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

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering how far Missouri is—whether for a road trip, a family visit, or planning a college tour—here’s a clear breakdown of distance, travel times, and best routes from Atlanta to different parts of Missouri.

Understanding “Missouri” From an Atlanta Perspective

Missouri is a whole state, so the distance from Atlanta depends on which city in Missouri you’re heading to. The most common destinations for Atlanta travelers include:

• St. Louis
• Kansas City
• Springfield
• Columbia (University of Missouri)
• Branson

Because Missouri sits to the northwest of Georgia, expect a full day of driving to most major cities, or a short flight from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

Approximate Distance From Atlanta to Major Missouri Cities

The distances below are measured from central Atlanta and based on common driving routes:

*Times are approximate and can change with traffic, weather, and airline schedules.

So, when people ask, “How far is Missouri from Atlanta?” the short answer is:

• About 550–850 miles away, depending on the city.
• About 8–13 hours by car or under 3 hours by air for the main hubs (St. Louis and Kansas City).

Driving From Atlanta to Missouri

For many Atlanta residents, driving is appealing if you’re traveling with family, planning a longer trip, or visiting multiple cities in Missouri.

Common Driving Routes

From Atlanta, you’ll typically head northwest toward Tennessee, then continue into Mississippi or Kentucky before reaching Missouri. A few common patterns:

1. Atlanta to St. Louis

A typical route is:

• I-75 North from Atlanta

• Connect to I-24 West near Chattanooga

• Then I-57 North / I-64 West into St. Louis

• Distance: ~550–575 miles

• Time: Usually 8–9 hours of drive time

This is one of the shortest and most direct Missouri drives from Atlanta.

2. Atlanta to Kansas City

Common routing:

• I-75 North from Atlanta

• I-24 West past Nashville

• Continue onto I-57 North and I-70 West or similar combinations into Kansas City

• Distance: ~800–850 miles

• Time: 11–13 hours, often best split into a two-day drive if you prefer shorter daily stretches

3. Atlanta to Springfield, Columbia, or Branson

These cities are in the middle or southern part of Missouri, so routes often:

• Start the same as St. Louis or Kansas City (I-75 / I-24)

• Then connect via regional highways or interstates (such as US-65 for Springfield/Branson or I-70 for Columbia)

• Distance: Usually 650–750 miles

• Time: 9.5–11.5 hours

Things Atlanta Drivers Should Plan For

• Traffic leaving Atlanta: Congestion on I-75 / Downtown Connector can add time, especially during weekday rush hours and game days near Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena.
• Mountainous areas: As you head toward Chattanooga on I-75 and I-24, expect some mountain grades and curves, especially if you’re unused to mountain driving.
• Weather:
  • Winter: Northern parts of your route (Kentucky, southern Illinois, Missouri) can be prone to snow and ice.
  • Summer: Plan for heat and potential thunderstorms; check your cooling system and tires before a long drive.
• Rest stops and overnight breaks: Common overnight break areas from Atlanta heading toward Missouri include Nashville, TN, Paducah, KY, or southern Illinois, depending on your pace.

Flying From Atlanta to Missouri

If you’re short on time, flying is usually the most efficient option. Atlanta’s airport serves as a large hub with direct and connecting flights to several Missouri cities.

Main Missouri Airports for Atlanta Travelers

From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), common Missouri destinations include:

• St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
• Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
• Regional airports (often with connections), such as:
  • Springfield–Branson National Airport (SGF)
  • Columbia Regional Airport (COU)
  • Branson Airport (BKG)

Typical Flight Times From Atlanta

• Atlanta (ATL) → St. Louis (STL)

  • Nonstop: ~1.5–2 hours in the air
  • Plan for extra time for security, boarding, and ground transport

• Atlanta (ATL) → Kansas City (MCI)

  • Nonstop: ~2–2.5 hours in the air

• Atlanta (ATL) → Springfield / Columbia / Branson

  • Often includes 1 connection, with total travel time usually 3.5–5+ hours, depending on layovers.

Getting To and From ATL in Atlanta

If you’re starting in Atlanta:

• MARTA Rail

  • The Red and Gold lines both go directly to the Airport Station, located inside the Domestic Terminal.
  • Helpful if you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near Peachtree Center.

• Driving and Parking

  • Long-term parking is available at the Domestic and International terminals and nearby private lots.
  • Give yourself extra time during holidays and major Atlanta events to navigate traffic.

Bus and Train Options From Atlanta to Missouri

Long-distance bus and train travel is possible, but it usually takes much longer than flying and can be longer than driving, depending on connections.

Bus Travel

National bus companies sometimes offer routes from Atlanta to major Missouri cities, commonly with transfers in cities like Nashville, Memphis, or St. Louis.

• Pros:

  • You don’t have to drive.
  • Often more budget-friendly than flying, especially booked in advance.

• Cons:

  • Trips can run 15–24+ hours, depending on routing and layovers.
  • Limited control over schedule and seating.

For ticketing or questions, many services operate out of bus facilities in or near Downtown Atlanta. Schedules change frequently, so checking current options before planning is essential.

Train Travel (Amtrak Connections)

Amtrak does not operate a direct line from Atlanta to Missouri, but connection-based trips are possible. A typical pattern involves:

• Departing Atlanta on Amtrak’s Crescent line (which mainly runs along the East Coast).

• Connecting in another city to a route that heads toward St. Louis, Kansas City, or another Missouri station.

• Time: Often well over a full day of travel including layovers.

• Appeal: More for travelers who value the train experience and relaxed pace rather than speed.

Amtrak service for Atlanta usually connects through:

• Atlanta Peachtree Station
  1688 Peachtree St NW
  Atlanta, GA 30309

Choosing the Best Way to Get From Atlanta to Missouri

How you travel from Atlanta to Missouri depends on your priorities: time, budget, comfort, and how many people are with you.

1. Fastest Option 🚀

• Nonstop flight from ATL to St. Louis or Kansas City
  • Best if: You want to leave Atlanta in the morning and be in Missouri by lunchtime or early afternoon.
  • Good for quick business trips, events, or weekend visits.

2. Most Flexible and Scenic Option 🚗

• Driving from Atlanta
  • Best if: You’re traveling with family or friends, want to bring more luggage, or plan to visit multiple Missouri cities.
  • Allows you to explore stops along the way in Tennessee and Kentucky.

3. Budget-Conscious, No-Driving Option 🚌

• Bus travel
  • Best if: You want to avoid driving and prioritize cost over speed and comfort.
  • Works better if you’re flexible with timing and don’t mind late arrivals.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

If you’re based in Atlanta or staying here and planning a trip to Missouri, keep these points in mind:

• Compare travel time door-to-door:
  From an in-town Atlanta neighborhood (like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Westside), flying can be faster even with airport check-in time. From farther suburbs, driving may be more competitive.

• Factor in Atlanta traffic:
  Leaving early in the morning or after evening rush hour can save significant time on I-75 / I-85 / I-285.

• Check weather in Missouri:
  St. Louis and Kansas City can have colder winters and more snow/ice than Atlanta. If you’re driving, prepare your vehicle accordingly.

• Plan your first Missouri stop:
  Once you know whether you’re targeting St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, or Branson, it becomes much easier to pick the right route and mode of travel from Atlanta.

In practical terms, for someone in Atlanta, Georgia, Missouri is a full day’s drive away or a short flight. For St. Louis, you’re looking at around 550–575 miles and roughly 8–9 hours by car, or under 2 hours in the air. For Kansas City and other Missouri cities, the distance grows, but the planning process stays the same: decide where in Missouri you’re going, then pick the route or flight that best fits your schedule, budget, and comfort.