How Far Is Philly From Atlanta? Your Guide From Atlanta to Philadelphia

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and thinking about a trip to Philadelphia (Philly), the first thing you probably want to know is: how far is it, really? And what’s the easiest way to get there from Atlanta?

This guide breaks down distance, travel time, and your main transportation options so you can plan a smooth trip from Atlanta to Philly.

How Far Is Philadelphia From Atlanta?

In simple terms:

• By road: About 780–800 miles (Atlanta city center to central Philadelphia)
• By air (direct flight distance): About 665 miles in a straight line

Because roads rarely follow a perfect straight line, the driving distance is longer than the flight distance.

Atlanta to Philly: Quick Travel Comparison

Here’s a simple overview of what to expect from each major travel option starting in Atlanta:

Time ranges can shift with weather, traffic, and schedules, so it’s smart to check current conditions when you book or depart.

Flying From Atlanta to Philadelphia

If you want the fastest and most convenient way from Atlanta to Philly, flying is usually the top choice.

Distance and Flight Time

• Air distance: Around 665 miles
• Direct flight time: Typically about 2 hours in the air
• Door-to-door time: Plan on 4–6 hours total, including:
  • Getting to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Security and boarding
  • Taxiing and any minor delays
  • Getting from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) into the city

Airports You’ll Use

In Atlanta:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Location: South of downtown, off I-85
  • MARTA access: Airport Station on the Red and Gold lines, directly connected to the terminal
  • Well-known for frequent domestic flights and multiple daily options to major East Coast cities

In Philadelphia:

• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
  • Location: Southwest of downtown Philadelphia
  • Airport train: SEPTA Airport Line connects PHL to Center City Philadelphia

From Central Atlanta (Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead), many travelers use:

• MARTA train to the Airport Station (often the most predictable in traffic)
• Rideshare or taxi, especially with luggage or off-peak hours

When Flying Makes the Most Sense

Flying is usually your best bet if:

• You want to maximize time in Philadelphia
• You’re taking a short weekend trip from Atlanta
• You’re connecting to international flights out of Philly
• You’re traveling in winter, when long road trips could be affected by weather between Georgia and Pennsylvania

Driving From Atlanta to Philadelphia

If you prefer a road trip or need flexibility with luggage and timing, driving from Atlanta to Philly is absolutely doable in a long day.

Driving Distance and Route

• Driving distance: Around 780–800 miles, depending on your exact start and end points
• Typical drive time:11–13 hours without long stops

Many drivers from Atlanta take some variation of this general route:

1. Leave Atlanta heading north on I-85
2. Continue through South Carolina and North Carolina
3. Connect toward Virginia (often via I-77/I-81 or I-95, depending on route preference)
4. Continue north through Maryland and Delaware
5. Head into Pennsylvania toward Philadelphia

Navigation apps will give you the best real-time routing based on traffic and construction.

What Atlanta Drivers Should Plan For

Here are a few Atlanta-specific planning tips:

• Traffic leaving Atlanta:

  • Morning and afternoon rush around the Downtown Connector (I-75/85) can slow you down.
  • If possible, plan to leave early in the morning (before 6 a.m.) or later in the evening.

• Weather changes along the way:

  • You’ll travel from Georgia through states that can see colder, snowier conditions in fall and winter, especially in Virginia and Pennsylvania.
  • Check weather conditions along your route if you’re leaving Atlanta during colder months.

• Overnight stops:

  • If 11–13 hours of driving in one day feels too long, many travelers break the trip in Virginia or North Carolina, choosing a hotel just off the interstate.

When Driving Makes Sense

Driving from Atlanta to Philly can be a good option if:

• You want to stop and sightsee along the East Coast
• You’re traveling with kids, pets, or a lot of luggage
• You’re moving between cities and carrying personal items that are hard to fly with
• You prefer not to deal with airport security lines or parking at ATL

Taking a Bus From Atlanta to Philadelphia

Long-distance bus service can be a budget-friendly way to get from Atlanta to Philadelphia, though it will take longer than flying or driving yourself.

What to Expect

• Distance: Similar to driving (roughly 780–800 miles)
• Travel time: Often 14–18 hours or more, depending on:
  • Number of stops
  • Whether you need to transfer in another city
  • Time of day and traffic patterns

Where You’ll Leave From in Atlanta

Long-distance buses typically depart from central locations in or near Downtown Atlanta. These can include bus stations or curbside pickup areas accessible via:

• MARTA rail (from Peachtree Center, Five Points, or nearby stations)
• Local buses or rideshare

Because exact pickup and drop-off points can change, it’s important to:

• Double-check the departure address on your booking
• Arrive early, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the station area

Who the Bus Option Suits Best

A bus from Atlanta to Philadelphia may be a good fit if:

• You’re trying to save money and don’t mind a longer ride
• You’re comfortable traveling overnight
• You’d rather not drive and want to avoid airline baggage rules

Traveling by Train From Atlanta to Philadelphia

There is no single, high-speed direct train linking Atlanta and Philadelphia the way you might see in the Northeast. However, it is still possible to travel by Amtrak with connections.

General Train Experience

• Distance: Similar to the driving route
• Travel time: Commonly 15–20+ hours, depending on:
  • Train schedules
  • Route chosen
  • Layover times where you switch trains

From an Atlanta perspective, the Amtrak station is:

• Atlanta Peachtree Station
  • Location: 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
  • In Midtown/North Atlanta area
  • Accessible via local bus, rideshare, or a short taxi from MARTA rail stations

You would typically:

1. Depart Atlanta heading north on a long-distance route
2. Change trains in a major hub (often in the Mid-Atlantic region)
3. Continue into Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station

When Train Travel Might Appeal

Although it’s slower, some travelers from Atlanta like the train for:

• A more relaxed experience without driving
• The ability to walk around, read, or work en route
• Enjoying scenery along the East Coast

For most Atlantans, though, the train is more of a specialty option rather than an everyday choice for this route.

Choosing the Best Way From Atlanta to Philly

Here’s a quick way to decide, based on your situation in Atlanta:

• You want to get there as fast as possible:
  → Fly ATL to PHL

• You like road trips and want flexibility:
  → Drive from Atlanta and plan for 11–13 hours on the road

• You’re prioritizing cost and don’t mind a long ride:
  → Consider a long-distance bus

• You value comfort and a slower, scenic route:
  → Look into Amtrak options from Atlanta Peachtree Station with connections

No matter which option you choose, the distance between Atlanta and Philadelphia—around 665 miles by air and roughly 780–800 miles by road—puts the trip well within reach for a weekend getaway, a family visit, or a longer stay starting from right here in Atlanta.