How Far Is Atlanta From Washington, DC? Distance, Travel Times, and Best Ways to Go

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Washington, DC, the first thing you’ll want to know is how far it is and how long it takes to get there. Whether you’re visiting family, heading to a conference, or planning a sightseeing weekend, your options from Atlanta are straightforward but different enough that it helps to compare them.

Below is a clear breakdown of distance, travel time, and common routes from Atlanta to Washington, DC, with practical details tailored to travelers starting in or around Atlanta.

How Far Is It From Atlanta to Washington, DC?

The distance from Atlanta, GA to Washington, DC varies slightly depending on how you travel:

Approximate Atlanta–Washington, DC Distances

Travel TypeApprox. DistanceTypical One-Way Time (no major delays)
Driving (I‑85 / I‑95 route)630–640 miles9.5–11 hours
Direct flight (air distance)~540–560 miles1.5–2 hours in the air
Train (Amtrak)Similar overland distance via route12–16+ hours including connections
Bus (intercity)~630 miles by road11–15 hours depending on route/stops

From an Atlanta perspective, Washington, DC is a full-day drive or a short flight away.

Driving From Atlanta to Washington, DC

For many people in metro Atlanta, driving feels like the most flexible and familiar option, especially for longer stays or trips with family.

Main Driving Routes

Most Atlanta drivers take one of two major routes:

  1. I‑85 North → I‑95 North

    • Common route if you prefer interstate driving most of the way.
    • Typical path:
      • Start on I‑85 North from downtown Atlanta, Midtown, or the I‑285 perimeter.
      • Continue through South Carolina into North Carolina.
      • Connect toward I‑95 North (often near the Charlotte/Greensboro region or further northeast depending on navigation).
      • Follow I‑95 North through Virginia into the DC metro.
    • Distance: roughly 630–650 miles.
    • Time: usually 9.5 to 11 hours, depending on traffic and stops.

  2. I‑20 East → I‑95 North

    • Less direct from Atlanta but sometimes preferred for certain legs.
    • Typical path:
      • Take I‑20 East out of Atlanta.
      • Head toward Columbia, SC, then link up to I‑95 North.
      • Follow I‑95 North into the DC region.
    • Time and distance are generally in the same range as the I‑85 route.

Your exact time will depend on:

  • Departure time from Atlanta (rush hour on the Downtown Connector, I‑75/85, and I‑285 can add a lot)
  • Weekend vs weekday travel
  • Traffic congestion near major cities like Charlotte, Richmond, and the DC Beltway
  • Road work and accidents along I‑85 and I‑95

What to Expect on the Road

Leaving from key Atlanta points:

  • Downtown / Midtown Atlanta: You’ll usually merge onto I‑85 North via the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) and clear metro traffic after passing through Gwinnett County.
  • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport area: You can join I‑85 North a bit south of the core traffic but may still hit congestion closer to midtown and Brookwood.
  • Suburbs (Alpharetta, Marietta, Decatur, etc.): Travel times to reach I‑85 or I‑20 can vary widely depending on local traffic and whether you use I‑285.

Fuel and stop planning from Atlanta:

  • Many Atlanta drivers break the trip into two main fuel/meal stops—for example:
    • Around Greenville/Spartanburg, SC
    • Later around Richmond, VA or another major exit off I‑95

Pros and Cons of Driving From Atlanta

Advantages

  • Complete flexibility with departure time.
  • Ideal if you need a car in DC’s suburbs or are continuing to Maryland or Virginia.
  • More cost-effective for families or groups compared with buying several plane tickets.

Drawbacks

  • Long drive—realistically a full day on the road.
  • DC-area traffic (especially on the Capital Beltway, I‑495) can be intense.
  • Parking in central Washington, DC can be limited and often expensive.

Flying From Atlanta to Washington, DC

From Atlanta, flying is often the fastest and most convenient way to reach Washington, DC—especially for short business trips or quick weekend getaways.

Distance and Flight Time

  • Air distance: about 540–560 miles between Atlanta and the DC area, depending on airport pair.

  • Time in the air: usually 1.5 to 2 hours on a nonstop flight.

  • Door-to-door from many Atlanta neighborhoods, including:

    • Travel to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL),
    • Check-in, security, and boarding,
    • Deplaning and travel into DC,

    the total trip often ranges 4 to 6 hours.

Atlanta’s Departure Airport

Atlanta has one primary major airport:

  • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
    6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
    • Accessible by MARTA rail (Airport Station on the Red/Gold lines)
    • Connected to downtown Atlanta in about 20–25 minutes by train when running normally

Washington, DC–Area Airports

From Atlanta, flights typically serve one or more of the following DC-area airports:

  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

    • Closest to central DC.
    • Direct access to Metrorail (Blue/Yellow lines).
    • Often the most convenient option if you’re heading to the National Mall, Capitol Hill, or downtown DC.

  • Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

    • Located in Northern Virginia, farther from the city core.
    • Now connected to DC by Metrorail’s Silver Line and by airport buses and shuttles.
    • Frequently used for a mix of domestic and international flights.

  • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

    • Located near Baltimore, Maryland.
    • May offer flight options from ATL that fit some schedules or budgets.
    • You can connect to DC via MARC commuter rail, Amtrak, or bus.

