Flying from Atlanta to New York: How Far Is It and How Long Does It Take?

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to New York, flying is usually the fastest and easiest way to go. Whether you live near Downtown, Buckhead, Decatur, or out by the Perimeter, it helps to know how far Atlanta is from New York by plane, how long the flight takes, and what to expect at the airport.

This guide breaks it all down in simple, Atlanta-focused terms.

How Far Is Atlanta to New York by Plane?

When people ask “How far is Atlanta to New York by plane?” they usually mean flight distance and flight time.

• Approximate flight distance:750–900 miles (depending on airports and route)
• Typical nonstop flight time:about 2 to 2.5 hours in the air
• Total travel time door-to-door: often 4–6 hours once you factor in:
  • Getting to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Security screening
  • Taxiing on the runway
  • Deplaning and getting out of a New York airport

The exact numbers vary depending on:

• Which New York–area airport you use (JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark)
• Weather and air traffic conditions
• Airline routing and runway delays

Main Airports: Atlanta to New York

Atlanta departure airport

Almost all commercial flights from Atlanta to New York depart from:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main general info line: (800) 897-1910 (often listed as ATL customer service)

ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world and a major hub, so you can usually find frequent nonstop flights to several New York–area airports throughout the day.

New York–area arrival airports

From Atlanta, you’ll typically fly into one of these:

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – in Queens, New York City
  • Common for international connections and major carriers
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – also in Queens, closer to Midtown and Upper Manhattan
  • Often the most convenient for Manhattan and many parts of Brooklyn
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – in Newark, New Jersey
  • Good option for New Jersey, parts of Upper Manhattan, and some New York City neighborhoods

Typical Flight Times from Atlanta to New York

Here’s a simple overview of nonstop flight times you can expect when flying from ATL:

These times refer to time in the air, not including:

• Boarding and taxiing (15–45 minutes, depending on traffic at ATL and in New York)
• Waiting at the gate
• Taxi time from runway to gate on arrival

For planning, many Atlanta travelers assume about 3 hours from pushback to arrival at the gate, just to have a buffer.

Total Travel Time: From Atlanta Home or Hotel to New York Destination

To see the real time investment, think in three parts:

1. Getting from Atlanta to ATL

• If you live Intown (Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, etc.):
  • 20–35 minutes by car in light traffic
  • Longer during weekday rush hours or major events
• From North Fulton, Cobb, or Gwinnett:
  • Generally 40–75 minutes by car or rideshare
• MARTA option:
  • The Red and Gold rail lines go directly to Airport Station inside the domestic terminal
  • From Five Points to the airport: usually about 20 minutes by train

Most airlines recommend arriving at ATL:

• 2 hours before a domestic flight
• Add more time if:
  • You’re checking bags
  • You’re traveling during peak times (Monday mornings, Friday afternoons, holidays)
  • You’re unfamiliar with ATL

2. The flight itself

• Plan on about 2 to 2.5 hours in the air, plus time for boarding and deplaning.

3. Getting from a New York airport into the city

Once you land, your time to your final destination depends heavily on which airport you chose and where you’re going in New York.

Approximate travel times to Midtown Manhattan:

• From JFK:
  • Taxi or rideshare: ~45–75 minutes, depending on traffic
  • AirTrain + Long Island Rail Road (LIRR): ~35–50 minutes total
• From LaGuardia (LGA):
  • Taxi or rideshare: ~25–50 minutes to Midtown
  • Bus + subway: ~40–60+ minutes depending on route
• From Newark (EWR):
  • Taxi or rideshare: ~35–70 minutes to Manhattan
  • AirTrain + NJ Transit: ~35–55 minutes total

For most Atlanta travelers headed to Manhattan for business or tourism, the total door-to-door time often ends up around:

• 4–6 hours if everything runs smoothly
• Longer if there’s bad weather, rush-hour traffic, or airport delays

Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights from Atlanta

Because ATL is a major hub, nonstop flights to New York are widely available. Still, you may see connecting options on certain airlines or at certain times.

