Atlanta to Chicago: How Many Miles Is It and What’s the Best Way to Travel?

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Chicago, Illinois, the distance—and how long it takes to get there—depends on how you travel. Whether you’re driving from Midtown, flying out of Hartsfield-Jackson, or considering a bus or train, knowing the miles from Atlanta to Chicago helps you plan time, budget, and logistics.

How Many Miles Is Atlanta from Chicago?

There are two main ways to think about distance between Atlanta and Chicago:

  • Driving distance: about 715–725 miles
  • Flight distance (straight-line): about 590–605 miles

Most travelers from Atlanta will either fly or drive, so those are the distances that matter most.

Driving Distance from Atlanta to Chicago

If you’re leaving from central Atlanta (for example, Downtown or Midtown) and heading to central Chicago, you’ll typically cover:

  • Approximate driving distance:715–725 miles
  • Typical route: via I-75 North, I-24 West, and I-65 North

Common Atlanta-to-Chicago Driving Route

Most GPS apps will send you along a version of this route:

  1. Head north on I-75 from Atlanta.
  2. Connect to I-24 near Chattanooga.
  3. Pick up I-65 north through Nashville and up toward Indiana.
  4. Continue into the Chicago area.

This is a mostly interstate route with frequent rest areas, fuel stops, and food options, which makes it practical for Atlanta drivers.

How Long Does the Drive Take?

  • Approximate driving time:11–13 hours in normal conditions, without long stops.

What affects your total time:

  • 🚗 Traffic leaving Atlanta (especially around the Downtown Connector and I-285)
  • ⏰ Time of day (rush hour in Atlanta, Nashville, and Chicago)
  • 🌧️ Weather (winter conditions closer to Chicago can slow things down)
  • 🛑 Number of stops (fuel, meals, rest)

If you’re planning the drive from Atlanta, many locals split it into two days, especially if traveling with kids or leaving after work.

Flight Distance and Time from Atlanta to Chicago

From Atlanta (ATL) to the main Chicago airports, the straight-line distance (also called “as-the-crow-flies” distance) is shorter than the driving route.

Approximate Flight Distances

RouteApprox. Miles (Air)Typical Nonstop Flight Time
Atlanta (ATL) → Chicago O’Hare (ORD)~600 miles~1 hour 50 min – 2 hours
Atlanta (ATL) → Chicago Midway (MDW)~590–600 miles~1 hour 45 min – 2 hours

These distances are measured airport to airport, not door to door.

Total Travel Time from Atlanta by Air

While the flight itself is under 2 hours, total trip time from Atlanta usually feels more like 4–6 hours, once you factor in:

  • Getting to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  • Parking or using MARTA / rideshare
  • Check-in and security (especially at the Domestic Terminal)
  • Boarding, taxiing, and any delays
  • Getting from O’Hare or Midway into central Chicago

Flying is usually the fastest way to get from Atlanta to Chicago, especially for weekend trips.

Comparing Travel Options From Atlanta to Chicago

If you’re deciding how to go from Atlanta to Chicago, distance is only one part of the picture. Here’s how the main options compare for Atlanta-based travelers:

1. Driving from Atlanta

  • Distance: ~715–725 miles
  • Time: 11–13 hours of driving
  • Good for you if:
    • You want to avoid airfare and have flexibility.
    • You prefer to bring your own car (useful if you’ll be moving between Chicago suburbs or continuing elsewhere).
    • You’re traveling with several people and can share driving and costs.

Tips for Atlanta drivers:

  • Consider leaving after morning rush hour to avoid heavy Downtown Connector traffic.
  • Plan fuel and meal stops around larger cities like Chattanooga and Nashville for more options.
  • In winter, check weather conditions north of Indianapolis where snow and ice are more common than in Atlanta.

2. Flying from Atlanta

  • Distance: ~600 miles (air)
  • Time: Under 2 hours in the air; 4–6 hours total trip
  • Good for you if:
    • You’re on a tight schedule or going for a short stay.
    • You’re already near Hartsfield-Jackson or can get there easily via MARTA.
    • You prefer to avoid long highway drives.

For Atlanta travelers:

  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
    • Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
    • MARTA: Airport Station on the Red/Gold line connects directly to the Domestic Terminal.
  • In Chicago, O’Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) both have train connections into the city, similar to how MARTA connects Atlanta’s airport to Downtown and Midtown.

3. Bus or Train from Atlanta

These options usually cover a similar number of miles as driving, but with different timing:

  • Bus (Atlanta to Chicago):

    • Distance: Around 700–750 road miles, similar to driving.
    • Time: Often 14–18 hours, depending on route and stops.
    • Useful if you prefer not to drive or fly and want a budget-friendly option.

  • Train (Amtrak from Atlanta):

    • Atlanta has Amtrak’s Peachtree Station:
      • Address: 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
    • There is not a fast direct train from Atlanta to Chicago in the same way there is, for example, between some Northeast cities.
    • Train travel can involve longer routes and transfers, making total time significantly more than a flight.

These options are chosen less for speed and more for cost or comfort preferences.

How Far Is It Door to Door From Atlanta Neighborhoods?

The official distances usually use the city centers or airports, but if you live in a specific part of Atlanta, your door-to-door distance will vary slightly.

For example, starting from:

  • Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:
    • Driving to Downtown Chicago: ~715–725 miles
  • Suburbs north of I-285 (e.g., Sandy Springs, Roswell):
    • Add roughly 10–30 extra miles to reach I-75/I-85 or the airport.
  • Southside (College Park, East Point, Union City):
    • You’re slightly closer to Hartsfield-Jackson and close to I-85, but the total driving distance to Chicago doesn’t change much—still roughly 715–730 miles.

These small differences (usually no more than 20–40 miles) won’t dramatically change your route choice but can affect departure timing and airport planning.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

  • By car: Atlanta to Chicago is roughly 715–725 miles and usually 11–13 hours of driving.
  • By air: The flight distance is about 600 miles, with under 2 hours in the air, plus time for airport processes.
  • By bus or train: The distance is similar to driving, but total travel time is usually significantly longer than flying.

If you’re in Atlanta and wondering “How many miles is it from Atlanta to Chicago?” plan on about 700+ road miles or about 600 air miles, then choose the travel option that best fits your time, comfort level, and budget.