How Far Is Raleigh From Atlanta? Travel Times, Routes, and Tips for Atlanta Travelers

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and thinking about a trip to Raleigh, North Carolina, the distance and travel options are very manageable. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway, a college visit, or a work trip to the Research Triangle, it helps to know exactly how far Raleigh is from Atlanta and the best ways to get there.

How Far Is Raleigh From Atlanta?

In simple terms:

• Driving distance: About 400–430 miles (depending on your exact starting point in metro Atlanta and route)
• Driving time: Typically 6 to 7 hours in normal traffic
• Flight distance (air miles): Around 350 miles
• Flight time (nonstop): About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes in the air

Both cities are in the Eastern Time Zone, so you don’t change time zones when traveling between Atlanta and Raleigh.

Driving From Atlanta to Raleigh

For many people in Atlanta, driving is the most flexible option—especially for family trips, college drop-offs, or when you want your own car in Raleigh.

Main Driving Route

The most common route from Atlanta to Raleigh is:

1. Start in Atlanta (often via the Downtown Connector: I‑75/I‑85)
2. Take I‑85 North out of Atlanta
3. Continue on I‑85 through South Carolina (Greenville, Spartanburg area)
4. Cross into North Carolina on I‑85
5. Near Greensboro, pick up I‑40 East
6. Take I‑40 East directly into Raleigh

This route is mostly interstate, making it straightforward and usually the fastest.

Typical Driving Time From Atlanta

Under average conditions:

• Approximate time:6 to 7 hours
• Longer times are possible during:
  • Morning or evening rush hour leaving Atlanta
  • Congestion around Greenville/Spartanburg or Greensboro
  • Major holiday weekends and peak travel days

Approximate Distances From Common Atlanta Starting Points

*Times assume normal traffic and minimal stops.

Driving Tips for Atlanta Residents

• Plan your departure time:
  Try to leave before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:30 a.m. to avoid the worst of Atlanta rush hour. The Downtown Connector (I‑75/I‑85) and stretches of I‑285 can add 30 minutes or more if you hit peak traffic.

• Fuel and food stops:
  Easy stop areas along I‑85 between Atlanta and Raleigh include:

  • Greenville, SC
  • Spartanburg, SC
  • Charlotte, NC
  • Greensboro, NC

• Weather considerations:
  In winter, watch for rain, fog, or occasional ice in the higher elevations of South Carolina and North Carolina. In summer, heavy downpours can slow traffic along I‑85.

Flying From Atlanta to Raleigh

If you want to save time, flying from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) is often the quickest option.

Flight Distance and Time

• Air distance: About 350 miles
• Nonstop flight time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total door-to-door time from Atlanta (realistically):
  • 3 to 5 hours once you add:
    • Travel to ATL
    • Security screening
    • Boarding, taxiing, and deplaning
    • Travel from RDU to Raleigh proper

Airport Locations

• Atlanta – Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

  • Located just south of downtown Atlanta
  • Accessible by MARTA (Airport Station on the Red/Gold lines) and major highways (I‑75, I‑85)

• Raleigh – Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU)

  • Located between Raleigh and Durham
  • About 15–25 minutes by car from downtown Raleigh in normal traffic

When Flying Makes Sense vs. Driving

Flying from Atlanta to Raleigh usually makes more sense if:

• You want to minimize time on the road
• You’re on a tight schedule (business trips, interviews, events)
• You prefer to avoid long drives or winter driving conditions
• You’re already near ATL or can easily reach it via MARTA

Driving can be better if:

• You’re traveling with family or a group
• You want to save on airfare and checked bags
• You plan to visit multiple cities in North Carolina (Durham, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, etc.)
• You prefer having your own vehicle in Raleigh

Bus and Train Options From Atlanta to Raleigh

If you’d rather not drive or fly, there are usually bus and train options connecting Atlanta and Raleigh, though they may be slower than driving.

Bus Travel

Several long-distance bus companies commonly offer service between Atlanta and Raleigh, often with a transfer in another city (such as Charlotte or Greensboro).

• Approximate travel time: Often 8 to 11 hours, depending on route and stops
• Departure points in Atlanta:
  Typically from bus stations or curbside locations near central city areas, sometimes near Downtown or the Midtown corridor.

Bus travel can be useful if:

• You’re traveling on a budget
• You don’t want to drive or fly
• You’re comfortable with a longer travel day and possible layovers

Train Travel (Amtrak)

Amtrak service between Atlanta and Raleigh is more limited and may involve:

• Overnight schedules
• Connections in another city
  This can be a scenic option but is usually slower than driving and less frequent than flights.

Train or bus may interest Atlanta travelers who:

• Prefer not to fly
• Want to work, read, or rest during the trip
• Don’t need strict arrival times

How Long Should You Plan for the Trip From Atlanta to Raleigh?

If you’re planning your day, here’s a quick comparison:

🚗 Driving From Atlanta to Raleigh

• Pure drive time: 6–7 hours
• With 1–2 short stops: 7–8 hours door to door
• Good for:
  • Weekend trips
  • Family visits
  • College tours or moving students to schools in the Raleigh–Durham area

✈️ Flying From Atlanta to Raleigh

• In-the-air time: 1–1.5 hours
• Home/Hotel in Atlanta to Hotel in Raleigh: Usually 3–5 hours total
  • 30–60 minutes to reach ATL
  • 1–2 hours early at the airport
  • 1–1.5 hours flight
  • 20–40 minutes from RDU into Raleigh

🚌/🚆 Bus or Train

• Total travel time: Commonly 8–12 hours or more
• Best if:
  • You’re price-sensitive
  • You don’t mind a longer journey
  • You prefer to avoid driving or flying

Planning Your Trip From Atlanta to Raleigh

When you’re deciding how to get from Atlanta to Raleigh, think about:

1. Your schedule

   • Need to be there the same morning? Flying may be the safest bet.
   • Flexible arrival? Driving can be efficient and cost-effective.

2. Your starting point in Atlanta

   • If you’re close to Hartsfield–Jackson or on the MARTA Red/Gold line, flying is more convenient.
   • If you’re in the suburbs with easy interstate access (like areas near I‑75, I‑85, or I‑20), driving may be straightforward.

3. Budget

   • Factor in gas, tolls (if any), parking, and food stops for driving.
   • For flying, consider airfare, baggage, airport parking or rideshare, and transport in Raleigh.

4. Comfort and preferences

   • Enjoy road trips and control over stops? Drive.
   • Prefer speed and less time on the road? Fly.
   • Want to sit back and not handle the wheel? Consider a bus or train, if schedules fit.

Quick Answer for Atlanta Travelers

• Raleigh is about 400–430 miles from Atlanta by car.
• You can usually drive it in 6–7 hours.
• A nonstop flight from Atlanta (ATL) to Raleigh–Durham (RDU) takes about 1 to 1.5 hours in the air, with 3–5 hours total travel time door to door.
• Bus and train options exist but typically take longer than driving.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, Raleigh is close enough for a long day trip, a weekend getaway, or a short business visit—with multiple travel options to match your schedule and budget.