Atlanta Airport to Orlando: Best Ways to Get From ATL to Central Florida

Traveling from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Orlando, Florida is a very common trip for Atlanta residents, visitors, and families heading to theme parks. Whether you’re starting your journey in the city of Atlanta or connecting through ATL, you have several practical options for getting to Orlando.

This guide walks through everything you need to know: flights, driving, ground transportation, timing, costs, and how to plan your route smoothly from Atlanta Airport to Orlando.

Main Ways to Get From Atlanta Airport to Orlando

Most travelers choose one of these four options:

1. Direct flight from ATL to Orlando International Airport (MCO)
2. Drive from Atlanta to Orlando (using ATL as a pickup/drop-off point, or renting a car there)
3. Bus or shuttle service from the Atlanta area to Orlando
4. Combination options, like flying into one city and driving to nearby destinations

Which option works best depends on your budget, schedule, group size, and whether you’re already at Atlanta Airport or elsewhere in the metro area.

Option 1: Flying From Atlanta Airport to Orlando

Where You’ll Fly From and To

• Departure: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Main address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Arrival (most common): Orlando International Airport (MCO)
  • Orlando’s primary airport, closest to major attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando
• Alternative airport: Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) – farther from most tourist areas, fewer flights from Atlanta

What to Expect From the Flight

• Flight time: Typically about 1.5 hours in the air
• Total travel time door-to-door: Often 4–6 hours when you include:
  • Getting to ATL from your home, hotel, or MARTA
  • Check-in and security (especially in busy ATL terminals)
  • Taxiing and baggage claim in Orlando
  • Transportation from MCO to your final destination

Flying makes the most sense if:

• You want to save time compared to a long drive
• You’re connecting through ATL from another city
• You prefer to avoid a 6–8 hour highway trip

Getting to Atlanta Airport Before Your Flight

If you’re already in the Atlanta area, you have several ways to reach ATL before your Orlando flight:

1. MARTA (Train)

• Take the Red or Gold Line to the Airport Station, which is directly attached to the Domestic Terminal (North and South).
• If you’re staying in central Atlanta (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead), MARTA is often the simplest and most predictable way to get to the airport.

2. Driving and Parking

• You can drive via I‑85, I‑285, or Camp Creek Parkway depending on your starting point.
• Official ATL parking options include:
  • Hourly and daily parking at both North and South terminals
  • Economy and park-ride lots
• Check signs along Airport Boulevard and Terminal Parkway for your terminal (North/South) and parking areas.

3. Rideshare or Taxi

• Rideshare pickup zones are clearly marked at the airport.
• This is convenient if you’re coming from suburbs like Sandy Springs, Decatur, College Park, or East Point and don’t want to worry about parking.

At Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Once you land in Orlando, you’ll find:

• Rental car facilities in or near the terminal
• Hotel shuttles (for some properties)
• Taxis and rideshare zones
• Shuttle and ground transportation counters

If you’re heading to theme parks, International Drive, or downtown Orlando, plan for an additional 20–45 minutes of ground travel from MCO, depending on traffic and destination.

Option 2: Driving From Atlanta to Orlando

If you prefer more control over your schedule or you’re traveling with a family or group, driving from Atlanta to Orlando can be a very practical option.

Typical Route From Atlanta to Orlando

The most common driving route from Atlanta Airport to Orlando (and from metro Atlanta in general) uses Interstate 75 and the Florida Turnpike:

1. From Hartsfield-Jackson, follow signs to I‑85 South or I‑285 (depending on your route preference).
2. Connect to I‑75 South toward Macon.
3. Continue on I‑75 South through South Georgia.
4. In Florida, transition to the Florida Turnpike toward Orlando.
5. Follow signs for Orlando-area exits based on your final destination (downtown, attractions area, etc.).

Distance and Driving Time

• Approximate distance: Around 430–460 miles, depending on your exact start and end points.
• Typical driving time:6.5 to 8 hours:
  • Longer during holiday periods, peak vacation seasons, or heavy traffic around Atlanta or Orlando
  • Weather and construction along I‑75 can also affect timing

Picking Up a Rental Car at Atlanta Airport

If you’re flying into ATL and then planning to drive to Orlando, you can rent a car directly from the Rental Car Center (RCC):

• Accessed via the SkyTrain from the Domestic Terminal
• Multiple major rental companies operate on-site

This works well if:

• Orlando is only one stop on a broader road trip across the Southeast
• You want to stop in cities like Macon, Valdosta, Gainesville (FL), or Ocala on the way
• Your group wants room for luggage, strollers, or gear without dealing with airline baggage limits

Pros and Cons of Driving From ATL to Orlando

Benefits of driving:

• Flexible schedule – leave when you’re ready
• No security lines or airline delays
• More space for families, pets, and luggage
• Ability to make stops for food, rest, or quick sightseeing

Considerations:

• A full driving day can be tiring, especially after a flight into ATL
• You’ll pay for fuel, tolls (Florida Turnpike), and possibly overnight parking in Orlando
• Traffic near Downtown Atlanta, McDonough, and Orlando attractions can slow things down

Option 3: Bus and Shuttle Options Between Atlanta and Orlando

If you’d rather not drive yourself and want to avoid flying, bus travel from the Atlanta area to Orlando is another option. These usually do not depart directly from the ATL terminals, so you may need to travel from the airport into the city first.