Pros and Cons of Flying From Atlanta

Advantages

  • Fastest overall travel time for most people in Atlanta.
  • Multiple daily flights from ATL to DC-area airports.
  • Easy connections via MARTA on the Atlanta end and Metro or rail on the DC end.

Drawbacks

  • Airport security, boarding, and potential delays can add time.
  • Less convenient for transporting larger items or if you plan to stay in DC suburbs where you’d really want your own car.
  • Costs can rise for last-minute bookings or peak travel periods.

Taking the Train From Atlanta to Washington, DC

If you prefer not to fly or drive, Amtrak provides rail service between Atlanta and Washington, DC. This is usually more about comfort and scenery than pure speed.

Basic Rail Distance and Travel Time

  • The train route covers a similar terrestrial distance to driving but may add some detours and stops.
  • Typical one-way travel can range from about 12 to 16+ hours, depending on the specific service and schedule.

Train Options From Atlanta

Amtrak in Atlanta

  • Atlanta Peachtree Station (ATL)
    1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
    • Located in the Brookwood area between Midtown and Buckhead.
    • Accessible by local bus, rideshare, and short car trips from central Atlanta.

From Atlanta, there is usually an overnight or long-haul train that travels along the East Coast and connects with Washington Union Station in DC.

Washington Union Station

  • Major DC rail hub serving:
    • Amtrak
    • MARC commuter trains
    • VRE (Virginia Railway Express)
    • Washington Metro (Red Line)
    • Local and intercity buses

Pros and Cons of Taking the Train

Advantages

  • More relaxed travel experience—you can walk around, use the café car, and avoid driving stress.
  • You arrive directly into Washington Union Station, close to the Capitol and central DC attractions.
  • Overnight options can double as transportation and lodging for one night.

Drawbacks

  • Much longer than flying and often longer than driving.
  • Limited departure times from Atlanta.
  • Can be pricier than bus travel, depending on how far in advance you book and what seating/sleeper options you choose.

Taking the Bus From Atlanta to Washington, DC

Intercity bus service can be a budget-conscious way to travel from Atlanta to DC if you don’t mind a longer ride.

Distance and Travel Time

  • Road distance is similar to driving: around 630 miles.
  • Typical ride time is 11 to 15 hours, depending on:
    • Operator
    • Number of stops
    • Time of day
    • Traffic conditions along I‑85 and I‑95

Bus Departure and Arrival Areas

In the Atlanta area, long-distance buses generally depart from:

  • Central or near-downtown areas, often close to MARTA stations or major roadways.
  • Specific terminal locations can vary by operator and change over time, so it’s important to verify exact addresses and boarding instructions when you purchase a ticket.

In the Washington, DC area, buses may arrive at:

  • Central DC bus facilities near Union Station
  • Designated curbside locations in DC or nearby Maryland/Virginia depending on the company

Pros and Cons of the Bus From Atlanta

Advantages

  • Often one of the lowest-cost ways to get from Atlanta to DC.
  • No need to drive or handle parking in either city.
  • Useful for students, solo travelers, or those on a strict budget.

Drawbacks

  • Long ride and limited personal space compared with driving your own car or some train setups.
  • Schedules and pickup points can be less convenient than flights.
  • Delays due to traffic are common on busy interstate routes.

Comparing Your Options From Atlanta

If you’re deciding how to get from Atlanta to Washington, DC, here’s a simple comparison based on what matters most to many Atlanta travelers:

  • Fastest way:
    ✅ Flying from ATL to DCA, IAD, or BWI.

  • Most flexible for exploring suburbs (both Atlanta and DC sides):
    ✅ Driving your own car or a rental.

  • Most comfortable without flying:
    ✅ Amtrak train from Atlanta Peachtree Station to Washington Union Station.

  • Most budget-friendly for solo travelers:
    ✅ Intercity bus, especially if booked well in advance.

Tips for Atlanta Travelers Heading to Washington, DC

A few practical Atlanta-focused notes can make planning easier:

  • Consider Atlanta traffic when choosing your departure time.
    If driving or heading to the airport/Peachtree Station, try to avoid:

    • Weekday morning (6:30–9:30 a.m.) and
    • Evening rush (4–7 p.m.)
      on the Downtown Connector, I‑285, and major corridors like GA‑400.

  • Use MARTA when it makes sense.

    • For flights, MARTA’s Red and Gold lines go directly to the Airport Station below the domestic terminal at ATL.
    • This can be more predictable than driving and parking, especially during peak traffic.

  • Think about what you need once you’re in DC.

    • If you plan to stay near the National Mall, Capitol Hill, or downtown, DC’s Metro, buses, and walkability often make a rental car unnecessary.
    • If your plans involve the outer suburbs of Virginia or Maryland, a car (either rented there or driven from Atlanta) could be more practical.

  • Plan your return to Atlanta.

    • Flying back to ATL lets you reconnect easily with MARTA, rideshare, or pickup from family/friends.
    • Driving allows you to time your arrival back into the metro Atlanta area to avoid late-evening fatigue and peak traffic times.

In summary, Atlanta is roughly 630–640 miles by road or about 550 miles by air from Washington, DC. From an Atlanta traveler’s perspective, that translates into either a full day’s drive, a 1.5–2 hour flight, a long but relaxed train ride, or an overnight/long-day bus trip. The best option depends on your budget, schedule, and how you prefer to travel from Atlanta.