How Far Is Virginia Beach From Atlanta? A Practical Guide for Atlanta Travelers

If you’re in Atlanta and craving an East Coast beach trip, Virginia Beach, Virginia is a popular option. It’s not exactly a quick day trip, but it’s very doable as a long weekend or road-trip getaway.

Below is a clear breakdown of how far Virginia Beach is from Atlanta, plus the best ways to get there, typical drive times, and what Atlanta residents and visitors should know before planning the trip.

Distance From Atlanta to Virginia Beach

The distance depends slightly on your exact starting and ending points, but most people mean:

• Starting point: Central Atlanta (Downtown / Midtown, near I-75/I-85)
• Destination: The Virginia Beach oceanfront area

Approximate Distances

• By road (driving distance):
  540–580 miles one way
  (Most common routes fall in this range.)

• By air (straight line / flight distance):
  Around 500–520 miles “as the crow flies”

In everyday terms, Virginia Beach is roughly 8–9 hours away by car from most Atlanta neighborhoods, assuming steady driving with short breaks and typical traffic.

Driving From Atlanta to Virginia Beach

For many Atlanta residents, driving is the most straightforward option, especially for families or groups bringing beach gear.

Main Driving Routes

The two most common routes from Atlanta to Virginia Beach are:

1. I‑20 East → I‑95 North Route (Popular & Simple)

This is one of the most direct and easy-to-follow options:

1. Take I‑20 East from Atlanta
2. Connect to I‑95 North (near Florence, SC)
3. Continue on I‑95 North through South Carolina and North Carolina
4. Near the Virginia border, follow signs toward Norfolk / Virginia Beach using regional highways (often I‑264 or related connectors)

• Typical distance: ~560 miles
• Typical driving time:8.5–9.5 hours
• Pros: Easy-to-follow interstate route, good rest-stop options
• Cons: I‑95 can get heavy traffic, especially near larger cities and during holiday weekends

2. I‑85 North → US‑58 / I‑95 Combo (Scenic in Parts)

Another option if you want more time on I‑85:

1. Take I‑85 North from Atlanta
2. Head through South Carolina and North Carolina toward Durham / Raleigh
3. Depending on your chosen path, connect to US‑58 East or link over to I‑95 North, then toward Norfolk / Virginia Beach

• Typical distance: ~570–590 miles
• Typical driving time:9–10 hours
• Pros: Mix of interstate and smaller highways, can feel a bit more scenic in some segments
• Cons: More route changes, some stretches with fewer services than I‑95

Quick Comparison: Driving vs. Flying From Atlanta to Virginia Beach

*Total travel day for flying often ends up in the 4–7 hour range door-to-door, depending on connections and airport wait times.

Driving Tips for Atlanta Residents Heading to Virginia Beach

If you’re planning to drive from the Atlanta metro area (whether from Buckhead, Decatur, Marietta, or the suburbs), a bit of planning can make the trip smoother.

When to Leave Atlanta

Traffic patterns around Atlanta matter:

• Avoid peak rush hour:
  Try not to start your trip:
  • Weekdays 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m., especially near Downtown Connector (I‑75/I‑85), I‑285, and GA‑400.
• Early morning or later evening departures can help you clear Metro Atlanta before traffic builds.

Where to Stop Along the Way

Common stopping points when driving from Atlanta toward Virginia Beach include:

• Augusta, GA area: First major city east of Atlanta on I‑20
• Columbia, SC: Good midway rest or meal spot
• Florence, SC: Common access point to I‑95 North
• Rocky Mount or Roanoke Rapids, NC: Re-fuel or overnight stops if you split the drive

Most exits along I‑20 and I‑95 offer:

• Gas stations
• Fast food and casual dining
• Basic hotels for overnight breaks

Flying From Atlanta to Virginia Beach

If you’d rather not spend all day in the car, flying from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) can save time.

