How Far Is It From Atlanta to Washington, DC? Your Practical Travel Guide

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to the nation’s capital, it helps to know not just how far it is from Atlanta to Washington, DC, but also how that distance feels by car, plane, bus, or train.

This guide breaks it down in clear, Atlanta-focused terms so you can choose the option that fits your schedule, budget, and comfort level.

The Basic Distance: Atlanta to Washington, DC

From downtown Atlanta (around Five Points or the Georgia State Capitol) to the heart of Washington, DC (near the U.S. Capitol or National Mall):

  • Driving distance: about 630–650 miles
  • Flight distance (straight line): about 540–560 miles
  • Typical driving time: around 9.5–11 hours without long stops, depending on traffic and route
  • Typical flight time (nonstop): about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours

The exact distance can vary a bit depending on:

  • Your starting point in Atlanta (Midtown, Buckhead, the airport, suburbs, etc.)
  • Your ending point in DC (downtown DC, nearby Virginia or Maryland suburbs)
  • The route you choose by car or the schedules available by plane, train, or bus

Driving From Atlanta to Washington, DC

How far is it by car?

If you drive from downtown Atlanta to central Washington, DC:

  • Distance: roughly 640 miles
  • Time: usually 9.5 to 11 hours of driving time, not including longer meal or sightseeing stops

Most drivers from Atlanta take I‑85 North out of the city, then connect to other major highways as they head northeast.

Common Driving Route From Atlanta

A typical route looks like this:

  1. Leave Atlanta on I‑85 North (from Downtown, Midtown, or the I‑285 perimeter).
  2. Continue through Greenville and Spartanburg, South Carolina.
  3. Pass through Charlotte, North Carolina.
  4. Stay on I‑85 into North Carolina and Virginia.
  5. Pick up I‑95 North or other connecting highways heading toward Washington, DC.

This route is almost entirely interstate highway, which makes it familiar and manageable for most Atlanta drivers.

What Atlanta Drivers Should Expect

  • 🚗 Time of day matters: Leaving Atlanta before morning rush hour or after evening rush can save time getting out of the city.
  • 🚧 Traffic hotspots:
    • Around Gwinnett County as you head out on I‑85
    • The Charlotte area
    • Approaching the DC metro area (especially on I‑95)
  • ⛽ Stops along the way: You’ll find plenty of gas, rest areas, and food in South Carolina and North Carolina along I‑85.

If you’re leaving from an Atlanta suburb (Alpharetta, Marietta, Decatur, etc.), add 30–60 minutes depending on your location and traffic around I‑285.

Flying From Atlanta to Washington, DC

For most people in Atlanta, flying is the quickest and simplest way to get to Washington, DC.

How far is the flight?

  • Flight distance: about 550 miles
  • Nonstop flight time: typically 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours in the air
  • Total travel time door-to-door: often around 4–6 hours, including:
    • Getting to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
    • Security and boarding
    • Flight time
    • Getting from the DC-area airport into the city

Atlanta’s Main Departure Point

Most flights leave from:

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

You can reach ATL by:

  • MARTA rail: Take the Red or Gold Line directly to the Airport Station (inside the Domestic Terminal).
  • Car: Direct access from I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285.
  • Rideshare, taxi, or shuttle from most Atlanta neighborhoods.

DC-Area Airports You Might Use

When searching for flights from Atlanta to “Washington, DC,” you’ll usually see three main airport options:

  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) – Closest to downtown DC, in Arlington, VA
  • Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – West of DC in Virginia
  • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) – North of DC, in Maryland

From Atlanta, nonstop flights commonly go to DCA and IAD, and sometimes BWI depending on airline and schedule.

For someone in Atlanta:

  • DCA is usually the most convenient if you want to be right in the DC area quickly.
  • IAD or BWI can work well if prices are better or you’re staying in the suburbs.

Taking the Train From Atlanta to Washington, DC

If you prefer not to fly or drive, Amtrak offers a more relaxed, scenic option.

Distance and Time by Train

The train follows a longer route than driving:

  • Rail distance: longer than the 640 driving miles due to track paths and stops
  • Typical travel time: often 12–14+ hours, depending on schedule and route

The trip is usually overnight on certain services.

Where to Catch the Train in Atlanta

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

  • Located in Atlanta’s Midtown/Brookwood area, just north of the I‑85/I‑75 connector.
  • Reachable by MARTA bus, rideshare, or taxi from anywhere in Atlanta.

