How Far Is Atlanta From Washington, DC? Your Practical Travel Guide

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Washington, DC, the first thing you probably want to know is: how far is it, really—and what’s the easiest way to get there?

Below is a clear breakdown of distance, travel times, and your main options for getting from Atlanta to the nation’s capital, with a focus on what’s most useful if you live in or are visiting Atlanta.

How Far Is Atlanta From Washington, DC?

Driving Distance

• Approximate driving distance:630–640 miles
• Typical driving time: about 9.5–11 hours (without long stops)

Most drivers travel between:

• Atlanta city center or Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  and
• Downtown Washington, DC (often near the National Mall, Capitol, or Union Station).

The most common route is:

• I‑85 North from Atlanta
• Connecting to I‑95 North toward Washington, DC

This route takes you through parts of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia before reaching DC.

Flying Distance

• Nonstop flight distance: about 540–560 miles (around 870–900 km)
• Typical nonstop flight time: about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours in the air

Flights from Atlanta (ATL) go into:

• Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) – closest to downtown DC
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – farther out in Virginia
• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) – north of DC in Maryland

Door-to-door, including airport time and local transit, most Atlanta travelers plan on 4–6 hours total for a one-way trip by plane.

Travel Options From Atlanta to Washington, DC

1. Flying From Atlanta to Washington, DC

For most people in Atlanta, flying is the fastest and easiest way to get to Washington, DC.

Main Atlanta Departure Point

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Location: Just south of downtown Atlanta
• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Main local access: I‑85, MARTA Red/Gold Line to Airport Station

ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world, so there are frequent daily flights to the DC area.

Typical Flight Options

From Atlanta you can usually find:

• Nonstop flights to DCA (Reagan National)

  • Closest to downtown DC
  • Very convenient for government buildings and central attractions

• Nonstop flights to IAD (Dulles International)

  • Good if you’re visiting suburbs in Northern Virginia

• Nonstop or one-stop flights to BWI

  • Sometimes used for budget options
  • Better if you’re visiting Maryland suburbs or using certain train/coach connections

✅ Best for Atlanta travelers who want to minimize total travel time and avoid a long drive.

2. Driving From Atlanta to Washington, DC

If you prefer to have your own car, are traveling with a family or group, or want to make stops along the way, driving can make sense.

Common Driving Route

Most people go:

1. Start in Atlanta (downtown, Midtown, or near I‑285)
2. Take I‑85 North through:
   • Greenville, SC
   • Charlotte, NC
3. Continue to connect with I‑95 North in North Carolina or Virginia
4. Follow I‑95 North toward Washington, DC

Alternate routes may use parts of US‑29 or other regional highways, but I‑85 / I‑95 is the most straightforward.

What Affects Driving Time?

• Atlanta traffic:
  Leaving from Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or the Perimeter (I‑285) during rush hour can add 30–90 minutes.
• I‑85 and I‑95 congestion:
  Traffic around Charlotte, Raleigh/Durham, Richmond, and the approaches to DC can slow you down.
• Weather:
  Heavy rain, storms, or winter conditions in the Carolinas/Virginia can seriously extend your drive time.
• Stops:
  Meals, fuel, and rest breaks can easily add 1–2+ hours.

For many Atlanta residents, this is an all-day drive if done in one stretch, or a two-day trip with an overnight stop midway.

3. Bus or Coach Service

Long-distance buses are often slower than flying but can be more affordable than last-minute airfare, especially for solo travelers.

From Atlanta, companies commonly run coaches to Washington, DC or nearby cities such as Richmond, VA with connections to DC.

• Departure areas in Atlanta: usually around or near Downtown or Midtown
• Travel time: often 12–16 hours, depending on route and stops
• Comfort: varies by operator; some offer Wi‑Fi and power outlets

This works best if you:

• Don’t mind overnight travel
• Want to avoid driving
• Are looking for a budget-conscious option from Atlanta

4. Train Options (Amtrak)

You can take a train from Atlanta to Washington, DC, but it’s usually:

• Longer than flying
• Less frequent
• More of a scenic or relaxed travel choice than a time-saving one

Atlanta Amtrak Station

Amtrak Peachtree Station

• Address: 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Area: Between Midtown and Buckhead
• Access: Car, rideshare, local bus; limited parking on site

From Peachtree Station, many Atlanta travelers use the Crescent route, which runs between New Orleans and New York, passing through Atlanta and Washington, DC.

• Train travel time Atlanta → Washington, DC: commonly in the 12–14 hour range (approximate, varies by schedule and conditions)

Helpful if you:

• Prefer rail travel
• Want to avoid flying
• Don’t mind the longer travel time from Atlanta

Quick Comparison: Distance & Time From Atlanta to Washington, DC

Tips for Choosing the Best Option From Atlanta

When Flying Makes Sense

Flying from Atlanta is usually best if you:

• Need to be in DC the same day for work, meetings, or events
• Are starting near ATL Airport or can easily reach it via MARTA
• Want to avoid long hours on I‑85 and I‑95

From central Atlanta:

• Take the MARTA Red or Gold Line south directly to the Airport Station to avoid parking costs and road traffic.

When Driving Might Be Better

Driving can be more attractive if you:

• Are traveling with multiple people and want to share fuel and toll costs
• Plan to visit other cities along the way (like Charlotte or Greenville)
• Need a car when you arrive in the DC or Virginia suburbs

Many Atlanta drivers break the trip into:

• Day 1: Atlanta → somewhere in North Carolina or southern Virginia
• Day 2: Continue to DC

When to Consider Train or Bus From Atlanta

Train or bus may work if you:

• Prefer not to fly for personal or health reasons
• Don’t want to drive yourself that far
• Are comfortable with overnight or all-day travel

For either option, Atlanta residents often:

• Use rideshare or local transit to reach Peachtree Station (for Amtrak) or the relevant bus terminal near Downtown or Midtown.

Local Logistics: Leaving From and Returning to Atlanta

When planning your trip, think through the Atlanta side of your journey:

• From Downtown/Midtown Atlanta:

  • For flying: use MARTA to ATL or a taxi/rideshare.
  • For driving: expect possible congestion near I‑75/85 and I‑20 interchanges at peak times.

• From the Perimeter or suburbs (Sandy Springs, Decatur, Marietta, etc.):

  • Driving distance to ATL or Peachtree Station often adds 20–60 minutes depending on traffic.
  • Using MARTA park-and-ride lots at stations like Doraville, North Springs, or College Park can help avoid central congestion.

• Parking in Atlanta:

  • ATL Airport offers multiple garages and economy lots.
  • Amtrak Peachtree Station has limited parking, so many travelers use drop-off, rideshare, or nearby parking options.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Atlanta to Washington, DC is roughly 630–640 miles by road and about 540–560 miles by air.
• Flying from ATL is usually the fastest, often around 4–6 hours door-to-door.
• Driving takes about 9.5–11 hours, depending heavily on traffic, routing, and stops.
• Bus and train options from Atlanta are available but typically take 12 hours or more and are chosen more for cost or comfort preferences than speed.

Understanding these distances and travel times from Atlanta helps you pick the option that matches your schedule, budget, and comfort level when planning a trip to Washington, DC.