How Far Is It From Atlanta to LA? Miles, Routes, and Travel Tips

If you live in Atlanta, Georgia and you’re wondering, “How many miles is it from Atlanta to LA?”, you’re really asking about one of the longest common cross-country trips in the U.S. Whether you’re planning a road trip, pricing out flights, or just curious how far away the West Coast really is, it helps to know the distances and what to expect when traveling from Atlanta to Los Angeles (LA).

How Many Miles From Atlanta to Los Angeles?

The distance depends on how you travel and the route you choose.

By Air (Atlanta to LA)

  • Nonstop flight distance (Atlanta → Los Angeles):
    Approximately 1,940–1,970 miles (about 3,120 km), depending on specific airports.

Most nonstop flights go between:

  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Other Los Angeles–area airports (like Burbank, Long Beach, or Ontario) will vary slightly, but the distance stays close to about 2,000 miles.

💡 Key takeaway:
If you’re flying from Atlanta to LA, plan on around 2,000 air miles.

By Car (Driving Distance From Atlanta to LA)

Driving is a very different story. The road distance is longer than the straight-line air distance because of highways and terrain.

The most common driving routes between Atlanta and Los Angeles are:

  • Approximate driving distance:2,150–2,250 miles
  • Typical driving time (wheels turning only):31–34 hours of driving time
    (not counting fuel stops, food breaks, or overnight stays)

Common Driving Routes

Most drivers leaving Atlanta use one of these long-distance interstate combinations:

  1. I‑20 West Route (through Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona)

    • Start on I‑20 W from Atlanta
    • Pass cities like Birmingham, Jackson, Shreveport, Dallas, Midland/Odessa, and El Paso
    • Connect west via I‑10 or another interstate into California and up to Los Angeles
    • Distance: around 2,150–2,250 miles, depending on your exact path

  2. I‑40 Route (more northern option)

    • From Atlanta, travel northwest (often via I‑75/I‑24/I‑40 corridors)
    • Cross through Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas Panhandle, New Mexico, Arizona
    • Then continue into California toward the LA area
    • Distance: similar range, but direction and weather patterns differ

Both are multi-day drives for most Atlanta travelers.

Quick Distance Summary: Atlanta → Los Angeles

Mode of TravelApprox. Distance (Miles)What That Means in Practice
Nonstop flight (ATL → LAX)~1,940–1,970 milesAbout a 4–5 hour flight time in the air (weather and routing can vary).
Driving (common interstate routes)~2,150–2,250 milesUsually 3–5 days of travel with rest, food, and overnight stops.
Straight-line “as the crow flies”~1,950 milesUseful for understanding general distance, not for actual travel planning.

Planning the Trip From Atlanta to LA by Car

If you’re starting in Atlanta, your experience will be shaped by the route you pick, season, and how you like to travel.

How Many Days Should You Plan?

From Atlanta, most people do not attempt this in one or two days unless they split driving between multiple experienced drivers and drive long hours.

A more typical plan from Atlanta looks like:

  • 3 days: Very long driving days (10–12+ hours each)
  • 4–5 days: More balanced pace with time for rest and basic sightseeing

If you’re leaving directly from inside Atlanta (e.g., Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or the suburbs like Sandy Springs or Decatur), allow extra time to:

  • Navigate city traffic, especially on the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) and around I‑285
  • Stop for gas and supplies before you fully commit to the long-haul interstate stretch

Suggested Starting Points in Metro Atlanta

Most Atlanta drivers heading to LA will:

  • Join I‑20 West from:
    • Downtown Atlanta: Direct access via the I‑75/85 connector
    • Westside / West Midtown: Quick access to I‑20 via surface streets or connector ramps
    • I‑285 West / South: If you’re coming from suburbs like Smyrna, Mableton, or College Park

If you’re renting a car near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320), you can get onto I‑285 and connect to I‑20 W fairly quickly.

Flying From Atlanta to Los Angeles

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, flying is the most practical way to handle nearly 2,000 miles.

Distance and Flight Time

  • Air distance: around 1,950 miles
  • Total travel time airport-to-airport:
    • 4–5 hours in the air for a nonstop ATL → LAX flight
    • Add time for security, boarding, taxiing, and possible connection if not nonstop

From Atlanta, you’ll be departing from:

  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
    6000 N Terminal Pkwy
    Atlanta, GA 30320
    General Information: (800) 897‑1910 (information line often provided for travelers)

How the Distance Affects Your Budget and Planning

Knowing how many miles it is from Atlanta to LA isn’t just trivia; it helps you plan costs and logistics.

Gas and Vehicle Wear (For Atlanta Drivers)

At roughly 2,150–2,250 miles one way:

  • Round trip: ~4,300–4,500 miles
  • This is a big portion of the average yearly mileage for many Atlanta drivers
  • Expect:
    • Multiple fuel stops each day
    • Noticeable wear on tires and brakes
    • Potential oil-change interval coming due during or right after the trip

If you live in Atlanta and normally drive mostly in-town (Midtown, Buckhead, Downtown, Decatur) or around I‑285, a cross-country run is a very different level of strain than your typical commute on GA‑400 or I‑85.

Time vs. Distance Trade-Off

From an Atlanta perspective:

  • Flying
    • Best if your priority is time saved
    • You avoid days on the road and major fatigue
  • Driving
    • Gives flexibility to see other cities along the way
    • Can work if you’re relocating, moving belongings, or making a multi-stop trip

Because it’s over 2,000 road miles from Atlanta to LA, most people decide based on whether they value time, budget, or experience (e.g., a bucket-list road trip) more.

Common Atlanta-Specific Questions About the Route

Is the Route Mostly Interstate?

Yes. From Atlanta you’ll mainly use:

  • I‑20 West or a combination leading to I‑40
  • Other major interstates as you approach Los Angeles

This means:

  • Consistent signage
  • Access to services (gas, rest areas, food, lodging) in most states you’ll cross
  • Easier navigation starting from Atlanta’s large interstate network

Does Atlanta Traffic Affect the Overall Distance?

The distance in miles from Atlanta to LA doesn’t change, but:

  • Getting out of Atlanta can add time, especially during:
    • Morning rush (roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.)
    • Afternoon/evening rush (roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.)
  • If possible, start your trip:
    • Very early morning, or
    • After the evening rush, then drive a few hours west before overnighting

This helps you turn more of those 2,000+ miles into actual progress, rather than sitting on the Downtown Connector.

Simple Planning Checklist for Atlanta-to-LA Travel

If you’re going from Atlanta to Los Angeles, use this as a quick reference:

  • Know your distance
    • Flying: ~1,950 miles
    • Driving: ~2,150–2,250 miles, depending on exact route
  • Pick your mode
    • Flying from ATL if you value speed
    • Driving if you want flexibility or are moving items
  • Plan your timing
    • Avoid Atlanta rush hours when starting your drive
    • Factor in multiple days if you’re driving from inside metro Atlanta
  • Prepare your vehicle (if driving)
    • Check fluids, tires, and brakes before leaving Atlanta
    • Consider an oil change if you’re close to your interval
  • Budget realistically
    • Gas, food, and lodging for several nights on the road
    • Or airfare plus ground transport on both ends

The bottom line:
From Atlanta, Georgia, Los Angeles is roughly 1,950 miles by air and about 2,150–2,250 miles by road. For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, that means a trip that is either one long flight or a multi-day, cross-country drive spanning a large portion of the United States.