How Far Is Houston From Atlanta? A Practical Guide for Atlanta Travelers

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting and wondering how far Houston is from Atlanta—and what it really takes to get there—this guide walks through miles, hours, routes, and travel options with an Atlanta-first perspective.

The Distance From Atlanta to Houston at a Glance

Straight-line (“as-the-crow-flies”) distance:

• Approx. 700 miles between Atlanta, Georgia and Houston, Texas

Real-world travel distance:

• By car (via I-85 & I-10 or I-20): about 790–810 miles, depending on the route
• By plane (commercial flights): roughly the same straight-line distance, but about 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes in the air

Here’s a simple comparison, starting from Downtown Atlanta to Downtown Houston:

*Times are estimates; traffic, weather, and schedules can change.

Driving From Atlanta to Houston

For many people in Atlanta, driving feels like the most flexible way to get to Houston, especially for family trips, student moves, or long weekends.

How Long Is the Drive?

From central Atlanta (Downtown or Midtown) to central Houston, you’re typically looking at:

• Driving time: about 11–13 hours without long stops
• Distance: about 790–810 miles

Most Atlantans break this up with fuel, food, and rest stops, which can push the total travel day closer to 12–14 hours.

Main Driving Routes From Atlanta

There are two common ways to drive from Atlanta to Houston:

1. I-85 South → I-65 → I-10 West (via Alabama & Louisiana)

Common for drivers leaving from Downtown, Midtown, or Southwest Atlanta.

• Leave Atlanta on I-85 South (through Newnan, LaGrange)
• Connect with I-65 South (via Montgomery, AL)
• Then take I-10 West (mobile, AL → through Louisiana → Houston)

Pros:

• Major interstates most of the way
• Plenty of service stations, restaurants, and hotels
• Passes through several larger cities if you prefer more urban stops

Consider if you’re starting: near Downtown, Midtown, or Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with easy access to I-75/I-85.

2. I-20 West → I-49/I-10 (via Mississippi & Louisiana)

Common for those in West Atlanta, Douglasville, or I-285 West areas.

• Take I-20 West from Atlanta (through Birmingham, AL → Mississippi → Louisiana)
• Connect to I-49 or other connectors down to I-10 West
• Continue on I-10 West into Houston

Pros:

• A bit more direct for the western and southwestern suburbs of Atlanta
• Often feels more straightforward once you’re on I-20 out of the metro

What to Know Before You Drive

• Traffic leaving Atlanta:
  Morning and evening rush hours on I-75/85 through Downtown and the I-285 Perimeter can significantly slow you down. Leaving very early morning or later in the evening can help.

• Weather considerations:

  • Summer: heat and thunderstorms, especially near the Gulf states
  • Winter: occasional icy conditions in parts of Alabama or Mississippi can affect travel, even from Atlanta

• Fuel & stopping points:
  Most routes have frequent gas stations and rest areas. Typical stopping cities for Atlantans include:

  • Birmingham, AL
  • Meridian or Jackson, MS
  • Shreveport, LA or Lafayette, LA

If you’re planning a long drive, it’s wise to check current road conditions and traffic before you leave the Atlanta area.

Flying From Atlanta to Houston

Many travelers in Atlanta choose to fly instead of drive, especially for quick work trips or weekend visits.

How Long Is the Flight?

From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to either George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in Houston:

• Nonstop flight time: typically 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes
• Gate-to-gate total including boarding/taxi: can feel more like 2.5–3 hours

Of course, you’ll also need to plan for:

• Check-in and security at ATL: commonly 1–2 hours before departure
• Travel time to and from the airports at both ends

Main Airports Involved

In Atlanta:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Location: South of Downtown Atlanta, accessible via I-85, I-285, and MARTA Rail (Red/Gold Lines)
  • Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

In Houston:

• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) – North of central Houston
• William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) – Southeast of Downtown Houston

Atlanta residents commonly pick based on flight options and where they’ll be staying in Houston.

