How Long Is the Flight from Fort Lauderdale to Atlanta?

If you’re planning a trip between Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the good news is that it’s a short, frequent flight—ideal for weekend visits, business travel, or connecting through Atlanta.

Below is a clear breakdown of how long the flight takes, what affects your total travel time, and what Atlanta travelers should know when flying this route.

Typical Flight Time from Fort Lauderdale to Atlanta

The nonstop flight time from Fort Lauderdale to Atlanta is usually:

That’s the typical gate-to-gate airtime, but your door-to-door travel time will be longer once you factor in:

• Getting to and from the airport
• Security screening and boarding
• Taxiing on the runway in Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale

Quick Reference: Flight vs. Total Travel Time

Realistically, plan for about 4–5 hours total from arriving at FLL to reaching your destination in the Atlanta area.

How Many Miles and What Type of Flight Is It?

The route from Fort Lauderdale to Atlanta is a domestic, short-haul flight.

• Distance: Roughly 580–600 miles
• Route: Typically follows a fairly direct north–northwest path up the East Coast to Georgia
• Time zone: Both cities are in the Eastern Time Zone, so no time change to worry about

This makes it a convenient route for Atlanta residents heading to South Florida and for visitors connecting through Atlanta to reach the city.

What Can Affect Your Flight Time?

Even on a short route, the exact flight duration can vary. For travelers arriving in or departing from Atlanta, it helps to understand why your flight time might look a little different from the schedule.

1. Weather Along the Route

Weather in Georgia, Florida, and along the Southeast corridor can change quickly:

• Summer thunderstorms in Atlanta or South Florida can slow departures or arrivals.
• Heavy rain or low clouds can lead to holding patterns in the air near ATL.

If you’re meeting someone at the Domestic Terminal at ATL or planning a tight connection, it’s smart to monitor your flight status on the day of travel.

2. Air Traffic at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta

ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world, and that sometimes adds minutes to the clock:

• Extra taxi time on arrival while you wait for a gate
• Slight departure delays during peak hours

Even if the airborne time is around 1 hour 45 minutes, your gate-to-gate time may stretch closer to 2 hours or a bit more.

3. Time of Day You Fly

• Early morning flights between Fort Lauderdale and Atlanta can be smoother with fewer delays.
• Late afternoon and evening flights may experience rolling delays from earlier congestion or weather.

For Atlanta-based travelers trying to get home the same evening or make a connection, it’s often safer to pick a midday or earlier departure from Fort Lauderdale when you can.

Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights to Atlanta

For most travelers heading from Fort Lauderdale to Atlanta, a nonstop flight is the clear choice:

• Nonstop:
  • In the air about 1 hr 45 min – 2 hr
  • Best option if Atlanta is your final destination
• Connecting (uncommon by choice on this route):
  • Can add several hours to your day
  • Usually only makes sense if you’re headed beyond Atlanta and find a unique fare or routing

If Atlanta is your home base, always look for a nonstop when returning from Fort Lauderdale to minimize delays and missed connections at ATL.

How Early Should You Get to the Airport?

At Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International (FLL)

For a domestic flight to Atlanta, many travelers aim to:

• Arrive at FLL 1.5–2 hours before departure

This allows time for:

• Bag drop (if needed)
• Security screening
• Walking to your gate

If you’re flying at a busy time (early morning, holidays, or peak weekend times), a 2-hour buffer is more comfortable.

Arriving at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta (ATL)

Once you land in Atlanta:

• Taxiing to the gate can take 10–20 minutes during busy times.
• If you’ve checked bags, plan 15–30 minutes for baggage claim.
• If you’re heading into the city:
  • MARTA from the Airport Station (attached to the Domestic Terminal) to Downtown Atlanta usually takes about 20 minutes.
  • Rideshare or taxi to major areas like Midtown or Buckhead can take 20–40 minutes, depending on traffic.

Getting From ATL Airport into Atlanta

Since this route ends at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, it’s helpful to know how long it takes to get from the airport to where you’re going in the city.

Using MARTA (Public Transit)

• Station: Airport MARTA Station (inside the Domestic Terminal)
• To Downtown (e.g., Five Points): about 20 minutes
• To Midtown: around 25 minutes
• To Buckhead: around 30 minutes

MARTA can be one of the most time-efficient ways into central Atlanta, especially during rush hour.

Using Rideshare, Taxi, or Car

Time from ATL to common Atlanta areas:

• Downtown Atlanta: ~15–25 minutes
• Midtown Atlanta: ~20–30 minutes
• Buckhead: ~25–40 minutes
• Perimeter area (e.g., Dunwoody/Sandy Springs): ~30–45 minutes

Traffic on I-75/85 can add time, especially during morning and evening rush hours.

Tips for Atlanta Travelers Flying to or from Fort Lauderdale

Here are some simple ways to make this short route smoother:

1. Plan for Connections at ATL

If you’re connecting through Atlanta to another city:

• Aim for at least 60–90 minutes between your Fort Lauderdale–Atlanta arrival and your next departure—more if traveling with children, checked bags, or during stormy seasons.

2. Pack with Quick Travel in Mind

Because the flight is short, many Atlanta travelers prefer:

• Carry-on only to skip baggage claim
• Easy-access items (headphones, a light jacket, phone charger)

This helps you move through ATL more quickly after landing.

3. Consider Atlanta Traffic in Your Timing

Whether you’re:

• Leaving Atlanta to catch a flight to Fort Lauderdale, or
• Landing in Atlanta from FLL and heading home,

Build in extra time for metro Atlanta traffic, especially if you’re coming from or going to areas like:

• Cobb County, Gwinnett County, or North Fulton
• Suburbs off I-285, GA-400, or I-85

Many locals add 30–60 minutes of buffer around rush hour.

Sample Same-Day Timeline (Fort Lauderdale → Atlanta)

Here’s an example to visualize how the timing often plays out for someone ending their trip in Atlanta:

1. Flight departure from FLL: 3:00 p.m.
2. Arrive at FLL: 1:00 p.m. (2 hours early)
3. Boarding begins: 2:20–2:30 p.m.
4. In the air: 3:00–4:45 p.m. (about 1 hr 45 min)
5. Taxi and deplane at ATL: 4:45–5:05 p.m.
6. Baggage claim (if needed): 5:05–5:25 p.m.
7. MARTA ride to Downtown Atlanta: 5:30–5:50 p.m.

You left for the airport at 1:00 p.m. and arrived downtown Atlanta around 5:50 p.m.—just under 5 hours door-to-downtown.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• The flight from Fort Lauderdale to Atlanta is typically 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours in the air.
• With security, taxiing, and ground transport, expect about 4–5 hours total from airport to city.
• Both cities share the Eastern Time Zone, so there’s no time change to manage.
• Weather and air traffic, especially at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, can shift your arrival time slightly.
• Planning a modest buffer for connections, ground transportation, and Atlanta traffic will make the trip feel straightforward and predictable.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, this is one of the quickest and most convenient routes to South Florida—and an easy way to get back home to the city once your trip is done.