Best Ways To Get From NYC to Atlanta: A Practical Guide for Atlanta Travelers

If you live in Atlanta, are planning a trip home from New York City, or you’re visiting and need to figure out the best way to get from NYC to Atlanta, you have several solid options. Each works differently in cost, time, and convenience once you actually arrive in Atlanta, Georgia.

Below is a clear breakdown of the main ways to travel from New York City to Atlanta, plus how each option connects with Atlanta’s local transportation, neighborhoods, and airports so you can plan the full door-to-door trip—not just the flight or ticket.

Main Options from NYC to Atlanta

The four most common ways to get from New York City to Atlanta are:

1. Flying (NYC → ATL or PDK)
2. Taking the train (Amtrak → Atlanta Peachtree Station)
3. Riding a long-distance bus (NYC → Atlanta)
4. Driving (car or one-way rental)

Here’s a quick comparison to help you narrow things down:

*Costs vary widely by date, demand, and how early you book.

Flying from NYC to Atlanta

For most travelers going from New York City to Atlanta, flying is the best balance of speed and convenience. Atlanta is one of the easiest U.S. cities to fly into thanks to its major international airport.

NYC Airports to Use

From New York City, the main airports with direct flights to Atlanta are:

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Nonstop flights from any of these to Atlanta run frequently throughout the day.

Arriving at Atlanta’s Main Airport: ATL

You’ll most likely land at:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
General info: (800) 897-1910

ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world and the primary entry point to the Atlanta metro area. The airport is on the south side of the city but is well-connected to downtown, Midtown, and the suburbs.

Getting From ATL Into Atlanta

Once you land, your main options are:

1. MARTA (Train) – Easiest for Downtown & Midtown

• The MARTA Airport Station is inside the domestic terminal, at the west end.
• The Red and Gold lines go directly to:
  • Downtown Atlanta (Peachtree Center, Five Points)
  • Midtown (Midtown, Arts Center)
  • Buckhead (Buckhead, Lenox—via transfer)

This is usually the fastest and cheapest way to reach central Atlanta from the airport. Trains run frequently during the day and evening.

2. Rideshare & Taxis

• Designated rideshare pickup zones and taxi stands are clearly marked.
• Good if you’re:
  • Staying in neighborhoods not directly on MARTA (Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, West Midtown, East Atlanta, etc.)
  • Traveling late at night when train frequency is lower
  • Carrying heavy luggage or traveling with kids

3. Rental Cars

If you plan to explore the wider Atlanta metro—suburbs like Alpharetta, Marietta, Sandy Springs, or Stone Mountain—a rental car can be worth it.

• ATL Rental Car Center
  2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy, College Park, GA 30337
  Connected to airport terminals via the SkyTrain.

Private or Business Aviation: DeKalb–Peachtree (PDK)

Some private and business flights from the NYC area may arrive at:

DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK)
2000 Airport Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341
Public info line: (770) 936-5440

PDK is on the northeast side of Atlanta, near Brookhaven, Doraville, and Chamblee, and is convenient if that’s where you’re staying or doing business. Ground transportation here is mainly by rideshare, taxi, or rental car; there is no MARTA rail station inside the airport, but buses and nearby MARTA stations (like Chamblee Station) can be used.

Taking the Train: NYC to Atlanta by Amtrak

If you prefer not to fly, Amtrak offers a more relaxed and scenic way to get from New York City to Atlanta. This can be a comfortable option if you don’t mind the longer travel time.

The Route

• The Amtrak Crescent line runs from New York City down to New Orleans, stopping in Atlanta along the way.
• Travel time from NYC to Atlanta is typically around 18–20 hours, often overnight.

You can board the Crescent in New York Penn Station and ride it straight to Atlanta without changing trains.

Arriving at Atlanta’s Amtrak Station

Atlanta Peachtree Station (Amtrak)
1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
Station info: (800) 872-7245

This station is in the Brookwood area, between Midtown and Buckhead.

Getting Around Atlanta From the Train Station

Peachtree Station is not directly on MARTA rail, but you have options:

• Rideshare or Taxi
  Usually the simplest and fastest way into Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead.

• MARTA Bus Connections
  Depending on schedules, certain bus routes run along Peachtree Street and can connect you to Arts Center Station (MARTA rail) or nearby neighborhoods.

From this location, Midtown is typically a short car ride away, and Buckhead is just to the north. Many Atlanta hotels and corporate offices are in these two areas.

Riding a Bus from NYC to Atlanta

For travelers prioritizing cost savings over speed, long-distance bus services between New York City and Atlanta are another option.

What to Expect

• Typical travel times are around 16–20+ hours, depending on route and stops.
• Schedules can vary widely, with overnight and daytime options.
• Buses usually arrive in or near Downtown Atlanta or Midtown, which gives you fairly central access to the city once you arrive.

While bus travel often has fewer amenities than trains or flights, it can be one of the least expensive ways to get from NYC to Atlanta, especially if you book early or travel on off-peak days.

