How Far Is Fort Lauderdale From Atlanta? A Practical Guide for Atlanta Travelers

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and dreaming of the beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the good news is: it’s very reachable by car, plane, or bus. How far it feels depends on how you choose to travel.

Quick Answer: Distance From Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale

Driving distance:

• About 620–650 miles (one way), depending on your starting point in Atlanta and exact destination in Fort Lauderdale
• Typical drive time:9–10 hours with normal traffic and short stops

Flying distance (straight line):

• Around 580–600 miles
• Nonstop flight time: about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours in the air

From an Atlanta perspective, Fort Lauderdale is a full-day drive or a quick nonstop flight away.

Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale by Car

For many people in the Atlanta area, driving is the most flexible way to get to Fort Lauderdale—especially if you’re bringing kids, pets, or a lot of beach gear.

Main Driving Route From Atlanta

Most drivers leaving from Downtown Atlanta, Midtown, Buckhead, or the suburbs follow a similar route:

1. Start on I‑75 South out of Atlanta
2. Continue I‑75 South through Macon and South Georgia
3. Stay on I‑75 into Florida, then connect with Florida’s Turnpike toward South Florida
4. Follow signs toward Fort Lauderdale (exits toward I‑595, I‑95, or local roads depending on your hotel or final destination)

This route is generally:

• 620–650 miles
• 9–10 hours of drive time under typical conditions

What Affects Your Driving Time

Your actual time from Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale can change based on:

• Time of day you leave Atlanta
  • Rush hour on the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) or I‑285 can add 30–60+ minutes.
• Season and traffic
  • Holiday weekends, spring break, and major events in Florida can slow things down.
• Weather
  • Heavy rain or storms through Georgia or North Florida may require slower speeds.
• Stops
  • Plan for gas, meals, bathroom breaks, and possibly a quick rest if driving with kids.

Sample Driving Times From Different Parts of Atlanta

*Times assume steady highway driving, normal traffic, and only brief stops.

Tips for Atlanta Drivers Heading to Fort Lauderdale

• Leave early: Many Atlanta residents prefer to leave before sunrise to beat local rush hour on I‑75/85 and I‑285.
• Plan fuel and food stops: Cities like Macon, Valdosta, and Lake City (FL) are common stop points along the route.
• Check traffic before you go: Use your preferred navigation app to see if there are crashes or lane closures along I‑75.
• Consider an overnight stop: If traveling with kids or older adults, splitting the trip with a night in North or Central Florida can make the drive easier.

Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale by Plane

If you’re looking for speed or you don’t want to spend all day on the road, flying is usually the best option from Atlanta.

Flight Distance and Time

• Air distance: roughly 580–600 miles from Atlanta (ATL) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
• Nonstop flight time: typically 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours in the air
• When you include check-in, security, and airport transfers, most Atlanta travelers should plan for 4–5 hours door-to-door.

Main Airports for This Route

Departing from Atlanta:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Primary airport for most Atlanta-area residents and visitors

Arriving in Fort Lauderdale:

• Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
  • Located just south of downtown Fort Lauderdale and close to many beach areas

Why Many Atlantans Prefer Flying

• Much faster overall: Even with airport time, flying is significantly quicker than a 9–10 hour drive.
• Less tiring: Good for short weekend trips from Atlanta to the beach.
• Frequent flights: Atlanta’s role as a major air hub generally means multiple daily nonstop options.

📝 Tip: When comparing driving vs flying from Atlanta, factor in:

• Airport parking or rideshare cost to ATL
• Checked baggage fees
• Rental car or rideshare from FLL to your hotel or cruise port

Bus and Other Ground Options

For travelers in Atlanta who don’t want to drive themselves or fly, long-distance bus services may be available between the Atlanta area and South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale.

Typical bus details:

• Distance covered: similar to the driving route (around 620–650 miles)
• Travel time: often 11–14 hours, depending on stops and routing
• Departure points: usually from central Atlanta locations or major bus terminals

Buses can be an option if you are:

• Trying to keep costs lower than flying
• Comfortable with an overnight or extended daytime ride
• Not in a hurry, and flexible about arrival time

Because schedules and services change, it’s a good idea to check directly with the bus company for current routes and timings from Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale.

How to Decide the Best Way From Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale

When you’re in Atlanta and trying to decide how to get to Fort Lauderdale, think about:

1. Time vs. Budget

• Driving:
  • Takes most of a day
  • Can be economical, especially for families or groups
• Flying:
  • Much faster
  • Often costs more per person, but may be worth it for shorter trips

2. Number of Travelers

• Families from metro Atlanta often find driving more cost-effective.
• Solo travelers or couples may lean toward flying, especially for quick getaways.

3. Comfort and Energy Level

• A 9–10 hour drive from Atlanta can be tiring, particularly if one person is doing all the driving.
• A 2-hour flight may be easier if you’re starting your trip right after work or leaving on a Friday.

4. What You Need Once You’re in Fort Lauderdale

• If you want to explore South Florida widely (Miami, the Keys, West Coast), having your own car from Atlanta may be handy.
• If you’re mostly staying at a resort, hotel, or cruise, flying into FLL and using taxis, rideshares, or shuttles may be simpler.

Atlanta-Focused Summary: How Far Is Fort Lauderdale, Really?

For someone in Atlanta, Georgia:

• By car:

  • Fort Lauderdale is about 620–650 miles away
  • Plan on 9–10 hours of driving in typical conditions

• By plane:

  • It’s roughly 580–600 air miles
  • Nonstop flights usually take around 2 hours in the air

Whether you live in intown Atlanta, the suburbs, or you’re just visiting and flying out of Hartsfield–Jackson, Fort Lauderdale is close enough for a long weekend beach trip or a gateway to a cruise, once you choose the travel option that fits your time, budget, and comfort level.