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

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering how far Dallas is by plane, the trip is one of the easier long-distance hops you can make from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Here’s exactly how far it is, how long it takes, and what the experience is typically like when flying from Atlanta to Dallas.

How Far Is Dallas From Atlanta by Plane?

When people ask how far Dallas is from Atlanta “by plane,” they usually mean both distance and flight time.

• Approximate flight distance:720–780 miles (about 1,150–1,250 kilometers)
• Nonstop flight time (in the air): about 2 to 2.5 hours on average
• Total trip time, airport to airport: often 3.5 to 5+ hours once you include check-in, boarding, taxiing, and deplaning

The exact distance depends on the route your airline flies and whether you land at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) or Dallas Love Field (DAL).

Typical Flight Times From Atlanta to Dallas

Because Atlanta (ATL) is a major hub, there are usually several nonstop flights daily to the Dallas area.

Nonstop Flights

Most nonstop flights between Atlanta and Dallas are scheduled for:

• 2 hours to 2 hours 25 minutes of flight time
• Slight variations depending on winds, traffic, and routing

You might see slightly different times listed on your ticket (for example, 2:05 or 2:18), but it will usually fall in this general range.

One-Stop or Connecting Flights

If you book a connecting flight (for example, routing through another city), your total travel time can jump significantly:

• In-air time: similar overall (around 2–3.5 hours of flying)
• Layover time: anywhere from 45 minutes to several hours
• Total travel time: may range from 4 to 8+ hours, depending on the connection

For most people departing from Atlanta, a nonstop flight is the most efficient way to get to Dallas.

Key Numbers at a Glance

Here’s a simple summary for someone flying from Atlanta:

Time Zones: Gaining an Hour on the Way to Dallas

Atlanta is in the Eastern Time Zone, while Dallas is in the Central Time Zone, which is one hour behind.

That means:

• If you leave Atlanta at 4:00 p.m. Eastern and your flight is around 2 hours, you might:
  • Take off around 4:00 p.m. ET
  • Land in Dallas around 5:00 p.m. Central Time, even though about 2 hours have passed in the air

This time shift can make the trip feel shorter on paper, so be sure to double-check local times for flight departures and arrivals when planning ground transportation or meetings.

Where You’ll Fly Out of in Atlanta

Almost all commercial flights from Atlanta to Dallas depart from:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Major hub with frequent flights to both DFW and DAL
• Connected to MARTA via the Airport Station, making it easy to reach from downtown Atlanta, Midtown, and Buckhead

Depending on your airline, you’ll fly out of either the Domestic Terminal (North or South) and one of the Concourses A–T.

Where You’ll Land in Dallas

There are two main commercial airports serving the Dallas area:

1. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

• Large international hub between Dallas and Fort Worth
• Most major carriers operate frequent flights from ATL to DFW
• DFW is often the default option for many Atlanta travelers due to the variety of flight times

2. Dallas Love Field (DAL)

• Closer to downtown Dallas than DFW
• Smaller than DFW but convenient if you’re staying near central Dallas
• Some airlines operate nonstop service from Atlanta to Love Field

Which airport you choose from Atlanta will depend on airline, schedule, fare, and where in the Dallas area you plan to stay.

How Early Should You Arrive at ATL for a Flight to Dallas?

For most flights from Atlanta to Dallas, airlines generally suggest:

• Arriving at ATL at least 2 hours before a domestic departure
• Allowing a bit more time if:
  • You’re checking bags
  • You’re traveling during peak times (early morning, late afternoon, major holidays)
  • You’re unfamiliar with Hartsfield–Jackson or traveling with children

Because ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world, security lines can be very short one day and longer the next. Arriving early helps reduce stress, especially if you’re heading to Dallas for a same-day event, meeting, or connection.

Total Travel Time vs. Flight Time

While the actual flight from Atlanta to Dallas might only be about 2 hours, your real-world travel time is usually longer. This matters if you’re deciding between flying, driving, or taking a bus.

Here’s a typical breakdown for a nonstop flight:

• Getting to ATL from Atlanta area: 20–60+ minutes
• Arriving early & security: 1–2 hours
• Flight time, gate-to-gate: about 2–2.5 hours
• Taxiing & deplaning in Dallas: 15–30 minutes
• Getting from DFW or DAL into the city: 20–60+ minutes, depending on traffic and destination

For planning purposes, many Atlanta travelers estimate about 4–5 total hours from leaving home or hotel in Atlanta until arriving at their final destination in Dallas.

How Flying Compares to Driving From Atlanta to Dallas

If you live in Atlanta or are staying in the metro area, you may also be comparing a flight to a road trip.

Approximate driving facts:

• Driving distance: around 780–800 miles, depending on your exact route
• Driving time (no long stops): usually 11–13 hours

Compared to that, a 2-hour flight plus airport time is significantly faster, especially for short trips, business travel, or weekend visits.

Tips for Atlanta Travelers Flying to Dallas

If you’re planning a trip from Atlanta to Dallas, a few local-focused tips can make things smoother:

1. Consider Atlanta Traffic

• Morning rush (roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.) and evening rush (roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.) can greatly affect your drive time to ATL.
• If you’re coming from areas like Alpharetta, Marietta, or Stone Mountain, build in extra time.

2. Use MARTA if You’re Near a Rail Line

If you’re staying in downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near a MARTA station, you can often avoid traffic and parking costs by taking MARTA directly to:

• Airport Station (inside the Domestic Terminal)

For many travelers, this makes getting to ATL more predictable before a flight to Dallas.

3. Plan for the Time Zone Change on the Return

When you fly back from Dallas to Atlanta, you’ll lose an hour due to the time zone shift back to Eastern Time. A return flight that leaves Dallas in the afternoon can arrive in Atlanta in the early evening, which is important to keep in mind if you:

• Need to return to work the same day
• Have MARTA or rideshare connections
• Are picking up children or attending an evening event in Atlanta

Is the Atlanta–Dallas Flight Considered Long?

For most Atlanta travelers, a flight to Dallas is considered a short to medium domestic trip, not a long-haul journey.

• It’s shorter than cross-country flights (like Atlanta to Los Angeles or Seattle).
• It’s longer than nearby flights (like Atlanta to Charlotte or Nashville).

In practical terms, it’s comfortable enough that many Atlantans do it as a same-day round trip for meetings, family visits, or events, though an overnight stay is more relaxed.

What Someone in Atlanta Should Expect Overall

If you’re in Atlanta and planning to fly to Dallas:

• Expect to be in the air about 2 to 2.5 hours.
• Count on about 4–5 total hours from your Atlanta starting point to your destination in Dallas if flying nonstop.
• Remember you’ll gain one hour going west (Atlanta to Dallas) and lose one hour coming back.
• Most trips will start at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and end at DFW or DAL, both with frequent service from Atlanta.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, flying is usually the fastest and most practical way to cover the distance to Dallas.