Atlanta to New Orleans: Distance, Travel Time, and Best Ways to Get There

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and thinking about a trip to New Orleans, Louisiana, the first thing you’ll want to know is: how far is it, really, and what’s the best way to get there?

This guide breaks down the distance from Atlanta to New Orleans, typical travel times, and what to expect whether you’re driving, flying, taking the bus, or riding the train.

How Far Is It From Atlanta to New Orleans?

Distance in Miles and Kilometers

From Downtown Atlanta to Downtown New Orleans:

• By road (driving distance):
  About 470–470+ miles (roughly 756 km), depending on your exact starting and ending points.
• By air (direct flight distance):
  About 425 miles (roughly 684 km) in a straight line.

For most Atlanta travelers, that means a full-day drive or a short flight.

Quick Comparison: Ways to Travel from Atlanta to New Orleans

*Times are typical ranges and can change with traffic, schedules, and weather.

Driving From Atlanta to New Orleans

Main Driving Route

The most common and straightforward route from Atlanta to New Orleans is:

• Start on I-85 South from central Atlanta
• Connect to I-185 and then US-280 or continue via I-85/I-65 depending on your GPS routing
• Follow I-65 South through Alabama
• Then take I-10 West into New Orleans

Many navigation apps now prefer a more direct route using I-85 South toward Montgomery, then I-65 South to Mobile, and then I-10 West into Louisiana.

Typical Driving Time

From most parts of metro Atlanta (including Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, and the airport area), you can expect:

• About 6.5 to 7.5 hours of drive time
• Longer if:
  • You leave during Atlanta rush hour (especially around Downtown Connector, I-75/85)
  • You hit traffic around Montgomery, Mobile, or I-10
  • You make multiple stops

What Atlanta Drivers Should Know

• Traffic leaving Atlanta:
  Try to avoid departing during weekday morning (7–9 a.m.) or evening (4–7 p.m.) rush hours. Heavy congestion along I-75/85, I-20, and parts of I-285 can add a lot of time.

• Rest stops & food options:
  Once you’re south of Atlanta and into Alabama, you’ll find:

  • Frequent rest areas on I-85, I-65, and I-10
  • Plenty of gas stations and fast-food options near larger exits (especially around Montgomery and Mobile)

• Tolls:
  There are no major tolls on the standard Atlanta–New Orleans interstate route.

• Parking in New Orleans:
  In tourist-heavy areas like the French Quarter and Central Business District, expect:

  • Paid parking garages and surface lots
  • Limited and often time-restricted street parking
    Many Atlanta visitors prefer to park once and walk or rideshare in New Orleans.

Flying From Atlanta to New Orleans

How Far Is New Orleans by Plane?

From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY):

• Flight distance: about 425 miles
• Nonstop flight time: typically around 1.5 hours in the air

From door to door, you’ll need to factor in:

• Travel to ATL from your home/hotel
• Check-in and security time
• Waiting at the gate
• Possible delays
• Travel from MSY into New Orleans (usually another 20–30+ minutes depending on traffic and destination)

For most Atlanta travelers, flying is still the fastest overall option.

Getting to the Airport in Atlanta

Most local residents and visitors reach Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport via:

• MARTA Rail:
  The Airport Station is directly inside the Domestic Terminal. Popular connections:
  • Red/Gold lines from Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, and North Springs
• Rideshare or taxi:
  Widely available across metro Atlanta
• Driving yourself:
  Using I-85, I-75, or I-285; parking is available at:
  • Official airport parking decks and economy lots
  • Nearby off-airport parking facilities

Airport address for navigation:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

Taking a Bus From Atlanta to New Orleans

Distance and Duration by Bus

Buses generally follow a similar highway route to driving, so the distance is roughly 470 miles.

Typical one-way bus travel times:

• Around 8 to 10+ hours, depending on:
  • Number of stops
  • Whether you have to transfer in another city
  • Traffic along I-85, I-65, and I-10

Where Buses Typically Depart in Atlanta

Long-distance buses commonly use central locations in or near Downtown Atlanta, often near major transit hubs or well-known streets. If you’re planning to take a bus:

• Allow extra time to navigate downtown traffic
• Consider using MARTA to reach the general area if you’re staying in Midtown, Buckhead, or near a rail station

Always confirm your exact departure address and arrival terminal when you purchase your ticket, since bus companies can change pickup points.

Train Travel From Atlanta to New Orleans

Is There a Direct Train?

There is no single, simple, same-train direct route from Atlanta to New Orleans comparable to a direct drive or nonstop flight. Travelers sometimes:

• Take Amtrak from Atlanta to another city (such as Birmingham), then connect on a different route; or
• Use a combination of train and bus to bridge gaps in service

This can make the total travel time significantly longer than driving or flying.

Atlanta’s Amtrak Station

Atlanta’s passenger rail service is centered at:

Amtrak – Peachtree Station
1688 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309

If you’re considering rail options:

• Check current routes and timetables in advance
• Expect that the door-to-door duration will usually be much longer than driving or flying

How to Choose the Best Option From Atlanta

When Driving Makes the Most Sense

Driving from Atlanta to New Orleans may be best if you:

• Enjoy road trips and want to see parts of Alabama and the Gulf region along the way
• Are traveling as a family or group, which can make gas and parking cheaper per person
• Need a car in New Orleans for side trips outside the city

Expect about 470 miles and a 6.5–7.5 hour drive from most places in metro Atlanta, not counting stops.

When Flying Is Worth It

Flying from ATL to MSY is usually best if you:

• Want to maximize time in New Orleans (for a long weekend or short business trip)
• Are comfortable budgeting for airfare and airport transfers
• Prefer less time on the road

Even with airport logistics, many Atlantans find flying can turn the trip into a half-day door-to-door rather than a full day of driving.

When Bus or Train Fit Your Needs

Bus or multi-leg train travel can work well if you:

• Don’t have a car or don’t want to drive long distances
• Are prioritizing budget over speed
• Prefer to read, work, or rest during the trip instead of driving

Just plan for longer travel times than driving or flying.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers

• Plan your departure time:
  Leaving Atlanta early in the morning (before rush hour) or later in the evening can save 30–60 minutes of traffic on the road.

• Check weather along the route:
  Storms in Alabama, the Gulf Coast, or Louisiana can slow both driving and flying.

• Know your arrival area in New Orleans:
  Whether you’re heading to the French Quarter, Garden District, or Central Business District, having your hotel or destination address handy helps with navigation, rideshare, or public transit once you arrive.

In summary, Atlanta to New Orleans is roughly 470 miles by road and 425 miles by air. For most people in Atlanta, that translates to a 7-hour drive or a 1.5-hour flight, with buses and trains providing slower but workable alternatives depending on your budget and preferences.