Nonstop flights:

• Fastest overall travel time
• Best for business trips or short weekend getaways
• Usually more frequent during the day

Connecting flights:

• May be slightly cheaper on some dates or airlines
• Add time and complexity (extra security and boarding)
• Can increase chances of delay or missed connection

For most people traveling from Atlanta to New York, a nonstop flight from ATL is the most practical choice and the easiest to plan around.

What Time of Day Should You Fly from Atlanta to New York?

Your departure time from ATL will change not just your experience at the airport, but also your arrival conditions in New York:

• Early morning flights (6–9 a.m.)

  • Often popular with business travelers
  • ATL security can be busy but still manageable
  • You’ll arrive in New York mid-morning, which can help with same-day meetings or check-ins

• Midday flights

  • Can be more relaxed at ATL
  • You’ll arrive in New York in the afternoon, often with lighter airport crowds than peak morning or late evening

• Evening flights

  • Good for after-work departures from Atlanta
  • You may arrive in New York late at night, sometimes with less road traffic but fewer transit options

If you’re coming from outside the Perimeter or know you’ll hit I-75, I-85, or I-285 traffic, consider that when choosing your departure time.

Common Airlines Flying from Atlanta to New York

From ATL, multiple major carriers typically operate daily flights to JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. Nonstop options are common and can run throughout the day, especially between:

• ATL ↔ JFK
• ATL ↔ LaGuardia
• ATL ↔ Newark

Availability and exact times change, but as an Atlanta traveler, you can generally expect:

• A wide range of morning and evening options
• Both economy and business/first-class seating on many routes
• Seasonal adjustments during busy travel times (summer, holidays)

For the most accurate schedule, use the official airline apps or the flight information resources provided by Hartsfield-Jackson.

How Weather and Seasons Affect Flight Time

From Atlanta, you’re flying north into a region that experiences more intense winter weather. This can impact your actual time in the air and total travel time.

Winter (roughly December–March)

• Northeast snowstorms can slow operations or cause delays at JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark
• De-icing in Atlanta or New York can add 30–60 minutes on the ground
• Allow extra time if you have important events scheduled in New York the same day

Summer (roughly June–August)

• Afternoon thunderstorms in Atlanta or up the East Coast can cause:
  • Ground holds
  • Rerouting that slightly increases flight distance and time
• Flexible planning helps if your schedule is tight

Cost vs. Time: Is Flying Worth It from Atlanta to New York?

Because the flight is around 2 hours, flying is usually the most time-efficient option compared to driving or taking a bus or train:

• Driving:

  • Around 850–900 miles one way
  • Typically 13–16 hours on the road, not counting stops

• Bus or train (with connections):

  • Often much longer than flying, especially with limited direct rail options from Atlanta

When you factor in:

• The short flight distance
• The high frequency of nonstop flights
• The convenience of Hartsfield-Jackson’s location and MARTA access

Flying is usually the best choice for most Atlanta-based travelers going to New York, especially for weekend trips, business travel, or short stays.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Flying to New York ✈️

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

• Build in extra time for ATL:
  ATL is large and busy. Allow enough time to park, ride the SkyTrain or shuttle if needed, and clear security.

• Use MARTA if you want to avoid parking and traffic:

  • Airport Station is located inside the domestic terminal
  • The Red/Gold lines connect easily from Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead

• Check your New York airport before booking ground transport:
  Plan your taxi, rideshare, or transit route in advance based on whether you’re landing at JFK, LGA, or EWR.

• Pad your schedule in winter and during major holidays:
  If you’re traveling from Atlanta to New York in December–February or just before major holidays, it’s wise to assume extra time for delays.

• Keep an eye on connection times if you’re not flying nonstop:
  Because the flight distance is short, layovers can easily turn a 2-hour trip into a 5- to 8-hour journey.

Quick Answer: How Far Is Atlanta to New York by Plane?

• Flight distance: roughly 750–900 miles, depending on the exact route and airport pair
• Nonstop flight time in the air: usually around 2 to 2.5 hours
• Realistic door-to-door time from Atlanta home/hotel to New York destination: usually 4–6 hours

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, a flight from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to the New York City area is a relatively short and straightforward trip, with plenty of nonstop options and flexible timing throughout the day.