How Far Is Miami From Atlanta? Distance, Travel Time, and Best Ways to Get There

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Miami, Florida, the first thing you probably want to know is: how far is Miami from Atlanta, and what’s the easiest way to get there?

Here’s a clear breakdown of the distance, travel times, and best transportation options specifically from an Atlanta perspective.

How Far Is Miami From Atlanta?

Driving distance

• Approximate driving distance:660–680 miles
• Typical route: From Downtown Atlanta (near Five Points or the Georgia State Capitol) down I‑75 South, then I‑475 around Macon, reconnecting to I‑75, then I‑10 East (briefly), and I‑75/Florida’s Turnpike toward Miami.

For most drivers in Atlanta, you’ll start from:

• Midtown / Downtown Atlanta: Jump on I‑75/85 connector south and follow signs to I‑75 South.
• Atlanta suburbs (Cobb, Gwinnett, DeKalb, Clayton, Henry counties): Use your nearest interstate access point and merge onto I‑75 South.

Straight-line (flight) distance

If you’re flying, the air distance between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Miami International Airport (MIA) is roughly 595–605 miles. That translates into about a 1.5–2 hour flight, depending on route and wind conditions.

Quick Comparison: Ways to Travel From Atlanta to Miami

Driving From Atlanta to Miami

How long does the drive take?

From the Atlanta city limits, you can usually expect:

• Nonstop, light traffic: About 9–9.5 hours
• Typical daytime drive with stops:10–11 hours
• Peak travel or heavy weather/holiday traffic:11+ hours

Your timing will also depend on:

• Time of day leaving Atlanta (rush hour on the Downtown Connector can add 30–60 minutes)
• Traffic around Macon, Valdosta, and Jacksonville area (if you deviate)
• Fuel, food, and restroom stops

Common driving route from Atlanta

Most Atlanta drivers follow a fairly straightforward interstate path:

1. Start in Atlanta

   • From Downtown or Midtown, take the I‑75/85 Connector South.
   • Continue onto I‑75 South toward Macon.

2. Around Macon

   • Take I‑475 South to bypass Macon (this saves time versus going through the city).
   • Rejoin I‑75 South.

3. South through Georgia

   • Stay on I‑75 South past Tifton, Valdosta, and toward the Florida state line.

4. Through North Florida

   • Continue on I‑75 into Florida (toward Lake City).
   • Depending on your navigation, you’ll generally connect from I‑75 to Florida’s Turnpike heading south toward the Miami area.

5. Approaching Miami

   • The final leg will bring you into Greater Miami via major expressways (such as I‑95 or local turnpike exits), depending on whether you’re heading to Miami Beach, Downtown Miami, or surrounding areas.

📌 Atlanta tip: If you live in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or north metro suburbs, consider getting on I‑285 (Perimeter) to connect to I‑75 South in a way that avoids the tightest part of Downtown traffic if you’re leaving during rush hour.

Where do people from Atlanta usually stop?

On a single-day drive, many Atlanta travelers plan for 2–3 stops:

Popular Georgia break points:

• Macon – early stop for coffee or breakfast.
• Tifton or Valdosta – fuel, food, and restrooms before crossing into Florida.

In Florida:

• Lake City or Gainesville area – mid-to-late drive rest stop.
• Then push on to Miami.

Flying From Atlanta to Miami

How far is Miami by plane from Atlanta?

• Approx. air distance (ATL → MIA): Around 600 miles
• Typical flight time:1.5 to 2 hours in the air

From an Atlanta resident or visitor’s standpoint, the flight itself is relatively short—often not much longer than a drive from Atlanta to Savannah takes by car, but with added airport time.

Airports involved

In Atlanta:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Location: About 10 miles south of Downtown Atlanta
  • Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Major access points from city:
    • MARTA: Red or Gold line to Airport Station
    • I‑85: Follow signs for domestic or international terminals

In Miami:

• Miami International Airport (MIA) – main commercial airport serving the Miami metro.

Some flights may also serve nearby Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), which is another option if your plans include the broader South Florida area.

