Atlanta to Orlando: Distance, Drive Time, and Best Ways to Get There

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Orlando, Florida, the first thing most people ask is: How far is it, and what’s the easiest way to get there?

Here’s a clear breakdown, tailored specifically for Atlanta travelers.

How Far Is It From Atlanta to Orlando?

The distance from Atlanta to Orlando depends on the route and how you travel:

• By car (most common route):
  • About 440–460 miles
  • Usually via I‑75 South and Florida’s Turnpike
• By plane (direct flight distance):
  • About 440–450 air miles (roughly a 1.5-hour flight)

For most people in Atlanta, expect around 450 miles one-way to the Orlando area.

How Long Does It Take to Get From Atlanta to Orlando?

Typical Travel Times

Driving from Atlanta to Orlando:

• Average driving time:6.5 to 7.5 hours of road time
• Realistic door-to-door time:7 to 8+ hours, allowing for:
  • Fuel stops ⛽
  • Food and restroom breaks
  • Traffic around Downtown Atlanta, Macon, and Orlando

Flying from Atlanta to Orlando:

• Flight time (nonstop): about 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes in the air
• Total airport-to-airport experience: often 3.5 to 5 hours, including:
  • Arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) at least 1–2 hours early
  • Boarding, taxiing, and deplaning
  • Baggage claim and getting ground transportation in Orlando

Main Driving Route From Atlanta to Orlando

Standard Atlanta–Orlando Driving Route

Most drivers from Atlanta use a simple, well-traveled path:

1. Start in Atlanta

   • Get on I‑75 South (from Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or the Perimeter, you can connect to I‑75 via the Downtown Connector or I‑285).

2. Atlanta → Macon → South Georgia

   • Stay on I‑75 South past Macon, Warner Robins, and cities like Tifton and Valdosta.

3. Enter Florida

   • Continue on I‑75 South into Florida toward Ocala.

4. Connect to Florida’s Turnpike

   • Near the Ocala area, follow signs from I‑75 South onto Florida’s Turnpike toward Orlando.

5. Arrive in Greater Orlando

   • Florida’s Turnpike leads you toward the Orlando area, where you can connect to:
     • I‑4 for downtown Orlando and theme parks
     • Local roads for specific destinations (Disney, Universal, Lake Buena Vista, etc.)

This route is mostly interstate, with plenty of rest areas, gas stations, and food options—helpful if you’re leaving from neighborhoods like Decatur, Sandy Springs, College Park, or Marietta.

Driving vs. Flying From Atlanta to Orlando

Quick Comparison

When Driving Makes Sense

For many people in metro Atlanta, driving is the default choice:

• You can leave from home (no airport parking).
• It’s convenient if you’re traveling from areas like Gwinnett, Cobb, Clayton, or DeKalb County, where coordinating airport rides can be extra time-consuming.
• Families with kids often prefer having their own car seats, snacks, and flexibility.
• You’ll have a car in Orlando, which is helpful, especially if you’re staying off-property from major attractions.

When Flying Makes Sense

Flying from Atlanta to Orlando can be more appealing if:

• You’re on a short weekend trip.
• You don’t enjoy long drives.
• You live or are staying near Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), or have easy access via MARTA.

Because Atlanta is a major air hub, there are usually multiple daily nonstop flights to Orlando’s main airports, such as Orlando International (MCO).

Leaving Atlanta: Best Times and Local Traffic Tips

Atlanta traffic can significantly affect your total travel time to Orlando.

When to Leave Atlanta by Car

To avoid heavy congestion on I‑75 and the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85):

• Best times to depart:

  • Mid-morning (10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
  • Early afternoon (1 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
  • Later evening (after 7 p.m.) if you don’t mind driving into the night

• Times to avoid if possible:

  • Weekday morning rush: roughly 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
  • Weekday evening rush: roughly 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Friday afternoons, when traffic leaving Atlanta and heading south can be especially slow

If you’re coming from North Atlanta suburbs (Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek), factor in extra time just to get to I‑75 or I‑285.

