How Far Is Orlando, Florida From Atlanta? Your Practical Distance & Travel Guide

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Orlando, Florida—whether for theme parks, a long weekend, or visiting family—it helps to know exactly how far it is, how long it takes, and the best ways to get there.

This guide breaks it down from an Atlanta local’s perspective, including driving, flying, and bus/train options, plus realistic travel times and tips.

The Short Answer: Distance From Atlanta to Orlando

From downtown Atlanta (near Five Points) to downtown Orlando, the distance is:

• By road (driving): About 440–460 miles
• By air (nonstop flight): About 400–410 miles (flight distance)

In everyday terms:
➡️ Driving usually takes 6.5–7.5 hours in normal conditions
➡️ Flights are about 1.5 hours in the air, plus airport time

Driving From Atlanta to Orlando

For many people in metro Atlanta, driving is the most flexible and budget-friendly way to get to Orlando.

Main Driving Route

The most common route is:

1. Start on I-75 South from Atlanta
2. Continue through Macon and Valdosta
3. Cross into Florida and merge onto I-10 East briefly
4. Take I-75 South to the Florida Turnpike
5. Take the Florida Turnpike toward Orlando

Depending on your exact starting point in Atlanta (Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, or the suburbs), GPS may slightly adjust the route, but I-75 South is the core path.

How Long Is the Drive?

Under typical conditions:

• Atlanta to Orlando driving time:
  6.5–7.5 hours of wheel time
• With food, gas, and bathroom breaks:
  7–8 hours total is realistic for most Atlanta drivers

Rush hour can affect how quickly you get out of Atlanta. Leaving from areas like Downtown, Midtown, or Sandy Springs during weekday rush hours can easily add 30–60 minutes before you even clear the metro area.

Distance by Car

• Miles: Usually 440–460 miles depending on your exact start and end points
  • Example: Downtown Atlanta to Orlando International Drive tourist area falls within this range.

Pros and Cons of Driving From Atlanta

Advantages:

• 🧳 More luggage freedom (especially useful for kids, strollers, or theme park gear)
• 🚗 Own car in Orlando, useful for parks, outlets, and exploring nearby areas
• ⏱️ Flexible schedule—leave early, late, or split the trip across days

Drawbacks:

• Long sit time for young kids or anyone who tires easily
• Weather and traffic (especially on I-75 through central Georgia and north Florida) can cause delays
• Tolls on the Florida Turnpike near Orlando

If you leave from Atlanta neighborhoods like East Atlanta, West End, or Buckhead, give yourself extra time to reach I-75 South, especially during peak traffic.

Flying From Atlanta to Orlando

If you’re looking to minimize travel time, flying from Atlanta to Orlando is often the fastest option.

Flight Distance and Time

• Flight distance (ATL to MCO): About 400–410 miles
• Nonstop flight time: Typically 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes in the air

However, from an Atlanta traveler’s perspective, don’t forget:

• Check-in/security at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):
  Plan 1.5–2 hours before departure for most domestic flights
• Deplaning, baggage claim, and getting to your Orlando destination:
  Often 30–60 minutes, depending on ground transportation and hotel location

From door to door, most Atlanta–Orlando trips by plane end up taking:

• Around 3.5–5 hours total, including airport time

Atlanta and Orlando Airports to Know

In Atlanta:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Major hub with frequent daily flights to Orlando

In Orlando:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO) – main airport for most travelers
• Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) – used by some low-cost carriers

When you search flights from Atlanta, most options will be ATL → MCO.

Pros and Cons of Flying From Atlanta

Advantages:

• ✈️ Fastest travel time between the cities
• No long highway driving or fatigue
• Frequent daily flights from ATL, especially useful for quick weekend trips

Drawbacks:

• Airport security lines at ATL can be long during busy times
• You may need rental cars or shuttle services once in Orlando
• Costs can vary significantly around holidays and school breaks in Atlanta

For many Atlanta residents, flying makes sense if you:

• Have a short trip (2–3 days)
• Are traveling solo or as a couple
• Want to avoid driving at night or long-distance driving altogether

Quick Comparison: Driving vs. Flying From Atlanta to Orlando

Here’s a simple side-by-side look for an Atlanta traveler:

Bus and Train Options From Atlanta to Orlando

If you don’t want to drive yourself and prefer not to fly, there are usually bus and train-based options that connect Atlanta and Orlando, though they take longer.

