How Far Is Atlanta to New Jersey? Distance, Driving Time, and Travel Tips for Atlantans
If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and trying to figure out how far it is to New Jersey, the answer depends on where in New Jersey you’re headed and how you plan to travel. New Jersey is a whole state, not a single city, so distances can vary quite a bit from Atlanta’s city center.
Below is a practical breakdown tailored to Atlantans—whether you’re planning a road trip, flying out of Hartsfield-Jackson, or just comparing travel options.
How Far Is Atlanta From New Jersey?
From Downtown Atlanta to New Jersey, here are typical straight-line distances and approximate driving distances:
| Example Destination in New Jersey | Approx. Straight-Line Distance from Atlanta | Typical Driving Distance from Atlanta | Typical Driving Time by Car* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newark, NJ (North Jersey) | ~730 miles | ~850–880 miles | ~13–14 hours |
| Jersey City/Hoboken, NJ | ~730 miles | ~850–880 miles | ~13–14 hours |
| Trenton, NJ (central) | ~700 miles | ~820–850 miles | ~12.5–13.5 hours |
| Atlantic City, NJ (shore) | ~650 miles | ~800–830 miles | ~12–13 hours |
| Camden/Cherry Hill, NJ (near Philly) | ~650 miles | ~780–800 miles | ~12–13 hours |
*Driving times assume mostly highway travel with normal traffic and limited stops. Atlanta rush hour, construction, or weather can add hours.
Key takeaway:
For most travelers starting in Atlanta, New Jersey is roughly 750–850 driving miles away, or about 12–14 hours by car.
Driving From Atlanta to New Jersey
Main Driving Routes
If you’re leaving from Downtown Atlanta, Midtown, or Buckhead, you’ll almost always start by getting onto I-75/I-85 and then using a route that connects you to the East Coast corridor.
Common routes include:
I-85 North → I-95 North Route (through the Carolinas and Virginia)
- Atlanta → Greenville/Spartanburg → Charlotte → Richmond → Washington, D.C. area → Baltimore → Delaware → New Jersey
- This is a popular option if you’re heading to North Jersey (Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken) or Central Jersey (Trenton, New Brunswick).
I-75 North → I-40 East → I-95 North Route
- Atlanta → Knoxville area → I-40 → then connect to I-95
- Less common from Atlanta, but some drivers prefer this to avoid certain East Coast bottlenecks.
I-85 North → I-77 → I-81 → I-78/I-80 Route
- Atlanta → Charlotte → up through Virginia → into Pennsylvania → then into New Jersey
- Often used by drivers who want to minimize time on I-95, especially heading to North or Central New Jersey.
From Atlanta neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Decatur, or West Midtown, your first step is usually the same: get onto the Downtown Connector (I-75/85) and then follow your GPS toward the corridor that makes the most sense for your final New Jersey destination.
How Long Does the Drive Take?
For most Atlanta-based drivers:
- To North or Central New Jersey (Newark, Trenton, Jersey City):
Around 13–14 hours of driving time. - To South/Central Jersey near Philadelphia (Camden, Cherry Hill):
Around 12–13 hours of driving time. - To the Jersey Shore (Atlantic City, some coastal towns):
Usually 12–13 hours, depending on your exact beach town.
💡 Atlanta-specific driving tip:
Consider leaving very early in the morning (before 6 a.m.) to avoid Downtown Connector and I-285 traffic, and aim to pass major East Coast cities—like Washington, D.C. or Baltimore—outside their own rush hours.
Is It Realistic as a One-Day Drive From Atlanta?
It can be done in one very long day, but many Atlanta drivers treat it as a two-day road trip, especially if:
- You’re traveling with children or pets.
- You’re leaving from South Metro Atlanta (e.g., Fayetteville, Peachtree City, McDonough), which adds time.
- You don’t want to drive in Northeast corridor traffic late at night when you’re tired.
A common strategy is to stop overnight in:
- North Carolina (Charlotte, Greensboro, or Durham), or
- Virginia (Roanoke, Richmond, or Fredericksburg),
and then complete the trip to New Jersey the next day.
Flying From Atlanta to New Jersey
Major Airports Serving New Jersey From Atlanta
If you’re in the Atlanta metro area, your main departure point is:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
Main airport for direct and connecting flights to New Jersey-adjacent airports.
While New Jersey’s largest airport is Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), many Atlanta travelers also consider nearby airports that are just across state lines but still convenient for parts of New Jersey.
