How Far Is Atlanta to Raleigh? Your Practical Distance and Travel Guide

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Raleigh, North Carolina, the first thing you probably want to know is: how far is it, really—and what’s the best way to get there?

Here’s a clear breakdown of the distance from Atlanta to Raleigh, how long it usually takes by car, bus, train, and plane, and what Atlanta travelers should keep in mind.

How Far Is Atlanta to Raleigh?

In everyday terms, Atlanta and Raleigh are neighboring major cities in the Southeast, but they’re not exactly “right next door.”

Approximate distance from Atlanta to Raleigh:

• By road (driving distance): about 400–420 miles
• By air (nonstop flight distance): about 350 miles

Actual distances will vary a little depending on:

• Whether you’re leaving from Downtown Atlanta, Midtown, Buckhead, or the suburbs
• Your exact destination in Raleigh or the surrounding Triangle area (Raleigh–Durham–Chapel Hill)

Driving from Atlanta to Raleigh

For many people in Atlanta, driving is the most flexible way to get to Raleigh—especially if you’re bringing family, luggage, or planning stops along the way.

Typical Driving Route

Most drivers take a route that uses I‑85 and I‑95 or I‑20 and I‑95, depending on traffic and navigation apps.

A common route from central Atlanta (near Downtown or Midtown) is:

• Take I‑85 North out of Atlanta
• Connect toward the Charlotte/Greensboro area
• Continue on toward Raleigh following posted signs or GPS directions

Your map app may adjust the path slightly, but the overall distance generally stays around 400–420 miles.

How Long Does It Take to Drive?

On a typical day with moderate traffic:

• Driving time: about 6 to 7 hours
• With traffic or stops:7 to 8 hours is more realistic for many Atlanta drivers

Traffic leaving Atlanta—especially around:

• Downtown Connector (I‑75/I‑85)
• I‑285 Perimeter
• Peak hours in the morning and late afternoon

can add 30–60+ minutes to your trip.

Pros and Cons of Driving from Atlanta to Raleigh

Benefits of driving:

• Door‑to‑door travel from your home, hotel, or office in Atlanta
• Flexible departure time
• Easier to bring kids, pets, and larger luggage
• You’ll have a car available when you arrive in Raleigh

Drawbacks:

• Long stretch behind the wheel (6–8 hours)
• Possible construction zones or delays on I‑85
• Fuel, tolls (if your route includes any), and potential parking costs in Raleigh

Flying from Atlanta to Raleigh

If you’re short on time, flying from Atlanta to Raleigh is usually the fastest option.

Distance and Flight Time

• Flight distance: about 350 miles
• Nonstop flight time (in the air): typically 1 to 1.5 hours

However, you’ll also need to account for:

• Getting to Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Check-in, security, and boarding (often 1.5–2 hours before departure)
• Deplaning and getting from Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) into Raleigh

From door to door, most Atlanta travelers experience a total travel window of 3–5 hours.

Main Airports

In Atlanta:

• Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Major hub with frequent daily flights to Raleigh–Durham

In the Raleigh area:

• Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU)
  • Located between Raleigh and Durham
  • About 15–25 minutes by car from Downtown Raleigh, depending on traffic

When Flying Makes the Most Sense

Flying from Atlanta to Raleigh is especially helpful if:

• You’re on a tight schedule
• You’re traveling for business and need to minimize time on the road
• You can easily access MARTA or a rideshare to get to ATL
• You’re comfortable with security lines and airport timing

Taking a Bus or Train from Atlanta to Raleigh

If you prefer not to drive or fly, bus and train options connect Atlanta to the Raleigh area, though they typically take longer.

Bus Travel (Approximate)

Travel times and routes can change, but commonly:

• Travel distance: around 400–450 road miles, depending on route
• Travel time: often 8–10 hours, sometimes longer due to stops

Buses may depart from areas close to Downtown Atlanta or nearby transit hubs. Because schedules and pickup locations change periodically, it’s best to check directly with the provider before planning your trip.

