How Far Is Washington, DC From Atlanta? Your Complete Distance & Travel Guide

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to the nation’s capital, one of the first things you’ll want to know is: how far is Washington, DC from Atlanta, and what’s the best way to get there?

Below is a clear breakdown of distance, travel time, and transportation options tailored specifically to Atlanta travelers.

How Far Is Washington, DC From Atlanta?

The distance between Atlanta, GA and Washington, DC depends on how you travel:

*Times are approximate and can vary based on traffic, weather, layovers, and schedules.

For most people in Atlanta, flying is fastest, driving offers the most flexibility, and train or bus can work if you prefer not to drive or fly.

Driving From Atlanta to Washington, DC

Driving Distance & Main Route

From central Atlanta (Downtown or Midtown):

• Driving distance: usually around 640–650 miles
• Typical drive time:9.5 to 11 hours in normal conditions with short stops

Most Atlanta drivers use a combination of I‑85 North and connecting interstates. A common route is:

1. Head north on I‑85 out of Atlanta.
2. Continue northeast through South Carolina and North Carolina.
3. Connect toward Virginia via I‑77 or I‑95, depending on your preferred route and traffic.
4. Follow signs into the Washington, DC area via the Beltway (I‑495) and local routes.

A GPS or navigation app will typically choose the fastest of these options based on traffic.

Things Atlanta Drivers Should Consider

• Traffic leaving Atlanta:
  Try to avoid rush hour on the Downtown Connector (I‑75/I‑85) and the Perimeter (I‑285). Leaving very early in the morning or later in the evening often makes the first leg smoother.

• Break points along the way:
  Common places to stop for food, gas, and rest include:

  • Greenville/Spartanburg, SC
  • Charlotte, NC
  • Areas near Greensboro, NC or Richmond, VA (depending on route)

• Weather considerations:
  In winter, mountain or northern sections of the route can see snow or ice before Atlanta does. In summer, heavy rain or storms can slow I‑85 and I‑95.

• Parking in DC:
  Washington, DC has limited and often expensive parking, especially around the National Mall and downtown. Many Atlanta visitors choose to:

  • Park at a Metro station in the suburbs and ride the train in, or
  • Use garages instead of street parking to avoid time limits and tickets.

Flying From Atlanta to Washington, DC

Flight Distance & Time

From Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to the Washington, DC area:

• Approx. air distance: about 540 miles
• Typical nonstop flight time: about 1.5 to 2 hours in the air
• With check-in, security, and ground transport, plan for 4–6 hours total door-to-door from most Atlanta neighborhoods.

DC-Area Airports Atlanta Travelers Use

When you fly from Atlanta, you typically have service to three main airports in the DC region:

• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

  • Closest to downtown DC
  • Direct access to Metrorail (Blue & Yellow lines)
  • Often the most convenient for sightseeing near the Capitol, National Mall, and museums

• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

  • Located in Northern Virginia, farther from downtown
  • Serves many domestic and international flights
  • Connected to DC by Metrorail (Silver Line) and bus services

• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

  • North of DC, near Baltimore
  • Can be useful if you find a good fare
  • Connected to DC via regional rail and shuttles

Getting From Atlanta to the Airport

Most Atlanta travelers reach ATL using:

• MARTA Rail:

  • The Red and Gold Lines go directly to the Airport Station, inside the Domestic Terminal.
  • Good option if you’re staying in Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or near a MARTA station.

• Driving and Parking:

  • On-site parking at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, plus nearby private lots and park‑and‑ride options.
  • Leave extra time for traffic on I‑75/I‑85 and airport security lines.

• Rideshare or Taxi:

  • Widely used from intown neighborhoods and nearby suburbs.

If you’re comparing travel time, flying from Atlanta to DC is the clear winner for short trips, especially long weekends.

