Atlanta to Columbus Flights: How to Get Between These Two Southern Cities

Traveling between Atlanta and Columbus is a common trip for business, military families, college visitors, and Atlanta residents looking for a quick getaway. How you fly (or whether you fly at all) depends on which Columbus you mean and what matters most: time, cost, or convenience.

This guide focuses on Atlanta-based travelers and explains your options clearly, whether you’re going to Columbus, Georgia or Columbus, Ohio.

First Step: Which Columbus Are You Flying To?

People searching for “Atlanta Columbus flights” are usually headed to one of two places:

• Columbus, Georgia (CSG) – about 100 miles southwest of Atlanta
• Columbus, Ohio (CMH or LCK) – the state capital in the Midwest

The options are very different for each, so be sure to confirm your destination city and airport code when booking.

Flying (or Not Flying) from Atlanta to Columbus, Georgia

Is There a Direct Flight from Atlanta to Columbus, GA?

There is no regular commercial flight between:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  and
• Columbus Airport in Georgia (CSG)

The two cities are close enough that airlines generally do not operate a short hop between them. For most people in Atlanta, it’s faster and cheaper to drive or take ground transportation.

Travel Time vs. Flying

From central Atlanta (Downtown or Midtown) to Columbus, GA:

• Driving distance: roughly 110 miles
• Typical drive time: about 1.5–2 hours via I-85 South and I-185 South, depending on traffic

If a small regional flight were available, you’d still need to:

1. Arrive at ATL early for security
2. Board, taxi, and fly a very short distance
3. Deplane in Columbus and collect any bags

Door-to-door, you would often spend more time than simply getting on the interstate and driving.

Ground Transportation Options from Atlanta to Columbus, GA

If you’re in Atlanta and headed to Columbus, GA, consider:

1. Driving yourself

• Best for: flexibility, day trips, visiting Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), college visits (Columbus State University), or family trips
• You can leave from anywhere in the Atlanta metro, and the route is straightforward.

2. Rental car from ATL

If you’re flying into Hartsfield-Jackson and continuing to Columbus, GA:

• Follow signs to the ATL Rental Car Center via the SkyTrain
• Rent a car and drive south along the interstate
• This is often the simplest and most predictable option for out-of-town visitors

3. Bus or shuttle services

Schedules and providers can change, but in general:

• Some intercity bus services connect the Atlanta area to Columbus, GA
• Travel time is usually 2–3 hours, depending on stops and routing
• If you arrive at ATL, you may need to transfer to a shuttle or bus pickup point in the city

Because specific providers change, many Atlanta travelers check:

• Greyhound or similar intercity bus operators
• Local shuttle companies that specialize in Fort Moore / Columbus runs

Look for service that specifically lists “Atlanta” and “Columbus, GA” and verify pickup locations and times.

Using Columbus Airport in Georgia (CSG) If You Live in Atlanta

You may also be considering Columbus Airport (CSG) as an alternative to flying out of busy ATL for certain trips.

When an Atlanta Resident Might Use CSG

Although most Atlanta-area residents fly from Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), some choose CSG if:

• They’re already in the Columbus–Phenix City–Fort Moore area
• They prefer a smaller, low-stress airport
• A particular route or fare works better from Columbus than from Atlanta

If you live in South Atlanta, Newnan, Peachtree City, or LaGrange, driving to CSG can sometimes be reasonable, especially if your main destination uses small regional connections.

Columbus Airport (CSG) Basics

• Name: Columbus Airport
• Location: 3250 W Britt David Rd, Columbus, GA 31909
• General vibe: small, easy-to-navigate regional airport

Flights and routes are limited and usually connect through larger hubs, such as Atlanta (ATL) or other major airports, depending on current airline schedules.

Flying from Atlanta to Columbus, Ohio

If you’re headed to Columbus, Ohio from Atlanta, flying does make practical sense. This is a common route for students, business travelers, sports fans, and families.

