How Long Is the Flight from Atlanta to Minneapolis? Your ATL-to-MSP Guide

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota, the good news is that it’s a relatively quick and straightforward flight from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP).

Here’s exactly how long it takes, what affects your travel time, and how to plan the trip smoothly from Atlanta.

Typical Flight Time from Atlanta to Minneapolis

On a nonstop flight from Atlanta (ATL) to Minneapolis (MSP), you can generally expect:

• Air time (in the air): about 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes
• Gate-to-gate time (including taxiing): about 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours

The actual “time in the air” is usually closer to the lower end (around 2½ hours). The rest is spent:

• Taxiing away from the gate at ATL
• Waiting for takeoff
• Taxiing to the gate at MSP

Quick Reference: ATL → MSP Flight Duration

Distance Between Atlanta and Minneapolis by Air

The approximate flight distance between Atlanta and Minneapolis is:

• About 900–950 miles (roughly 1,450 kilometers)

For most travelers in Atlanta, this puts Minneapolis in the medium-haul domestic category: long enough to settle in with a book or show, but much shorter than a cross-country flight.

Airlines and Nonstop Options from Atlanta

From Atlanta, nonstop flights to Minneapolis are widely available, especially from major carriers that use ATL as a hub.

You’ll typically find:

• Multiple nonstop departures per day from ATL to MSP
• Morning, midday, and evening options on many days
• Additional flights during busy travel periods (holidays, major events, school breaks)

If your schedule is flexible, you may be able to choose:

• Early-morning flights that get you into Minneapolis around late morning
• Afternoon flights that arrive by early evening
• Evening flights that arrive at night (best if you’re staying near MSP or downtown Minneapolis)

What Can Make the Flight Longer or Shorter?

Even though the route is fairly standard, a few Atlanta-specific factors can change how long your trip actually takes door to door.

1. Time of Day at ATL

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

• Morning rush (roughly 6 a.m.–9 a.m.) and
• Late afternoon to early evening (about 3 p.m.–7 p.m.)

can mean:

• Longer security lines
• More air traffic, so slightly longer taxi or holding times

Your in-the-air time usually doesn’t change much, but gate-to-gate and airport time can be noticeably longer during peak hours.

2. Weather in Atlanta or Minneapolis

Weather can affect your travel time in both cities:

• Atlanta: summer thunderstorms, heavy rain, occasional winter conditions
• Minneapolis: snow, ice, and low visibility in fall and winter

Even if you’re flying on a clear day in Atlanta, conditions near Minneapolis can slow landings or arrivals.

3. Whether You Choose Nonstop or Connecting

If you’re flying nonstop from ATL to MSP, plan on around 3 hours plus airport time.

If you choose or are routed through a connection, your total trip can jump to:

• 4–7 hours or more, depending on:
  • Layover length
  • Connection city
  • Weather and air traffic in multiple locations

From Atlanta, many travelers prefer to avoid connections for this route unless there’s a major price difference or mileage/loyalty reason.

How Early Should You Get to ATL for a Flight to Minneapolis?

From Atlanta, your overall travel time isn’t just about the flight itself — it also includes getting to Hartsfield-Jackson and moving through the airport.

Recommended Arrival at ATL

For a domestic flight from Atlanta to Minneapolis:

• Plan to arrive at ATL 1½ to 2 hours before departure
• Add extra time if:
  • You’re checking bags
  • You’re traveling during peak holiday periods
  • You’re unfamiliar with the airport layout

Getting to ATL from Around Atlanta

Depending on where you are in the metro area, build in drive or transit time:

• From Downtown or Midtown Atlanta: about 15–25 minutes by car in light to moderate traffic
• From Buckhead: about 25–40 minutes in typical traffic
• From Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, or Perimeter area: 30–45 minutes or more, depending on I-285 and GA-400
• From Decatur: 25–40 minutes via I-20 or local routes

You can also use:

• MARTA (Red/Gold line) directly to the Airport Station, which connects to the Domestic Terminal
• Rideshare or taxi pickup/drop-off zones at ATL

👉 Door-to-door estimate:
If your flight is 2.5–3 hours, and you:

• Arrive at ATL 2 hours early, and
• Spend 30–45 minutes getting to the airport from your home or hotel

Your total trip time from Atlanta address to Minneapolis landing might be 5–6 hours in real-world terms.

