Atlanta to Salt Lake City: How to Plan Your Trip From the ATL

Traveling from Atlanta to Salt Lake City puts you on a true cross-country route—from the Southeast to the Mountain West. Whether you live in Atlanta, are flying through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), or are planning a longer road trip, it helps to know your options, costs, and what to expect.

This guide focuses on what Atlanta-based travelers need to know: flights, driving routes, train and bus alternatives, time zone changes, and practical tips that start right here in Atlanta.

Key Ways to Travel From Atlanta to Salt Lake City

Most people going from Atlanta, Georgia to Salt Lake City, Utah use one of four main options:

• Nonstop or connecting flights from ATL
• Road trip by car
• Combination of flight + rental car (for national parks or skiing)
• Bus or train plus flight (for budget or specific travel needs)

Here’s a quick comparison:

Flying From Atlanta to Salt Lake City

If you’re based in Atlanta, flying is usually the fastest and most practical way to get to Salt Lake City.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Basics

Most Atlanta travelers will depart from:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

Relevant tips for this route:

• Expect to use the Domestic Terminal (North or South)
• Most flights to Salt Lake City leave from the Concourses A, B, C, D, or T
• Plan extra time for:
  • TSA security (the main checkpoint can get busy)
  • Riding the Plane Train between concourses
  • Checking bags if you’re traveling with ski gear or outdoor equipment

Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights

From Atlanta, you’ll typically see:

• Nonstop flights to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
• One-stop flights through hubs like Denver, Dallas–Fort Worth, Phoenix, or Chicago

Nonstop flight advantages:

• About 4 to 4.5 hours in the air
• Fewer chances for missed connections and baggage delays
• Easier if you’re traveling with kids, skis, or a tight schedule

Connecting flights:

• Can sometimes be cheaper
• May offer more flexible departure times
• Will add at least 1–2 hours to the total travel day

Time Zone and Jet Lag Considerations

• Atlanta: Eastern Time (ET)
• Salt Lake City: Mountain Time (MT)
• Salt Lake City is 2 hours behind Atlanta.

If you leave ATL in the morning, you often arrive in SLC still in the late morning or early afternoon local time, which is helpful for settling in, picking up a rental car, or getting to a late-day meeting.

For Atlanta residents:

• Evening arrivals in SLC can feel later to your body clock
• Early morning meetings in Salt Lake City may feel like very early Atlanta time

If you’re on a tight business schedule, consider arriving the day before rather than same-day.

Getting to ATL From Around Atlanta

Common ways Atlanta travelers reach the airport:

• MARTA Rail:

  • Take the Red or Gold Line to the Airport Station, located inside the Domestic Terminal.
  • Helpful from Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, and Doraville.

• Driving and Parking:

  • Main entrances from I-85 and I-75
  • On-site options: economy, park-ride, and daily parking near the Domestic and International terminals.
  • Many Atlanta residents use long-term lots or off-airport parking with shuttles.

• Rideshare/Taxi:

  • Rideshare pickup zones are clearly marked; factor in Atlanta traffic, especially:
    • Morning rush: roughly 7–9 a.m.
    • Evening rush: roughly 4–7 p.m.

Driving From Atlanta to Salt Lake City

If you’re moving, long-haul road tripping, or hauling gear, driving from Atlanta to Salt Lake City can be appealing—just be prepared for the distance.

Distance and Driving Time

• Rough distance: 1,900–2,000 miles, depending on route
• Realistic drive time: 28–32 hours of driving, not counting long stops

Most Atlanta drivers break this up over 3–4 days to avoid fatigue.

Common Driving Routes From Atlanta

A very common path from Atlanta to Salt Lake City uses major interstates:

1. I-75 North from Atlanta toward Chattanooga
2. I-24 West toward Nashville
3. I-64 / I-70 west through the Midwest (options through St. Louis or Kansas City)
4. Then I-70 west into Colorado and connecting north/west routes into Utah and SLC

Alternative approaches may include:

• Going west on I-20 toward Birmingham, then joining other interstates north and west
• Taking more scenic routes through Colorado and the Rocky Mountains if weather permits

From Atlanta, always check seasonal conditions. Winter driving in the Rockies and high desert areas can involve snow, ice, or chain requirements in some regions.

Atlanta-Specific Prep Tips for a Road Trip

If you’re leaving from the Atlanta area:

• Vehicle prep:

  • Many drivers schedule maintenance before departure with their regular metro Atlanta mechanic.
  • Check tires, brakes, fluids, and spare tire before leaving.

• Timing your departure:

  • Leaving Atlanta very early (before 6 a.m.) can help you avoid I-285 and downtown connector (I-75/85) traffic.
  • For people in suburbs like Marietta, Decatur, or Sandy Springs, factor in extra time just to clear metro Atlanta congestion.

• Supplies:

  • Once you leave the Atlanta metro, major cities are spread farther apart.
  • Stock water, snacks, and a basic emergency kit before getting too far west.

