  • This is one of the shortest drives from Atlanta into Virginia.

• Atlanta to Roanoke, VA

  • Route: I‑85 N (toward Charlotte) → I‑77 N → I‑81 N to Roanoke
  • Distance: about 430–450 miles
  • Time: around 6.5–7.5 hours

• Atlanta to Richmond, VA

  • Route options:
    • I‑85 N to Petersburg, VA → I‑95 N to Richmond, or
    • I‑20 E through South Carolina → I‑95 N
  • Distance: about 550–580 miles
  • Time: usually 8–9 hours

• Atlanta to Northern Virginia (Arlington/Alexandria area)

  • Route: I‑85 N → I‑95 N → I‑495 or local routes into Northern Virginia
  • Distance: about 600–630 miles
  • Time: around 9–10 hours, longer in DC-area traffic

What Atlanta Drivers Should Know

• Atlanta traffic matters. Leaving during weekday rush hours (especially 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.) can add 30–60+ minutes just to clear the metro.
• Weather can change the trip. Driving through the Appalachian Mountains (western Virginia, eastern Tennessee, western North Carolina) can be slower in heavy rain, fog, or winter weather.
• Fuel and rest stops:
  • Once you’re out of Atlanta, there are frequent service plazas and exits with gas and food through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee on the main corridors.
• Tolls: Most common routes between Atlanta and Virginia do not involve toll roads, unless you detour around major cities or use optional express lanes.

Flying From Atlanta to Virginia

If you don’t want to be in the car for 8–10 hours, flying from Atlanta to Virginia can be much faster.

Main Departure Airport in Atlanta

Most travelers will use:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  ATL is a major hub, so there are frequent flights to multiple airports in Virginia or nearby.

Common Virginia Flight Destinations

Depending on where you’re going in Virginia:

• Richmond International Airport (RIC)

  • Serves central and eastern Virginia, including Richmond, Williamsburg, and much of eastern VA.
  • Flight time from ATL: typically 1.5–2 hours in the air.

• Norfolk International Airport (ORF)

  • Good for Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and the Hampton Roads area.
  • Flight time from ATL: about 1.5–2 hours.

• Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA)

  • Convenient for southwestern and western Virginia, including Roanoke and nearby mountain towns.
  • Flight time from ATL: often 1–1.5 hours.

• Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Reagan National Airport (DCA)

  • Both serve the Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia area.
  • Flight time from ATL: roughly 1.5–2 hours.

Door-to-Door Time Estimate

Even though flying is fast in the air, total time from Atlanta home/hotel to Virginia destination usually includes:

• 30–60 minutes getting to ATL (depending on where you are in the metro)
• 1.5–2 hours early arrival for security and boarding
• 1–2 hours in the air
• 30–60 minutes deplaning, picking up bags, and getting ground transportation in Virginia

In practice, flying from Atlanta to many parts of Virginia often works out to 4–6 hours door to door, but it’s still usually faster (and less tiring) than an 8–10 hour drive.

Bus and Train Options From Atlanta to Virginia

If you don’t want to fly or drive, there are intercity bus and train options between Atlanta and Virginia, although they may involve transfers and longer travel times.

Intercity Bus (e.g., Greyhound/Megabus-type services)

Buses typically run from Atlanta to major cities along the East Coast, with stops in or near parts of Virginia.

• Typical routes might go Atlanta → Charlotte → Richmond → DC, or similar corridors.
• Travel time to central/northern Virginia by bus can range from 10 to 16+ hours, depending on connections and schedules.
• Buses generally depart from:
  • The Atlanta bus terminal in or near downtown (exact address can change by operator, so it’s worth checking your ticket details).

Buses are often cheaper than flying, but you trade cost for a longer travel day.

Train (Amtrak) From Atlanta

Atlanta has an Amtrak station that connects you to the East Coast rail network:

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

From Atlanta, trains can connect you north toward Virginia, often by way of Washington, D.C. or intermediate stops, depending on the route and schedule.

• Travel times by train from Atlanta to parts of Virginia are usually overnight or close to it, and can vary significantly by schedule and service type.
• Amtrak can be a more comfortable, scenic option than a bus, especially if you value extra legroom and the ability to walk around, but it may not be faster.

Which Travel Option Makes the Most Sense From Atlanta?

Choosing the best way to get from Atlanta to Virginia depends on your priorities.

If You Want the Fastest Overall Trip

• Flying from ATL is usually fastest for:
  • Richmond
  • Norfolk/Virginia Beach
  • Northern Virginia / DC area
• You can often leave Atlanta in the morning and be in Virginia well before lunch or early afternoon.

If You Want Maximum Flexibility and Lower Hassle

• Driving is a strong choice if:
  • You’re visiting smaller towns or rural areas in Virginia.
  • You want to bring a lot of luggage, outdoor gear, or pets.
  • You prefer not to deal with airport security and schedules.
• For southwestern Virginia (like Bristol or areas near the Tennessee border), driving is particularly convenient and relatively quick from Atlanta.

If You’re Budget-Focused and Not in a Hurry

• Intercity buses or sometimes Amtrak can be more budget-friendly, especially if you:
  • Don’t mind overnight or long daytime rides.
  • Want to avoid driving and parking fees or don’t have a car in Atlanta.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Heading to Virginia

Here are a few Atlanta-specific considerations as you plan:

• Plan around Atlanta rush hour.
  Leaving before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. can make a big difference in how quickly you get clear of I‑75/I‑85 through downtown.

• Choose the right side of the city to depart.

  • If you live on the northeast side (e.g., Decatur, Tucker, Norcross), heading toward I‑85 may be more direct for routes to central and northern Virginia.
  • If you’re on the northwest side (e.g., Marietta, Kennesaw), you may prefer I‑75 → Tennessee routes for southwestern Virginia.

• Parking and drop-offs at ATL:

  • If someone is dropping you at the airport, allow extra time for busy periods, especially Monday mornings and Friday afternoons.
  • Long-term parking is available at ATL, but compare cost and length of stay versus other options such as off-airport lots.

• Think about your final destination in Virginia.
  Distances within Virginia itself can be significant:

  • Bristol to Richmond is another 4–5 hours of driving.
  • Richmond to Virginia Beach is around 2 hours.
  • Roanoke to Northern Virginia can be 3–4 hours, depending on traffic.

Quick Distance Reference From Atlanta to Key Spots in Virginia

• Atlanta → Bristol, VA: ~275–300 miles, ~4.5–5 hours
• Atlanta → Roanoke, VA: ~430–450 miles, ~6.5–7.5 hours
• Atlanta → Charlottesville, VA: ~500–520 miles, ~7.5–8 hours
• Atlanta → Richmond, VA: ~550–580 miles, ~8–9 hours
• Atlanta → Norfolk/Virginia Beach, VA: ~580–620 miles, ~9–10 hours
• Atlanta → Arlington/Alexandria (Northern VA): ~600–630 miles, ~9–10 hours

For anyone starting in Atlanta, Virginia is close enough for a road trip but far enough that flying can be worth it—especially if your destination is central, eastern, or northern Virginia.