How Far Is Baltimore From Atlanta? A Practical Guide for Atlanta Travelers

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and considering a trip to Baltimore, Maryland, the distance and travel options are straightforward but vary a lot depending on how you go. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway, visiting family, or heading there for work, it helps to know how far Baltimore is from Atlanta and the best ways to get between the two cities.

The Basic Distance: Atlanta to Baltimore

On a map, Baltimore is roughly 580–700 miles from Atlanta, depending on your exact starting and ending points and the route you choose.

• Driving distance: about 680–700 miles
• Flight distance (straight line): about 575–600 miles

For most people in Atlanta, the main “starting point” is:

• Downtown Atlanta / Midtown
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

And on the Baltimore side:

• Downtown Baltimore / Inner Harbor
• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

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

Quick Overview by Transportation Type

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

Flying From Atlanta to Baltimore

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

Distance and Flight Time

• Flight distance: about 575–600 miles
• Nonstop flight time: usually around 1.5 to 2 hours in the air

When you factor in:

• Getting to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Check-in and security
• Boarding and taxi time
• Arrival and getting from BWI to downtown Baltimore

…the door-to-door travel time often lands closer to 3.5–5 hours.

Airports Involved

In Atlanta:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 North Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320
  Main airport for Atlanta residents and visitors.

In Baltimore:

• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
  Located south of Baltimore, with easy access by train, shuttle, or rideshare to downtown.

Getting to ATL From Around Atlanta

From within metro Atlanta, common ways to reach ATL include:

• MARTA Rail:

  • Take the Gold or Red Line to Airport Station (inside the Domestic Terminal).
  • Good option if you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or along the North-South rail corridor.

• Driving and Parking:

  • Multiple on-site parking decks and economy lots.
  • Long-term travelers from suburbs like Marietta, Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, or Peachtree City often choose park-and-ride or off-site parking services.

• Rideshare / Taxi:

  • Available widely across Atlanta; convenient for early-morning or late-night flights.

When Flying Makes the Most Sense

Flying is usually your best bet if:

• You want to leave Atlanta in the morning and be in Baltimore by lunchtime.
• You’re on a tight schedule or traveling for business.
• You’re not interested in a long road trip or overnight travel.

Driving From Atlanta to Baltimore

If you prefer road trips or need a car when you arrive, driving from Atlanta to Baltimore is very doable in a long day on the road.

Driving Distance and Time

• Approximate driving distance:680–700 miles
• Typical drive time:10–12 hours, not including long meals or sightseeing stops.

The actual time will depend on:

• Traffic leaving Atlanta (especially on weekdays)
• Congestion around major cities along the way
• Weather and construction zones

Common Driving Route From Atlanta

A very common route from Atlanta to Baltimore is:

1. Take I-75 North out of Atlanta.
2. Connect to I-85 North toward Charlotte (usually via the I-285 loop around Atlanta).
3. Near Charlotte, continue using interstate connections (often through I-77 and I-81) depending on your navigation.
4. Eventually connect to I-70 and then I-695 (Baltimore Beltway), then routes into downtown Baltimore.

Another option runs more through I-85 and I-95, but many drivers try to limit time on I-95 because of traffic near large East Coast cities.

What Atlanta Drivers Should Plan For

• 🚗 Rush hour:
  Leaving Atlanta:

  • Morning rush: roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.
  • Evening rush: roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.
    If possible, time your departure to avoid these windows.

• 🏙️ Congestion elsewhere:
  Traffic can build near Charlotte, Greensboro/Winston-Salem area, Washington, D.C. region, and as you get closer to Baltimore. Time of day matters.

• ⛽ Fuel and rest stops:
  From Atlanta, you’ll pass plenty of service areas and small cities for:

  • Gas
  • Food
  • Rest breaks
    Many Atlanta-based travelers plan structured stops roughly every 2–3 hours to keep the long drive manageable.

