Travel Guide: Going From Atlanta to Oklahoma City

Planning a trip from Atlanta to Oklahoma City and want to understand your options from an Atlanta perspective? Whether you live in the metro area, are flying in and out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), or are mapping out a road trip starting in the city, this guide breaks down the main ways to get there, what to expect, and how to plan efficiently.

Overview: How Far Is Oklahoma City From Atlanta?

For most Atlanta travelers, the big questions are distance, time, and cost.

• Approximate driving distance: about 830–900 miles, depending on route
• Typical driving time: around 12–14 hours with minimal stops
• Direct flight time: about 2 to 2.5 hours in the air
• Time zones: Atlanta (Eastern Time) to Oklahoma City (Central Time) – you gain one hour going west

If you’re leaving from in-town neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, or Sandy Springs, your starting point will almost always be:

• By air: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• By car/bus: Interstate corridors like I‑20 or I‑75/I‑24/I‑40

Option 1: Flying From Atlanta to Oklahoma City

For most people in Atlanta, flying is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Oklahoma City.

Main Airports

Departure: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Location: About 10 miles south of Downtown Atlanta
• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• General Info: (800) 897‑1910

Arrival: Will Rogers World Airport (OKC)

• Location: Southwest of downtown Oklahoma City
• Address: 7100 Terminal Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73159

Flight Basics for Atlanta Travelers

• Nonstop flights are often available between ATL and OKC, especially through major carriers that use Atlanta as a hub.
• Flight time: usually around 2–2.5 hours gate-to-gate.
• With security, boarding, and ground transport on both ends, plan on 4–5 hours total for the trip.

Getting to ATL from Around Atlanta

Depending on where you are in the metro:

• MARTA Rail:
  • The Red and Gold lines go directly to the Airport Station, inside the Domestic Terminal.
  • Useful if you’re staying near Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Doraville, Sandy Springs, or North Springs.
• Driving & Parking:
  • Long-term parking lots and airport-area private lots serve travelers across metro Atlanta.
  • Consider travel time during rush hour on I‑75/85, especially if you’re coming from the northern suburbs.
• Rideshare & Taxis:
  • Pick-ups/drop-offs are clearly signed at ATL; expect higher demand during early morning and late afternoon travel peaks.

When Flying Makes the Most Sense

Flying from Atlanta to Oklahoma City tends to be best if:

• You want to leave in the morning and arrive by lunchtime Central Time.
• You’re traveling for business or a short weekend trip.
• You’re starting within reasonable distance of ATL (e.g., inside the Perimeter, Marietta, Smyrna, College Park, East Point, or Decatur).

Option 2: Driving From Atlanta to Oklahoma City

If you prefer flexibility, have multiple people traveling, or want to combine Oklahoma City with other stops, a road trip from Atlanta can be practical.

Typical Driving Routes From Atlanta

There are two commonly used routes:

1. I‑20 West Route (Through Birmingham & Dallas Area)

• Atlanta → Birmingham → Jackson → Shreveport → Dallas area → Oklahoma City
• Main highways:
  • I‑20 West out of Atlanta
  • Connect eventually to I‑35 or related routes north toward Oklahoma City

Pros:

• Straightforward route out of I‑20 West from Downtown Atlanta
• Easy if you’re already on the south or west side of the metro (e.g., Douglasville, Lithia Springs, East Point)

Cons:

• Longer overall routing and heavy traffic possible near large cities.

2. I‑75 / I‑24 / I‑40 Route (Through Chattanooga & Nashville)

• Atlanta → Chattanooga → Nashville → Memphis → Little Rock → Oklahoma City
• Main highways:
  • I‑75 North from Atlanta
  • I‑24 West via Chattanooga
  • I‑40 West across Tennessee and Arkansas into Oklahoma

Pros:

• Scenic sections through Tennessee
• Simple once you’re on I‑40 West

Cons:

• Mountainous stretches near Chattanooga can be challenging in bad weather.

Estimated Driving Time & Planning

• Expect 12–14 hours of driving, not counting long stops.
• Many Atlanta drivers choose to break the trip into two days, stopping overnight in a city like Memphis, Little Rock, or Jackson.

Atlanta-Specific Driving Tips

• Leaving Atlanta:

  • Try to avoid weekday rush hours (roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m. and 3:30–7:00 p.m.), especially if you’re using the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) or I‑285.
  • If you’re starting from Gwinnett, Cobb, or North Fulton, account for extra time to reach your outbound interstate.