Time Zone and Arrival Time in Minneapolis

Atlanta is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET).
Minneapolis is in the Central Time Zone (CT), which is one hour behind Atlanta.

This means:

• If you leave Atlanta at 2:00 p.m. ET on a nonstop flight that takes about 2 hours 45 minutes,
• You’ll land in Minneapolis around 3:45 p.m. CT (local Minneapolis time), not 4:45 p.m.

This time change can be helpful for:

• Same-day meetings: You may arrive earlier in the local workday than the clock suggests when you leave Atlanta.
• Evening plans: An afternoon departure from ATL still gets you into MSP with time for dinner or an event.

Atlanta-Specific Tips to Make the Trip Smoother

1. Navigating Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL)

Hartsfield-Jackson has:

• A Domestic Terminal (North and South)
• Multiple concourses (A, B, C, D, T, etc.) connected by the Plane Train and walkways

To save time:

• Confirm which terminal and airline you’re using before you leave home or your hotel.
• Use the North or South security checkpoint based on your airline’s check-in area.
• Allow time for the Plane Train ride to your concourse after security.

2. Packing and Security from Atlanta

Because ATL can be very busy, being prepared can reduce your effective travel time:

• Keep ID and boarding pass easily accessible
• Follow TSA guidelines for liquids and electronics
• If you fly frequently from ATL, programs like TSA PreCheck or CLEAR (if you’re enrolled) may shorten your wait, especially during peak hours

3. Ground Transportation in Minneapolis

Once you land at MSP, you’ll find:

• On-site rental car centers
• Light rail service from MSP to downtown Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul
• Rideshare and taxi options near the baggage claim areas

Your time from landing to your destination in Minneapolis will usually be:

• About 20–30 minutes to downtown Minneapolis by car or light rail, depending on traffic
• Slightly longer if you’re continuing on to suburbs or outlying areas

Example: Realistic Timeline from Atlanta to Minneapolis

Here’s a sample schedule for someone living in Midtown Atlanta catching a 10:00 a.m. nonstop flight to Minneapolis:

1. 8:00 a.m. – Leave home in Midtown (allowing ~25–30 minutes for traffic to ATL)
2. 8:30 a.m. – Arrive at ATL, park or get dropped off, head to check-in/security
3. 8:45–9:15 a.m. – Clear security, take Plane Train to your concourse
4. 9:15–9:45 a.m. – Wait at the gate, board when called
5. 10:00 a.m. ET – Scheduled departure
6. 12:35 p.m. CT – Typical arrival time in Minneapolis (2 hr 35 min air time, minus 1 hour time difference)
7. 1:00–1:30 p.m. CT – Deplane, pick up bags, head to ground transportation
8. 1:30–2:00 p.m. CT – Arrive at a hotel in downtown Minneapolis

Total door-to-door: around 6 hours, even though your actual flight is under 3 hours.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Nonstop flight time from Atlanta to Minneapolis is usually about 2.5 to 3 hours gate to gate.
• Time zone change works in your favor: Minneapolis is one hour behind Atlanta.
• When you include getting to ATL, security, and post-landing transit, plan on 5–6 hours total from your Atlanta location to your destination in Minneapolis.
• To keep your trip efficient, choose nonstop flights, avoid peak rush hours at ATL when possible, and allow enough time to get through Atlanta’s busy airport.

With realistic expectations about timing and a bit of planning around Atlanta’s traffic and airport flow, the ATL to MSP route is a quick, manageable trip for both business and leisure travelers.