Atlanta Flights to Orlando: How to Find the Best Options from ATL

Flying from Atlanta to Orlando is one of the easiest short trips you can take from the city. Whether you live in metro Atlanta, are here on business, or are planning a family vacation to the Orlando theme parks, there are frequent nonstop flights and plenty of ways to keep the trip affordable and smooth.

This guide breaks down what Atlanta travelers need to know about flights to Orlando, from airports and airlines to timing, baggage, and practical tips.

Key Facts About Atlanta–Orlando Flights

Typical flight time: About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes in the air
Route distance: Roughly 400–450 miles
Main Atlanta airport:Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Main Orlando airports:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO) – primary airport for most visitors
• Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) – smaller, more limited options

For most people leaving from Atlanta, ATL → MCO is the most convenient and widely available route.

Which Atlanta Airport Should You Use?

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Almost all commercial flights from Atlanta to Orlando depart from:

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

ATL is a major hub with:

• Numerous daily nonstop flights to Orlando
• Two main terminals: Domestic Terminal North and South
• An Airport MARTA station for rail access from downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead
• Multiple parking options (economy, park-ride lots, and daily parking)

Getting to ATL from Around Atlanta

From inside the city:

• MARTA Rail: Take the Red or Gold Line to the Airport Station, which drops you inside the Domestic Terminal.
• Rideshare/taxi: Follow airport signs for Rideshare or Ground Transportation.

From metro Atlanta suburbs:

• I-75, I-85, I-285 all connect directly or indirectly to Camp Creek Parkway and airport access roads.
• Many Atlantans use off-site parking lots near ATL for longer trips to Orlando, especially for week-long theme park vacations.

Orlando Airports You Can Fly Into from Atlanta

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Most Atlanta–Orlando flights land at MCO. It is the main airport for:

• Walt Disney World
• Universal Orlando Resort
• SeaWorld Orlando
• Greater Orlando and nearby cities like Kissimmee and Lake Buena Vista

From MCO, you can reach popular tourist areas in 20–30 minutes by car in typical traffic.

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

A smaller airport northeast of Orlando, SFB may occasionally be an option from Atlanta via limited or seasonal routes. It is most useful if:

• You’re staying north or northeast of Orlando, such as in Sanford or Volusia County
• You find a lower fare that fits your schedule

Most Atlanta-based travelers still prefer MCO because of more flights, more ground transportation options, and easier access to major attractions.

Airlines Flying from Atlanta to Orlando

Because ATL is a major hub, multiple airlines typically fly this route. Atlanta travelers commonly see:

• Full-service carriers: Often with multiple daily nonstops, seat selection options, and standard carry-on policies
• Low-cost/budget airlines: Often offer lower base fares but may charge for extras such as carry-on bags, checked baggage, and seat selection

Many flights on this route are:

• Nonstop between ATL and MCO
• Short-haul with basic in-flight service (drinks, light snacks where offered)
• Operated throughout the morning, midday, and evening, especially on peak travel days

Because specific airlines and schedules change over time, it’s best to compare real-time options on airline websites or flight search tools, but you can reasonably expect multiple nonstop choices per day.

Typical Schedules & Best Times to Fly

When Flights Usually Operate

On most days, you’ll see:

• Early morning departures from ATL (popular for same-day park time)
• Midday flights (often less crowded than first thing in the morning)
• Evening departures for travelers working a full day in Atlanta before flying

Return flights from Orlando back to Atlanta also usually run throughout the day, offering flexibility for long-weekend trips or shorter Disney/Universal stays.

Best Time of Day to Fly from Atlanta

Atlanta-based travelers often prefer:

• Early morning flights ✈️
  • Less chance of delays building up over the day
  • Ideal if you want to land in Orlando and head straight to the parks
• Midday flights
  • Can be more relaxed and less rushed
  • Sometimes sees slightly lower fares than early mornings and Sunday evenings

If you’re traveling with children from Atlanta, many families choose mid-morning departures from ATL to avoid very early wake-ups and still reach Orlando by lunchtime.

How Much Time to Allow at ATL for an Orlando Flight

Because ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world, it’s wise to give yourself enough buffer time, even for a short flight.

General guidelines for ATL → Orlando:

• Carry-on only, already checked in:
  Plan to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure.
• Checking bags or traveling at peak times (holidays, school breaks, summer weekends):
  Plan for 2–2.5 hours before departure.

At ATL, you’ll go through:

1. Check-in or bag drop (if needed)
2. TSA security screening
3. Plane Train or walking to your concourse/gate

Because Orlando flights often leave from busy domestic concourses, allowing extra time helps you manage potential lines at security and train waits between concourses.

