Flying From Atlanta to Charlotte: Distance, Flight Time, and What to Expect

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering how far Charlotte is by plane, the trip is one of the shortest and easiest hops you can make from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

Below is a practical breakdown of distance, flight time, airports, and what the trip is like from an Atlanta perspective.

How Far Is Charlotte From Atlanta By Plane?

In air travel terms, Charlotte is very close to Atlanta.

• Approximate flight distance:225–250 miles (about 360–400 km)
• Typical nonstop flight time (in the air):1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total “airport-to-airport” time: Usually about 2 to 3 hours, once you include boarding, taxiing, and deplaning

Most nonstop flights go between:

• Atlanta (ATL) – Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Charlotte (CLT) – Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Because both are major airports in the Southeast, this route is busy, frequent, and usually very straightforward.

Actual Time vs. “On-Paper” Flight Time

While the scheduled flight time might show something like 1 hour 10 minutes, your real-world door-to-door time from Atlanta will feel longer.

Here’s what typically adds time:

• Getting to ATL from your home/hotel
• Security screening and boarding
• Taxiing on the runway before takeoff and after landing
• Getting out of CLT and traveling into Charlotte

Quick Reality Check: Time Breakdown

For many Atlanta travelers, “airport to airport” is around 2 hours, but home-to-hotel can easily be 4+ hours, depending on where you start and end.

How Often Do Planes Fly From Atlanta to Charlotte?

From Atlanta, flights to Charlotte are frequent and spread throughout the day, especially:

• Early morning (popular with business travelers)
• Midday and late afternoon
• Early evening

Because both cities are major hubs in the region, this route is commonly used as:

• A quick point-to-point trip for work or weekend visits
• A connection route when flying from Atlanta to northeast or international destinations via Charlotte

If you live in or near Atlanta, you can usually find multiple nonstop options each day, making it easy to do same-day round trips when needed.

Comparing Flight Time vs. Driving From Atlanta to Charlotte

From an Atlanta standpoint, a common question is whether it’s faster to fly or drive.

• Driving distance (city center to city center): About 245–260 miles via I‑85 North
• Driving time: Usually 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and stops
• Flying time (gate to gate): About 1 to 1.25 hours
• Practical travel time (home → ATL → CLT → destination): Often 4 to 6 hours total

For short trips or business meetings, flying from Atlanta can still be more convenient because:

• It avoids long stretches on I‑85
• It may align better with work schedules
• Weather and traffic backups along the interstate can be unpredictable

For families or budget-focused travelers, driving can sometimes be simpler and cheaper, especially if:

• You’re traveling with multiple people
• You don’t want to deal with airport security, baggage, and parking
• You need a car in Charlotte anyway

What Atlanta Travelers Should Know About ATL and CLT

Departing From Atlanta: Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL)

Location:
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

Key points for this route:

• Domestic concourses: Most flights to Charlotte depart from Concourse T, A, or B (this can vary).
• Security lines: ATL can get busy, particularly:
  • Weekday mornings (6–9 a.m.)
  • Late afternoons and early evenings
• For most travelers, arriving 1.5–2 hours before departure for a domestic Atlanta–Charlotte flight is usually sufficient, especially if:
  • You’re checking a bag, or
  • You’re unfamiliar with ATL’s layout

If you live in Atlanta, consider:

• MARTA to the airport (Red or Gold Line to Airport Station, which connects directly into the Domestic Terminal)
• Or arranging rideshare/taxi to avoid parking and shuttle time

Arriving in Charlotte: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

Location:
5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy
Charlotte, NC 28208

Once you land from Atlanta:

• Expect 15–30 minutes to:
  • Taxi to the gate
  • Deplane
  • Reach baggage claim
• Ground transportation options typically include:
  • Rental cars
  • Taxis and rideshares
  • Airport shuttles
• Approximate time from CLT to Uptown Charlotte:
  • About 20–30 minutes by car, depending on traffic

For many Atlanta-based travelers, CLT feels similar to ATL on a smaller scale: busy but relatively straightforward to navigate.

When Is Flying Atlanta–Charlotte Most Practical?

From an Atlanta resident or visitor’s point of view, flying tends to make the most sense when:

• You have a tight schedule and need to minimize time on the road
• You’re connecting through Charlotte to another destination
• You can easily access Hartsfield–Jackson via MARTA, taxi, or nearby hotels
• You’re traveling solo or with one companion, and flight costs are reasonable

Driving might be more practical when:

• You’re with family or a larger group
• You want flexibility to stop along the way (Greenville, Spartanburg, or small towns off I‑85)
• You’ll need a vehicle in Charlotte for several days
• You live far from ATL within the metro area, making airport logistics less convenient

Tips for a Smooth Atlanta-to-Charlotte Flight

For people starting from Atlanta, a few simple strategies can make this quick trip even easier:

• Plan your route to ATL:

  • From in-town neighborhoods (Midtown, Downtown, East Atlanta), MARTA is often the most predictable option, especially during rush hour.
  • From the suburbs (Marietta, Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, McDonough, etc.), allow extra time for traffic and possible delays on I‑75, I‑85, or I‑285.

• Travel light if possible:

  • With such a short flight, carry-on only can save time at both ATL and CLT.

• Aim for mid-morning or midday flights when you can:

  • These times can sometimes be smoother than the very first flights of the day or peak late-afternoon periods.

• Check your gate and concourse early:

  • ATL is large; knowing whether you’re flying out of T, A, B, or another concourse helps you choose the right security checkpoint and walkways.

At-a-Glance Summary for Atlanta Travelers ✈️

• Distance by plane (ATL → CLT): About 225–250 miles
• Typical flight time in the air:1 to 1.25 hours
• Practical total travel time (home to destination): Often 4–6 hours
• Driving distance: About 245–260 miles via I‑85
• Driving time: Usually 4–5 hours, not counting stops

For someone in Atlanta, Charlotte is close enough for a quick flight but far enough that both flying and driving are realistic options, depending on your schedule, budget, and travel style.