Traveling From Atlanta to New Orleans: Distance, Time, and Best Ways to Go

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and thinking about a trip to New Orleans, Louisiana, the first thing you probably want to know is: how far is it, and what’s the easiest way to get there?

Below is a clear breakdown of driving, flying, bus, and train options, plus realistic travel times from Atlanta and what to expect along the way.

How Far Is It From Atlanta to New Orleans?

The distance between Atlanta and New Orleans depends on how you travel:

• Driving distance: about 470–470+ miles (typically via I‑85 S and I‑65 S)
• Flight distance (straight line): about 420 miles
• Bus/coach route distance: usually similar to the driving distance, with some variation based on routing
• Train distance: varies slightly based on the rail line, but roughly in the same overall range

For everyday planning, most Atlanta travelers treat it as about a 7-hour drive or a 1.5-hour flight.

Quick Travel Comparison: Atlanta → New Orleans

*Times are general ranges and can change with traffic, construction, weather, and schedules.

Driving From Atlanta to New Orleans

How Long Is the Drive?

From downtown Atlanta to downtown New Orleans, most drivers cover the route in about:

• 6.5 to 8 hours in normal conditions
• Longer during holiday weekends, rush hours leaving Atlanta, or bad weather

You’ll mainly be on interstate highways, so it’s a straightforward, point‑to‑point trip for most Atlanta drivers.

Common Driving Route

The most typical route from Atlanta, GA to New Orleans, LA uses:

1. I‑85 South out of Atlanta
2. I‑65 South through Alabama
3. I‑10 West into New Orleans

You’ll likely pass near or through major points like Montgomery and Mobile before heading across the Gulf Coast toward Louisiana.

What Atlanta Drivers Should Know

• Leaving Atlanta:
  Try to avoid starting your trip during morning or evening rush hour, especially if you’re coming from areas like Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or the Perimeter (I‑285).
  Leaving before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. can save time getting out of the metro.

• Services on the way:
  Along the route you’ll find plenty of:

  • Gas stations and major chains
  • Fast food and sit-down restaurants
  • Rest areas and truck stops
    This makes it easy to plan fuel, restroom, and snack breaks.

• Tolls:
  The common route between Atlanta and New Orleans is typically toll‑free, so you generally won’t need a special toll pass for this trip.

• Parking in New Orleans:
  Central New Orleans, especially around the French Quarter, uses a mix of:

  • Paid garages
  • Surface lots
  • Metered street parking
    If you’re used to Atlanta areas like Downtown or Midtown, expect a similar need to plan ahead for parking, especially on weekends and during big events.

Flying From Atlanta to New Orleans

If you’re in Atlanta and value your time, flying is usually the fastest way to get to New Orleans.

Distance and Time by Air

• Flight distance: about 420 miles
• Typical flight duration (nonstop): around 1.5 hours in the air
• Door-to-door time: commonly 3–5 hours total once you include:
  • Travel to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Security and boarding
  • Taxiing and deplaning
  • Travel from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) into the city

Using Atlanta’s Airport (ATL)

Most Atlanta travelers depart from:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 North Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Customer Information: (800) 897‑1910

From within the Atlanta area you can reach ATL by:

• MARTA (rail):
  • Take the Red or Gold Line to the Airport Station, which connects directly to the terminal.
• Car or rideshare:
  • Access from I‑75/I‑85 on the south side of Atlanta.
• Airport parking:
  • On‑site daily parking, economy lots, and off‑site private lots are widely used by Atlanta residents.

Many airlines run nonstop flights between Atlanta and New Orleans, making this a frequent and convenient route.

Arrival in New Orleans

You’ll generally land at:

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
900 Airline Dr
Kenner, LA 70062

From MSY, travelers often:

• Use rideshare or taxis into central New Orleans
• Use shuttles or rental cars if they plan to explore beyond the city

Bus Travel From Atlanta to New Orleans

If you’re in Atlanta and prefer not to drive or want a potentially lower‑cost option, long‑distance bus services operate between Atlanta and New Orleans.