Sample Overview: ATL to Orlando Trip Planning

When Atlanta Flights to Orlando Are Busiest

From Atlanta’s perspective, the ATL–Orlando route can feel especially crowded during:

• Spring break (March–April, including metro Atlanta school breaks)
• Summer break (June–August)
• Holiday weeks (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s)
• Long weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, MLK Day)

Atlanta families frequently plan Orlando trips tied to Atlanta Public Schools, Fulton County, DeKalb County, Cobb County, and Gwinnett County schedules. When those districts are on break, prices and crowds often increase.

If your schedule is flexible in Atlanta, you can sometimes save by:

• Flying midweek instead of Friday–Sunday
• Taking earlier departures and later returns
• Avoiding holidays that fall around major Atlanta events or school vacations

Driving vs. Flying from Atlanta to Orlando

Some Atlanta residents debate whether to drive or fly for Orlando trips.

Approximate drive time from Atlanta to Orlando:
About 6–7.5 hours by car, depending on traffic, route, and stops.

You might prefer to fly if:

• You want to save time and be in the parks the same day you leave Atlanta
• You’re traveling with young kids who may not handle a long car ride well
• You’re staying at a resort with airport transportation, reducing the need for a rental car

You might consider driving if:

• You’re traveling with a large group or family and want to bring more items
• You’re planning to visit multiple Florida cities beyond Orlando
• You want to avoid airline baggage policies and airport waits at ATL

Many Atlanta families choose a hybrid strategy over the years—flying for shorter, high-energy theme park trips and driving for longer, more relaxed Florida vacations.

Baggage, Seats, and Fees: What Atlanta Travelers Should Watch

Because the ATL–Orlando route is popular with both full-service and budget airlines, it’s important to check details before booking:

• Carry-on bags:
  Some lower-cost fares may not include a full-size carry-on, only a personal item.
• Checked baggage:
  Fees can vary widely; from Atlanta, checked bag costs may quickly narrow any price difference between airlines.
• Seat selection:
  Basic or lowest fares may not include free seat selection, which can matter if you’re traveling from Atlanta with kids and want to sit together.
• Change and cancellation policies:
  If Atlanta’s weather or your plans are uncertain, more flexible tickets can be worth the extra cost.

Because many Orlando-bound Atlanta travelers are bringing strollers, car seats, or large bags, double-check each airline’s family and baggage policies before you finalize your booking.

Getting to ATL: Local Transportation Options

If you’re based in or near Atlanta, you have several ways to get to Hartsfield–Jackson for your Orlando flight:

MARTA Rail

• Take the Red or Gold Line to Airport Station.
• Good option if you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Doraville, or North Springs corridor.
• Avoids parking costs and I-85/I-75 traffic.

Park-and-Ride Lots & Airport Parking

• ATL Economy Parking and Park-Ride lots are commonly used by Atlanta residents heading to Orlando for several days.
• Private lots around Camp Creek Parkway and nearby areas provide shuttle services to ATL.

Taxis & Rideshare

• Widely available from most intown neighborhoods (e.g., Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, West Midtown, East Atlanta, Grant Park).
• Helpful if you don't want to leave a car at the airport while you’re in Orlando.

Family and Group Travel from Atlanta to Orlando

Because Atlanta has a large base of families and young travelers heading to Florida theme parks, it helps to plan around family-specific needs:

• Coordinate flights and park reservations:
  Many Atlanta families time their flights so they can check in to their Orlando hotel in the afternoon, then rest or visit Disney Springs, CityWalk, or resort pools.
• Strollers and car seats:
  Most airlines serving the ATL–MCO route allow strollers and car seats to be checked at the gate at no additional cost, but policies vary, so confirm when booking.
• Group bookings:
  If you’re traveling with a school group, church group, or team from metro Atlanta, you may be able to arrange group reservations directly with the airline.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Booking Flights to Orlando

Here are some Atlanta-focused strategies to make the trip easier:

• Consider traffic patterns:
  If you live north of the city (Alpharetta, Roswell, Marietta), allow extra time for I-75, I-85, or GA-400 traffic on the way to ATL.
• Use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR if available:
  These services can speed up security at busy times at ATL, which is useful on high-traffic days when many flights are headed to leisure destinations like Orlando.
• Compare total trip cost, not just airfare:
  From Atlanta, factor in parking or MARTA fares, baggage fees, and ground transportation in Orlando to understand the full cost.
• Watch for schedule changes:
  Because this is a short route, airlines sometimes adjust departure times. Check your ATL–MCO flight periodically in the weeks leading up to your trip.

Flying from Atlanta to Orlando is one of the most straightforward trips you can take from Hartsfield–Jackson. With frequent nonstop options, a short flight time, and easy access from across metro Atlanta, it’s a practical choice for everything from quick weekend getaways to week-long theme park vacations. By planning around Atlanta traffic, airport timing, and airline policies, you can make the journey smooth, predictable, and tailored to your needs.