Intercity Bus From Atlanta to Orlando

Long-distance bus companies often operate routes between the two cities, typically departing from locations in or near:

• Downtown Atlanta or
• The Hartsfield–Jackson vicinity

Travel time by bus is usually longer than driving yourself, often:

• 8–10+ hours, depending on route, stops, and traffic

This can appeal to travelers who:

• Don’t want to drive
• Want a more budget-friendly option than last-minute airfare
• Are comfortable with longer travel times

If you’re leaving from neighborhoods like College Park, Downtown, or the Westside, bus departure points can be fairly accessible by MARTA or rideshare.

Train Travel (Amtrak) Between Atlanta and Orlando

Atlanta is served by:

• Peachtree Station (Amtrak)
  • Address: 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

From there, it may be possible to travel to Orlando with train routes that connect through other cities, but:

• Trips often require overnight travel or transfers
• Total travel time is significantly longer than flying or driving

This can be a scenic option for those who prioritize comfort and don’t mind a longer journey, but it’s not usually the fastest way for an Atlanta-based traveler to get to Orlando.

How Far Is Orlando From Different Parts of Metro Atlanta?

Because metro Atlanta is spread out, your total distance and drive time can vary depending on where you start:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta to Orlando:
  • ~440–460 miles, about 7 hours of drive time
• Northern suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Alpharetta, Roswell):
  • Add ~15–30 minutes more drive time to get to I-75 or I-85
• Southern suburbs (e.g., Jonesboro, McDonough, Stockbridge):
  • You’re a bit closer to I-75 South; may save ~15–20 minutes compared with leaving from Midtown

For frequent travelers between Atlanta and Orlando, it’s common to:

• Leave early in the morning (5–7 a.m.) from Atlanta to avoid heavy metro traffic
• Plan major stops (meals, gas, bathrooms) around predictable breaks along I-75 in Georgia and north Florida

What Atlanta Travelers Should Consider Before Choosing a Mode

When deciding how to get from Atlanta to Orlando, ask:

1. How many days do you have?

   • For short trips (weekends), flying from ATL may save valuable vacation time.
   • For week-long or longer stays, driving can be more practical and cost-effective.

2. Are you traveling with family or a group?

   • Multiple tickets from ATL to MCO add up quickly.
   • A car loaded with family or friends spreads the cost of gas and tolls.

3. Do you need a car in Orlando?

   • If you’re visiting theme parks, malls, or multiple locations, having your own vehicle from Atlanta can be convenient.
   • If you’re staying mainly at a resort with shuttles, flying and using rideshares or shuttles may be enough.

4. How comfortable are you with long drives?

   • Some Atlanta residents are used to long I-75 road trips to Florida.
   • Others prefer a short flight from Hartsfield–Jackson, especially during hot summer months or school breaks.

Practical Tips for Atlanta-to-Orlando Travel

• Time your departure from Atlanta wisely:
  Avoid leaving during weekday morning (7–9 a.m.) or afternoon (4–7 p.m.) rush hours, especially if you’re near Downtown, Midtown, or the Perimeter.

• Factor in Orlando traffic on arrival:
  Tourist-heavy areas like International Drive, Lake Buena Vista, and roads near major theme parks can be congested at peak hours, much like certain Atlanta corridors.

• Check weather and construction:
  Long stretches of I-75 between Atlanta and the Florida border can be affected by construction or storms, which may extend travel time.

• Plan gas and food stops:
  Many Atlanta drivers break up the trip with stops in Macon, Tifton, or near the Georgia–Florida line.

In summary, Orlando is roughly 440–460 road miles and about 6.5–7.5 hours of driving from Atlanta, or about 400–410 air miles and around 1.5 hours in the air on a nonstop flight. From an Atlanta perspective, both options are realistic for a weekend or longer trip—your ideal choice depends on your schedule, budget, and how you like to travel.