How Far Is New York City From Atlanta? A Practical Guide for Atlanta Travelers

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city and wondering how far New York City is from Atlanta, the answer depends on how you travel. The straight-line distance is very different from what you’ll actually experience by car, plane, bus, or train.

Below is a clear breakdown from an Atlanta perspective—how far it is, how long it usually takes, and what to expect when traveling between Atlanta, Georgia and New York City.

The Short Answer: Distance From Atlanta to New York City

In simple terms:

• Straight-line (flight) distance: about 750–760 miles
• Driving distance: about 860–880 miles, depending on your exact starting and ending points
• Typical flight time: about 2 to 2.5 hours in the air
• Typical drive time: about 13–15 hours of road time

Here’s a quick reference:

*Times vary with traffic, weather, time of day, and specific routes.

Flying From Atlanta to New York City

For most people in Atlanta, flying is the fastest and most practical way to get to New York City.

Distance and Flight Time

• Air distance: About 750–760 miles between Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and New York City–area airports.
• Time in the air: Typically about 2 to 2.5 hours on a nonstop flight.
• Total door-to-door time (realistic):
  • From an Atlanta address to your gate at ATL
  • Security, boarding, flight, and then travel from the NYC airport into the city
  • This often comes out to 4–6 hours total, depending on:
    • Where you are in Atlanta (Downtown, Buckhead, Decatur, Cobb, etc.)
    • Which New York airport you use (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark)
    • Ground transportation options on both ends

Main Airports Involved

In Atlanta:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Major hub with many daily nonstop flights to New York City.
  • Accessible via MARTA (Airport Station on the Red/Gold line), rideshare, taxi, and multiple parking options.

In New York City area:

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – Queens
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – Queens
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – Newark, New Jersey (commonly used for NYC trips)

From Atlanta, you’ll typically see frequent nonstops to all three.

When Flying Makes the Most Sense From Atlanta

Flying is usually the best option if you:

• Want to maximize time in New York and minimize travel time.
• Are leaving from inside the Perimeter (I-285) or near MARTA, making it easy to reach ATL.
• Are traveling in winter when long-distance driving can be affected by storms in the Mid-Atlantic or Northeast.

Tip:
If you’re coming from suburban Atlanta (Marietta, Alpharetta, Stone Mountain, Fayetteville, etc.), factor in rush-hour traffic on I-75, I-85, GA-400, or I-285 when planning your trip to the airport.

Driving From Atlanta to New York City

If you prefer having your own vehicle or want a road trip from Atlanta to New York City, driving is a realistic option—but it’s a long one.

Driving Distance and Route

• Approximate driving distance:860–880 miles from central Atlanta to central Manhattan.
• Common route from Atlanta:
  • Start on I-85 North from Atlanta
  • Continue into the Carolinas, picking up I-95 North in the direction of Richmond/Washington, D.C.
  • Follow I-95 through Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey
  • Use tunnels/bridges and local expressways to cross into New York City

You may also see variations (using I-77 or other connectors), but I-85 to I-95 is one of the most direct and familiar options from Atlanta.

Typical Drive Time From Atlanta

• Drive time: About 13–15 hours of continuous driving, without major delays.

• If you account for:

  • Fuel stops
  • Meals
  • Restroom breaks
  • Possible traffic around Charlotte, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City

  The total travel day can easily stretch to 15–18 hours.

Road Trip Planning From Atlanta

If you’re based in Atlanta, consider:

• Breaking the trip into two days, for example:
  • Atlanta → somewhere in North Carolina or Virginia
  • Then to New York City the next day
• Watching for tolls once you’re on I-95 in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
• Checking weather, especially if you’re traveling in winter—conditions can change quickly once you move north of the Carolinas.

Because the drive is long, many Atlanta residents will only choose this option if they:

• Need a vehicle in New York for a longer stay.
• Are transporting items that are hard to fly with.
• Enjoy extended road trips and want to stop at cities along the way.

Taking the Bus From Atlanta to New York City

Bus travel is usually slower than flying but can be more budget-friendly for Atlanta travelers.

Distance and Time by Bus

• The mileage is similar to driving: around 860–880 miles.
• Bus travel time is often:
  • 15–19 hours, depending on:
    • Number of stops
    • Route (some buses may go via different cities)
    • Time of day and traffic

Buses usually run from Atlanta bus stations or curbside stops to New York bus terminals or city street stops (often in Manhattan).