Typical Atlanta Arrival Areas

Exact drop-off points can change, but many long-distance buses use locations such as:

• Areas near Downtown, sometimes close to Five Points or the Garnett MARTA station
• Areas near Midtown, for lines that use shared facilities or curbside stops

From there, you can generally use:

• MARTA rail (Five Points, Peachtree Center, Civic Center, Midtown, Garnett, etc.)
• Rideshare or taxis for direct door-to-door service
• Scooters or bikeshare in central neighborhoods, if available

If you’re staying near Downtown, Midtown, or Georgia State University, bus arrival can be especially convenient.

Driving from NYC to Atlanta

If you have time, enjoy road trips, or need to move belongings between New York and Atlanta, driving can be a flexible option.

Route Basics

Most drivers use some combination of major interstates such as:

• I-95 and connecting highways down the East Coast, then cutting over to I-85
• Or I-81 / I-77 / I-85, depending on route preferences

Without long stops, driving time is usually around 12–14 hours, but traffic, weather, and rest breaks can push it longer. Many people split the trip into two days, stopping somewhere in between (for example, in Virginia or North Carolina).

Arriving by Car in Atlanta

Once you reach the Atlanta area, the main interstates to know are:

• I-75 / I-85 (“The Connector”) – runs through Downtown and Midtown
• I-285 – the outer Perimeter around the city
• GA 400 – runs north through Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta

Keep in mind:

• Traffic: Rush hours in Atlanta can be heavy, especially on I-75/85 and I-285.
• Parking:
  • Downtown and Midtown: Expect paid parking at hotels, attractions, and many apartment buildings.
  • Neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and Old Fourth Ward may have a mix of street parking and small lots.

Driving makes the most sense if you:

• Are traveling with family or a group
• Need a car in Atlanta for work, visiting the suburbs, or exploring North Georgia
• Are relocating or bringing many belongings

How to Choose the Best Way from NYC to Atlanta (Based on Your Situation)

If you’re Atlanta-based or heading here for a specific purpose, the “best” method can depend on more than just time and price.

If You Live in Atlanta and Are Flying Home from NYC

Best choice: Usually flying into ATL.

• Pros: Fast, frequent flights; easy MARTA access to central neighborhoods; simple connection to suburban areas by car.
• Works especially well if you live or are staying near:
  • Downtown / Midtown / Buckhead (easy MARTA or quick rideshare)
  • College Park / East Point / Hapeville (close to the airport)
• Consider adding extra time if your final destination is further out, such as Gwinnett County, Cobb County, or Cherokee County.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta Without a Car

Best choice:

• Fly into ATL and use MARTA, rideshare, or taxis.
• Or, if you prefer not to fly, use Amtrak or bus and then rideshare/MARTA from the arrival points.

Atlanta is spread out, but if you stay in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, you can often get by with:

• MARTA rail and buses
• Rideshares
• Occasional scooter/bikeshare trips

If You’re Moving from NYC to Atlanta

Best choice:

• Driving or combining shipping services with a flight.

Factors to consider:

• Do you need to transport furniture or multiple boxes?
  • A personal vehicle or rental truck gives the most control.
• Are you comfortable driving 12+ hours?
  • Some people ship belongings separately, fly to ATL, and then arrange a local vehicle once here.

If You’re on a Tight Budget

Best choice:

• Compare bus fares and discounted flights, and occasionally Amtrak saver fares.

Money-saving notes:

• Look at off-peak travel days (midweek vs. weekend).
• Consider whether you’ll need taxis/rideshares at each end—cheapest ticket isn’t always cheapest overall once you factor in ground transport.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Arrival in Atlanta

Once you’ve decided how to travel from NYC to Atlanta, planning your first steps in the city can save time and stress.

Know Your Final Neighborhood

Atlanta’s major areas each connect differently to the airport, train, and bus arrivals:

• Downtown Atlanta (near State Capitol, Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia State University)
  • Easy MARTA access from ATL and most bus stops.
• Midtown (arts district, tech offices, Piedmont Park)
  • Very MARTA-friendly from both ATL and near Peachtree Station.
• Buckhead (upscale shopping, offices)
  • MARTA access via the Red Line, plus plenty of rideshare options.
• Intown neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown
  • Often a short rideshare from MARTA or directly from the airport/train/bus.
• Suburbs (Marietta, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, etc.)
  • Frequently easiest with a car or dedicated shuttle where available.

Keep Key Local Transit Info Handy

• MARTA Customer Service (general info): (404) 848-5000
• Hartsfield–Jackson Airport General Info: (800) 897-1910
• Amtrak General Info & Reservations: (800) 872-7245

Having these numbers available can help you adjust plans if your flight, train, or bus schedule changes.

By comparing time, budget, and where you’ll actually be staying in Atlanta, you can choose the NYC-to-Atlanta route that fits your needs best. For many, a direct flight to ATL plus MARTA or rideshare into town is the most efficient solution. For others, especially budget travelers or those who enjoy the journey itself, train, bus, or a road trip can be a perfectly workable—and sometimes more enjoyable—option.