Chicago to Atlanta: How Many Miles Is the Trip, Really?

If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are comparing the two cities, it helps to know exactly how many miles it is from Chicago to Atlanta—and what that means for driving, flying, or taking the bus or train.

Below is a clear breakdown tailored to people starting or ending in Atlanta, Georgia.

How Many Miles From Chicago to Atlanta?

The distance from Chicago, Illinois to Atlanta, Georgia depends on how you travel and which part of each city you use as your starting point.

Driving distance: Chicago to Atlanta

If you’re driving between Downtown Chicago and Downtown Atlanta, the trip is typically:

• 720–720+ miles by highway
• Common driving time: 11–12 hours in normal conditions (no major delays)

The most common driving route uses major interstates such as:

• I‑65 (through Indiana and Tennessee)
• I‑24
• I‑75 into Atlanta

This is the route most Atlanta drivers use when heading up to Chicago for business, family, or a weekend trip.

Flying Distance vs. Driving Distance

The flying distance (also called “as the crow flies”) between Chicago and Atlanta is shorter than the driving distance.

• Flight distance: roughly 590–600 miles
• Driving distance: about 720+ miles

For travelers in Atlanta:

• You’ll likely fly between Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and either:
  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), or
  • Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

Direct flights are frequent, and typical flight time is about 1.5 to 2 hours in the air, depending on wind and routing.

Quick Comparison: Chicago–Atlanta Distances & Times

You can use the table below as a quick reference if you’re planning a trip from Atlanta.

What Atlanta Travelers Should Know About the Drive

If you’re leaving from Atlanta and heading to Chicago by car:

Typical driving routes from Atlanta

Most drivers from Atlanta heading north toward Chicago will:

• Take I‑75 North out of Atlanta, then connect to:
  • I‑24 through Tennessee, and then
  • I‑65 heading north toward Chicago

You’ll pass through or near cities like:

• Chattanooga, TN
• Nashville, TN
• Louisville, KY
• Indianapolis, IN (depending on route)

All told, you’re looking at around 720+ miles of mostly interstate driving.

How long is the trip from Atlanta by car?

From Metro Atlanta (for example, leaving near Downtown or the Perimeter):

• Without long stops: about 11–12 hours
• With meals, gas, and rest breaks: many Atlanta drivers plan for 12–14 hours total

Because it’s a long day on the road, people in Atlanta often:

• Leave very early in the morning to reach Chicago by evening, or
• Break the trip into two days, stopping overnight somewhere like Nashville or Louisville

Tips for Atlanta drivers

• Plan around Atlanta traffic:
  Try to avoid rush hour on the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) and I‑285 when you depart. Leaving before sunrise or late morning often makes the first stretch smoother.
• Season matters:
  In winter, conditions in Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois can be much colder and snowier than in Atlanta. Check weather forecasts along the full route.
• Rest and safety:
  Use rest areas and well-lit gas stations along the interstates. If you are new to long-distance driving, consider sharing driving duties or scheduling an overnight stop.

Flying from Atlanta to Chicago: Distance and Logistics

For most people in Atlanta, flying is the fastest way to cover the roughly 590–600 air miles to Chicago.

Airports used by Atlanta travelers

• Departure:
  Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  – Located just south of downtown Atlanta
  – Accessible via MARTA (Airport Station) or by car via I‑75/I‑85

• Arrival in Chicago:

  • O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
  • Midway International Airport (MDW)

Both have frequent direct flights to and from Atlanta.

Travel time door-to-door

While the actual air distance is under 600 miles, your door-to-door time from Atlanta often includes:

• 30–90 minutes to get to ATL (depending on where you are in Metro Atlanta and traffic)
• 1.5–2 hours in the air
• Time for security, boarding, and baggage
• Transit from ORD or MDW into your destination in the Chicago area

Many Atlanta travelers find the total trip takes 4–6 hours from their home or hotel in Atlanta to their final stop in Chicago.

Bus and Train Options Between Chicago and Atlanta

While less common than driving or flying, some people in Atlanta do consider bus or train travel between the two cities.

Bus travel

Intercity bus services typically follow a similar 700+ mile road route and may include stops in multiple states.

For Atlanta residents, common features include:

• Departure points near or around Downtown Atlanta
• Arrival at bus stations in or near downtown Chicago
• Total travel time often 13–16 hours or more, depending on stops and connections

Train travel

There is no single direct overnight train that runs straight from Chicago to Atlanta without connections, so you’ll usually:

• Take one train to a hub city, then
• Connect to another line serving Atlanta’s Peachtree Station or a nearby southern route

Because of transfers and schedules, total train time can be 18+ hours, even though the ground distance is similar to driving.

How the Distance Feels From an Atlanta Perspective

When you look at the 720+ driving miles between Chicago and Atlanta, it helps to put it in familiar terms:

• It’s farther than a drive from Atlanta to Orlando, but
• Shorter than a drive from Atlanta to many Northeast cities, like New York or Boston

For people living in Metro Atlanta, this means:

• Weekend trip by car: Possible, but you’ll spend a lot of time on the road. Many prefer to fly for short visits.
• Extended stay or relocation: If you’re moving between Chicago and Atlanta, you can realistically drive a moving truck in a long day or two shorter days.
• Family visits and business travel: Frequent travelers between the two cities typically rely on direct flights given the distance.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• The driving distance from Chicago to Atlanta is about 720+ miles by interstate.
• The flying distance is shorter, roughly 590–600 miles, with 1.5–2 hours of flight time.
• From Atlanta, you’ll depart via Hartsfield‑Jackson (ATL) and usually arrive at Chicago O’Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW).
• By car, plan for about 11–12 hours of driving between the two city centers, longer with stops and traffic.
• Bus and train options exist but typically take significantly longer than flying and somewhat longer than driving.

Understanding these distances helps Atlanta residents and visitors decide whether driving, flying, or taking a bus or train makes the most sense for their schedule, budget, and comfort level.