How Far Is Atlanta to Philadelphia? Distance, Travel Times, and Best Ways to Go

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, knowing how far it is—and the best way to get there—helps you plan your time, budget, and schedule.

Below is a clear breakdown of the distance from Atlanta to Philadelphia, plus realistic drive times, flight info, train and bus options, and what Atlanta travelers should keep in mind.

How Far Is Atlanta to Philadelphia?

The distance from Atlanta to Philadelphia depends on how you travel:

• By road (driving distance): about 780–800 miles
• By air (nonstop flight distance): about 665–700 miles

These numbers are based on travel between:

• Atlanta: generally from the Downtown / Midtown / Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) area
• Philadelphia: generally to Center City / Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

Driving From Atlanta to Philadelphia

Approximate Driving Distance and Time

• Distance: about 780–800 miles
• Typical driving time:11.5 to 13 hours of actual road time in normal conditions

Your total travel day may be longer once you add:

• 🚗 Fuel stops
• 🍔 Meal and restroom breaks
• ⛽ Short rest periods to avoid fatigue
• 🚧 Slowdowns from traffic or road work

For many Atlanta residents, this becomes either:

• A single long day’s drive, or
• A two-day trip with an overnight stop (often in North Carolina or Virginia)

Common Driving Routes From Atlanta

Most drivers leaving the Atlanta area use one of two main corridors:

1. I‑85 → I‑95 Route (via Charlotte & Richmond)

   • Atlanta → I‑85 North through Greenville and Charlotte
   • Connect to I‑95 North (often in the Petersburg/Richmond, VA region)
   • Continue on I‑95 North toward Philadelphia
   • Pros: Familiar interstate route, many services and hotels
   • Cons: I‑95 can have heavy traffic, especially as you get closer to major cities

2. I‑85 → I‑77 → I‑81 → I‑76 (more inland route)

   • Atlanta → I‑85 North
   • I‑77 North through Charlotte into Virginia
   • I‑81 North through the Shenandoah Valley
   • Connect to I‑76 East (Pennsylvania Turnpike) toward the Philadelphia area
   • Pros: Often less congested than I‑95; more scenic in parts
   • Cons: Slightly more complex routing; tolls on some sections

Both routes are widely used by drivers going from Atlanta to the Northeast.

Atlanta Starting Points to Consider

Your actual mileage and time can change depending on your starting point in metro Atlanta:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta: quickest access to I‑75/85
• Hartsfield–Jackson Airport area: near the junction of major interstates
• Northern suburbs (Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta): easier access to I‑85 and GA‑400
• Westside / Cobb County (Smyrna, Marietta): may add some time to get over to I‑85

Flying From Atlanta to Philadelphia

For most people in Atlanta, flying is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Philadelphia.

Flight Distance and Time

• Flight distance (ATL to PHL): about 665–700 miles
• Nonstop flight time: usually around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours

Your total travel time will be longer when you include:

• Arriving at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport at least 1.5–2 hours before departure
• Boarding, taxiing, and deplaning
• Getting from Philadelphia International Airport into Center City (often 20–30 minutes by car or airport train, depending on traffic and time of day)

In practice, door-to-door from a typical Atlanta neighborhood to central Philadelphia often ends up around 4–6 hours, which is still much faster than driving.

Airports Involved

Departure from Atlanta:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Major hub with frequent daily flights to Philadelphia
  • Accessible by MARTA Red and Gold lines (Airport Station at the domestic terminal)

Arrival in Philadelphia:

• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
  Located about 7–10 miles from Center City Philadelphia
  • Airport trains and taxis connect directly into the city
  • Many travelers heading to universities, historic areas, or central business districts use this airport

Train Options From Atlanta to Philadelphia

There is no high‑speed or direct same‑day commuter-style train from Atlanta to Philadelphia, but there is long‑distance rail service that connects the two.

General Rail Route

Long-distance trains typically:

• Depart from Atlanta’s Peachtree Station

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

• Travel north through the Carolinas and Virginia

• Connect onward toward the Northeast Corridor, serving cities like Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia

Because this is a long-haul route, total travel time can be significantly longer than flying or driving—often well over 15 hours, depending on schedules and connections.