Getting From Atlanta Airport to a Bus Departure Point

From Hartsfield-Jackson, your first step is typically to go into the city:

• Take MARTA from the Airport Station to central stations like Five Points or Peachtree Center.
• From there, you can either walk, take a short ride, or use local transit to bus depots, depending on which carrier you choose.

Buses run from various locations in and around Atlanta, so check your selected operator’s schedule, stop location, and boarding instructions in advance.

What Bus Travel Is Like From Atlanta to Orlando

• Travel time: Often 9–11 hours, depending on routings and stops
• Some services are overnight, which may allow you to save a hotel night and arrive in Orlando in the morning
• Buses may stop at (or near) downtown Orlando, with local transit, rideshare, and taxis available for last-mile travel to your hotel or resort

This option can be useful if:

• You are price-sensitive and flexible on travel time
• You don’t want to drive or rent a car
• You don’t mind longer journeys and shared seating

Comparing Your Main Options: Flight vs. Drive vs. Bus

Below is a simple comparison to help Atlanta-based travelers choose the best way to get from Atlanta Airport to Orlando.

*Time estimates include typical door-to-door factors, not just flight or drive time alone.

How to Decide the Best Route From Atlanta Airport to Orlando

When planning your trip, it helps to start with a few key questions:

1. Are You Starting at ATL or Elsewhere in Metro Atlanta?

• Already at the airport (connecting flights):
  • A direct flight ATL → MCO is usually the most convenient and quickest.
• Starting from an Atlanta neighborhood (Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, etc.):
  • Compare total time to drive directly from home to Orlando versus traveling to ATL, going through check-in/security, and flying.

2. How Much Time Do You Have?

• Short trips (weekend or long weekend):
  • Flying usually preserves more time in Orlando.
• Longer trips (a week or more):
  • Driving may feel more worthwhile, especially for families carrying more belongings.

3. What’s Your Group Like?

• Solo or couple:
  • Flights or bus options can be convenient, depending on comfort and budget.
• Family with kids or multi-generational group:
  • A car or van may be more comfortable and cost-effective per person.
• Travelers with mobility needs:
  • ATL, MCO, and major bus operators typically offer accessible services, but it’s best to confirm accessibility support in advance (wheelchair access, boarding assistance, etc.).

4. Comfort With Long Drives

If you or someone in your group enjoys driving and is comfortable with 6–8 hour road trips, the Atlanta-to-Orlando route is straightforward. If not, flying may be less stressful, especially if you’re starting your journey already tired.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip From Atlanta to Orlando

Here are some Atlanta-specific planning tips to make the journey easier, no matter which option you choose.

Planning Around Atlanta Traffic

• Morning and evening rush hours on I‑75, I‑85, and the Downtown Connector can add significant time if you drive.
• If you’re driving from Atlanta Airport to Orlando, consider:
  • Departing after the morning rush or early in the morning before traffic builds
  • Avoiding Friday evenings and holiday departure times if possible

Using MARTA Effectively

If your trip involves Atlanta Airport, MARTA can be a powerful tool:

• The Airport Station is part of the Red and Gold Lines, with easy connections from central Atlanta.
• This is useful if:
  • You’re taking a flight from ATL to Orlando
  • You’re going from bus terminals or nearby hotels to ATL after arriving back from Orlando

Parking and Drop-Off at ATL

• If you’re getting dropped off, confirm which terminal you need:
  • Most domestic flights to Orlando use the Domestic Terminal (North or South).
• Allow extra time for:
  • Traffic approaching the terminals
  • Walking from parking decks or waiting for shuttles from economy lots

When Orlando Is Part of a Bigger Trip From Atlanta

Many Atlanta travelers include Orlando as one stop in a wider Florida or Southeast itinerary. From Orlando, you can continue on to:

• Tampa or St. Petersburg (west coast)
• Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, or the Space Coast (east coast)
• South Florida cities, if you’re making a longer road trip

In those cases, driving from Atlanta or flying into one city and driving to another may give you the most flexibility.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers Heading to Orlando

• Flying ATL to MCO is the fastest and most direct for many travelers, especially if you’re already at the airport or connecting through Atlanta.
• Driving from Atlanta (or ATL) to Orlando is a straightforward full-day trip, ideal for families, road-trip fans, and anyone who wants flexible timing and extra space.
• Bus options from the Atlanta area to Orlando can be budget-friendly, though slower and typically require getting from ATL into the city first.
• Use MARTA, smart timing around Atlanta traffic, and clear planning for parking or rentals at ATL to keep your trip as smooth as possible.

With a clear sense of your time, budget, and starting point in the Atlanta area, you can choose the route from Atlanta Airport to Orlando that best matches how you like to travel.