Main Airports to Know

From Atlanta, you’ll typically fly:

• From:
  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• To:
  • John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) – primary commercial airport for Columbus, Ohio
  • In some limited cases, flights or cargo services may also use Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK), but CMH is the main passenger option.

Typical Flight Experience Atlanta → Columbus, OH

While exact flight details vary by airline and schedule, many travelers can expect:

• Nonstop flights available on multiple days of the week
• Flight time: usually around 1.5–2 hours in the air
• Route type: major city to major city, often served several times per day in busier seasons

From an Atlanta perspective, this route functions like many other short-haul domestic flights from ATL to Midwest destinations.

Choosing the Best Option: Atlanta–Columbus (GA vs. OH)

Quick Decision Guide

If you’re going to Columbus, GA from Atlanta:

• Drive or take ground transport
• Only consider flying if you’re arranging a private charter or dealing with a special situation (such as medical or corporate aviation)

If you’re going to Columbus, OH from Atlanta:

• Book a commercial flight from ATL to CMH
• Nonstop service is commonly available and typically faster and simpler than driving

Using Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for Columbus Flights

Most Atlanta-based trips to any Columbus start here:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Main role: primary airport for virtually all Atlanta-area commercial flights

Navigating ATL for a Columbus Trip

A few practical tips if you’re flying ATL → Columbus (especially Columbus, OH):

• Arrive early: Large crowds and busy security lines are typical.
• Use airport transit:
  • Plane Train for moving between concourses
  • ATL SkyTrain for the Rental Car Center and some nearby hotels
• Check your terminal: Many domestic flights, including those to Columbus, OH (CMH), use the Domestic Terminal (North or South) and the associated concourses (T, A, B, C, etc.).

If you’re arriving in Atlanta and immediately continuing onward to Columbus, GA by car, ATL is also where you’ll likely pick up a rental vehicle.

When a Private or Charter Flight May Make Sense

Some travelers between Atlanta and Columbus, GA (or even Columbus, OH) look into private or charter flights:

• Business executives with tight schedules
• Groups traveling together
• Certain military-related or corporate contracts

These flights might use:

• Smaller terminals or FBOs at ATL
• Columbus Airport (CSG) in Georgia
• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) or Rickenbacker (LCK) in Ohio

Charter flights are typically much more expensive than commercial options, but they can offer:

• Custom departure times
• Direct routing between smaller airports
• Simplified check-in and boarding

For most Atlanta residents and visitors, however, driving to Columbus, GA or taking a standard commercial flight to Columbus, OH is far more practical.

Simple Comparison: Atlanta to Columbus Travel Options

From Atlanta to Columbus, Georgia (CSG)

From Atlanta to Columbus, Ohio (CMH)

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Booking Columbus Flights

A few final considerations to make your Atlanta–Columbus trip smoother:

• Double-check the city and airport code.

  • CSG = Columbus, Georgia
  • CMH = Columbus, Ohio
    Mistakes here can be costly and time-consuming.

• Plan how you’ll leave ATL.

  • If you’re arriving from another city and heading to Columbus, GA, arrange your rental car or ground transportation in advance.
  • If you’re flying ATL → Columbus, OH, allow enough connection time if you’re making a same-day transfer from another flight.

• Consider Atlanta traffic.

  • If you’re driving from Atlanta to Columbus, GA, try to avoid peak rush hours on the southside interstates.
  • Build in time for I-285 or Downtown Connector congestion if you’re coming from other parts of the metro.

• Check airport policies and hours.

  • Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) operates continuously, but security line wait times change throughout the day.
  • Columbus Airport (CSG) and John Glenn Columbus International (CMH) are smaller and often easier to navigate, but check airline desk and security hours, especially for early morning or late-night departures.

By clarifying which Columbus you’re headed to and how you want to balance time, cost, and convenience, you can confidently choose the best way to travel between Atlanta and Columbus—whether that means a short drive down I-185 or a quick flight from the world’s busiest airport to the Midwest.