• Vehicle Prep:

  • Long-distance trips from Atlanta often mean big temperature and weather changes, depending on season.
  • Check tires, fluids, and air conditioning, especially if you’re leaving from hot Atlanta summers.

• Tolls:

  • The core routes between Atlanta and Oklahoma City use mostly non-toll interstates, but always check your exact route for any toll segments or optional toll roads.

Option 3: Bus or Train Travel From Atlanta to Oklahoma City

For travelers without a car or who prefer not to fly, bus or train can be an option, though usually slower and involving transfers.

Intercity Bus From Atlanta

Bus companies operate from:

• Atlanta Bus Terminals / Downtown Area
• Routes typically run west or northwest toward major hubs like Birmingham, Nashville, Dallas, and then on to Oklahoma City.

Common characteristics:

• Multiple transfers likely between Atlanta and Oklahoma City.
• Travel time can easily exceed 20+ hours.
• May be cost-effective for flexible or budget-conscious travelers.

Check the main bus station in Downtown Atlanta for current schedules, or use a company’s customer service number before planning.

Amtrak From Atlanta (Limited Options)

Atlanta has Amtrak’s Peachtree Station:

• Address: 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Station is in Midtown/Brookwood area, reachable via local buses or rideshare.

However:

• There is no direct Amtrak route from Atlanta to Oklahoma City.
• You would generally need to:
  • Travel from Atlanta to another major rail hub;
  • Then transfer to rail or bus connections heading toward Oklahoma.

This can be considerably slower and more complex than flying or driving, so it usually only appeals to travelers specifically interested in long-distance rail experiences or multi-stop journeys.

Comparing Atlanta to Oklahoma City Travel Options

Below is a simple comparison to help decide which option fits your situation if you’re starting from Atlanta.

Time Zone & Scheduling Considerations

When planning from an Atlanta base:

• Atlanta is on Eastern Time (ET).
• Oklahoma City is on Central Time (CT).
• You gain one hour when heading west (Atlanta to Oklahoma City).
• You lose one hour coming back to Atlanta.

If you have meetings, events, or hotel check-ins in Oklahoma City, schedule with this one-hour difference in mind, especially when booking flights out of ATL.

Packing and Weather Tips From an Atlanta Lens

Atlanta’s weather can be hot and humid in the summer, and mild to cool in the winter. Oklahoma City weather has:

• Potentially hot, dry, or windy summers
• Cool to cold winters, with more frequent winter weather systems than Atlanta
• More active spring severe-weather seasons than many parts of Georgia

When traveling from Atlanta:

• Check both cities’ forecasts a few days before departure.
• Don’t assume that “warm in Atlanta” means “warm in Oklahoma City,” especially in late fall through early spring.
• Pack layers, a light jacket, and weather-appropriate footwear if you are driving and making outdoor stops along the route.

Ground Transportation in Oklahoma City After You Arrive

Once you get to Oklahoma City from Atlanta—whether by air or car—you’ll need to think about getting around town.

At Will Rogers World Airport (OKC):

• Rental cars are available and are often the most practical for visitors, especially if you’re used to Atlanta’s car-oriented layout.
• Taxis and rideshare services operate from designated areas.
• Public transit options exist but may be less extensive than what you find around central Atlanta and DeKalb.

If you’re driving from Atlanta, be prepared for:

• Generally lighter traffic than Atlanta, though local rush hours still apply.
• Broad highways and surface streets similar to many Southern and Midwestern cities.

Quick Planning Checklist for Atlanta–Oklahoma City Trips

Use this as a fast reference when you’re planning your trip from Atlanta:

• ✅ Decide on mode of travel: fly, drive, bus, or mix
• ✅ If flying, book flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Will Rogers World Airport (OKC)
• ✅ Arrange transport to ATL (MARTA, rideshare, taxi, or parking)
• ✅ If driving, choose your route (I‑20 westward or I‑75/I‑24/I‑40) and consider an overnight stop
• ✅ Check weather in both Atlanta and Oklahoma City
• ✅ Remember the time zone change (ET → CT)
• ✅ Plan ground transportation in Oklahoma City (rental car, rideshare, or taxi)

Once you know whether you’re flying out of ATL or driving out of the metro area, planning your Atlanta to Oklahoma City trip becomes straightforward.