Flying From Fort Lauderdale Airport to Atlanta: What Travelers Need to Know

Flying from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Atlanta, Georgia is one of the busiest short-haul routes in the Southeast. Whether you live in Atlanta, are returning home, or are visiting the city, it helps to understand how this route works and what to expect when you land at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

This guide focuses on the Fort Lauderdale to Atlanta trip from an Atlanta traveler’s perspective—how to choose flights, navigate ATL when you arrive, and get from the airport into the city efficiently.

Overview: Fort Lauderdale Airport to Atlanta

The route from FLL to ATL is a major connection between South Florida and Metro Atlanta. You’ll typically find:

• Direct (nonstop) flights throughout the day
• Average flight times around 1.5 to 2 hours in the air
• Service primarily into ATL, which is Atlanta’s main commercial airport and a major hub for domestic and international travel

For Atlanta residents, this is a common route for:

• Visiting South Florida beaches and cruise ports
• Business trips to the Fort Lauderdale/Miami area
• Connecting flights from Fort Lauderdale through Atlanta to other destinations

For visitors coming into Atlanta from Fort Lauderdale, ATL will likely be your arrival point.

Flight Options: FLL to ATL

Most travelers going Fort Lauderdale Airport to Atlanta will choose a nonstop flight. These are widely available and usually more convenient than connecting options.

Typical flight experience

• Flight time (in the air): About 1 hour 40 minutes, give or take
• Total travel window: Plan for 3–4 hours including boarding, taxiing, and deplaning
• Time zone: Both cities are in the Eastern Time Zone, so there’s no time change to manage

When comparing flights, Atlanta-based travelers often weigh:

• Departure time from FLL: Morning flights can position you back in Atlanta with most of the day left
• Arrival time at ATL: Consider rush hour (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.) if you’ll be driving or using rideshare into town
• Airport connection needs: Many travelers use ATL as a connecting hub to other U.S. or international destinations

What to Expect When You Land at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

No matter which airline you choose from Fort Lauderdale to Atlanta, you will arrive at ATL, located just south of downtown Atlanta:

• Address: 6000 North Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320
• General information line: Commonly available via “Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport” main contact channels

Layout basics

ATL is divided into:

• Domestic Terminal – North and South
• Concourse T (attached to Domestic Terminal)
• Concourses A, B, C, D, and E (domestic and some international)
• Concourse F and the International Terminal

Most FLL–ATL flights arrive at a domestic concourse (commonly A, B, C, or T), and you’ll reach the main terminal by following signs to:

• Plane Train (underground airport train)
• Baggage Claim
• Ground Transportation

If Atlanta is your final destination, just follow signs to Baggage Claim and then to the ground transport area you need.

Getting From ATL Into Atlanta

Once your flight from Fort Lauderdale lands, you have several options for getting into Atlanta or the surrounding metro area.

1. MARTA (Public Transit)

MARTA is often the most predictable and budget-friendly way into Atlanta from the airport.

• Airport MARTA Station: At the Airport Station inside the Domestic Terminal
• Service: Northbound trains into the city and northern suburbs

Major MARTA stops useful for visitors and residents:

• Five Points: Downtown transit hub
• Peachtree Center: Downtown hotels, offices, and attractions
• Midtown Station: Midtown Atlanta, arts district, major office towers
• Arts Center Station: Arts venues and some Midtown neighborhoods
• Lindbergh Center, Buckhead, Medical Center, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, North Springs: Access to northern communities, offices, and shopping areas

MARTA is particularly useful if you’re:

• Staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead
• Connecting to buses or shuttles that depart from a MARTA station
• Avoiding traffic and parking

🚆 Tip: From the arrival gate, follow signs to Baggage Claim, then Ground Transportation, then MARTA. The station is directly attached to the Domestic Terminal.

2. Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) and Taxis

After your Fort Lauderdale to Atlanta flight:

• Rideshare pickup areas are located in the Domestic Terminal ground transportation center
• Taxis queue in a designated taxi zone outside the terminal

Approximate ride times (depending on traffic):

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

This option is often best if you:

• Have heavy luggage
• Are traveling late at night or very early
• Are heading somewhere that’s not near a MARTA station

3. Rental Cars

If you’re planning to explore metro Atlanta or need flexibility for work or family visits, a rental car can be practical.