Train Travel (Approximate)

Rail service between Atlanta and Raleigh usually requires:

• At least one connection, often via another major city
• Longer total travel time than driving or flying—commonly 10+ hours

For some Atlanta travelers, the train can be a more relaxed, scenic option, but it’s generally not the fastest way to get between Atlanta and Raleigh.

Quick Comparison: Atlanta to Raleigh Travel Options

Below is a simple summary to help you compare your options from Atlanta:

*Times are typical ranges and can vary with traffic, schedules, weather, and specific routes.

Atlanta Starting Points: How Your Location in the City Affects the Trip

Where you start in Metro Atlanta can noticeably change how long it feels to get to Raleigh.

From Downtown or Midtown Atlanta

If you’re staying or living near:

• Downtown Atlanta (around Peachtree St, Georgia State area)
• Midtown Atlanta (near Peachtree & 10th St, Arts Center area)

you can usually:

• Reach I‑85 North fairly quickly to drive
• Access MARTA easily to get to Hartsfield‑Jackson Airport for flights

Travel times to Raleigh are usually close to the estimates listed above.

From Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or the Northern Suburbs

If you’re based in:

• Buckhead
• Sandy Springs
• Dunwoody, or nearby northern suburbs

you may:

• Get onto GA‑400 or I‑285 before heading to I‑85, adding some time
• Need extra time to reach ATL if you’re flying, especially during rush hour

Plan for an additional 20–45 minutes just to get out of Metro Atlanta.

From South Atlanta or Hartsfield-Jackson Area

If you’re already south of the city or near the airport, you may:

• Reach I‑85 North or I‑285 more quickly
• Be closer to ATL for early flights to Raleigh

This can shave some time off your total trip, especially if you’re flying.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Going to Raleigh

Here are a few Atlanta-specific tips to make the Atlanta-to-Raleigh trip smoother:

1. Time Your Departure Around Atlanta Traffic

Atlanta traffic can be very congested at:

• Morning rush: roughly 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
• Evening rush: roughly 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

If you’re driving, leaving early morning before rush hour or late morning after it ends can keep your overall trip closer to that 6–7 hour window.

2. Use MARTA or Rideshare to ATL for Flights

If you’re in the city:

• MARTA offers direct rail service to Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• This can help you avoid parking costs and potential delays on I‑85 or I‑75

If you’re staying at a hotel in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, many are near MARTA stations that go straight to the airport.

3. Check Weather Along the Route

Travel between Atlanta and Raleigh can be affected by:

• Heavy rain or storms, especially in spring and summer
• Occasional winter weather that can impact highways and flights

If you’re driving, check conditions along I‑85 and major connecting routes. If you’re flying, watch for potential delays or cancellations when severe weather moves through the region.

4. Build in a Buffer for Connections

If your Raleigh plans involve:

• A meeting time
• A sports event, concert, or conference
• A connecting ride or pickup

add extra buffer time beyond the estimated travel windows. On popular travel days or during peak hours at Hartsfield‑Jackson, lines and crowds can lengthen your total trip.

Is Raleigh a Realistic Weekend Trip from Atlanta?

For many people in Atlanta, Raleigh is within weekend-trip range:

• Driving: You can leave Atlanta Friday afternoon or evening, arrive in Raleigh the same day, and drive back Sunday.
• Flying: You can fly out Friday evening and return Sunday evening or Monday morning with less drive time.

Just remember:

• Weekend and holiday traffic leaving Atlanta can extend your Friday drive
• Flight prices and availability may vary on popular travel weekends

If you’re planning several stops in the Raleigh–Durham–Chapel Hill area, having a car on arrival (whether you drive from Atlanta or rent one after flying) can be very helpful.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Driving distance from Atlanta to Raleigh: about 400–420 miles
• Flight distance: around 350 miles, with 1–1.5 hours in the air
• Typical door-to-door time:
  • Car: 6–8 hours
  • Plane: 3–5 hours
• You’ll leave from Atlanta (often via I‑85 or ATL Airport) and arrive in the Raleigh–Durham area, with multiple ways to adjust the trip based on your schedule, budget, and comfort.

Knowing these distances and typical travel times makes it much easier to decide whether to drive, fly, or take another option from Atlanta to Raleigh—and to plan your trip with realistic expectations.