How Far Is Atlanta to Jacksonville? Your Road, Flight, and Travel Guide from Atlanta, GA

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

Here’s a clear breakdown of distance, drive time, flight options, and what Atlanta travelers should expect.

How Far Is It from Atlanta to Jacksonville?

The distance from Atlanta to Jacksonville depends a bit on your exact starting and ending points, but here are the typical ranges most Atlanta travelers use.

Driving Distance

• Approximate driving distance:285–350 miles
• Most common route distance: about 345 miles via I-75 S and I-16 E, or I-75 S and US-82 E

For most people leaving from Downtown Atlanta, Midtown, Buckhead, or near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the trip lands in that 330–350 mile range by car.

Flight Distance

• Straight-line (“as the crow flies”) distance: roughly 270–280 miles
• Commercial flight distance: usually listed around 270–300 miles between
  Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and
  Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)

Because of flight paths and air traffic patterns, the actual airborne distance is a bit longer than the perfect line on a map, but it’s still a relatively short regional route.

How Long Does It Take to Get from Atlanta to Jacksonville?

Your total travel time will depend on how you go: driving vs. flying vs. bus/train.

Quick Time Overview

Driving from Atlanta to Jacksonville

For many people in Atlanta, driving is the most flexible and cost-effective option, especially for families or weekend trips.

Common Driving Routes from Atlanta

Most drivers use one of these major routes:

1. I-75 South through Macon, then east toward Jacksonville

   • Route example:
     Atlanta → I-75 S → Macon → continue south → connect east via US-82 or other highways → Jacksonville
   • Pros:
     • Familiar interstate for Atlanta drivers
     • Plenty of gas, food, and rest stop options
   • Cons:
     • Can be busy near Atlanta and Macon
     • Some stretches can feel long and rural

2. I-75 S to I-16 E (toward Savannah), then south to Jacksonville

   • You head south from Atlanta on I-75, then east on I-16, then connect down through south Georgia into northeast Florida.
   • Pros:
     • More interstate driving; some people find it more straightforward
   • Cons:
     • Slightly longer depending on your exact route
     • Still subject to Atlanta traffic at the start

In real-world Atlanta terms, your time leaving the city often matters more than the exact route. Rush hour around Downtown Connector (I-75/85), I-285, and near Hartsfield-Jackson can easily add 30–60 minutes.

Typical Driving Time from Major Atlanta Areas

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta to Jacksonville:
  About 5–6 hours in normal conditions.
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport area to Jacksonville:
  Often a bit shorter, around 4.5–5.5 hours, because you’re already south of central Atlanta.
• North Atlanta suburbs (Alpharetta, Roswell, Marietta):
  Expect 5.5–6.5 hours, depending on how smoothly you get through or around I-285.

Traffic and Timing Tips 🚗

• Leave off-peak:
  Leaving Atlanta after 9:30 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. on weekdays can help you avoid the worst rush-hour backups.
• Watch game days and events:
  Large events around Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or college football weekends can significantly slow the start of your route.
• Plan fuel and rest stops:
  Cities like Macon, Tifton, or Valdosta (on some routes) are common midway break points with plenty of services.

Flying from Atlanta to Jacksonville

If you’re short on time or prefer not to drive, flying from Atlanta (ATL) to Jacksonville (JAX) is straightforward.

Flight Distance and Time

• Distance: roughly 270–300 miles
• Nonstop flight time: around 1–1.5 hours in the air
• Total travel time door-to-door from most Atlanta neighborhoods:
  3–4 hours, once you include:
  • Getting to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  • Parking or drop-off
  • Security screening and boarding
  • Taxiing and deplaning in Jacksonville
  • Getting to your final destination in Jacksonville

Getting to the Airport from Around Atlanta

Some general ranges:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta to ATL:
  Around 15–30 minutes by car in light traffic; longer at rush hour.
• Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or Brookhaven to ATL:
  Often 25–45 minutes depending on I-85 and GA 400 traffic.
• East Atlanta, Decatur area:
  Typically 20–35 minutes using I-20 or surface streets plus the Connector.
• Using MARTA:
  The Airport Station at ATL is directly connected to the terminals via the domestic terminal. From:
  • Five Points Station: often around 20–25 minutes on the train
  • North Springs or Doraville lines:35–45 minutes depending on origin

If you’re trying to minimize airport time from central Atlanta, allowing at least 1.5–2 hours before departure for a domestic flight is common, especially at peak times.

Bus and Train Options from Atlanta to Jacksonville

If you don’t want to drive or fly, you can look at intercity buses or train combinations. These are usually longer but may be cheaper or more comfortable for some travelers.

Bus Travel (Atlanta to Jacksonville)

Several long-distance bus operators regularly run routes between Atlanta and Jacksonville.

• Travel time: generally 6–8+ hours
• Departure points in Atlanta: often near Downtown or other central transit-accessible locations
• Pros:
  • You don’t have to drive
  • Often more affordable than last-minute flights
• Cons:
  • Longer overall travel time than driving yourself
  • Fixed schedules and possible layovers or route stops

If you’re already in Downtown Atlanta or near Five Points, you can often get to bus departure areas using MARTA bus or rail rather than driving and parking.

Train (Amtrak and Combinations)

There is no simple, fast direct Amtrak line that runs straight from central Atlanta to Jacksonville the way many people imagine. Reaching Jacksonville by train from Atlanta usually involves:

• Mix of train and bus, or
• Connections through other cities (which can be time-consuming)

Because of this, most Atlanta-based travelers either drive or fly instead when going to Jacksonville.

What Atlanta Travelers Should Consider When Choosing a Mode

When you’re in or around Atlanta, the “best” way to get to Jacksonville depends on your priorities.

Choose Driving If…

• You want maximum flexibility with departure times and stops.
• You’re traveling with family, pets, or a lot of luggage.
• You prefer not to deal with airport security and boarding.
• You’re okay with 5–6 hours on the road and Atlanta traffic on the way out.

Choose Flying If…

• You value speed and want to minimize total trip time.
• You’re connecting from another flight already arriving in ATL.
• You’re staying near Hartsfield-Jackson or can easily reach it via MARTA.
• You want to arrive in Jacksonville feeling less road-weary.

Consider Bus If…

• You’re looking for a budget-friendly option.
• You’re comfortable with a longer ride and a set schedule.
• You’re already in Downtown Atlanta or can easily reach central departure points.

Is Atlanta to Jacksonville a Day Trip or an Overnight Trip?

From Atlanta, Jacksonville is usually more of a long day trip or a weekend trip, not a quick there-and-back in a couple of hours.

• Driving round trip in one day is possible (about 10–12 hours of driving), but many Atlanta residents find that tiring.
• Flying can make a same-day business trip or short visit more realistic, especially if you:
  • Take an early morning flight from ATL
  • Return on an evening flight from JAX

If you’re planning beach time, meetings, or exploring Jacksonville, many travelers from Atlanta choose at least one overnight stay to make the trip more comfortable.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• The distance from Atlanta to Jacksonville is roughly 285–350 miles by road and about 270–300 miles by air.
• Driving usually takes 4.5–6.5 hours one way, depending on traffic and exact route.
• Nonstop flights from ATL to JAX are about 1–1.5 hours in the air, with 3–4 hours total door-to-door for most Atlanta-based travelers.
• Bus options exist and typically run 6–8+ hours; train combinations are less direct and usually slower.
• For most people in Atlanta, Georgia, this is a manageable regional trip—close enough for a long day or a quick weekend, but far enough that planning your timing and mode of travel makes a big difference in how the trip feels.