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

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and wondering, “How far is Philadelphia from Atlanta, really?”, the answer depends on how you plan to travel—by plane, car, bus, or train.

Below is a clear breakdown of distance, travel times, and your main options for getting from Atlanta, Georgia to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Basics: Distance From Atlanta to Philadelphia

In simple terms:

• Straight-line distance (as the crow flies): about 665 miles
• Driving distance: roughly 770–800 miles depending on your route

Most routes connect Atlanta, GA to Philadelphia, PA via major interstates along the East Coast.

Driving From Atlanta to Philadelphia

Driving is a realistic option if you’re comfortable with a full day on the road or want flexibility for stops along the way.

Driving Distance & Time

• Approximate driving distance: 770–800 miles
• Typical drive time:12–13 hours of road time without long stops
• Common route:
  • Start in Downtown Atlanta
  • Take I-85 North toward Greenville/Charlotte
  • Connect to I-77 or continue on I-85, then I-95 north toward Philadelphia

Expect more time if:

• You’re driving during rush hour leaving Atlanta or entering Philadelphia
• You stop frequently for meals, gas, or sightseeing
• Weather or construction slows traffic

Is It Reasonable as a One-Day Drive?

For many Atlanta drivers, this is a long but doable single-day trip, especially with two drivers sharing the wheel. With one driver, some people choose to break it into two days and stay overnight in a mid-point city such as:

• Charlotte, NC
• Greensboro, NC
• Richmond, VA

Key Tips for Atlanta Drivers 🚗

• Leaving Atlanta:
  • Morning departures from Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead can run into I-75/I-85 congestion.
  • If possible, leave before 7 a.m. or after 9:30 a.m. to avoid heavy rush-hour traffic on the Downtown Connector.
• Rental cars in Atlanta:
  • Major rental counters are at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and in city hubs like Buckhead and Midtown.
• Tolls:
  • Expect some toll segments, especially as you move closer to the Northeast. Having a credit/debit card or toll app handy can help.

Flying From Atlanta to Philadelphia

For most people in or near Atlanta, flying is the fastest and easiest way to get to Philadelphia.

Flight Distance & Time

• Flight distance: about 665 miles
• Nonstop flight time: usually around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours

From Atlanta, flights leave from:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Located just south of downtown
• Accessible via MARTA (Airport Station on the Red/Gold lines), rideshare, taxis, or parking lots

You’ll typically fly into:

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

• Located southwest of Center City Philadelphia

Airlines & Frequency

Atlanta is a major aviation hub, so you can usually find:

• Multiple nonstop flights daily between ATL and PHL
• Additional one-stop options connecting through other cities

Even with airport time for check-in, security, and boarding, flying often takes 4–6 hours total door-to-door from most Atlanta neighborhoods to central Philadelphia, which is much faster than driving.

Getting to ATL From Around Atlanta ✈️

• MARTA:
  • Take Red or Gold line directly to Airport Station inside the terminal.
• Driving and parking:
  • Airport lots and off-site park-and-ride options near ATL are widely used by Atlanta residents for trips like this.
• Rideshare/taxi:
  • Common departing from areas such as Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and Decatur.

Bus Travel From Atlanta to Philadelphia

If you’re trying to keep costs down and don’t mind a long, seated ride, long-distance buses are another option.

Distance & Duration by Bus

• Route distance: similar to driving distance (around 770–800 miles)
• Typical travel time: about 15–20 hours, depending on route and stops
• Some routes may include transfers in cities like Charlotte, Richmond, or Washington, D.C.

Where Buses Usually Depart in Atlanta

Long-distance buses generally leave from central points in or near Downtown Atlanta, such as:

• Bus terminals or designated curbside pickup locations close to major streets and MARTA stations

Atlanta residents often:

• Take MARTA to downtown and walk to the bus stop/terminal
• Use rideshare for early morning or late-night departures

For a trip this long, be prepared with:

• Comfortable clothing
• Snacks and water
• A phone charger and entertainment
• Awareness of late-night stops and layovers

Train Travel From Atlanta to Philadelphia

There is no single direct, high-speed train connecting Atlanta to Philadelphia, but there are train options using the national rail network.

General Route Pattern

Most rail trips from Atlanta to Philadelphia involve:

1. Departing Atlanta’s train station, then
2. Connecting through a major hub (often Washington, D.C. or New York City), then
3. Continuing north to Philadelphia

Time & Distance by Train

• Route distance: longer than a straight drive, since the train follows specific corridors
• Travel time: commonly 15–20+ hours, depending on schedule and connections

Atlanta’s Passenger Rail Station

Peachtree Station (Atlanta Amtrak Station)

• Located in the Brookwood area between Midtown and Buckhead
• Accessible via short drive, rideshare, or bus from areas like Midtown, Buckhead, and Downtown

For Atlanta residents, train travel to Philadelphia is usually chosen by those who:

• Prefer to avoid flying
• Enjoy scenic travel and a more relaxed pace
• Are comfortable with an overnight or full-day journey

Side-by-Side Comparison: Atlanta to Philadelphia Travel Options

Below is a simple summary to help you compare your choices when traveling from Atlanta to Philadelphia:

*Times are general ranges and can vary with traffic, weather, route, and schedule.

What Atlanta Travelers Should Consider Before Choosing

When deciding how to get from Atlanta to Philadelphia, think about:

1. Time vs. Cost

• If time matters most, flying from ATL is usually your best option.
• If budget matters more, long-distance bus or train travel can be more affordable but significantly slower.
• Driving can be cost-effective if you’re traveling with family or a group, especially if you split fuel and parking.

2. Your Starting Point in Atlanta

Where you are in the metro area makes a difference:

• Close to ATL Airport (College Park, Hapeville, East Point):
  • Flying is especially convenient; short ride to the terminal.
• Intown neighborhoods (Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Grant Park):
  • Easy access to MARTA, rideshare, or direct drives to both ATL and Peachtree Station.
• Northern suburbs (Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell, Alpharetta, Marietta):
  • Driving north toward Philadelphia can feel more straightforward, since you’re already on the northern side of the region.
  • For flights, allow extra time to reach ATL, especially during rush hour on GA-400 or I-285.

3. Comfort and Travel Style

• Prefer minimal hassle?
  • Nonstop flights between ATL and PHL reduce transfers and complexity.
• Enjoy road trips?
  • Driving lets you combine Philadelphia with stops in cities along the way.
• Want to avoid flying?
  • Trains and buses depart from central Atlanta locations and avoid airport processes.

Quick Answer: How Far Is Philadelphia From Atlanta?

• By air: About 665 miles, with flight times around 2 hours.
• By road: Roughly 770–800 miles, usually 12–13 hours of driving.

From an Atlanta perspective, Philadelphia is far enough to feel like a full trip, but close enough that you can get there in half a day by plane or a full day by car. Understanding these distances and times can help you choose the travel option that fits your schedule, budget, and comfort level.