Common options from Atlanta include:
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – in Newark, NJ
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) – often used for South and Central New Jersey (Camden, Cherry Hill, Trenton area)
- LaGuardia (LGA) or JFK (New York) – sometimes used for North Jersey if you’re comfortable with New York transit
Flight Distance and Time
From Atlanta (ATL) to Newark (EWR):
- Approximate air distance: ~730 miles
- Typical non-stop flight time:2–2.5 hours in the air
From Atlanta (ATL) to Philadelphia (PHL):
- Approximate air distance: ~650–700 miles
- Typical non-stop flight time:around 2 hours
With security, boarding, and ground transportation on each end, most Atlantans find the total trip time door-to-door to be:
- 5–7 hours total, depending on:
- How far you live from ATL (e.g., Alpharetta vs. College Park)
- How far your final destination is from the destination airport
- Security lines and any delays
Train and Bus Options From Atlanta to New Jersey
Amtrak From Atlanta
Atlanta’s main Amtrak station is:
- Atlanta Peachtree Station (ATL)
1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
From this station, you can board long-distance trains heading north. Reaching New Jersey normally requires:
- A route that connects through Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, or New York City, and
- A transfer to another Amtrak train or regional rail line serving New Jersey stations such as Newark, Trenton, or Metropark.
Train travel from Atlanta to New Jersey generally:
- Takes well over 15 hours, often closer to 18–20 hours or more, depending on connections.
- Is chosen more for a relaxed, scenic trip than for speed.
Long-Distance Buses From Atlanta
Several intercity bus companies operate from Atlanta to East Coast destinations. Buses may depart from:
- Downtown/Midtown Atlanta locations (often near MARTA rail stations)
- Areas close to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport
Typical bus routes:
- Atlanta → Charlotte → Richmond → Washington, D.C. → Philadelphia/New York area → New Jersey stops (sometimes direct, sometimes via transfers).
Bus travel times:
- Often 16–20+ hours, depending on route and connections.
- Can be budget-friendly but less predictable due to traffic along I-85 and I-95.
Comparing Travel Options From Atlanta to New Jersey
Here’s a basic comparison, assuming you’re starting in the Atlanta metro area and heading to a typical North or Central New Jersey destination:
| Mode of Travel | Approx. Distance | Typical Time (Door-to-Door) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving | 800–880 road miles | 12–14 hours of driving; often split over 1–2 days | Families, people with lots of luggage, flexible schedules |
| Flying (ATL → EWR/PHL) | ~650–730 air miles | 5–7 hours total (including airport time and local transit) | Most travelers who value time and convenience |
| Train | Varies by route, often similar to driving distance | 18–20+ hours with connections | Travelers who prefer rail and scenic routes |
| Bus | Similar to driving route | 16–20+ hours | Budget-conscious travelers |
Atlanta-Specific Planning Tips
Getting to ATL From Around Metro Atlanta
From different parts of the city:
Inside the Perimeter (ITP):
- Use MARTA rail to reach Airport Station directly inside the domestic terminal.
- Neighborhoods like Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, and Decatur connect easily via MARTA.
Outside the Perimeter (OTP):
- Driving in from areas like Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, or Stone Mountain can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Many travelers plan extra time if they must use I-285 or cross the Downtown Connector.
When to Leave Atlanta by Car
Because Atlanta traffic can significantly affect your total trip time:
- Leaving before 6 a.m. or after evening rush hour can save time.
- Watch for:
- Construction along I-85, I-75, or I-285
- Major events downtown (sports games, concerts) that can slow your exit.
How to Choose the Right Option From Atlanta
When you’re deciding how to get from Atlanta to New Jersey, ask:
- How fast do I need to get there?
- If time is critical, flying from ATL is usually the best choice.
- Am I comfortable with a long road trip?
- If yes, the 12–14 hour drive can be manageable, especially split into two days.
- Where in New Jersey am I going?
- North Jersey: ATL → Newark (EWR) or drive via routes that end near New York area.
- South/Central Jersey near Philadelphia: ATL → Philadelphia (PHL) may be just as convenient as flying into New Jersey itself.
- What’s my budget?
- Sometimes a long-distance bus or a carefully planned road trip can be cheaper than a last-minute flight.
In practical terms for someone in Atlanta:
New Jersey is roughly 800–850 driving miles away and takes about 12–14 hours by car, or around 2–2.5 hours in the air from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, plus ground time. Your best option depends on your schedule, budget, and exact destination in New Jersey.
