How Far Is St. Louis From Atlanta? Your Distance & Travel Guide

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to St. Louis, Missouri, the first thing you’ll likely wonder is how far it is and how long it will take to get there. Whether you’re driving, flying, or considering a bus or train, the distance and time can vary a lot depending on your route and mode of travel.

Below is a clear breakdown tailored for travelers starting in Atlanta.

Quick Answer: Distance From Atlanta to St. Louis

The distance from Atlanta, GA to St. Louis, MO depends on how you travel:

These ranges are typical under normal conditions. Traffic, construction, and layovers or transfers can change your actual travel time.

How Far Is St. Louis From Atlanta by Car?

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, driving is the most flexible way to get to St. Louis.

Driving Distance & Time

• Approximate driving distance:470–480 miles
• Typical driving time:Around 7–8 hours of actual road time
• This assumes:
  • Leaving from the Atlanta metro area
  • Normal traffic
  • Minimal stops

If you’re coming from downtown Atlanta, Midtown, or Buckhead, your distance won’t change much—just add a little time to reach the interstate.

Common Driving Routes From Atlanta to St. Louis

The most straightforward route usually involves:

• I-75 North from Atlanta
• Connecting to I-24 West
• Then to I-57 North
• Finally merging onto I-64 West / I-55 North into St. Louis

Drivers often:

• Head up I-75 through Chattanooga
• Then shift onto I-24 across Tennessee
• Connect with I-57 through southern Illinois
• Finish on I-64/I-55 directly into the St. Louis metro area

You can also choose slightly different variations depending on traffic, weather, or preferences for certain cities and rest stops.

What to Expect on the Road From Atlanta

Leaving from Atlanta:

• If you start near Downtown Atlanta or the Georgia State Capitol, you’ll likely:
  • Take local streets or the Downtown Connector (I-75/85) to reach I-75 North.
• Once you clear the denser metro area (like Marietta, Kennesaw, or Woodstock), the drive generally becomes smoother and more rural.

📝 Tip:
Try to avoid rush hour departures from Atlanta (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. on weekdays), especially if you’re starting near the Downtown Connector or Perimeter (I-285). Leaving very early in the morning often leads to a smoother start.

Fuel, Food, and Rest Stops

Along the way from Atlanta, you’ll pass through cities and towns that commonly offer:

• Fuel & convenience stops
• Fast food and sit-down restaurants
• Hotels if you decide to split the trip into two days

Many drivers from Atlanta aim to break near areas like Chattanooga, TN, or further along I-24 if they want a longer first leg.

How Far Is St. Louis From Atlanta by Plane?

For many travelers in Atlanta, flying is the fastest and often easiest option.

Flying Distance & Flight Time

• Air distance (great-circle): Around 480–500 miles
• Typical nonstop flight time: About 1.5–2 hours in the air

From an Atlanta perspective, that’s similar to many popular short-haul routes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

Departing From Atlanta: Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL)

Most flights from Atlanta to St. Louis depart from:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

Key points for Atlanta travelers:

• ATL is located just south of downtown, accessible via:
  • MARTA Red and Gold Lines (Airport Station)
  • I-85, I-75, and the Camp Creek Parkway area
• Drive time from:
  • Downtown Atlanta: Typically 15–25 minutes (traffic-dependent)
  • Buckhead: Often 25–40 minutes
  • Sandy Springs / Perimeter: About 30–45 minutes

Total Travel Time Door-to-Door

While the flight itself is short, plan for:

• Time to get to ATL from your home or hotel in Atlanta
• Check-in and security (often 1–2 hours before departure)
• Deplaning and baggage claim in St. Louis
• Transportation from the St. Louis airport into the city

Door-to-door, many Atlanta travelers experience:

• 4–6 hours total travel time when flying, depending on timing and connections.

Getting From Atlanta to St. Louis by Bus

Bus travel is sometimes chosen by students, budget travelers, or anyone without a car who prefers not to fly.

Bus Distance & Time

• Road distance: Similar to driving—around 470–480 miles
• Travel time: Commonly 9–12 hours or more, depending on:
  • Route taken
  • Number of stops
  • Time of day
  • Possible transfers

Where Buses Typically Depart in Atlanta

Bus services often operate from locations near:

• Downtown Atlanta
• Areas close to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Atlanta travelers typically reach these terminals by:

• MARTA rail or bus
• Rideshare or taxi
• Personal vehicles (where parking is available)

📝 Tip for Atlanta riders:
If you’re using transit to get to a bus terminal, check MARTA routes and schedules in advance, especially for early morning or late-night departures.

Going From Atlanta to St. Louis by Train (Amtrak)

There is no single direct, high-speed passenger rail line from Atlanta to St. Louis, but it is possible to travel by train with one or more connections.

Where You’d Start in Atlanta

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

This station is in Midtown Atlanta, just north of the core business district, and is reachable by:

• Local streets from Midtown, Buckhead, and West Midtown
• MARTA buses or a short rideshare/taxi from nearby MARTA rail stations such as Arts Center or Lindbergh Center

Typical Train Travel Time

Because the route from Atlanta to St. Louis generally requires:

• At least one transfer, and
• Longer-distance lines that don’t run as frequently

You should plan for:

• 12+ hours total travel time
• In some cases, it may be an overnight or multi-day itinerary

This option is more about the journey experience than speed or convenience for most Atlanta-based travelers.

Choosing the Best Way to Travel From Atlanta to St. Louis

From an Atlanta standpoint, your best travel option depends on your priorities.

If You Want the Fastest Trip

• Flying from ATL is usually the quickest overall, especially if:
  • You live close to the airport or along the MARTA Red/Gold Lines
  • You can book a nonstop flight

If You Prefer Flexibility

• Driving lets you:
  • Leave from anywhere in the Atlanta metro (Downtown, Decatur, East Point, Alpharetta, etc.)
  • Stop whenever you want
  • Avoid airport security and baggage handling

Plan for about 7–8 hours on the road, plus breaks.

If You’re on a Tight Budget

• Bus travel can be more cost-conscious, with:
  • Longer travel times (often 9–12+ hours)
  • Simple departure points reachable from Downtown Atlanta or via MARTA

If You Prefer Not to Drive or Fly

• Train travel via Amtrak from Atlanta Peachtree Station is possible but:
  • Typically slower
  • Often requires transfers
  • Best for travelers who value the train experience itself more than speed

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Heading to St. Louis

Here are a few final, Atlanta-specific pointers:

• Plan around Atlanta traffic:
  Leaving earlier in the day or on weekends can cut your drive time out of the metro area. Congestion on I-75/85, I-285, and I-20 can add an hour or more if you hit peak rush hours.

• Use MARTA to reach the airport:
  If you’re staying near Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, using MARTA rail to get to ATL avoids parking costs and can be more predictable than driving in heavy traffic.

• Weather awareness:
  In winter, both north Georgia and sections of Tennessee and Illinois can experience winter weather that affects driving times on the route to St. Louis. In summer, heavy rain and storms can slow traffic leaving Atlanta.

• Consider where you’re starting in metro Atlanta:
  Someone leaving from Alpharetta or Gwinnett County will have a longer drive to both ATL and the interstate corridors than someone in Downtown or East Point, but once on the main route, the overall distance to St. Louis is similar.

In summary, St. Louis is roughly 470–480 miles from Atlanta by road, and about 1.5–2 hours away by plane. For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, you can reasonably think of St. Louis as a full-day drive or a short flight away, with several travel options depending on your time, budget, and comfort preferences.