How Far Is Atlanta to Houston? Your Practical Guide From Georgia to Texas

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Houston, Texas, the distance and travel time can vary a lot depending on how you travel—by car, plane, bus, or train. Below is a clear breakdown tailored to Atlanta travelers so you can choose what works best for your schedule and budget.

How Far Is Atlanta to Houston in Miles and Hours?

Driving Distance

• Approximate driving distance:790–820 miles
• Typical driving time:11–13 hours (without long stops)

The exact distance depends on your starting point in Atlanta and route:

• From Downtown Atlanta (around Five Points or the State Capitol) to Downtown Houston:
  • Usually about 790 miles via I‑85 S, I‑65 S, and I‑10 W
• From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH):
  • Typically 800–820 miles, again depending on your route

Because this is a full-day drive, many Atlanta travelers choose to split it into two days, stopping overnight in cities like Mobile, AL or Baton Rouge, LA.

Atlanta to Houston by Car 🚗

Driving gives you the most flexibility, especially if you’re leaving from neighborhoods like Buckhead, Decatur, or Sandy Springs and want door-to-door travel.

Common Driving Routes

1. I‑85 S → I‑65 S → I‑10 W (Popular balanced route)
Rough outline:

1. Depart Atlanta via I‑85 S toward Montgomery, Alabama
2. Connect to I‑65 S toward Mobile, Alabama
3. Pick up I‑10 W through Mississippi and Louisiana
4. Continue on I‑10 W into Houston

• Pros: Mix of interstate mileage, passes through several major cities, straightforward navigation
• Cons: Can see heavy traffic around Mobile and parts of I‑10, especially near New Orleans and Baton Rouge

2. I‑20 W → I‑10 W (More northern route through Louisiana)

1. Take I‑20 W from Atlanta toward Birmingham, Alabama
2. Continue through Jackson, Mississippi
3. Connect down to I‑10 W into Texas and Houston

• Pros: Some drivers find traffic more predictable on parts of I‑20
• Cons: Can be slightly longer depending on your exact connection to I‑10, more indirect from some Atlanta neighborhoods

What to Expect on the Road

• Travel time:
  • Leaving before rush hour (especially avoiding I‑75/I‑85 through Downtown Atlanta at peak times) can save time
  • Weather along the Gulf region can affect timing, especially in hurricane season
• Fuel & stops:
  • Most drivers plan for 2–3 fuel stops and food breaks
  • Larger cities along the way—Montgomery, Mobile, Jackson, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles—offer full services
• Overnight stops (if you split the trip):
  • Common overnight cities from Atlanta:
    • Around Mobile, AL (about 5–6 hours from Atlanta)
    • Around Baton Rouge, LA (about 7–8 hours from Atlanta)

Atlanta to Houston by Plane ✈️

For most people in Atlanta, flying is the fastest and least tiring way to get to Houston.

Flight Distance and Time

• Flight distance (ATL to Houston airports): About 700–720 air miles
• Nonstop flight time: Usually 2 to 2.5 hours in the air

You’ll want to factor in:

• Getting to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Security, boarding, possible delays
• Ground transportation from the Houston airport into the city

From door to door (home/hotel in Atlanta to destination in Houston), many travelers estimate 4.5 to 6 hours total, depending on traffic and wait times.

Airports Involved

In Atlanta:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Accessible via MARTA (Airport Station on the Red/Gold line)
  • Large choice of daily flights to Houston

In Houston:

• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) – north of Downtown Houston
• William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) – closer to central and southern Houston

Getting to ATL From Around Atlanta

• MARTA Rail:
  • Red and Gold lines go directly to the Airport Station inside the domestic terminal
• Driving and parking:
  • Long-term lots near Camp Creek Parkway, ATL’s Park-Ride facilities, and private parking services
• Rideshare / Taxi:
  • Widely used from most Atlanta neighborhoods, but travel times can vary:
    • From Midtown Atlanta: ~20–35 minutes, depending on traffic
    • From Alpharetta / North Fulton: ~40–60 minutes in busy times

Atlanta to Houston by Bus or Train

If you’re looking for ground transportation but don’t want to drive yourself, you can consider buses or train + bus combinations. These options typically take much longer than flying but may be more budget-friendly.

Intercity Bus from Atlanta to Houston

• Typical travel time: Around 15–18+ hours, sometimes with transfers
• Departure locations in Atlanta:
  • Major bus companies commonly depart from stations near or in Downtown Atlanta, such as the area around 232 Forsyth St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303 (exact locations vary by carrier)

Things to keep in mind:

• Schedules can include overnight travel
• Some routes require a transfer in cities like New Orleans or Birmingham
• Travel times can be affected by traffic and weather along the Gulf Coast

Train Options (With Caveats)

There is no direct Amtrak train from Atlanta to Houston.

Atlanta’s main Amtrak station:

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

To reach Houston by train, travelers generally need to combine:

1. A train segment from Atlanta to another major hub, and
2. A connecting train or bus connection toward Texas

Because of the indirect routing, total travel times can be significantly longer than bus or driving, and schedules may be less frequent. Many Atlanta residents only choose this option if they specifically enjoy rail travel or are bundling it with longer multi-city trips.

Quick Comparison: Atlanta to Houston Travel Options

Choosing the Best Option for Your Atlanta-to-Houston Trip

Here are some Atlanta-focused considerations when deciding how to go from Atlanta to Houston:

When Driving Makes Sense

Driving is often preferred if you:

• Live farther from ATL Airport (for example, in Douglasville, Fayetteville, or Woodstock) and don’t want to backtrack to the airport
• Need a vehicle in Houston for work, family visits, or sightseeing
• Are traveling as a family or group, where fuel costs are shared
• Prefer scenic stops and flexibility with your timeline

Tips for Atlanta drivers:

• Try to leave outside of rush hour on weekdays to avoid heavy congestion on:
  • The Downtown Connector (I‑75/85)
  • I‑285 if you need to use the Perimeter
• Check conditions heading toward Montgomery, Mobile, and the I‑10 corridor before you depart, especially during storm season

When Flying Is More Practical

Flying is usually best if you:

• Are on a tight schedule, such as for a weekend visit or business meeting
• Live or are staying near MARTA rail or close to ATL Airport
• Don’t need a car in Houston, or plan to use rideshare, taxis, or local transit there

Many Atlanta travelers find that, after adding up gas, overnight stops, meals, and wear on their vehicle, a reasonably priced plane ticket is competitive—especially for short trips.

When Bus or Train Might Fit

Although bus and indirect train options are slower, they can be worth considering if you:

• Prefer to avoid driving long distances
• Are flexible on timing and want to reduce travel costs
• Don’t mind overnight travel or long stretches of sitting

If you’re in Downtown, Midtown, or near Georgia State/Georgia Tech, getting to bus or rail stations is usually straightforward using MARTA buses, rail, or short rideshare trips.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Distance from Atlanta to Houston: About 790–820 miles by road and roughly 700–720 miles by air
• Drive time: Plan for 11–13 hours of actual driving, often split into two days
• Flight time: Around 2–2.5 hours in the air from ATL to Houston airports, plus time for airport logistics
• Other options: Buses and indirect trains are possible but take substantially longer

Understanding these distances and travel times from an Atlanta starting point helps you choose the right mode—whether you’re heading to Houston for work, family, or a Gulf Coast getaway.