How Far Is Florida From Atlanta? Distances, Drive Times, and Travel Tips

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and thinking about heading to Florida, the first question is usually: how far is it, really? The answer depends a lot on where in Florida you’re going—Florida is a big state with beaches, theme parks, and cities spread out over hundreds of miles.

Below is a clear breakdown of distances, travel times, and transportation options from Atlanta to popular Florida destinations, plus Atlanta-specific tips to make your trip smoother.

How Far Is Florida From Atlanta?

From Atlanta, you can reach the Florida state line relatively quickly, but major Florida cities are farther.

  • Atlanta to Florida state line (near Lake City / I‑75):
    Roughly 200–230 miles
    About 3.5 to 4 hours by car, depending on traffic
  • Atlanta to the closest Florida beaches:
    Usually 5–6+ hours by car
  • Atlanta to central or south Florida (Orlando, Miami, Tampa, etc.):
    Typically 6–10+ hours by car or 1–2 hours by flight, plus airport time

Florida officially begins once you cross the Georgia–Florida border, but most travelers from Atlanta are heading to specific destinations like Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Destin, or Miami.

Distances & Drive Times From Atlanta to Popular Florida Destinations

The table below gives approximate driving distances and times from downtown Atlanta (near Five Points) to common Florida spots. Actual times depend on traffic, construction, and stops.

Destination (from Atlanta)Approx. Distance (miles)Typical Drive Time
Florida state line (I‑75 near Lake City)200–2303.5–4 hours
Jacksonville, FL345–3605.5–6 hours
Tallahassee, FL260–2704.5–5 hours
Pensacola, FL325–3405.5–6 hours
Destin / Fort Walton Beach315–3355.5–6 hours
Panama City Beach, FL285–3005–5.5 hours
Orlando, FL430–4506.5–7.5 hours
Tampa, FL455–4807–8 hours
Daytona Beach, FL420–4406.5–7 hours
Miami, FL650–6809.5–11 hours
Key West, FL780–800+12–14+ hours (usually better to fly part of the way)

Key takeaway:
From Atlanta, North Florida is a half‑day drive. Central Florida is typically a full day’s drive, and South Florida is close to an all‑day road trip or a short flight.

Main Driving Routes From Atlanta to Florida

If you’re starting in Atlanta—whether from Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or the suburbs—you’ll almost always connect through the Downtown Connector (I‑75/I‑85) before heading south.

1. I‑75 South: Atlanta to Central & South Florida

Best for: Orlando, Tampa, Naples, Miami (often combined with Florida’s Turnpike).

From Atlanta:

  1. Get onto I‑75 South (often via the Downtown Connector I‑75/I‑85).
  2. Continue through Macon and Valdosta.
  3. Cross into Florida near the Lake City area.
  4. Then:
    • For Orlando: take Florida’s Turnpike from around Wildwood down toward Orlando.
    • For Tampa: connect to I‑275 or take routes via I‑75 South along the Gulf side.
    • For Miami: stay on I‑75 South or use Florida’s Turnpike for a more direct route.

Atlanta-specific tip:
Traffic can be heavy leaving the city, especially near Downtown, Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and McDonough. Leaving very early morning or late evening often helps you clear Metro Atlanta faster.

2. I‑85 South to I‑185 / US‑27: For the Panhandle & Gulf Beaches

Best for: Destin, Panama City Beach, Fort Walton Beach, other Panhandle beaches.

Common pattern:

  1. Take I‑85 South from Atlanta toward Columbus, GA.
  2. Then connect to I‑185 / US‑27 / US‑431 depending on your exact destination.
  3. Cross into Florida and follow local highways to Destin, Fort Walton, or Panama City Beach.

This route is popular with Atlanta families looking for Gulf Coast beach getaways within a same‑day drive.

3. I‑75 South + I‑10 East or West: For Jacksonville & Pensacola

  • Jacksonville:
    Take I‑75 South from Atlanta, then connect to I‑10 East, and continue to I‑95 South into Jacksonville.
  • Pensacola:
    Take I‑75 South, then I‑10 West across the Panhandle to Pensacola.

Flying From Atlanta to Florida

If you’d rather not spend hours in the car, Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is a major hub with frequent flights to almost every major Florida city.

Typical Flight Times From Atlanta to Florida

These are approximate nonstop flight durations:

  • Atlanta to Jacksonville: ~1 hour
  • Atlanta to Orlando: ~1.5 hours
  • Atlanta to Tampa: ~1.5 hours
  • Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale / Miami: ~1.75–2 hours
  • Atlanta to Pensacola / Destin-Fort Walton Beach / Panama City Beach: ~1–1.5 hours

Keep in mind you’ll also spend time on:

  • Getting to and from ATL
  • Check‑in and security (especially at busy times)
  • Boarding and taxiing

For many Atlanta travelers, flights make the most sense for Orlando, South Florida, and the Keys, while North Florida and Panhandle beaches are still very manageable by car.