Nearest Airports to Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach does not have a large commercial airport within the city limits. Most Atlanta travelers use:

• Norfolk International Airport (ORF) – closest major airport
• Sometimes Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) – smaller alternative

From Norfolk International Airport, Virginia Beach’s oceanfront is typically about:

• 17–25 miles away
• Roughly 25–45 minutes by car, depending on traffic

What Atlanta Travelers Should Expect When Flying

• Nonstop flights between ATL and ORF may be limited or seasonal; many itineraries involve one connection.
• Flight time: Usually about 1.5–2 hours in the air for the flying portion.
• You’ll need to factor in:
  • Travel time to ATL
  • Parking or rideshare
  • Security and boarding (often 1.5–2 hours before departure)
  • Time from Norfolk to Virginia Beach (rental car, rideshare, or shuttle)

For many Atlanta residents, flying makes sense when:

• You’re short on time
• You’re not bringing a lot of bulky beach gear
• You’re comfortable with connections and airport logistics

Bus and Other Ground Transportation Options

If you prefer not to drive and want a budget option:

• Intercity bus companies sometimes offer routes from Atlanta to cities like Norfolk or nearby areas, with transfers along the way.
• Travel time is usually longer than driving yourself, often 12–16 hours or more, depending on connections and layovers.

This can work if:

• You’re traveling solo
• You’re flexible on arrival time
• You don’t mind multiple stops

Keep in mind you’ll still need local transportation (rideshare, taxi, or local transit) from your final bus stop to your lodging in Virginia Beach.

How Long Does It Really Take to Get From Atlanta to Virginia Beach?

To put it into realistic, door-to-door terms for someone in Atlanta:

If You Drive

• Leaving from Metro Atlanta home or hotel:
  • On the road: 8–10 hours, including short breaks
  • Total day: Plan on it being a full travel day, especially with kids or frequent stops

If You Fly

From an Atlanta home to a Virginia Beach hotel:

1. Drive or rideshare to ATL: 30–90 minutes, depending on your location and traffic
2. Check-in + security + waiting: 1.5–2 hours
3. Flight time to Norfolk (ORF): 1.5–2 hours (plus any layover time if it’s not nonstop)
4. Baggage + transit from ORF to Virginia Beach: 30–60 minutes

Realistically, most travelers from Atlanta can expect 4–7 hours total travel time when flying, depending on layovers and traffic on each end.

Is Virginia Beach a Realistic Weekend Trip From Atlanta?

For many people in Atlanta, the answer is yes, with planning.

Best Uses of Your Time

• Driving:
  • Makes the most sense for 3–4 day weekends or longer, since you’ll spend nearly a full day each way in the car.
• Flying:
  • Works even for shorter 2–3 day trips, especially if you can find convenient flight times and connections.

Who Might Prefer Which Option?

• Families and groups in Atlanta:
  Likely to prefer driving to bring coolers, chairs, umbrellas, and other beach gear.
• Solo travelers or couples:
  May lean toward flying if they want to maximize beach time and minimize time on the road.

Planning From Specific Parts of Metro Atlanta

Where you live or stay in the Atlanta area affects your timing:

• Northside (Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek):
  Give yourself extra time to get around or onto I‑285 before heading east.
• Westside (Marietta, Smyrna, Douglasville):
  Expect a bit more drive time to connect to I‑20 East.
• Eastside (Decatur, Stone Mountain, Conyers):
  You’ll reach I‑20 East more quickly, slightly shortening your total road time.
• Near Downtown / Midtown / Buckhead hotels:
  Factor in Downtown Connector traffic and possible congestion at major interchanges.

If you’re staying in central Atlanta hotels and flying, most people rely on:

• Rideshare services
• MARTA rail service to Hartsfield–Jackson Airport from stations like Peachtree Center, Five Points, or North Avenue

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Driving distance: About 540–580 miles from Atlanta to Virginia Beach
• Typical drive time:8–10 hours one way, depending on route and stops
• Flying time in the air: About 1.5–2 hours, usually with connections
• Closest airport to Virginia Beach:Norfolk International Airport (ORF), roughly 25–45 minutes from the beachfront by car
• Best for a quick beach weekend from Atlanta:
  • Fly if you have limited time
  • Drive if you want flexibility, lower per-person cost, and room for gear

From Atlanta, Virginia Beach is not “right around the corner,” but it’s a reachable East Coast beach destination that fits well into a carefully planned long weekend or vacation.