Atlanta Departure Points

While locations can change, buses from Atlanta commonly depart from:

• Downtown or Midtown Atlanta corridors
• Major bus stations or designated curbside stops near central transit connections

If you’re in Metro Atlanta, plan how you’ll get to your bus departure point—options often include MARTA, local buses, rideshare, or park-and-ride lots where allowed.

Taking the Train From Atlanta to New York City

There is no single, simple high-speed nonstop train from Atlanta to New York City, but train travel is possible.

Distance and Time by Train

• Trains don’t follow the highway system exactly, so mileage is measured differently.
• Depending on routing and connections:
  • Total travel time can fall roughly in the 18–22 hour range.
  • You may need transfers along the way, depending on schedule and service.

From an Atlanta standpoint, train travel is usually chosen for:

• Travelers who prefer rail over flying or bus, even if it takes longer.
• People who want to see scenery or relax during the journey.
• Those who dislike driving long distances.

Atlanta’s Intercity Train Station

Intercity rail service in Atlanta typically uses:

• Atlanta Amtrak Station (Peachtree Station)
  1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

If you live in Buckhead, Midtown, or nearby neighborhoods, the station is relatively convenient by car or rideshare. From other areas of Atlanta or the suburbs, you may combine MARTA and a short rideshare or bus ride.

Comparing Travel Options From Atlanta to New York City

From an Atlanta resident or visitor perspective, here’s how the main options stack up:

1. Flying (ATL → NYC)

• Distance: ~750 air miles
• Travel time: About 2–2.5 hours in the air
• Best for:
  • Short trips
  • Business travel
  • Weekend getaways from Atlanta
• Pros: Fast, frequent, straightforward from ATL
• Cons: Airport security, baggage limits, cost variations

2. Driving (Atlanta → NYC by car)

• Distance: 860–880 miles
• Travel time: 13–15+ hours driving
• Best for:
  • Longer stays where you want your own vehicle
  • Multi-stop road trips from Atlanta to East Coast cities
• Pros: Flexible schedule, control over route and stops
• Cons: Fatigue, tolls, fuel cost, traffic near major cities

3. Bus (Atlanta → NYC)

• Distance: Similar to car
• Travel time: 15–19 hours
• Best for:
  • Budget-conscious travelers leaving from central Atlanta
• Pros: No driving required; can be cheaper than flying
• Cons: Long ride, limited space and privacy

4. Train (Atlanta → NYC with connections)

• Travel time: Roughly 18–22 hours
• Best for:
  • Travelers who strongly prefer rail
  • Those who want a more relaxed, scenic trip knowing it takes longer
• Pros: Can move around more than on a bus or plane
• Cons: Long overall trip time, limited departure times from Atlanta

How Far It Feels: Practical Time Planning for Atlantans

While the raw distance from Atlanta to New York City is in the 750–880 mile range, what matters to most Atlanta travelers is:

• How long will I be in motion?
• How much of my day will this trip take?

From an Atlanta home, hotel, or office, a typical one-way trip often looks like:

• Flying:

  • 30–90 minutes to get to ATL (depending on where you are in Metro Atlanta)
  • 1–2 hours for check-in and security
  • 2–2.5 hours in the air
  • 30–90 minutes from a New York airport into the city
  • Total: About 4–7 hours door-to-door

• Driving:

  • You leave from your Atlanta location directly
  • 13–15+ hours on the road with stops
  • Total: Typically a full day or spread over two days

• Bus or Train:

  • Travel to the Atlanta departure point
  • Long-distance segment of 15–22 hours, depending on mode and routing
  • Local transit or rideshare upon arrival in New York
  • Total: Often most of a day to more than a full calendar day

Key Takeaways for Someone in Atlanta

• Straight-line distance: New York City is about 750–760 miles from Atlanta by air.
• Driving distance: Plan for around 860–880 miles by road.
• Fastest common option from Atlanta:Nonstop flights from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to NYC-area airports, usually taking about 2–2.5 hours in the air.
• Road-trip option: A 13–15 hour drive, often split into two days by Atlanta travelers.
• Budget options: Long-distance buses and trains are available but take significantly longer than flying.

For anyone living in, visiting, or planning from Atlanta, New York City is far enough to require planning, but close enough that a same-day trip by air is very realistic.