Bus, Train, and Mixed-Mode Options

There is no single-seat Amtrak or Greyhound ride that’s simple and direct from Atlanta to Salt Lake City, but some travelers combine ground and air for cost savings or flexibility.

Bus Options From Atlanta

From Atlanta, bus services generally run to larger regional hubs. Reaching Salt Lake City purely by bus can involve:

• Multiple transfers
• Very long travel times (often more than 36–48 hours)
• Limited schedules on specific segments

This option is usually considered only by very budget-conscious travelers or those with a strong preference for ground transportation.

Train Options From Atlanta

Atlanta’s Amtrak station is:

Amtrak – Atlanta Peachtree Station
1688 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309

Traveling from Atlanta to Salt Lake City entirely by train is complex. It generally involves:

• Riding from Atlanta north or northeast
• Transferring to cross-country routes in other cities
• Long travel days and overnight segments

Given the distances, many Atlanta travelers prefer:

• Train or bus to a U.S. hub city
• Then a flight to Salt Lake City for the final leg

When Atlanta Travelers Should Consider Flying + Rental Car

Salt Lake City is a major gateway to national parks and ski destinations, so many Atlanta-based travelers fly into SLC, then drive.

Common reasons:

• Visiting Park City, Snowbird, Alta, or other Wasatch ski resorts
• Road trips to Arches, Zion, Bryce Canyon, or Canyonlands
• Business trips with side visits to nearby Utah cities

From an Atlanta perspective, this combo often makes more sense than:

• Flying to multiple small regional airports
• Attempting the entire journey by car in a tight timeframe

If you’re used to Atlanta traffic, you may find driving in and around Salt Lake City more manageable, but winter conditions in the mountains are more intense than what Atlanta residents normally experience.

Cost Considerations for Atlanta-to-Salt Lake Travel

While exact prices vary, here are typical Atlanta-focused cost factors:

Flights

• Round-trip flights from ATL to SLC can vary by:
  • Time of year (ski season and holidays often cost more)
  • How far in advance you book
  • Weekday vs. weekend departure

Atlanta is a major airline hub, which often gives local residents:

• More carrier choices
• Better access to early-morning and late-night departure times

Driving Costs

For an Atlanta-to-Salt Lake City road trip, expect:

• Fuel for roughly 2,000 miles each way
• Potential overnight stays in Tennessee, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, or nearby states
• Extra costs for meals, wear and tear, and potentially snow-related gear if traveling in winter months

When Atlanta Residents Tend to Fly Instead of Drive

Flying tends to be favored when:

• You have limited vacation days
• You’re traveling for work
• You’re going for ski trips or short family visits
• You are not comfortable driving in snow or mountainous terrain, which is very different from Atlanta’s usual conditions

Planning Tips Specifically for Atlanta Travelers

A few Atlanta-oriented planning ideas:

1. Build in Airport Time

Hartsfield-Jackson is busy year-round. From most neighborhoods in Atlanta:

• Aim to arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights to Salt Lake City.
• Add 30–60 minutes if you’re coming from areas like Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, or Douglasville during rush hour.

2. Consider Weather Differences

• Atlanta: humid subtropical climate
• Salt Lake City: drier, with colder winters and hotter, dry summers

In winter, an Atlanta traveler flying into SLC may need:

• Warmer layers than you typically use in Atlanta
• Snow-appropriate footwear and outerwear, especially for ski areas or canyons

3. Adjust Your Schedule for the Time Change

Business and event travelers from Atlanta might:

• Schedule critical meetings after 10 a.m. Mountain Time, especially on the arrival day
• Use early morning in Salt Lake City to catch up on Atlanta-based email or calls, since ET is ahead

4. Think About Connections From Your Part of Metro Atlanta

Where you live in metro Atlanta affects the most convenient way to start your trip:

• In-town (Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, Westside):
  • MARTA to the airport is often fastest and avoids parking costs.
• Eastside (Decatur, Stone Mountain, Tucker):
  • MARTA or a direct drive down I-285/I-20 to I-85 can both work; factor in traffic.
• Northside suburbs (Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming):
  • Driving is common; some travelers use private shuttles or park-and-ride services near the airport.
• Southside (College Park, East Point, Fayetteville):
  • Very short drives to ATL; allow a buffer for terminal and security time rather than road time.

What to Do Once You Land in Salt Lake City

From Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC):

• TRAX Light Rail:
  • Connects the airport to downtown Salt Lake City.
• Rental Cars:
  • Available on-site; useful for national parks, ski trips, and suburban meetings.
• Rideshare and Taxi:
  • Readily available curbside, similar to ATL’s setup.

Travelers accustomed to Atlanta’s MARTA and highway network usually find SLC:

• Less congested overall
• Easier to navigate, with a grid-style street system in the core city

By understanding your Atlanta starting point, your budget, and your comfort with flying or long drives, you can choose the best way to travel from Atlanta to Salt Lake City and plan your schedule, gear, and connections accordingly.