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

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering how far Detroit is by plane, the trip is a quick and straightforward domestic flight—ideal for a weekend visit, business trip, or connecting onward to other Midwest destinations.

How Far Is Detroit From Atlanta by Plane?

In air travel terms, the distance from Atlanta to Detroit is:

• Approximate flight distance:590–600 miles (about 950 km)
• Typical nonstop flight time:1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours in the air

These numbers are based on flying from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), which is the main commercial airport serving the Detroit area.

Quick Flight Overview

Because both cities are in the Eastern Time Zone, you don’t have to factor in any time change when you fly between Atlanta and Detroit.

Total Trip Time vs. Flight Time

The actual flight is short, but your door-to-door travel time will be longer once you factor in:

• Getting to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Checking bags (if needed)
• Clearing security
• Boarding, taxiing, and deplaning
• Ground transportation in Detroit

For most travelers starting in Atlanta, a realistic total travel window looks like:

• 3.5 to 5 hours from leaving your home/hotel in metro Atlanta to arriving at your destination in metro Detroit.

Time Breakdown (Typical Scenario)

• Getting to ATL from intown Atlanta: 20–45 minutes by car or rideshare, depending on traffic
• Arriving before your flight: Most airlines recommend 1.5–2 hours for domestic flights
• In-air time to Detroit: About 1 hour 45 minutes
• Taxiing and deplaning at DTW: 15–30 minutes
• Ground transportation to Detroit city area: 20–40 minutes by car from DTW to downtown Detroit

Atlanta Airport Basics for Detroit Flights

Where You’ll Be Flying From: ATL

Most flights from Atlanta to Detroit depart from:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  Main phone (information): (800) 897-1910

As an Atlanta-based traveler, you likely know ATL is large and busy. For Detroit-bound flights, you can expect:

• Domestic terminals:
  • North and South Terminals (shared check-in and baggage areas)
  • Concourse T, A, B, C, D are the most common for domestic departures
• Major carriers on this route often include large national airlines offering multiple daily nonstops.

⚠️ Tip: If you’re checking bags or traveling at peak times (weekday mornings, Sunday evenings, or around holidays), allow extra time to get through security.

How to Get to ATL From Around Atlanta

If you’re visiting or living in Atlanta, you have several ways to get to the airport for your Detroit flight:

1. MARTA (Public Transit)

MARTA is often the simplest option from many intown neighborhoods.

• Take any Red or Gold Line train directly to the Airport Station (attached to the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim).
• Trains generally run every 10–20 minutes, with more frequent service at peak times.

Examples of one-train rides to the airport:

• From Midtown Station: usually about 20–25 minutes
• From Five Points (Downtown): about 15–20 minutes
• From Buckhead: roughly 30–35 minutes

MARTA is especially convenient if you’re staying near Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or close to any rail station.

2. Driving and Parking

If you’re driving yourself:

• On-site parking is available in Domestic and International lots and decks.
• Economy and Park-Ride lots usually offer lower daily rates than the main parking decks.

From common areas:

• Downtown Atlanta → ATL: 15–30 minutes without heavy traffic
• Midtown → ATL: 20–35 minutes
• Buckhead → ATL: 25–45 minutes

Plan extra time during rush hours (mornings 7–9 a.m., late afternoons 4–7 p.m.).

3. Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare pick-ups (like app-based services) and taxis are widely available:

• Pick-ups for most rideshares are at designated zones at the Domestic Terminal.
• Travel time is similar to driving yourself; cost will depend on your starting point and time of day.

What You Can Expect on the Flight Itself

The route from Atlanta to Detroit is a short-haul domestic flight, so:

• Aircraft type: Often narrow-body jets (single-aisle planes)
• Amenities: Basic snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on many carriers; Wi-Fi may be available for purchase or sometimes complimentary messaging
• Cabin experience: Comparable to other short flights, like Atlanta to Charlotte or Atlanta to Washington, D.C.

Many Atlanta-based travelers use Detroit as:

• A final destination to visit the Detroit area, Ann Arbor, or other Michigan cities, or
• A connection point for flights to the Upper Midwest or Canada.

Weather and Seasonal Considerations

From Atlanta, you’ll be heading into a colder climate for much of the year.

Winter and Early Spring

• Detroit winters can be snowy and icy, especially from December through March.
• Flights usually run reliably, but occasional delays from snow or de-icing are possible, particularly on mornings with active winter weather.

If you’re leaving Atlanta’s milder climate, plan for:

• Warm clothing in your carry-on (coat, hat, gloves) so you’re prepared on arrival
• A bit of extra buffer time if the forecast in Detroit calls for heavy snow or freezing rain

Summer and Fall

• Summer storms can affect both Atlanta and Detroit, sometimes leading to short weather delays, especially late afternoons.
• Fall is often a smoother travel period, with generally fewer weather disruptions than peak winter.

Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights

For most Atlanta travelers, the nonstop flight to Detroit is the most practical choice:

• Nonstop:
  • About 1 hour 45 minutes in the air
  • Most efficient total trip time
• Connecting (less common for this route):
  • Could stretch to 3–5 hours in the air, plus layover time
  • Unnecessary for most travelers unless you’re using a specific fare or loyalty routing

If your schedule is flexible, you can:

• Aim for midday flights to reduce the impact of morning congestion and late-afternoon weather delays.

When to Arrive at ATL for Your Detroit Flight

Because Atlanta to Detroit is a domestic route, general guidance for ATL travelers is:

• Arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure
• Add extra time if:
  • You’re checking bags
  • You’re traveling with a large group or young children
  • You’re unfamiliar with Hartsfield-Jackson or nervous about navigating a busy airport
  • You’re flying at a known peak time (early Monday mornings, Friday evenings, holidays)

If you’re coming by MARTA, consider the train schedule and leave room for minor delays when planning your arrival.

Ground Transportation in Detroit After You Land

From Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to downtown Detroit:

• Driving distance: roughly 20–25 miles
• Typical travel time: about 20–40 minutes, depending on traffic and your exact destination

Common options:

• Rental cars available at DTW via dedicated rental car facilities
• Taxis and rideshares from designated pick-up areas
• Shuttle services operated by some hotels and private providers

If you’re visiting from Atlanta and staying in downtown Detroit, midtown Detroit, or near a large venue, check whether your hotel offers an airport shuttle and factor that into your timing.

Is Flying From Atlanta to Detroit Worth It Compared to Driving?

For an Atlanta-based traveler comparing options:

• Driving distance: around 700–750 miles, usually 11–12 hours by car (without long stops)
• Flying time (total): often 3.5–5 hours door-to-door, depending on your exact start and end points

For most people in Atlanta, flying is significantly faster and more convenient, especially for weekend trips, business travel, or winter months when road conditions in the Midwest can be unpredictable.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Distance by plane: about 590–600 miles from ATL to DTW
• Nonstop in-air time: about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours
• No time zone change: both cities observe Eastern Time
• Door-to-door from Atlanta: plan on 3.5–5 hours including airport and ground time
• Best practice: arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson1.5–2 hours early for your Detroit flight

If you’re in or visiting Atlanta and need to get to Detroit, it’s a quick, straightforward flight—one of the more convenient out-of-state trips you can make from Hartsfield-Jackson.