How Far Is Atlanta to Detroit? Your Distance, Time, and Travel Guide

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Detroit, Michigan, the first thing you’ll want to know is how far it is and how long it will take. Whether you’re driving, flying, or considering a bus or train, the distance from Atlanta to Detroit can feel very different depending on how you choose to travel.

Below is a clear breakdown tailored to travelers who live in Atlanta, are visiting Atlanta and heading north, or are comparing travel options from the city.

Atlanta to Detroit: Distance at a Glance

From Downtown Atlanta to Downtown Detroit:

• Driving distance: about 700–725 miles
• Nonstop flight distance (straight line): about 600–650 miles
• Typical drive time: about 10–11 hours (not counting long stops)
• Typical flight time (nonstop in the air): about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours

Quick Distance & Time Comparison

These are general ranges; your exact time can change based on traffic, weather, route, and service schedules.

Driving From Atlanta to Detroit

For many people in metro Atlanta, driving is the go-to way to get to Detroit, especially for family trips, moving, or bringing luggage a plane won’t easily handle.

Main Driving Route from Atlanta

The most common route starts right in the city and heads north:

1. Start in Atlanta
   • From Downtown, get on I-75 North (often via the Downtown Connector I‑75/85).
2. Follow I-75 North through:
   • Chattanooga, TN
   • Lexington, KY
   • Cincinnati, OH
   • Toledo, OH
3. Continue on I-75 all the way into Detroit, MI.

This route stays largely on I-75 once you leave Atlanta, which is convenient if you prefer major interstates with services, rest areas, and clear signage.

How Long Is the Drive?

• Expect about 10 to 11 hours of driving time under normal conditions.
• With gas, food, and bathroom breaks, many Atlanta drivers plan for a full day on the road (often 11–13 hours total).

Factors that often affect Atlanta–Detroit drive times:

• Atlanta traffic:
  • Morning and evening rush on the Downtown Connector, I-285, and I-75 south and north of the city can add 30–60 minutes.
• Construction and congestion in other cities:
  • Areas around Cincinnati and Toledo can slow down.
• Weather:
  • In winter, once you get north of Tennessee and Kentucky, snow and ice become more likely. Trips around the holidays often take longer.

Approximate Mileage From Key Atlanta Starting Points

• Downtown Atlanta to Downtown Detroit: ~700–725 miles
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Detroit city center: similar distance (adds only a few miles)
• From northern suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Kennesaw): often a bit shorter driving time since you’re already closer to I‑75 North.

Flying From Atlanta to Detroit

If your priority is time, flying is usually the fastest and often the most predictable way from Atlanta to Detroit.

Distance and Flight Time

• Air distance: roughly 600–650 miles.
• Nonstop flight time: typically 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours in the air.

From Atlanta, most flights leave from:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • 6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  • Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Main airport serving metro Atlanta.

Flights generally land at:

• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
  • Located in Romulus, Michigan, serving the Detroit area.

Total Trip Time vs. Drive Time

Even though the flight itself is under 2 hours, remember to factor in:

• Getting from your home/hotel in Atlanta to ATL (30–90 minutes depending on traffic and location).
• Arriving at the airport about 1.5–2 hours before departure for most domestic flights.
• Deplaning and baggage claim in Detroit.
• Travel from DTW to downtown Detroit (often 20–40 minutes by car or shuttle, depending on traffic).

Door-to-door, many Atlanta travelers find:

• Flying Atlanta–Detroit: roughly 4–6 hours total (home to hotel).
• Driving Atlanta–Detroit: roughly 11–13 hours total with breaks.

Flying is still usually faster overall, especially for quick trips.

Bus and Train Options From Atlanta to Detroit

If you prefer not to drive or fly, you can look into bus or train options, though they’re usually slower and may involve transfers.

Long-Distance Bus From Atlanta to Detroit

Long-distance bus services typically:

• Depart from central Atlanta locations, often around downtown or near MARTA-accessible areas.
• Travel a route similar to I‑75, with stops in intermediate cities.
• Take around 14 to 18+ hours one-way, depending on:
  • Number of stops
  • Time of day
  • Route specifics

Buses can be a budget-friendly option, especially if you’re traveling alone or on flexible timing.

Train (Rail) Travel

Atlanta does have an intercity passenger rail station:

• AMTRAK Peachtree Station
  • 1688 Peachtree St NW
  • Atlanta, GA 30309

But there is no simple, direct Atlanta-to-Detroit train. A train route will generally require:

• Connections in other cities (often in the Northeast or Midwest),
• Longer overall travel time, often well over 18 hours,
• Careful planning around train schedules and transfer times.

For travelers in Atlanta, rail is typically chosen more for the experience than for speed or convenience to Detroit.

Choosing the Best Way to Travel From Atlanta to Detroit

How far Atlanta is from Detroit matters most when you match it to your schedule, budget, and comfort. Here’s how many Atlanta travelers tend to decide:

1. When Flying Makes the Most Sense ✈️

Choose flying if:

• You need to minimize travel time.
• You’re going for a short visit (e.g., weekend trip, short business trip).
• You prefer to avoid a long day of driving through multiple states.

From Atlanta, many people living inside the Perimeter (I‑285) use MARTA or rideshare to reach ATL, while people in suburbs often drive and park at the airport or use shuttle services.

2. When Driving Is a Good Option 🚗

Driving is often preferred if:

• You’re traveling with family or a group and want to share costs.
• You need to bring more luggage, pets, or bulky items.
• You want flexibility to stop in other cities like Chattanooga, Lexington, or Cincinnati.
• You don’t mind a long drive and want to avoid airport logistics.

For Atlanta residents, leaving very early in the morning (before rush hour) can help you clear metro traffic and get on open interstate quickly.

3. When to Consider Bus or Train 🚌🚆

Bus or train might work if:

• You’re very budget-conscious and can handle extra travel time.
• You’re uncomfortable driving long distances or don’t have a car while in Atlanta.
• You prefer to read, work, or sleep while traveling rather than focus on the road.

For these options, you’ll usually travel to a central Atlanta station or terminal, often accessible by MARTA or short rideshare.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Heading to Detroit

A few Atlanta-specific considerations can make the trip smoother:

• Plan around Atlanta traffic:
  • Try to time your departure from inside I‑285 to avoid peak hours (roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m. and 3:30–7:00 p.m. on weekdays).
• Weather differences:
  • Atlanta’s winters are usually milder. Detroit can be much colder and snowier, especially November through March. Driving in winter may require extra caution and time.
• Rest stops along I‑75:
  • The main route from Atlanta north has frequent services, rest areas, and food stops, especially through Georgia and Tennessee.
• Airport timing:
  • Hartsfield-Jackson is large and busy. Many Atlanta travelers give themselves extra time for security and getting to the correct concourse, especially during holidays and major events.

Key Takeaways: How Far Is Atlanta to Detroit?

• By road: Around 700–725 miles, typically 10–11 hours of driving from Atlanta to Detroit.
• By air: Around 600–650 miles, about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours of flying time from ATL to Detroit-area airports.
• By bus or connected train: Usually significantly longer, often 14–18+ hours or more.

For someone in Atlanta, Detroit is far enough to feel like a full-day drive, but close enough that a short flight turns it into a very manageable trip. Your best option depends on how you balance time, cost, and comfort starting right here in Atlanta.