How Long Is the Flight from Atlanta to Pittsburgh? A Local’s Guide from ATL to PIT

Flying from Atlanta, Georgia to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a common trip for Atlantans visiting family, heading to college, catching a Steelers game, or traveling for business. The route is straightforward, but flight time can vary a bit depending on the type of flight and when you travel.

Below is a clear breakdown of how long the flight takes, what affects your travel time, and what to expect when flying from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT).

Typical Flight Time from Atlanta to Pittsburgh

For a nonstop flight from Atlanta to Pittsburgh:

• Average flight time:1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes
• Distance: About 520–550 miles (air distance)
• Route: ATL (Atlanta) ➝ PIT (Pittsburgh)

This is the time in the air from takeoff in Atlanta to landing in Pittsburgh, not counting boarding, taxiing, or time at the gate.

If you book a one-stop or connecting flight, your total travel time will usually be:

• Total time with a connection: Often 3.5 to 6+ hours, depending on:
  • Connection city
  • Length of layover
  • Time of day and airline schedule

Whenever possible, travelers in Atlanta typically choose nonstop flights between ATL and PIT for speed and convenience.

Gate-to-Gate vs. “In-the-Air” Time

When you see a flight listed as, say, 1 hour 45 minutes, that usually refers to the scheduled gate-to-gate time.

Here’s what that typically includes when leaving from Atlanta:

1. Boarding at ATL: Usually begins 30–40 minutes before departure.
2. Pushback and taxi time:
   • ATL is a large, busy airport.
   • Taxiing to the runway can add 10–25 minutes before you’re actually in the air.
3. Time in the air:
   • Roughly 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes of actual flying.
4. Landing and taxiing at PIT:
   • Another 5–15 minutes to get from runway to gate.

So while the posted flight time might be around 1 hour 40 minutes, you’re often on the plane closer to 2 hours or slightly more from boarding to exiting.

How Long the Whole Trip Takes from Atlanta

If you’re planning your schedule from home or hotel in Atlanta to arrival in Pittsburgh, it helps to think beyond just the flight time.

Typical Same-Day Travel Timeline from Atlanta

Here’s a rough example if your flight is at 10:00 a.m.:

• 7:45–8:15 a.m. – Arrive at ATL
  • For domestic flights, most travelers aim for 1.5 to 2 hours before departure, especially at a busy hub like Hartsfield–Jackson.
• 8:15–9:30 a.m. – Check-in, bag drop, TSA, and getting to your gate
  • Security wait times can vary, especially during morning rush or holidays.
• 9:30–10:00 a.m. – Boarding
• 10:00–10:15 a.m. – Pushback and taxi to runway
• 10:15–11:35 a.m. – In the air from Atlanta to Pittsburgh
• 11:35–11:50 a.m. – Land and taxi to gate at PIT
• 11:50 a.m.–12:20 p.m. – Deplane, pick up checked bags, and reach ground transportation

In practice, from leaving your place in Atlanta to stepping outside PIT, the whole trip is often around 4 to 5 hours, even though the flight itself is under 2 hours.

Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights from Atlanta to Pittsburgh

Most Atlantans prefer nonstop flights on this route when they’re available, but sometimes a connection shows up as the cheaper or only option for your date.

Nonstop Flights

• Flight time: About 1 hour 35–50 minutes
• Total trip (airport to airport): Often 2.5–3 hours
• Best when:
  • You’re on a tight schedule
  • You want the least chance of delays from other airports

Connecting Flights

Routing might be something like Atlanta ➝ Charlotte ➝ Pittsburgh or Atlanta ➝ Washington, D.C. ➝ Pittsburgh.

• Flight time in the air: Often 2.5–3+ hours total
• Total trip time: Commonly 3.5–6 hours or more, depending on layover
• Best when:
  • Nonstops at your preferred time are sold out
  • You’re using miles or a specific airline program
  • Price differences are significant and you’re flexible

What Can Affect Your Flight Time from ATL to PIT?

While the route is relatively short, several factors can shift your arrival by minutes or even an hour.

1. Time of Day You Depart Atlanta

• Morning flights from ATL often benefit from smoother air traffic early in the day.
• Evening flights can face:
  • More congestion as schedules back up
  • Weather-related delays, especially during summer storm season

2. Weather Between Atlanta and Pittsburgh

• Summer in Atlanta: Pop-up thunderstorms can temporarily ground or reroute flights, adding time on the runway or in the air.
• Winter in Pittsburgh: Snow, ice, or low visibility can:
  • Slow down arrivals and departures
  • Require de-icing, which increases ground time

3. Air Traffic at Hartsfield–Jackson

ATL is consistently one of the busiest airports in the world, so:

• Taxi time can be longer during rush periods.
• Ground holds or slight delays in takeoff are not unusual.
• Leaving extra buffer time in your schedule is especially important when flying from Atlanta.

4. Aircraft Type and Routing

Different aircraft models cruise at slightly different speeds, and air traffic control may route your flight around weather systems or congested areas. This usually changes the flying time by only a few minutes, but it explains why some flights are scheduled a little longer than others.

Quick Reference: Atlanta to Pittsburgh Flight Timing

Here’s a simple summary of what to expect.

Getting to Hartsfield–Jackson from Around Atlanta

Because ATL is south of downtown Atlanta, how long your door-to-door trip takes partly depends on where you’re starting.

Common Ways Atlantans Reach the Airport

1. Driving and Parking

   • From Downtown / Midtown Atlanta: Often 20–35 minutes in light traffic; longer at rush hour.
   • From Buckhead: Plan on 30–45 minutes, more in peak periods.
   • Long-term parking lots and decks are available around Hartsfield–Jackson; factor in shuttle time if you park off-site.

2. MARTA (Public Transit)

   • Airport Station is directly connected to the domestic terminal.
   • From:
     • Five Points Station (Downtown): Around 20 minutes on the train.
     • Midtown or Buckhead: Typically 25–35 minutes total rail time.
   • This avoids traffic, which can be helpful during rush hour or big events in the city.

3. Rideshare and Taxis

   • Popular for travelers staying in Downtown, Midtown, or near Georgia Tech.
   • In normal traffic, expect ride times similar to driving: 20–45 minutes, but always build in a buffer.

For any method, many Atlanta travelers try to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight, especially during holidays, weekends, or peak morning and evening times.

What to Expect When You Land in Pittsburgh

Once you arrive at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT):

• Taxiing and deplaning: Plan 10–20 minutes to reach the gate and exit the aircraft.
• Checked bags: Typically another 10–25 minutes at baggage claim.
• Ground transportation:
  • Rideshare, taxis, and rental cars are available on-site.
  • Getting from PIT to Downtown Pittsburgh usually takes around 25–35 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

This means that from your scheduled landing time, you’ll often reach your destination in Pittsburgh within about 45–75 minutes, depending on bags and traffic.

Tips for a Smoother ATL to PIT Trip ✈️

• Aim for nonstop flights when possible to keep travel time short and simple.
• Choose earlier flights in the day if you want to reduce the risk of rolling delays.
• Add buffer time:
  • In Atlanta: for traffic on I-75/I-85 and security at ATL.
  • In winter: for possible weather delays on arrival in Pittsburgh.
• Use MARTA if you’re staying near a station and want predictable timing to the airport.
• Check your terminal and gate before you leave for the airport, as ATL is large and changing gates can add walking time.

In practical terms, the flight from Atlanta to Pittsburgh is under 2 hours in the air, but your door-to-door travel time from metro Atlanta to your final stop in Pittsburgh will usually run around half a day. Planning around these typical timeframes will help you set realistic schedules for meetings, events, or connections on either end of your trip.