How Far Is Los Angeles From Atlanta? A Practical Guide for Atlanta Travelers

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and thinking about a trip to Los Angeles, the first thing to figure out is distance: how far is it, and what’s the best way to get there?

Here’s a clear breakdown of the miles, hours, and travel options from Atlanta to Los Angeles, tailored specifically to what Atlanta residents and visitors need to know.

How Far Is Los Angeles From Atlanta?

The distance between Atlanta, GA and Los Angeles, CA depends on how you travel:

Travel ModeApprox. DistanceTypical Travel Time (One Way)
Direct flight~1,930–1,950 miles (air)~4.5–5 hours in the air
Driving (I-20/I-10)~2,150–2,300 miles (road)~31–34 hours of driving time
BusSimilar to drivingUsually 2–3 days with stops
Train (with transfers)Longer, indirectOften 2–3+ days total travel

All distances are approximate and can vary slightly depending on the route you choose and airport/takeoff paths.

Flying From Atlanta to Los Angeles

For most people in or visiting Atlanta, flying is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Los Angeles.

Distance and Flight Time

  • Flight distance: Around 1,930–1,950 miles
  • Nonstop flight time: Usually around 4.5 to 5 hours in the air
  • Total trip time door-to-door: Plan for 7–9 hours once you include:
    • Getting to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
    • Check-in and security (often 1–2 hours before departure for domestic flights)
    • Boarding, taxiing, and deplaning
    • Getting from the airport in Los Angeles to your final destination

Main Airports for Atlanta → Los Angeles

Departure (Atlanta):

  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
    6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
    • Major hub with many daily flights to the Los Angeles area
    • Accessible via MARTA (Airport Station on the Red/Gold Line), rideshare, taxis, shuttles, and airport parking lots

Arrival (Los Angeles area):

Common airports from Atlanta flights include:

  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
  • Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
  • Long Beach Airport (LGB) (less common for nonstop from ATL)
  • Ontario International Airport (ONT) (sometimes available via connections)

Most nonstop flights from Atlanta go to LAX, the largest airport in the region.

Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights

  • Nonstop flights cut down on total time and reduce the chance of delays.
  • Connecting flights might:
    • Be slightly cheaper at certain times
    • Add several hours to your trip
    • Route you through other hub cities before reaching LA

If you’re trying to keep travel time close to that 4.5–5 hour range, prioritize nonstop flights from ATL.

Getting to ATL From Around Metro Atlanta

From much of metro Atlanta, ATL is 15–45 minutes away by car under normal traffic, but it can take longer during rush hours.

Common ways to reach the airport:

  • 🚇 MARTA:
    • Take the Red or Gold Line to Airport Station, located directly inside the domestic terminal.
  • 🚗 Driving:
    • Follow I-75, I-85, or I-285 to airport signs; allow extra time for parking and shuttles.
  • 🚕 Rideshare/Taxi:
    • Dedicated drop-off zones at both domestic and international terminals.
  • 🚌 Shuttles and private services:
    • Common from major hotels and some suburbs.

Driving From Atlanta to Los Angeles

Driving from Atlanta to Los Angeles is a multi-day road trip, not a simple weekend drive.

Road Distance and Time

  • Driving distance: Typically 2,150–2,300 miles depending on the route.
  • Estimated driving time: About 31–34 hours of actual driving, not counting:
    • Fuel stops
    • Meals
    • Overnights
    • Traffic, construction, or weather delays

If you plan a realistic road trip, many Atlanta drivers turn this into 3–5 days each way, depending on how fast you like to travel and how many stops you make.

Common Driving Routes From Atlanta to Los Angeles

A very common cross-country route from Atlanta involves:

  1. I-20 West from Atlanta through:
    • Alabama
    • Mississippi
    • Louisiana
    • Into Texas
  2. Connecting to I-10 West in Texas, continuing through:
    • New Mexico
    • Arizona
    • California (into the greater Los Angeles area)

You can also mix in other interstates depending on stop preferences (for example, dipping north or south for certain cities or attractions), but the overall mileage stays in the same general range.

Things Atlanta Drivers Should Plan For

  • Overnight stops:
    It’s not safe or realistic to attempt this in one push. Plan hotel nights in major cities along I-20/I-10, such as:
    • Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
    • El Paso, TX
    • Tucson, AZ
  • Weather and seasons:
    • Summers in west Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona can be extremely hot.
    • Winter can bring occasional snow/ice in some higher elevations.
  • Vehicle prep:
    Before leaving Atlanta, many travelers choose to get:
    • An oil change
    • Tire check (including spare)
    • Brake and fluid inspection

If your car needs inspection or prep before a cross-country drive, you can use one of the many auto service centers around metro Atlanta (in areas like Decatur, Sandy Springs, Marietta, or College Park) or near the interstate corridors like I-20 and I-285.