Taking the Train From Atlanta to Washington, DC

Distance & Duration by Train

The Amtrak rail route between Atlanta and Washington, DC is roughly 630–640 miles by rail. Travel is usually:

• About 12–14 hours one way
• Often an overnight journey, depending on the schedule

This can be appealing if you prefer not to fly or drive, and want to relax, read, or sleep on the way.

Where the Train Leaves in Atlanta

Amtrak Atlanta Station

• Address: 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Located between Midtown and Buckhead
• Accessible by:
  • Short rideshare or taxi ride from Midtown, Buckhead, or Downtown
  • Local bus connections nearby

From there, the train travels north through several states before arriving at:

• Washington Union Station in DC, a major hub connected to:
  • Metrorail,
  • DC buses,
  • Regional trains, and
  • Walkable downtown areas.

Bus Travel From Atlanta to Washington, DC

Distance & Travel Time by Bus

By road, bus routes cover a similar distance to driving:

• Approx. 630–650 miles
• Typical travel time: around 12–15+ hours, depending on:
  • Number of stops
  • Chosen route
  • Time of day and traffic

Bus trips are usually slower than flying but can be an option if you prefer ground travel and are budget-conscious.

Where Buses Typically Depart in Atlanta

While exact operators and locations can change, buses in Atlanta commonly depart from:

• Downtown or Midtown-based bus stations or curbside stops
• Some services may use locations near Five Points, Downtown, or along major corridors

Because locations can shift over time, it’s wise to:

• Confirm the exact departure and arrival points when you book
• Plan local transport within Atlanta—MARTA Rail and buses can often get you close to central pickup points

Comparing Your Options From Atlanta to Washington, DC

Here’s a quick overview to help Atlanta travelers choose:

1. Flying (ATL → DCA/IAD/BWI)

• Best for: Short trips, business travel, weekend visits
• Pros: Fastest overall; many daily flights; easy airport access from Atlanta
• Cons: Airport security, potential delays, baggage limits

2. Driving (Atlanta → DC via I‑85 and connectors)

• Best for: Families, groups, longer stays, or those wanting flexibility and stops
• Pros: Full control over schedule; easy to detour to other cities (Charlotte, Richmond, etc.); no baggage fees
• Cons: Long time behind the wheel; DC parking can be expensive and limited

3. Train (Amtrak)

• Best for: Those who prefer a relaxed trip without driving or flying
• Pros: Can sleep or work on the way; arrives at Union Station close to central DC
• Cons: Longer than flying; schedules are more limited than flights

4. Bus

• Best for: Budget-focused travelers who don’t mind longer travel times
• Pros: Often lower cost than other options
• Cons: Longest travel time; comfort and schedule vary by company

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Heading to DC

• Plan around Atlanta traffic:
  Whether you’re driving or heading to Hartsfield‑Jackson, avoid peak commuter times on I‑75/I‑85, I‑20, and I‑285 when possible.

• Think about your final destination in DC:

  • If you’re staying near the National Mall or downtown, flying into DCA or arriving by train at Union Station is often the most convenient.
  • If you’ll be in the Virginia suburbs (Arlington, Alexandria, Tysons), DCA or IAD may line up well with local transit and roads.

• Use transit on arrival:
  DC’s Metrorail and bus system is more extensive than Atlanta’s and can reduce your need to drive or park once you’re there.

• Estimate your real door-to-door time:
  From an Atlanta home or hotel, consider:

  • Time to get to ATL, the Amtrak station, or a bus stop
  • Waiting and security time
  • Travel time itself
  • Transportation from the DC airport or station to your final destination

For many people starting in Atlanta’s core neighborhoods, the total door-to-door time difference between flying and taking an overnight train or bus can be smaller than it looks on paper, especially once you factor in airport procedures.

In summary, Washington, DC is roughly 640 miles from Atlanta by road and about 540 miles by air. From Atlanta, you can reach DC by car, plane, train, or bus, with each option offering a different balance of speed, comfort, and cost. Choosing the right one depends on how quickly you need to get there, how much you want to spend, and how you prefer to travel from Atlanta.