Getting to the Airport in Atlanta

Key airport details:

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

From Atlanta neighborhoods:

  • MARTA:
    • Take any North–South (Red or Gold) line to the Airport Station, located inside the Domestic Terminal.
    • Useful if you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near Perimeter Center.
  • Driving:
    • Follow signs for I‑85 South to Airport Blvd / Camp Creek Pkwy, or use I‑75 depending on your route.
    • Allow extra time during weekday rush hours and holiday travel periods.

Bus and Train Options From Atlanta to Florida

If you prefer not to drive or fly, there are intercity bus and rail options connecting Atlanta with various Florida cities.

Intercity Buses

Several bus companies run routes from Atlanta to Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and other Florida stops. These trips can be longer than driving but can be cost-effective.

Common departure area:

  • Atlanta bus terminals and curbside stops are usually near Downtown or Midtown, sometimes close to MARTA stations.
    If you’re taking MARTA, main central hubs include:
    • Five Points Station
    • Peachtree Center Station
    • Civic Center Station

Always confirm the exact address of your departure stop when booking, as bus pickup locations can vary within the city.

Train (Amtrak)

Atlanta is served by Amtrak’s Peachtree Station:

  • Amtrak Peachtree Station
    1688 Peachtree St NW
    Atlanta, GA 30309
    Phone: (800) 872‑7245

From Atlanta, some Amtrak routes connect indirectly to Florida destinations, but many trips involve connections through other cities and can take significantly longer than flights or driving. This option may work if you:

  • Prefer rail travel
  • Are flexible on time
  • Want a more scenic, slower-paced journey

Choosing the Best Way to Get From Atlanta to Florida

When deciding how to travel from Atlanta to Florida, consider:

1. Where in Florida You’re Going

  • North Florida (Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Panhandle beaches):
    • Driving from Atlanta is often 5–6 hours, a common choice for weekend getaways or family beach trips.
  • Central Florida (Orlando, Tampa, Daytona Beach):
    • Driving: 6.5–8 hours
    • Flying: ~1.5 hours flight time plus airport time; flying is popular for theme park trips.
  • South Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Key West):
    • Driving: 9.5–14+ hours, usually an all‑day or overnight trip.
    • Flying: Normally the preferred option for Atlanta travelers due to distance.

2. How Much Time You Have

  • Weekend trip:
    North Florida or the Panhandle by car; Orlando or South Florida by plane.
  • Full week or more:
    Driving becomes more appealing, especially if you want to stop in South Georgia or North Florida along the way.

3. Budget vs. Convenience

  • Driving from Atlanta can be more economical, especially for families or groups, but factor in:
    • Gas
    • Tolls (especially in central and south Florida)
    • Parking at your destination
  • Flying from ATL is usually faster and can be cost-competitive when:
    • You book in advance
    • You’re traveling solo or as a couple
    • You find good fares on popular routes (Orlando, Tampa, Miami)

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents & Visitors Heading to Florida

Here are some Atlanta-focused pointers to keep your Florida trip smoother:

  • Plan your departure time around Atlanta traffic.

    • Morning rush: roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.
    • Evening rush: roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.
      Leaving a bit earlier or later can shave significant time off your drive just getting out of Metro Atlanta.

  • Use MARTA if you’re flying from ATL and staying in-town.

    • If you’re near Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, MARTA can be faster and cheaper than parking at the airport.

  • Check for major events in Atlanta.

    • Big events at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or Georgia World Congress Center can add traffic around Downtown, impacting your departure.

  • Watch the weather along I‑75 and I‑95.

    • Summer thunderstorms and heavy rain are common in Georgia and Florida, which can slow travel.
    • If you’re heading to beaches, keep an eye on tropical systems and hurricane season timelines.

  • Consider an overnight stop if driving to South Florida.

    • Many Atlanta drivers break up a near 10‑hour drive to Miami with a stop around North or Central Florida.

Quick Answer: How Far Is Florida From Atlanta?

  • The Florida border is about 200–230 miles from Atlanta, typically 3.5–4 hours by car.
  • Popular North Florida beaches and cities (Destin, Panama City Beach, Jacksonville, Tallahassee) are usually 5–6 hours’ drive from Atlanta.
  • Orlando and Tampa are roughly 430–480 miles away, about 6.5–8 hours by car or around 1.5 hours by plane.
  • Miami and South Florida are 650+ miles from Atlanta, around 9.5–11 hours by car or under 2 hours by flight (plus airport time).

So, Florida is fairly close to Atlanta—nearby enough for a long weekend road trip to the Panhandle or North Florida, and just a short flight away for theme parks and South Florida beaches.