Distance and Timing

• Distance covered: roughly similar to the highway driving route
• Typical duration: about 8–11 hours, depending on:
  • Number of stops
  • Traffic leaving Atlanta and arriving in New Orleans
  • Specific route the bus company uses

Where Buses Usually Depart in Atlanta

Long‑distance bus services commonly use central Atlanta locations such as:

• Downtown or nearby central terminals along or near Courtland St, Forsyth St, Garnett area, or other central corridors, depending on the operator

Always verify your exact departure address and time when you book, as these can change by company and route.

Pros and Cons for Atlanta Travelers

Advantages:

• No need to drive or worry about parking
• You can rest, read, or work along the way
• Often one of the more affordable travel options

Considerations:

• Longer travel time than flying
• Less flexibility on departure times
• You’ll need to coordinate local transportation to and from the bus station in both Atlanta and New Orleans (rideshare, taxi, or transit)

Train Travel From Atlanta to New Orleans

Traveling by train between Atlanta and New Orleans is possible, but it’s not as direct as driving or flying.

How the Distance Works by Rail

The rail distance ends up somewhat longer than a straight highway line because train routes follow specific existing rail corridors. The absolute mileage isn’t usually the main concern for travelers; instead, people focus on:

• Total time on board
• Number and timing of connections
• Departure and arrival times that fit their schedules

Atlanta Rail Access

Passengers in Atlanta typically use:

Peachtree Station (Atlanta Amtrak Station)
1688 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
Station Phone (Amtrak): (800) 872‑7245

From there, you would look for route combinations or connections that get you toward New Orleans. Depending on the schedule and time of year, this may involve:

• Indirect routes
• Potential transfers in other cities

Because schedules and options can change, Atlanta travelers usually check current timetables and routing details before deciding if train travel is practical for this trip.

Choosing the Best Way to Travel From Atlanta to New Orleans

If you’re in or near Atlanta, the right option depends on your priorities:

1. Fastest Overall: ✈️ Flying

• Good if:

  • You’re taking a weekend trip or short visit
  • You live near MARTA or can easily reach ATL
  • You want to minimize time in transit

• What to plan for:

  • Time to get through ATL security
  • Transit from MSY into New Orleans

2. Most Flexible: 🚗 Driving

• Good if:

  • You’re traveling with family or friends
  • You want to stop in Alabama or along the Gulf Coast
  • You like leaving on your own schedule

• What to plan for:

  • Fuel stops, meals, and rest breaks
  • Possible traffic getting out of Atlanta and entering New Orleans
  • Parking at your hotel or in the French Quarter or downtown New Orleans

3. Budget‑Conscious and No Driving: 🚌 Bus

• Good if:

  • You want to avoid driving entirely
  • You’re comfortable with a longer ride for a lower price
  • You can easily reach the bus station from your home, hotel, or Atlanta neighborhood

• What to plan for:

  • Extra time in transit
  • Transit or rideshare from bus stations at both ends of your trip

4. Niche Option: 🚆 Train

• Good if:
  • You enjoy rail travel and have a flexible schedule
  • You’re less concerned about total travel time
• What to plan for:
  • Possible connections and longer routes
  • Checking updated schedules well in advance

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Heading to New Orleans

• Check Atlanta traffic before you leave:
  Whether you’re heading to ATL airport, a bus station, or starting a road trip, checking congestion around Downtown Connector (I‑75/85), I‑285, and your departure route can help you avoid delays.

• Account for time of year:
  Major events and holidays in either city can affect:

  • Road congestion
  • Flight prices and availability
  • Hotel and parking costs

• Build in a buffer:
  From Atlanta, it’s wise not to schedule anything strict (like dinner reservations or event check‑ins) too close to your planned arrival time in New Orleans in case of traffic, weather, or schedule changes.

In everyday terms, Atlanta to New Orleans is roughly a 7-hour drive or a 1.5-hour flight over a distance of around 470 road miles (420 by air). From Atlanta, you can reach New Orleans comfortably in a single day by car, plane, bus, or—if you plan carefully—by train, choosing the option that best fits your schedule, budget, and comfort level.