Who Rail Travel Suits

Rail travel can appeal to:

• Travelers who prefer not to drive or fly
• People who like the ability to move around on board, have larger seats, and enjoy the scenery
• Those with flexible schedules who don’t mind overnight or long travel days

From an Atlanta perspective, train travel is usually about the experience and comfort, not speed.

Bus Travel From Atlanta to Philadelphia

Intercity bus services often operate between Atlanta and major East Coast cities, including Philadelphia, sometimes via transfers.

What to Expect

• Distance covered: roughly the same as driving (around 780–800 miles)
• Travel time: can range from about 14 to 18 hours or more, depending on:
  • Number of stops
  • Traffic along the route
  • Whether the trip is direct or involves a transfer (often in cities like Charlotte, Washington, D.C., or New York)

Who Bus Travel Suits

For Atlanta travelers, this can be an option if you:

• Don’t want to drive yourself
• Are looking for a budget-friendly alternative to flying
• Have time for a long, overnight, or all‑day ride

Many bus services use pick‑up points around Downtown, Midtown, or near MARTA stations, so they can be accessible even if you don’t have a car in Atlanta.

Quick Comparison: Ways to Travel From Atlanta to Philadelphia

Here’s a simple overview of distance and approximate time by mode of travel:

Times are general ranges; actual schedules vary.

Factors Atlanta Travelers Should Consider

1. Time vs. Cost

• Flying

  • Fastest total travel time
  • Usually higher ticket cost than bus, often competitive with driving when you factor in gas, tolls, and overnight stays

• Driving

  • Gives you a car in Philadelphia, which can be helpful if you plan to visit surrounding areas
  • Gas, tolls, parking, and fatigue are important factors
  • Weather along the route (especially in winter heading into the Mid‑Atlantic) can affect your schedule

• Train or Bus

  • Often slower, but can be cost-effective and avoid the stress of driving long distances
  • Better if you prefer to read, work, or rest instead of driving yourself

2. Atlanta Traffic and Timing

When you start from Atlanta, the time of day you leave can make a big difference, especially if you are driving or catching a flight:

• Driving:

  • Try to avoid starting your trip during morning (roughly 7–9 a.m.) or evening rush (about 4–7 p.m.), especially around the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) and I‑285
  • Leaving early in the morning or late in the evening can help you clear the metro area more easily

• Flying:

  • Hartsfield–Jackson is one of the busiest airports in the country
  • Plan extra time for:
    • Airport security
    • Getting from MARTA or parking to your terminal
  • Many travelers arrive at ATL at least 2 hours before a domestic flight

3. Weather Along the Route

For road or rail travel, keep in mind:

• Leaving Atlanta’s relatively mild climate, you may encounter:
  • Snow or ice in winter in Virginia, Maryland, or Pennsylvania
  • Heavy rain that can slow driving or ground transportation

Checking conditions along the entire corridor, not just in Atlanta, is helpful before you leave.

Practical Tips for Atlantans Traveling to Philadelphia

• Estimate your timing honestly.
  If you only have a weekend, flying usually makes the most sense from Atlanta to Philadelphia.

• Plan your route in advance if driving.
  Map out fuel stops, major cities along the way (such as Charlotte or Richmond), and possible overnight points if you don’t want to drive straight through.

• Use MARTA if you’re flying.
  Taking MARTA to Hartsfield–Jackson can help you avoid parking costs and downtown traffic:

  • Red or Gold line → Airport Station

• Consider your destination in Philly.

  • If you’ll spend most of your time in Center City, flying into PHL and using transit or taxis can be easy.
  • If you’ll be moving around the broader region, driving your own car or renting one after flying might be more flexible.

Bottom Line: How Far Is Atlanta to Philadelphia?

• By car: Expect about 780–800 miles and roughly 11.5–13 hours of driving from Atlanta to Philadelphia.
• By air: The nonstop flight covers about 665–700 miles and takes about 1.75–2 hours, with around 4–6 hours total door-to-door from most Atlanta locations to central Philadelphia.
• By train or bus: The distance is similar to driving, but total time is much longer, often more than 15 hours.

For most people starting in Atlanta, Georgia, flying is the quickest way to cover the distance to Philadelphia, while driving offers flexibility and control over your schedule if you’re comfortable with a long day (or two) on the road.