How Far Is Seattle from Atlanta? A Practical Guide for Atlanta Travelers

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and thinking about a trip to the Pacific Northwest, one of the first things you’ll want to know is: how far is Seattle from Atlanta, really—and what does that mean for your travel plans?

Here’s a clear breakdown of distance, travel times, routes, and practical tips specifically for travelers starting in or near Atlanta.

How Far Is Seattle from Atlanta?

Straight-line distance (as the plane flies)

• Approximate distance:2,180–2,200 miles
• This is the great-circle distance between Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

This is the number airlines use to estimate flight distance, not driving.

How Long Is a Flight from Atlanta to Seattle?

Typical non-stop flight time

From ATL to SEA:

• Non-stop flight time: about 5 to 5.5 hours in the air
• Gate-to-gate time (including taxiing): often 5.5 to 6 hours

You’ll find multiple non-stop options daily, especially from major carriers that operate big hubs at ATL.

One-stop flights

If you take a connecting flight instead of non-stop:

• Total travel time often ranges from 7 to 10 hours, depending on:
  • Where you connect (common connections include Denver, Dallas, Chicago, or Los Angeles)
  • Layover length
  • Time of day and weather conditions

Time zone difference

• Atlanta (Georgia): Eastern Time (ET)
• Seattle (Washington): Pacific Time (PT)
• Seattle is 3 hours behind Atlanta.

So if you leave Atlanta at 10:00 a.m., a non-stop flight might land in Seattle around 12:00–1:00 p.m. local time, even though you’ve been traveling for roughly 5–6 hours.

Driving Distance from Atlanta to Seattle

If you’re considering a long road trip from Atlanta:

• Approximate driving distance:2,600–2,700 miles
• Typical driving time (wheels moving): around 38–42 hours of actual drive time

You cannot realistically do this safely in one shot. Most Atlanta drivers spread this trip over 5–7 days, depending on how many hours they want to drive each day.

Common driving routes from Atlanta

Most GPS apps will suggest a version of one of these interstate-heavy routes:

1. Northern route (more midwestern states)

   • Start on I-75 North out of Atlanta
   • Connect to I-24 (through Tennessee)
   • Head toward I-64 / I-70 / I-80 combinations through Kentucky, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho
   • Then to I-84 and into I-90 toward Seattle

2. Central route (through the Plains and Rockies)

   • I-75 North to connect with I-24 / I-57 / I-70
   • Then I-70 west through Missouri and Kansas
   • Continue on I-70 / I-76 / I-80, then I-84 and I-82 / I-90 into Seattle

Exact roads can vary, but in all cases you’ll cross multiple states, pass through major elevation changes, and encounter very different weather than you see in Atlanta.

What Atlanta drivers should know

• 🕒 Travel days: Plan at least 5 days one-way if you prefer 7–9 hours of daily driving.
• ❄️ Season matters: Winter can bring snow and ice in the Rockies and northern states—even when Atlanta is mild.
• ⛽ Fuel & lodging: Expect multiple gas stops and overnight stays; map out hotels or motels in advance.
• 🚗 Car prep: Many Atlanta drivers are used to local or regional trips. For this distance, it’s wise to:
  • Get a full vehicle check (tires, brakes, fluids) before leaving.
  • Carry an emergency kit (blanket, water, basic tools, phone charger).

Flying vs. Driving from Atlanta to Seattle

Here’s a quick comparison tailored to someone based in Atlanta:

For most Atlanta residents or visitors, flying is by far the most practical way to get to Seattle.

Key Atlanta Locations for Starting Your Trip

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

If you’re flying to Seattle:

• Location: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Serves as the primary departure point for flights from Atlanta to Seattle.
• Offers:
  • Multiple daily flights to Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
  • MARTA access (via Airport Station on the Red and Gold lines)
  • On-site parking and rental car facilities

From Downtown Atlanta, ATL is usually a 15–25 minute drive in light traffic, though rush hour can be longer.

How to Get from Atlanta to the Airport for a Flight to Seattle

If you’re in the Atlanta metro area, you have several options for getting to ATL to catch your Seattle flight:

MARTA

• Airport Station is directly inside the domestic terminal.
• From:
  • Downtown/Midtown: Take the Red or Gold line south.
  • Buckhead/Sandy Springs/Dunwoody: Use the Red line and stay on until the Airport.

This is often the most predictable option in heavy traffic.

Driving and parking

You can drive from anywhere in the Atlanta region and park at:

• ATL long-term parking lots
• Off-airport private lots around the airport
• Check current parking info before you go; lots near ATL can fill during busy seasons.

Rideshare or taxi

Services operating around Atlanta commonly provide trips to ATL. This is often simpler if:

• You live inside the Perimeter (I-285)
• You don’t want to leave a car at the airport for an extended Seattle stay

Train or Bus from Atlanta to Seattle

Amtrak from Atlanta

Atlanta’s main Amtrak stop:

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

There is no single direct Amtrak train from Atlanta to Seattle. If you wanted to go by train, you would need to:

• Take one or more connecting routes (often requiring a transfer in cities like New Orleans, Chicago, or Washington, D.C.), and
• Then continue on a long-distance western route towards Seattle.

This kind of trip can take several days and is more of a slow, scenic journey than a practical transportation option.

Long-distance bus from Atlanta

Long-distance bus services do operate from Atlanta, but:

• There is no simple direct bus from Atlanta to Seattle.
• Trips usually involve multiple transfers and can take several days.

For most Atlanta travelers, bus or train only makes sense if:

• You’re specifically interested in a slow, scenic route, or
• You’re combining multiple stops and aren’t in a hurry.

How the Distance Affects Your Trip Planning from Atlanta

1. Budget

Because Seattle is cross-country from Atlanta, you’ll want to think about:

• Flights: Prices can vary by season. Flexibility in dates and times often helps.
• Lodging in Seattle: Factor in local hotel or rental costs on top of airfare.
• Ground transport in Seattle: If you’re used to Atlanta driving, be aware that Seattle:
  • Has hilly terrain
  • Offers a mix of transit, rideshare, and walkable neighborhoods

2. Time off work or school

For many people in Atlanta:

• Flying: Plan at least one full day for travel each way.
• Driving or train: Expect to use most of a week or more just on transportation if you’re going round-trip.

3. Jet lag and time shift

Going from Eastern Time (Atlanta) to Pacific Time (Seattle) means:

• You gain 3 hours traveling west.
• You lose 3 hours coming back east.
• Many Atlanta travelers feel more tired on the return trip, because it can feel later than the local time suggests.

Planning an easy first and last day can help.

Quick FAQ for Atlanta-to-Seattle Travel

How many hours is a flight from Atlanta to Seattle?
Typically 5–6 hours non-stop, longer with connections.

How many miles is it from Atlanta to Seattle by air?
About 2,180–2,200 miles.

How many miles is it driving from Atlanta to Seattle?
Roughly 2,600–2,700 miles, depending on your route.

Is there a direct train from Atlanta to Seattle?
No. You would need multiple connections and several days of travel.

What’s the best way to get from Atlanta to Seattle?
For most people in or visiting Atlanta, the fastest and most convenient option is a non-stop flight from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

From an Atlanta perspective, Seattle is far enough to feel like a completely different corner of the country, but close enough by air that you can leave ATL in the morning and be looking at Puget Sound the same afternoon. Understanding the distances and travel times helps you choose whether to fly, drive, or turn it into a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country adventure.