How Far Is Atlanta to Baltimore? Your Practical Guide from Georgia to Maryland

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering how far it is to Baltimore, Maryland, you’re usually thinking about driving time, flight time, or train/bus options—not just miles on a map. Here’s a clear breakdown of what the trip looks like from Atlanta, and how to choose the best way to travel.

The Basic Distance: Atlanta to Baltimore

From the heart of Atlanta (downtown or Midtown) to downtown Baltimore:

• Driving distance: about 680–700 miles
• Direct flight distance (as the crow flies): about 580–600 miles
• Typical driving time: about 10–11 hours in normal conditions
• Typical nonstop flight time: about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours in the air

These numbers can shift a bit depending on:

• Your exact starting point in the Atlanta metro (Buckhead vs. Marietta vs. Decatur)
• Traffic on I-85, I-95, and around Charlotte, Richmond, and Washington, D.C.
• Weather, construction, and peak travel days

Driving from Atlanta to Baltimore

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, driving is the first option that comes to mind.

Main Driving Route

Most GPS apps will route you something like this:

• Start on I-85 North from Atlanta
• Continue through South Carolina and into North Carolina
• Connect with I-95 North (often around the Petersburg/Richmond, VA area)
• Continue on I-95 North through Washington, D.C. into Baltimore, MD

You can also take slight variations (such as I-20 to I-95), but I-85 to I-95 is the common pattern.

Typical Driving Time

• Estimated time:10–11 hours without long stops
• With food, gas, and short breaks: realistically 11–13 hours

Expect slower traffic:

• Leaving Atlanta during weekday morning or evening rush
• Near Charlotte and Richmond
• Near and through the D.C. metro area, especially around evening rush and weekends

Driving Costs and Considerations

• Fuel: The trip usually requires 2–3 full tanks of gas, depending on your vehicle
• Tolls: Portions of I-95 north of Richmond may include toll sections
• Rest stops: There are frequent rest areas and service plazas on I‑85 and I‑95, with easy options for food and bathrooms

Driving might make sense if:

• You’re traveling with family or a group
• You want a flexible schedule and the ability to stop along the way
• You need a car once you arrive in Baltimore or the D.C. area

Flying from Atlanta to Baltimore

If you’re mainly concerned with time, flying is the fastest and most common way to get from Atlanta to Baltimore.

Airports Involved

From Atlanta:

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

To the Baltimore area:

• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
  Located near Baltimore, also serving the D.C. region

Flight Distance and Time

• Air distance: about 580–600 miles
• Nonstop flight time: about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours in the air

When you add:

• Arriving at ATL at least 1.5–2 hours before departure
• Deplaning, picking up baggage, and getting from BWI to central Baltimore (often 20–40 minutes depending on mode of transport)

…the total door-to-door time is often in the 4–6 hour range, which is still much shorter than driving.

Getting to the Airport in Atlanta

Depending on where you are in metro Atlanta:

• By MARTA:
  • Take any Red or Gold Line train to the Airport Station, which drops you inside the Domestic Terminal at ATL.
• By car:
  • Follow I-85 South to the Airport exits; long-term parking, economy lots, and off‑site parking are widely available.
• By rideshare or taxi:
  • Popular for travelers staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.

Train and Bus Options Between Atlanta and Baltimore

If you don’t want to fly and prefer not to drive the full distance yourself, train and bus can be alternatives. They typically take longer than flying but may appeal if you prefer to avoid airports or long hours behind the wheel.

Traveling by Train (Amtrak)

From Atlanta:

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

To Baltimore:

• Station: Usually Baltimore Penn Station in Baltimore, MD

There is no single, high-speed, same-train route like you’d see in some regions. Trips often involve:

• An overnight or long-distance Amtrak route from Atlanta headed north
• A transfer at a major hub (often Washington, D.C.)

Travel time can easily reach 14–18+ hours, depending on timing and connections. This is usually more about comfort and scenery than speed.

Traveling by Bus

Multiple intercity bus companies commonly operate between Atlanta and East Coast cities, often with connections. Buses usually depart from central areas such as:

• Downtown Atlanta or near the main bus terminals

Bus trips to Baltimore often:

• Require one or more transfers (commonly in Charlotte, Richmond, or D.C.)
• Take around 14–18+ hours, depending on routing, stops, and traffic

Buses can be one of the more budget-friendly options, but you trade off speed and flexibility.

Quick Comparison: Ways to Travel from Atlanta to Baltimore

What Atlantans Should Consider When Choosing How to Travel

When you’re deciding how to get from Atlanta to Baltimore, think about:

1. Time vs. Cost

• If you value time most, flying out of ATL is usually the clear winner.
• If you want to save money and don’t mind long travel days, bus or train may be workable.
• If you’re splitting gas costs among several people, driving can be cost-effective, especially for families.

2. Where You’ll Be in Baltimore

• If you’re staying in downtown Baltimore, flying into BWI and then taking a shuttle, rideshare, or rail can be convenient.
• If you plan to explore suburbs or nearby regions, having a car (either by driving from Atlanta or renting at BWI) can be useful.

3. Your Location in Metro Atlanta

• If you live near a MARTA Rail station, getting to Hartsfield–Jackson is straightforward, making flying very convenient.
• If you live far from transit and dislike airport logistics, you may lean toward driving or intercity bus.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Heading to Baltimore

• Avoid peak departure times from Atlanta 🚗
  Try to leave early in the morning or later in the evening if driving to reduce time lost in traffic on I‑85 and around Charlotte.

• Plan for D.C.-area congestion
  When driving, expect slowdowns as you approach the Washington, D.C. corridor before Baltimore, particularly during rush hours.

• Build in a buffer when flying ✈️
  From Atlanta, allow extra time at Hartsfield–Jackson for security, especially during holidays or major events.

• Check weather along the route
  In colder months, Virginia and Maryland may have very different weather from Atlanta, affecting driving conditions.

Key Takeaway for Atlantans

From Atlanta to Baltimore, you’re looking at roughly 700 miles by road or about 600 miles by air. For most people in or visiting Atlanta, a nonstop flight from Hartsfield–Jackson to BWI is the fastest and most convenient option, while driving on I‑85 and I‑95 gives you full control over your schedule and stops.

Your best choice depends on how quickly you need to get there, your budget, and whether you need a car once you arrive in Maryland.