Bus and Train Options From Atlanta to Los Angeles

You can also travel between Atlanta and Los Angeles by bus or train, but it’s significantly longer than flying and requires more planning.

Bus Travel From Atlanta to Los Angeles

  • Travel distance: Similar to driving, around 2,100–2,300 miles.
  • Travel time: Often 2–3 days one way, depending on:
    • Number of stops
    • Transfers
    • Layover times in other cities

Departure points in Atlanta are typically near the downtown or midtown area, depending on the bus operator.

What to expect:

  • Multiple stops and crew changes along the way.
  • Long stretches on the road, so bring snacks, entertainment, and a travel pillow.
  • Potential for delayed arrival if traffic or weather issues occur along the route.

This option may appeal if:

  • You do not want to fly.
  • You prefer not to drive yourself.
  • You are comfortable with a multi-day road journey.

Train Travel (Amtrak) From Atlanta to Los Angeles

There is no single direct train line from Atlanta to Los Angeles. Instead, train travel usually involves:

  • Departing from the Amtrak station in Atlanta:
    • Atlanta Peachtree Station
      1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Making at least one transfer in another major city (for example, New Orleans, Chicago, or another hub), depending on the specific route.
  • Continuing on a long-distance train that heads toward Los Angeles.

Total travel time is commonly:

  • 2–3 days or more, depending on schedules and connections.

Train travel can be a more scenic, slower option if you enjoy the journey as part of the experience, but it is not time-efficient compared with flying from ATL.

Time Zone Differences and Jet Lag

When you go from Atlanta to Los Angeles, you’re crossing time zones:

  • Atlanta (Georgia): Eastern Time (ET)
  • Los Angeles (California): Pacific Time (PT)

Los Angeles is 3 hours behind Atlanta.

Example:

  • If it’s 3:00 PM in Atlanta, it’s 12:00 PM (noon) in Los Angeles.

This matters when:

  • Booking flights and planning arrival/pickups.
  • Scheduling meetings, events, or check-in times.
  • Adjusting your sleep schedule if you’re sensitive to time changes.

Many Atlanta travelers find:

  • Going west (to LA): feels easier because the day is effectively longer.
  • Coming back east (to Atlanta): can feel more tiring, as you “lose” 3 hours.

Estimating Total Door-to-Door Travel Time From Atlanta to Los Angeles

If you’re trying to plan your day in Atlanta before leaving, here’s a rough, door-to-door estimate for each mode.

Flying (Typical Nonstop Trip)

From your home/hotel in Atlanta to your lodging in Los Angeles:

  1. Travel to ATL: 30–60 minutes (more in heavy traffic or from outer suburbs)
  2. Check-in + security: 1–2 hours for domestic flights
  3. Flight time: 4.5–5 hours
  4. Deplaning + baggage claim: ~30–45 minutes
  5. Travel to your destination in LA: 30–90 minutes (depending on traffic and location)

Total estimated time: About 7–10 hours door-to-door.

Driving

  1. Leaving your home in Atlanta and getting onto the interstate: ~30 minutes
  2. Interstate drive: 31–34 hours of drive time
  3. Fuel, food, rest breaks: Add several hours total
  4. Overnight stops: Add 1–3 nights, depending on your pace

Total estimated time: From about 2.5 to 4+ days door-to-door.

Bus or Train

  • Expect multi-day journeys with:
    • Connection stops
    • Meal breaks
    • Potential layovers in other cities

Total estimated time: Often 2–3 days or more, depending on specific routes and schedules.

Quick Recap for Atlanta Travelers

To put it simply:

  • How far is Los Angeles from Atlanta by plane?
    Around 1,930–1,950 miles, usually 4.5–5 hours of flight time from ATL to LAX (plus airport time).

  • How far is Los Angeles from Atlanta by car?
    About 2,150–2,300 road miles, usually 31–34 hours of driving, typically split into multiple days.

  • What’s the fastest way to get there from Atlanta?
    A nonstop flight from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is by far the quickest and most practical for most people.

If you’re in Atlanta and deciding how to get to Los Angeles, think about how much time you have, your budget, and whether you want a quick trip or a longer, road-trip-style journey. That will help you choose between flying, driving, bus, or train for the 2,000-mile-plus trek from Atlanta to LA.