Flying From Atlanta to Miami: Distance, Flight Time, and What to Expect

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Miami, Florida, the flight is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to go. Here’s exactly how far Miami is from Atlanta by plane, how long it usually takes, and what Atlanta travelers should know before heading to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

How Far Is Miami From Atlanta by Plane?

In air-travel terms, Atlanta to Miami is a short-haul domestic route.

• Approximate flight distance (ATL → MIA): about 600–620 miles (around 965–1,000 km)
• Typical non-stop flight time: about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours in the air

This distance is measured as the great-circle distance (the straight-line flight path between the two cities). Actual flight time can vary slightly depending on:

• The exact route your pilot takes
• Weather conditions
• Air traffic around Atlanta and Miami

For most Atlanta travelers, it feels similar in length to flying to South Florida destinations like Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach, just a bit farther than a hop to cities like Charlotte.

Flight Time vs. Door-to-Door Travel Time

While the flight itself is under 2 hours, your total travel time from Atlanta to Miami will usually be longer once you factor in:

• Getting to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Parking or drop-off
• Security screening and boarding time
• Taxiing on the runway in Atlanta and Miami
• Getting from Miami International Airport (MIA) to your final destination (South Beach, Brickell, Downtown, etc.)

A realistic door-to-door estimate from an Atlanta home or hotel to a Miami hotel is often:

• 4 to 6 hours total, depending on:
  • How far you live from ATL
  • How early you arrive before your flight (most travelers plan for 1.5–2 hours before departure)
  • Traffic in both cities

Key Details at a Glance

Which Airports Are Involved?

Departing from Atlanta: ATL

Most flights from Atlanta to Miami depart from:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main airport line: (800) 897-1910

Key points for Atlanta travelers:

• Major hub: ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world, with frequent daily flights to Miami.
• Terminals:
  • Domestic Terminal North and South for most travelers.
  • Concourses are connected by the Plane Train (underground people-mover).
• MARTA access:
  • The Airport Station is at the end of the Red and Gold lines, directly inside the Domestic Terminal.
  • This can be the fastest way to get to ATL from areas like Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead, especially during rush hour.

Arriving in Miami: MIA

Most Atlanta flights land at:

Miami International Airport (MIA)
2100 NW 42nd Ave
Miami, FL 33126

MIA is the main international airport serving the Miami area and is located just west of Downtown Miami.

From MIA you can reach:

• South Beach / Miami Beach – typically 20–35 minutes by car, depending on traffic
• Downtown / Brickell – roughly 15–25 minutes by car
• Public transit – MIA has a Metrorail connection and buses to various Miami neighborhoods

Non-Stop vs. Connecting Flights From Atlanta to Miami

From Atlanta, most travelers prefer non-stop flights to Miami because the route is short and heavily served.

• Non-stop flights:
  • Usually around 1 hour 40 minutes–2 hours flight time
  • Most common choice for people flying from ATL
• Connecting flights:
  • Sometimes available via other cities, but usually not worth it unless the fare is significantly cheaper or non-stops are sold out
  • Can push total flight time to 4+ hours in the air, plus layover time

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, non-stop ATL → MIA is generally the most efficient option.

How Early Should You Get to ATL for a Flight to Miami?

Even though Miami is relatively close by plane, it’s still a standard domestic flight, so normal airport timing applies.

For most Atlanta travelers:

• Aim to arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL):
  • 1.5–2 hours before your scheduled departure time for a non-holiday, domestic flight
  • Consider 2+ hours if:
    • You’re checking bags
    • You’re traveling with kids or a larger group
    • You’re flying during busy periods (early morning, Sunday evenings, major holidays)

Since ATL is large and can be crowded, giving yourself extra time helps with:

• Parking or getting off MARTA
• Navigating security (especially at the Main Security Checkpoint)
• Riding the Plane Train to your departure concourse
• Grabbing food or using restrooms before boarding

How Does Flying Compare to Driving from Atlanta to Miami?

If you’re deciding whether to fly or drive from Atlanta to Miami, the distance and time differences matter.

By Plane (ATL → MIA)

• Flight distance: about 600–620 miles
• Time in the air: roughly 1 hour 40 minutes–2 hours
• Door-to-door time: typically 4–6 hours, depending on:
  • Your location in metro Atlanta
  • Check-in and security time
  • Traffic in Miami

By Car (Atlanta → Miami)

• Driving distance: usually 640–720 miles, depending on your route
• Typical drive time (no long stops): around 9–11 hours
  • Often via I-75 South through Macon, Valdosta, then into Florida

For many Atlanta residents:

• Flying makes sense for weekend trips, business travel, or quick getaways.
• Driving can be appealing if:
  • You want to stop in cities like Macon, Valdosta, Orlando, or other Florida destinations
  • You’re traveling with family or pets and want flexibility
  • You’re budget-conscious and fuel/parking works out cheaper than multiple plane tickets

Time Zone Considerations

Both Atlanta and Miami are in the Eastern Time Zone (ET).

That means:

• Your watch and phone time will usually not change during the trip.
• You won’t deal with jet lag or time adjustments like you might on longer flights.

This is part of why Atlanta-to-Miami trips are popular for short weekend getaways—you land and can go straight into vacation or business mode without adjusting your schedule.

Tips for Atlanta Travelers Flying to Miami

A few practical pointers if you’re starting your trip in Atlanta:

1. Plan Your Route to Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL)

From different parts of Atlanta:

• Downtown / Midtown / Buckhead:
  • MARTA’s Red or Gold line directly to Airport Station is often the easiest, especially during rush hour.
• Suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Alpharetta, Decatur, Fayetteville):
  • Driving and parking at ATL or using a rideshare is most common.
  • Allow extra time for I-75, I-285, or GA-400 traffic.

2. Factor in Security and ATL’s Size

ATL is large, so even after security you still need to:

• Take the Plane Train to your concourse (A, B, C, D, E, F, or T)
• Walk to your gate, which can add several minutes, especially during busy times

📝 Tip: If you’re not familiar with the airport, look up your terminal and concourse ahead of time so you know whether to head to the North or South side of the Domestic Terminal.

3. Think About Your Arrival in Miami

Once you land at MIA:

• Expect some time for taxiing, deplaning, and (if needed) baggage claim.
• Plan how you’ll get from MIA to your hotel or destination:
  • Rideshare/taxi to South Beach, Downtown, Brickell, or Wynwood
  • Metrorail or buses if you prefer public transportation

Total post-flight time—from landing to arriving at a hotel—often ranges from 30–60 minutes, depending on where you’re staying and traffic.

When Does Flying Make the Most Sense for Atlanta–Miami Trips?

Flying from Atlanta to Miami is especially practical if:

• You’re going for a short trip (weekend, quick business meeting, conference)
• You prefer to avoid a long highway drive on I-75
• You value speed and convenience more than having a car in Miami
• You’re already near Hartsfield-Jackson or can get there easily by MARTA

Once you understand that Miami is only about 600+ miles and roughly 2 hours of flight time from Atlanta, it becomes much easier to plan your schedule, airport arrival, and how you’ll get around in both cities.