• Car Rental Center (CONRAC): Located offsite but connected via the ATL SkyTrain
• To reach it from your Fort Lauderdale flight arrival:
  1. Follow signs to Ground Transportation and Rental Cars
  2. Board the SkyTrain from the Domestic Terminal
  3. Ride a few minutes to the Rental Car Center

From there you can drive to:

• Downtown Atlanta: Via I‑85 or I‑75 North
• Midtown/Buckhead: Continue on I‑75/85 North or GA‑400
• Suburbs: Connect to I‑285, I‑20, GA‑400, or other major routes

🚗 Tip: If you’re returning to Fort Lauderdale later from Atlanta by car, consider traffic patterns on I‑285 and through downtown, especially during peak hours.

4. Hotel Shuttles and Private Services

Many Atlanta airport hotels near Virginia Avenue, Old National Highway, or along Sullivan Road offer free shuttles to and from ATL.

• Shuttles often pick up at designated hotel shuttle areas near Ground Transportation
• Check directly with your hotel for shuttle frequency and pickup locations

Private car or shuttle services are also available for:

• Corporate groups
• Large families
• Special events and conventions

Navigating ATL for Connections After Flying From Fort Lauderdale

If Atlanta is not your final stop and you’re connecting onward after arriving from Fort Lauderdale Airport:

Domestic-to-domestic connections

• After deplaning, follow signs to Connecting Flights
• Use the Plane Train to reach your next concourse (A–E, T)
• You usually don’t need to exit to the main terminal or re-check baggage if it’s checked through

Domestic-to-international connections

If you’re continuing from ATL to an international destination:

• You may depart from Concourse E or F (International Terminal)
• Follow signs for International Flights / Concourse F
• The Plane Train will take you there from your arrival concourse

Allow extra time if:

• Your Fort Lauderdale to Atlanta flight arrives during peak periods
• You have a shorter layover
• You need to move between distant concourses

Timing Tips for FLL–ATL Travelers With Atlanta in Mind

Whether you live in Atlanta or are visiting, planning around Atlanta’s traffic and airport patterns can make the Fort Lauderdale–Atlanta route smoother.

When you’re leaving Atlanta for Fort Lauderdale

If your trip starts in Atlanta and you’re flying ATL to FLL:

• Arrive at ATL: Common advice is to be at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic flights, especially during busy times
• Consider rush hour: Factor in morning (7–9 a.m.) and evening (4–7 p.m.) interstate traffic when driving or using rideshare to ATL
• MARTA advantages: If you live or stay near a MARTA station, the train can be more predictable than I‑75/85 traffic

When you’re arriving in Atlanta from Fort Lauderdale

Plan your arrival time based on what comes next:

• Business meetings or events: Add a buffer of 1–2 hours after your scheduled arrival to account for taxiing, deplaning, baggage claim, and city travel
• Sporting events or concerts: For venues like Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or Fox Theatre, aim to land at least 3–4 hours before event start if you’re checking bags or using surface transportation in rush hour
• Connections to other Georgia cities: If you’re renting a car to reach places like Athens, Macon, or Augusta, keep in mind both ATL traffic and the additional driving time once you leave the city

Quick Comparison: Ground Options From ATL After a Fort Lauderdale Flight

Here’s a simple reference once you land in Atlanta:

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers on the FLL–ATL Route

• Check your arrival concourse at ATL: It helps you plan your walk and connection to MARTA or Ground Transportation.
• Have a ground plan before you land: Decide in advance whether you’re using MARTA, rideshare, or a rental car; this reduces stress after deplaning.
• Watch Atlanta rush hours: If you can, schedule your Fort Lauderdale to Atlanta arrivals outside peak driving times.
• Know your destination neighborhood: Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead are MARTA-friendly; farther suburbs often favor rental cars or rideshare.
• Allow extra time during major Atlanta events: Large conventions, festivals, or big games can affect both airport crowds and traffic into the city.

By understanding how the Fort Lauderdale Airport to Atlanta trip fits into the layout, transit options, and traffic patterns of Atlanta, Georgia, you can choose flights and ground transportation that match your schedule, budget, and comfort level—whether you’re coming home, visiting, or just passing through.