Flight Time From Cleveland to Atlanta: What Travelers Need to Know

If you’re planning a trip between Cleveland, Ohio and Atlanta, Georgia, the first thing you probably want to know is: How long is the flight from Cleveland to Atlanta? Whether you live in Atlanta, are flying home to Hartsfield-Jackson, or are visiting the city, understanding flight time and logistics helps you plan your day, your airport transfers, and even your first activity once you land.

Typical Flight Time From Cleveland to Atlanta

On a nonstop commercial flight from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the typical flight time is about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours in the air.

Most nonstop flights will fall somewhere in this range, but you’ll occasionally see scheduled times as short as about 1 hour 35 minutes or as long as 2 hours 10 minutes, depending on:

• Airline and routing
• Time of day
• Weather and air traffic conditions
• Runway traffic at ATL or CLE

This is the time in the air, not the total “door-to-door” travel time.

Total Travel Time: What You Should Actually Plan For

If you’re going from Cleveland to Atlanta and then on to your hotel, home, or a meeting in the city, your realistic total travel window is longer. Here’s a typical breakdown for a nonstop flight:

For most travelers, that means:

• Short trips or business travelers should block roughly 5–6 hours total from leaving for CLE to arriving at a destination in metro Atlanta.
• If you’re connecting through ATL to another flight, build in at least 1.5–2 hours minimum connection time, more if you’re unfamiliar with the airport.

Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights

Nonstop Flights

Nonstop flights from Cleveland (CLE) to Atlanta (ATL) are common and usually the most convenient, especially since Atlanta is a major hub.

Why nonstop is best for this route:

• Shortest total time: About 1 hour 45 minutes–2 hours of flight time.
• Fewer delays and complications: No extra airports or gates.
• More predictable arrival in Atlanta, which helps if you’re lining up MARTA or a pickup.

Connecting Flights

You might see itineraries with a connection (often through another hub city) if:

• You’re using a particular airline’s mileage program.
• You’re booking late and nonstop options are sold out.
• You’re on a multi-city or international ticket.

With a connection, total travel time can easily stretch to 4–6+ hours of flying, not counting layovers. If your goal is simply to get to Atlanta, a nonstop is almost always the most efficient choice.

Time Difference Between Cleveland and Atlanta

Both Cleveland and Atlanta are in the Eastern Time Zone (ET).

• There is no time difference between the two cities in terms of clock time.
• If you depart Cleveland at 10:00 a.m. ET, and your flight is about 1 hour 45 minutes, your scheduled arrival in Atlanta will usually be around 11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET, depending on the airline’s timetable and padding in the schedule.

This makes planning meetings, airport pickups, and dinner reservations in Atlanta much easier—no time zone math required.

What Affects Flight Duration on This Route?

Even on a short route like Cleveland to Atlanta, a few factors can change how long you’re in the air—or how long you’re waiting on the ground.

1. Weather

• Summer thunderstorms in Atlanta or along the East Coast can cause delays, holding patterns, or rerouting.
• Winter weather in Cleveland can slow de-icing, push back departure times, or require a longer taxi.

2. Air Traffic and Runway Congestion

Atlanta’s airport, Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), is one of the busiest in the world. At peak hours:

• Expect more taxi time before takeoff and after landing.
• Arrivals may be sequenced, adding a bit of time in the air as planes line up for landing.

3. Airline Scheduling

Airlines often build cushion into their schedules to accommodate typical delays. That’s why two airlines may list slightly different flight times for the same route.

Getting Oriented at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Once you know your flight time from Cleveland, it helps to understand what happens after you land in Atlanta.

Terminals and Concourses

Most flights from Cleveland will arrive at:

• The Domestic Terminal, typically in Concourse T or another domestic concourse (A, B, C, D, or T).

After landing, you will:

1. Deplane and enter the concourse.
2. Use the Plane Train (underground automated train) or walk to the Domestic Terminal / Baggage Claim.
3. Pick up checked bags if needed.
4. Exit to the Ground Transportation area for MARTA, rideshare, taxis, or shuttles.