From here, you can board routes that eventually connect you to Washington Union Station in DC.

What Atlanta Travelers Should Consider About the Train

  • 🛌 Comfortable but slower: You’ll likely spend a full night on the train.
  • 📦 More generous luggage policies than many flights.
  • 🌄 Scenic route through the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.

If you prefer not to drive long distances and aren’t in a rush, the train can be an appealing option from Atlanta.

Taking a Bus From Atlanta to Washington, DC

Long-distance bus services also connect Atlanta to DC.

Distance and Time by Bus

Buses travel a route similar to driving:

  • Distance: around 640–680 miles, depending on the exact route and stops
  • Typical travel time: about 11–14 hours, often with transfers or layovers

Common Departure Areas in Atlanta

Bus companies may operate from or near:

  • Downtown Atlanta
  • Areas near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  • Other established bus stations or curbside pickup points within the city

Exact pickup points and schedules vary widely, so Atlanta travelers typically:

  • Check the bus company’s official website or customer service
  • Confirm the pickup address and arrival point in or near DC before booking

What to Expect as an Atlanta Bus Traveler

  • 🪑 Seating is similar to other intercity buses, with restroom onboard.
  • ⏱️ Travel time is longer than flying but can be cheaper than many flights.
  • 🧳 Luggage rules differ by company; check limits before you leave Atlanta.

Quick Comparison: Atlanta to Washington, DC Travel Options

Mode of TravelApprox. DistanceTypical Time (One Way)Main Starting Point in AtlantaBest For
Car~640 miles9.5–11 hours drivingAnywhere in Metro AtlantaFlexibility, road trips, multiple stops
Flight~550 air miles1h 40m–2h in the air (4–6 hours door-to-door)ATL AirportFast trips, business travel, weekend visits
TrainLonger rail route than road distance12–14+ hoursAmtrak Peachtree StationScenic, relaxed, no driving
Bus~640–680 miles11–14 hoursBus stations/curbside in AtlantaBudget-focused travelers

How Far Is It From Different Parts of Metro Atlanta?

If you’re not starting right in downtown Atlanta, you’ll want to factor in the extra time and distance to your starting point.

To Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

From:

  • Midtown Atlanta:
    • Distance: about 12–15 miles
    • Time: roughly 20–35 minutes, depending on traffic
  • Buckhead:
    • Distance: around 17–20 miles
    • Time: typically 30–45 minutes
  • Marietta:
    • Distance: about 30–35 miles
    • Time: often 40–60 minutes
  • Alpharetta / North Fulton:
    • Distance: roughly 35–45 miles
    • Time: 45–75 minutes, depending heavily on GA‑400 and I‑285 traffic

You can avoid road delays by taking MARTA directly to the airport from many parts of town.

To Start a Road Trip to DC

If you’re driving yourself:

  • From inside the I‑285 perimeter, you can usually access I‑85 North within 15–30 minutes.
  • From Gwinnett County or Northeast Metro Atlanta, you’re already closer to I‑85 and can save some time on the overall journey.

How Far Ahead Should You Plan?

Because Atlanta and Washington, DC are several hundred miles apart, planning ahead can make the trip smoother.

For Flights

Atlanta residents often:

  • Book nonstop flights for speed and simplicity.
  • Arrive at ATL about 2 hours before departure for domestic flights, especially during busy times.
  • Check airport travel times if leaving during rush hour on I‑75, I‑85, or I‑285.

For Driving

Before leaving Atlanta:

  • Check traffic out of the city (I‑75/85 Downtown Connector, I‑285, I‑85 North).
  • Plan fuel and rest stops in South Carolina and North Carolina.
  • Consider whether you want to break up the 640-mile drive with an overnight stay.

For Train or Bus

From Atlanta:

  • Confirm departure times, as some services leave early in the morning or late at night.
  • Arrive early at Amtrak Peachtree Station or your bus departure point.
  • Double-check arrival locations in the Washington, DC area to plan local transit or rideshares.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

  • Driving distance from Atlanta to Washington, DC is about 640 miles, usually 9.5–11 hours on the road.
  • Flying is the fastest overall option from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), with nonstop flights around 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours.
  • Trains and buses are longer but can be more budget-friendly or more relaxed, depending on your preferences.
  • Your total trip time depends on where in Metro Atlanta you start, the DC-area airport or station you use, and traffic and schedules along the way.

With a clear sense of the distance and travel times from Atlanta, you can choose the option that fits your schedule, budget, and comfort level for your trip to Washington, DC.