Total Door-to-Door Time From Atlanta

If you’re starting inside the Atlanta metro, here’s a realistic one-way time estimate:

• Drive or ride to ATL:
  • From Downtown/Midtown Atlanta: ~20–45 minutes (more in heavy traffic)
  • From northern suburbs (e.g., Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Roswell): 30–60+ minutes
• Airport process (check-in + security): 1–2 hours
• Flight time ATL → Houston: about 2 hours
• Arrivals and ground transportation in Houston: 30–90 minutes, depending on where you’re going

Altogether, a typical door-to-door journey from an Atlanta home or hotel to a Houston destination may fall around 5–7 hours, still shorter than driving.

Bus and Train Options From Atlanta to Houston

Some travelers in Atlanta prefer not to drive or fly, whether for budget, comfort, or personal reasons.

Long-Distance Bus From Atlanta to Houston

Bus services commonly operate from Atlanta Bus Station or similar central pickup points and can connect to stations in Houston.

• Approximate travel time:13–16+ hours, usually with stops and potentially transfers
• Distance covered: roughly 800+ miles, tracking similar routes as the interstate drive

Buses can be a more budget-conscious option but are usually the slowest way to travel between the two cities.

Train Travel Considerations

There is no single direct passenger rail line that runs from Atlanta to Houston the way many travelers would hope. People sometimes combine Amtrak routes with bus or connecting services, which can be:

• Longer in total time than driving or flying
• Less straightforward to plan from Atlanta, often needing connections in other cities

For most Atlanta-based travelers, driving or flying remains more practical for this trip.

Choosing the Best Way to Travel From Atlanta to Houston

When someone in Atlanta asks, “How far is Houston from Atlanta?”, what they really need to know is: How does that distance translate into real-world travel for me?

Here’s a quick decision guide based on your situation in Atlanta:

• You want the fastest overall trip:
  ✅ Flying from ATL is typically best, especially if you live near a MARTA rail station or close to the airport.

• You’re traveling with family, lots of luggage, or pets:
  ✅ Driving may be more convenient and flexible, especially if you’re starting from suburban areas like Cobb, Gwinnett, or Fayette County where reaching ATL can add extra time.

• You’re on a tight budget and time is flexible:
  ✅ A long-distance bus can be an option from central Atlanta, though it takes significantly longer.

• You enjoy road trips and want to see more of the Southeast:
  ✅ The 11–13 hour drive can be broken into an overnight stop in Alabama, Mississippi, or Louisiana, turning the distance into a multi-day trip.

Atlanta-Specific Tips for Planning Your Trip

Because this trip starts in Atlanta, a few local considerations can make your travel smoother.

Be Smart About Atlanta Traffic

• Morning rush: roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.
• Evening rush: roughly 4:00–7:00 p.m.
  • Major choke points: Downtown Connector (I-75/85), I-285, I-20 junctions

If you’re driving, many Atlantans find it easier to leave very early (before sunrise) or later in the evening to clear the metro area quickly.

If you’re flying, build extra time into your schedule if you’re coming from:

• North Fulton (Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek)
• East or West suburbs (Stone Mountain, Douglasville, etc.)

MARTA Rail can be a good option from:

• Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and areas near the Red/Gold lines, which connect directly to the airport.

Think About Return Timing Back Into Atlanta

Remember that when you come back from Houston:

• Landing at ATL during the evening commute can add significant time driving home.
• If you plan to drive back into metro Atlanta, arriving in the late evening or midday can reduce congestion stress.

Quick Summary for Atlanta Travelers

• Straight-line distance: about 700 miles between Atlanta and Houston
• Driving distance: about 790–810 miles, typically 11–13 hours
• Flight time: about 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes in the air from ATL to IAH or HOU
• Bus: often 13–16+ hours with stops or transfers

So, Houston is roughly 700 miles from Atlanta, and depending on how you travel, that distance translates into:

• A full day’s drive,
• A roughly half-day door-to-door flight experience, or
• An extended bus ride with multiple stops.

From an Atlanta perspective, the “best” option mainly depends on how much time you have, where you live in the metro area, and whether you prioritize cost, speed, or flexibility.