Typical Time from Landing to Leaving the Airport

For most travelers arriving from Cleveland:

• Carry-on only: Plan for 30–45 minutes from wheels down to exiting the terminal, assuming normal conditions.
• Checked baggage: Add another 15–30 minutes, depending on baggage claim volume.

Getting From ATL Airport Into Atlanta

Once your flight from Cleveland touches down, you still need to get into the city or metro area. From ATL, you have several realistic options.

MARTA (Public Transit) 🚇

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is the simplest and most predictable way into town.

• Access point: The MARTA station is directly attached to the Domestic Terminal, near the baggage claim area.
• Typical ride time:
  • To Downtown Atlanta: about 15–20 minutes.
  • To Midtown Atlanta: around 20–25 minutes.
  • To Buckhead: around 30 minutes.

MARTA is especially useful if you’re:

• Staying near Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.
• Heading to major spots like the Georgia World Congress Center, Peachtree Center, or Arts Center area.

Rideshare and Taxi 🚗

Rideshare pickup (such as app-based services) and taxis are available from marked areas outside the Domestic Terminal.

• Time to central Atlanta: often 20–40 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Peak traffic (weekday rush hours, events, or games) can push drives toward 45–60+ minutes, especially if you’re heading to busy intown neighborhoods.

This is important when planning your schedule from Cleveland—if you land at 5 p.m., budget extra time for Atlanta rush hour.

Rental Cars

Rental car agencies are at the ATL Rental Car Center, accessible via the SkyTrain from the Domestic Terminal.

• Plan 15–30 minutes to reach the Rental Car Center and complete pickup.
• Driving times into Atlanta will vary based on your specific destination (Downtown, Midtown, or suburbs like Sandy Springs, Decatur, or Smyrna).

Planning Your Day in Atlanta Around a Flight From Cleveland

Knowing that your flight time is about 1 hour 45 minutes–2 hours helps you realistically map out the rest of your day in Atlanta.

If You’re Coming Home to Atlanta

• For a morning arrival, many locals comfortably schedule:
  • Late-morning or early-afternoon meetings Downtown or Midtown.
  • Picking kids up from school or after-school activities if landing mid-afternoon.
• Give yourself a buffer for:
  • Weather delays
  • Baggage delays
  • Traffic from ATL into the city

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

If you’re flying from Cleveland to start a vacation or weekend in Atlanta, you might reasonably:

• Plan to check into a Downtown or Midtown hotel a couple of hours after landing.
• Schedule evening activities—like dinner near Ponce City Market, Inman Park, or Buckhead—with at least 3–4 hours buffer after your scheduled arrival time.

This allows for normal airport and city transport time without feeling rushed.

When to Arrive at Cleveland Airport for Your Flight to Atlanta

For a domestic flight from CLE to ATL, most travelers are advised to:

• Arrive at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport1.5–2 hours before departure.
• Allow a bit more if:
  • You’re checking bags.
  • You’re traveling during peak travel periods (holidays, major events).
  • You’re unfamiliar with CLE or prefer a more relaxed pace.

This helps ensure you have enough time for:

• Check-in or bag drop
• Security screening
• Walking to your gate and boarding

Quick Reference: Cleveland to Atlanta Flight Basics

• Typical flight time (nonstop, in air):
  1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours
• Time zone difference:
  None (both cities are on Eastern Time)
• Airport in Cleveland:
  Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
• Airport in Atlanta:
  Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Realistic home/hotel-to-home/hotel window:
  Around 5–6 hours total, including check-in, flight, arrival, and ground transportation
• Fastest way into central Atlanta from ATL:
  Usually MARTA (to Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead) or rideshare/taxi, depending on destination and traffic

With this timing in mind, you can more confidently plan your next trip between Cleveland and Atlanta, whether you’re heading home, visiting family, or exploring everything Atlanta has to offer.