How Far Is New Orleans From Atlanta? A Practical Guide for Atlanta Travelers

Planning a getaway from Atlanta to New Orleans or trying to understand the distance between the two Southern cities? Whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are mapping out a road trip, it helps to know how far New Orleans is, how long it takes to get there, and the best ways to travel.

This guide breaks it down in clear, Atlanta-focused terms.

Distance From Atlanta to New Orleans at a Glance

Straight-line (air) distance:

  • About 420–470 miles between Atlanta, GA and New Orleans, LA (varies slightly by exact starting and ending points)

Driving distance:

  • Roughly 470 miles via the most common interstate route

Typical travel times:

Mode of TravelApprox. Time From Atlanta to New OrleansNotes
Nonstop flight~1 hour 15 minutes in the airAdd time for airport check-in, security, and ground transport
Driving (car)~7 to 7.5 hoursWithout major stops or heavy traffic
BusAbout 8–10 hoursDepends on route and stops
Train (via Amtrak)Not direct; often overnight + transfersLess common, slower than flying or driving

How Far Is New Orleans by Car From Atlanta?

If you’re starting in Atlanta—whether from Midtown, Buckhead, or the suburbs—the trip to New Orleans is very doable in a day by car.

Driving Distance and Route

  • Approximate driving distance:470 miles
  • Typical drive time:7 to 7.5 hours in reasonable traffic
  • Main route from Atlanta:
    • Take I-85 South from Atlanta
    • Connect to I-65 South near Montgomery, AL
    • Switch to I-10 West toward New Orleans

Most drivers in Atlanta use I-85 out of the city, passing through LaGrange and into Alabama, then making their way down toward Mobile and across to New Orleans.

When Leaving From Different Parts of Metro Atlanta

Travel time can vary depending on where you start:

  • Downtown Atlanta (Five Points / Georgia State area):
    Easiest to get right onto I-85 South. Expect closer to 7 to 7.5 hours.
  • North Atlanta / Buckhead / Sandy Springs:
    Add 15–30 minutes to get through city traffic and onto I-85.
  • Southside (College Park, East Point, Hapeville):
    You may save 10–20 minutes getting to I-85 South.

📝 Tip: If you’re heading out on a Friday from Atlanta, especially before a holiday or big event weekend in New Orleans, plan for extra traffic leaving the city and along major corridors.

Flying From Atlanta to New Orleans

From Atlanta, flying is usually the fastest and simplest way to get to New Orleans, especially for quick trips.

Distance and Flight Time

  • Air distance: About 420–450 miles
  • Nonstop flight time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes in the air

Flights operate between:

  • Atlanta:
    Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • New Orleans:
    Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) in Kenner, LA

Total “Door-to-Door” Time From Atlanta

When you factor in everything, many Atlanta travelers find the total travel time looks like this:

  1. Getting to ATL from around Atlanta: 20–60 minutes, depending on your neighborhood and traffic
  2. Check-in, security, and boarding: 1.5–2 hours (common buffer)
  3. Flight time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
  4. Taxi, rideshare, or shuttle from MSY into New Orleans: 20–35 minutes

In practice, 3.5–5 hours total is a reasonable expectation from your door in Atlanta to your hotel or destination in New Orleans.

Getting to the Airport in Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta and not driving yourself, common options to reach Hartsfield-Jackson include:

  • MARTA rail:
    Many travelers staying in Downtown, Midtown, or near Buckhead take MARTA’s Red or Gold Line directly to the Airport Station, located inside the Domestic Terminal.
  • Rideshare or taxi:
    Widely available throughout Atlanta and the surrounding metro area.
  • Airport parking:
    On-site parking is available at Hartsfield-Jackson, along with numerous off-site private parking lots nearby that run shuttles to the terminals.

Bus Travel From Atlanta to New Orleans

If you prefer not to drive or fly, intercity buses run between Atlanta and New Orleans.

  • Approximate distance covered: Around 470 miles, similar to driving
  • Typical travel time:8–10 hours, depending on route, traffic, and stops

Buses often depart from or near central Atlanta locations. If you plan to take a bus:

  • Expect longer travel times than driving alone or flying
  • Factor in time to check in, board, and handle any transfers
  • Bring snacks, water, and a plan for entertainment during the ride

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, buses are a budget-friendly alternative, especially for one-way trips or when you don’t want to deal with driving or parking in either city.

Is New Orleans a Realistic Road Trip From Atlanta?

Yes. For Atlantans, New Orleans is considered one of the more popular long-weekend road trip destinations.

Typical Atlanta-to-New Orleans Drive Pattern

Many people in Atlanta structure it like this:

  • Day 1:
    Leave Atlanta early in the morning, arrive in New Orleans by mid- to late-afternoon, settle in and enjoy dinner.
  • Trip Duration:
    Stay 2–3 nights to make the drive worthwhile.
  • Return Day:
    Leave New Orleans in the morning or early afternoon, arrive back in Atlanta by evening.

Pros of Driving From Atlanta

  • Flexibility:
    You can leave on your own schedule and make stops in places like Montgomery, Mobile, or scenic spots along I-65 or I-10.
  • Cost-sharing:
    Ideal for groups splitting gas and parking.
  • No airport logistics:
    No need to deal with Atlanta airport security, check-in, or baggage.

Considerations Before You Drive

  • Traffic leaving Atlanta:
    Morning and late afternoon rush hours on weekdays can slow you down, especially on I-75/85 through Downtown and I-285 interchanges.
  • Weather:
    Heavy rain or storms—especially closer to the Gulf Coast—can affect driving conditions.
  • Fatigue:
    A 7+ hour drive each way can be tiring. Consider sharing driving duties if possible.

Comparing Travel Options From Atlanta to New Orleans

Here’s a simple way to think about your options specifically from an Atlanta perspective:

  • Fastest overall:
    Flying from Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) to New Orleans (MSY)
  • Most flexible:
    Driving your own car or a rental from Atlanta
  • Budget-conscious (non-driver):
    Bus travel, with a trade-off in time and comfort

If you live or are staying near a MARTA station in Atlanta, flying becomes especially convenient because you can avoid driving and parking altogether. If you live in outer suburbs with limited transit options, driving might feel simpler and more direct.

How the Distance Feels From an Atlanta Lifestyle Standpoint

From Atlanta, New Orleans is far enough to feel like a true change of scene, but close enough that:

  • A long weekend trip is realistic
  • You can leave Friday morning and return Sunday night or Monday
  • You don’t necessarily have to take a full week off work

For many Atlanta residents, the distance to New Orleans is comparable in effort to driving to some Florida Panhandle beaches or heading up to Nashville—long, but manageable in a day.

Quick Reference: Atlanta to New Orleans Distance & Time

If you’re in Atlanta and wondering “How far is New Orleans?” here’s the essence:

  • Driving distance: About 470 miles, usually 7–7.5 hours
  • Flight distance: Roughly 420–450 miles, about 1 hour 15 minutes in the air
  • Bus travel: Around 8–10 hours
  • Same-day trip possible: Yes, by car or plane, though most people prefer at least 2–3 days in New Orleans

With this in mind, you can choose the option that best fits your schedule, budget, and starting point in the Atlanta area.