When Driving Makes Sense

Driving may be the right choice if:

• You’re traveling with family or a group and want to stay together.
• You prefer not to fly or want to avoid airport logistics.
• You need a personal vehicle in Baltimore or along the way.
• You want to turn the route into a mini road trip with overnight stops.

Taking a Bus From Atlanta to Baltimore

Bus service between Atlanta and Baltimore is generally budget-friendly but slower than flying and often similar in time to driving yourself.

Distance and Time by Bus

• Distance traveled: similar to the driving distance (around 680–700 miles).
• Typical bus time: often 12–15+ hours, depending on:
  • Route
  • Number of stops
  • Transfers

Buses usually depart from central Atlanta locations such as downtown bus terminals or near public transit, making it reasonably accessible if you are:

• Staying in Downtown or Midtown Atlanta
• Able to connect via MARTA rail or bus

Who Bus Travel Works Best For

• Travelers prioritizing low cost over speed.
• People comfortable with overnight or long-haul seated travel.
• Those who don’t want to drive but don’t mind a longer journey.

Traveling by Train From Atlanta to Baltimore

There is no high-speed direct commuter-style train between Atlanta and Baltimore, but you can reach Baltimore by Amtrak from Atlanta.

Distance and Time by Train

• The rail route often follows a path similar in overall length to the driving route.
• Total travel time is generally around 13–16+ hours, depending on:
  • The exact train you book
  • Connections
  • Time of day

Where You’ll Depart and Arrive

In Atlanta:

• Amtrak Atlanta Peachtree Station
  1688 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
  Located in the Brookwood area between Midtown and Buckhead.

In Baltimore:

• Baltimore Penn Station
  Central rail hub, a short distance from downtown and the Inner Harbor.

From Atlanta Peachtree Station, travelers can reach it via:

• Rideshare or taxi from Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead.
• Local bus routes that connect indirectly (many people use rideshare for convenience, especially with luggage).

When Train Travel Might Appeal to Atlantans

• You prefer more legroom and the ability to walk around compared to buses.
• You like a scenic, slower-paced journey and don’t mind the extra hours.
• You want to avoid flying but also don’t want to drive yourself.

Comparing Your Options From Atlanta to Baltimore

Here’s a quick, Atlanta-focused snapshot to help you decide:

• Fastest overall:
  ➤ Flying from ATL to BWI

  • In-air time: about 1.5–2 hours
  • Best for quick trips, business travel, or tight schedules.

• Most flexible & road-trip friendly:
  ➤ Driving (~10–12 hours; ~680–700 miles)

  • You pick the departure time, stops, and route.
  • Good if you want your own vehicle in Baltimore or along the way.

• Most budget-oriented (often):
  ➤ Bus

  • Similar travel time to driving, but you don’t have to drive.
  • Good for travelers comfortable with long seated trips.

• Most relaxed, scenic ground option:
  ➤ Train (Amtrak via Atlanta Peachtree Station to Baltimore Penn Station)

  • More space to move around, but generally longer and with limited schedule options.

What Someone in Atlanta Should Keep in Mind

When you’re planning your trip from Atlanta to Baltimore, think about:

• Total door-to-door time:
  Not just miles or flight time, but:

  • Getting to and from ATL and BWI (or train/bus stations)
  • Security and boarding if you fly
  • Transfers and layovers for bus/train options

• Schedule and flexibility:

  • If you need to be in Baltimore at a specific time, flying usually offers the most predictable arrival, with multiple daily options on many days.
  • If you can be flexible and enjoy the ride, driving or train travel may be more enjoyable.

• Comfort vs. cost:

  • Flying may cost more but saves many hours.
  • Bus and train often cost less per mile but add significant travel time.

• Weather and season:

  • In winter, road conditions between Atlanta and points north can change quickly.
  • Flights can also be delayed in severe weather, but you’ll avoid long highway stretches in snow or ice if you choose to fly.

From Atlanta, Baltimore is far enough to feel like a true trip but close enough to reach in a single day by air or road. Knowing that it’s roughly 600 miles away by air and about 700 miles by road, you can choose the route that best fits your schedule, budget, and comfort level.