Total travel time, door to door

For someone starting in Atlanta, realistic door-to-door travel time to Miami often looks like:

• Local travel to ATL: 30–60 minutes (more during rush hour)
• Early arrival before flight: 1.5–2 hours, depending on airline guidance and security lines
• Flight time: 1.5–2 hours
• Deplaning, baggage, and airport exit: 30–60 minutes
• Transit from airport to final Miami destination: 20–60+ minutes

👉 Overall, plan on about 5–7 hours total from your Atlanta home/hotel to your Miami lodging, even though the flight itself is short.

Bus Travel From Atlanta to Miami

For travelers who don’t want to drive or want to save money, long-distance buses run between Atlanta and Miami.

Distance and time by bus

• Distance: Similar to driving — around 660–680 road miles
• Time: Often 11–14+ hours, depending on:
  • Number of stops
  • Time of day
  • Traffic along I‑75 and South Florida corridors

Buses generally follow routes similar to car travel, running south from the Atlanta metro into Florida and then across to Miami.

Typical departure points in Atlanta

Long-distance buses usually depart from facilities near:

• Downtown Atlanta
• Areas close to MARTA stations, such as near the Garnett or Five Points area, depending on the company

If you live in the Atlanta metro, you’ll want to:

• Use MARTA rail or buses to reach the departure point, or
• Use rideshare or a drop-off if you’re bringing luggage.

Train Travel From Atlanta to Miami

Is there a direct train from Atlanta to Miami?

There is no simple, direct Amtrak line that runs nonstop from Atlanta to Miami on a daily basis the way there is between some East Coast cities.

Most train-based itineraries from Atlanta to Miami:

• Use Amtrak’s Crescent line (Atlanta to cities like New Orleans or the Northeast) and then
• Connect to another train heading down Florida’s east coast.

Because of this, total train travel time is usually:

• 18–24+ hours, sometimes involving overnight travel and transfers.

From a practical Atlanta standpoint, many travelers find that:

• Driving or flying is far more time-efficient.
• Train travel may appeal more for those who prioritize scenery or avoid flying, and who are comfortable with a longer, multi-leg journey.

Choosing the Best Way From Atlanta to Miami

When deciding how to go from Atlanta to Miami, think about:

1. Time vs. cost

• Fastest option:
  • Flying from ATL to MIA is typically the quickest, especially for weekend trips.
• Potentially cheapest (if you already have a car):
  • Driving can be cost-effective for families or groups sharing fuel and tolls.
• Budget without a car:
  • Bus travel can be lower-cost but takes longer than flying.

2. Comfort and flexibility

• Driving from Atlanta gives you:

  • Control over your schedule
  • Ability to stop in cities like Valdosta, Gainesville, or Orlando area (if you adjust your route)
  • A car available once you’re in Miami

• Flying offers:

  • Minimal road time
  • Less physical fatigue than an all-day drive
  • Good for shorter trips where you won’t need a car constantly

3. Where in Atlanta you’re starting from

• Intown neighborhoods (Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, West End):
  • Easy access to ATL airport via MARTA; flying may be especially convenient.
• Suburbs north of the city (Alpharetta, Roswell, Marietta, Lawrenceville):
  • Reaching the airport might take longer than getting directly on I‑75 South, making driving slightly more attractive if you’re comfortable with a long day on the road.
• Southside communities (College Park, East Point, Riverdale):
  • Extremely close to Hartsfield-Jackson, making flying especially straightforward.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

• Leaving Atlanta early helps.
  If driving, many locals aim to leave before sunrise to avoid heavy traffic on the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) and get a head start on the long day.

• Plan your fuel and meal stops.
  Review options around Macon, Tifton, or Valdosta for reliable stops if you’re not familiar with South Georgia.

• Check weather along the route.
  Storms in central and south Georgia or north Florida can slow travel, especially during summer months.

• Use MARTA for airport access.
  For those staying in or near Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead Atlanta, the Red and Gold MARTA lines run directly to the airport, helping you avoid parking costs and highway traffic.

• Allow buffer time.
  Whether driving or flying, build in extra time, especially around holidays or big events in Atlanta when roads and ATL security lines can be busier than usual.

In summary, Miami is roughly 660–680 road miles and about 600 air miles from Atlanta. For most people in Atlanta, that translates to either a 9–11 hour drive or a 1.5–2 hour flight plus airport time. Your best option depends on your schedule, budget, and whether you’d rather be behind the wheel on I‑75 or relaxing on a plane out of Hartsfield-Jackson.