Airports and Flight Logistics for Atlanta to Orlando

Atlanta Departure: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Most flights to Orlando depart from ATL, located just south of downtown.

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Main options for getting to ATL from within Atlanta:
  • MARTA rail to Airport Station (inside the Domestic Terminal)
  • Rideshares/taxis from neighborhoods like Midtown, Downtown, Inman Park, or Buckhead
  • Driving and parking in an airport or off-airport lot

If you’re flying from Atlanta to Orlando, it’s common to plan to arrive at ATL at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your scheduled departure, especially at busier times.

Orlando Arrival: Common Airports

From Atlanta, you’ll typically fly into:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO) – main commercial airport, closest to many Orlando attractions
• Some flights (depending on airline and options) may use Orlando Sanford International (SFB), farther north of the main tourist areas

Once you land, you can reach destinations like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, International Drive, and downtown Orlando by shuttle, rideshare, rental car, or taxi.

Other Travel Options From Atlanta to Orlando

Bus/Coach Service

Several national bus providers operate routes between Atlanta and Orlando, often departing from:

• Downtown Atlanta/Greyhound-type terminals
• Nearby bus stops or shared transit centers

Pros:

• Usually budget-friendly
• No need to drive yourself

Cons:

• Often 8–10+ hours with stops
• Less flexibility in schedule and comfort compared to driving your own vehicle

Train (Amtrak)

Atlanta does have Amtrak service via:

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

However, traveling from Atlanta to Orlando by train typically:

• Requires specific schedules (not as frequent as flights)
• Can take longer than driving, especially with connections or layovers

Rail can be an enjoyable option if you’re flexible on timing and enjoy the train experience, but for most Atlanta travelers, driving or flying is more time-efficient.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Heading to Orlando

A few Atlanta-specific planning tips can make the trip smoother:

1. Plan Your Fuel and Meal Stops

Heading from Atlanta to Orlando along I‑75, you’ll find many convenient stops around:

• Macon area
• Tifton
• Valdosta (last major Georgia stop before Florida)
• Various exits once you cross into Florida

🍔 Many Atlanta families like to plan one main stop roughly halfway (often near Tifton or Valdosta) for food, gas, and rest.

2. Consider Weather and Season

From Atlanta, you’ll travel through South Georgia into Central Florida, which can mean:

• Summer: High heat and humidity, possible thunderstorms
• Holiday weeks and peak tourist seasons (spring break, summer, major holidays): Heavier traffic both leaving Atlanta and arriving in Orlando

Building in extra time buffer can help avoid stress if weather or traffic slows you down.

3. Parking and Car Needs in Orlando

If you’re driving from Atlanta, you’ll have your car in Orlando, which can be useful because:

• Many Orlando attractions are spread out
• Public transit in tourist areas is limited compared to MARTA within some parts of Atlanta

If you fly from Atlanta to Orlando, think ahead about:

• Rental cars (airport pickup)
• Whether your hotel offers shuttles to major attractions
• Rideshare availability between your lodging and theme parks or downtown Orlando

Key Takeaways for Someone in Atlanta

• Distance: Atlanta to Orlando is roughly 450 miles one-way.
• Driving time: Plan on 7–8 hours including stops, mostly via I‑75 South and Florida’s Turnpike.
• Flying time: About 1.5 hours in the air, usually 3.5–5 hours total door-to-door when you include airport processes.
• Best route: From Atlanta, stay on I‑75 South through Macon and South Georgia, then connect to Florida’s Turnpike toward Orlando.
• Best choice:
  • Drive if you want flexibility, are traveling with family, or prefer to avoid airports.
  • Fly if you want to minimize time on the road or are going for a shorter trip.

From Atlanta, Orlando is very reachable in a single day, whether you choose the highway or the runway.