Atlanta to Rochester Flights: How to Get from Georgia to Upstate New York Smoothly

Flying from Atlanta to Rochester, NY is a common route for Atlantans visiting family up north, heading to nearby colleges, or connecting to the Finger Lakes and upstate business hubs. Whether you live in Atlanta or are flying out of the city during a visit, it helps to understand your airport options, typical routes, timing, and costs specific to this city pair.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about Atlanta to Rochester flights, with an Atlanta-focused perspective.

Key Facts About Atlanta–Rochester Flights

Route overview:

Because ATL is a major hub, you’ll usually find several daily options to Rochester, including early-morning and evening departures.

Which Airports You’ll Use

Departing from Atlanta: Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL)

Almost all commercial flights from Atlanta to Rochester leave from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Main phone (airport info): (800) 897-1910

From an Atlanta perspective, key things to know:

• Terminals:
  • Domestic Terminal North & South – Most Atlanta–Rochester flights use the Domestic side.
  • Concourses A, B, C, D, T are the main domestic concourses for this route.
• Transit to ATL from around Atlanta:
  • MARTA Train: Take the Gold or Red Line to Airport Station, directly inside the Domestic Terminal.
  • Driving: ATL is just off I-85 on the south side of Atlanta.
  • Rideshare/Taxi: Rideshare pickup zones are clearly signed near the lower levels of the terminals.

If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying in areas like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or College Park, MARTA is often the simplest way to reach ATL for your Rochester flight.

Arriving in Rochester: ROC Airport

Your flight will land at Frederick Douglass – Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC), the main commercial airport for Rochester and much of western New York.

Typical experience on arrival from Atlanta:

• Small, easy-to-navigate terminal – much smaller and calmer than ATL.
• Ground transportation:
  • Rental car counters inside the terminal (common for those driving to the Finger Lakes, Buffalo, or smaller towns).
  • Taxis and rideshares near arrivals.
  • Public bus service available, but many Atlanta travelers prefer rideshare or rental cars due to winter weather and suburban destinations.

Nonstop vs. One-Stop Flights from Atlanta to Rochester

Nonstop Flights (Atlanta → Rochester)

From Atlanta, nonstop flights to Rochester are often available and are usually the most convenient.

Pros of nonstop:

• About 2–2.5 hours in the air.
• Less risk of missed connections, especially in winter when upstate New York can see snow.
• Easier if you’re traveling with kids, elderly relatives, or tight schedules.

Cons of nonstop:

• Can be more expensive, especially last-minute or during peak holidays.
• Fewer daily departures compared with larger, more popular routes.

If you live in Atlanta and know your travel dates early, it often pays to book nonstop early to lock in lower fares and ideal times.

One-Stop Connecting Flights

If nonstop options are limited or expensive, you’ll see a lot of one-stop itineraries, often connecting through:

• Another hub in the Northeast, Midwest, or Southeast, such as:
  • Charlotte (CLT)
  • New York City–area airports
  • Detroit (DTW) or Chicago (ORD)
  • Other major hubs used by the airline you choose

Pros of one-stop:

• Can sometimes be cheaper, especially on off-peak days.
• More time-of-day choices (midday departures, late-night returns, etc.).

Cons of one-stop:

• Longer total travel time, often 4–6+ hours.
• More chances for delays and missed connections, especially if your layover is short or during winter weather in the Northeast.

For Atlanta-based travelers, one-stop flights can be a good backup when nonstop fares are high, but consider the season—winter trips to Rochester are often safer with a longer layover or a nonstop to minimize snow-related disruptions.

Typical Flight Times and When to Travel

How Long Is the Atlanta to Rochester Flight?

• Nonstop: Around 2–2.5 hours gate-to-gate.
• One-stop: Usually 4–6 hours total, depending on layover length and routing.

Remember that both cities are in the Eastern Time Zone, so you don’t have to adjust for time change.

Best Times to Fly from Atlanta

From an Atlanta traveler’s perspective, you’ll notice:

• Morning flights from ATL
  • Often more on-time and less likely to be delayed by earlier disruptions.
  • Helpful for same-day meetings or same-day arrival in Rochester with daylight left.
• Evening flights from ROC back to ATL
  • Popular with business and college travelers returning to Atlanta.
  • Keep an eye on winter schedules; late flights can be more vulnerable to snow delays.

Busy travel periods between Atlanta and Rochester:

• Summer: Vacation season and family travel.
• Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year’s: Heavy domestic travel.
• College move-in/out: Rochester is near several colleges and universities, which can increase traffic at specific times of year.

How Much Do Atlanta–Rochester Flights Typically Cost?

Prices vary widely based on:

• How far in advance you book
• Time of day and day of the week
• Whether you fly nonstop or connecting
• Travel periods (holidays, summer, and major events near Rochester)

Common patterns Atlanta travelers see:

• Midweek flights (Tuesday–Thursday) often price lower than Friday–Sunday.
• Early booking typically gives better access to nonstop flights at moderate prices.
• Basic economy fares are usually cheaper but may:
  • Limit changes or cancellations
  • Restrict seat selection
  • Require fees for checked baggage

If you live in Atlanta and make this trip often (for family, work, or school), it may be worth:

• Signing up for fare alerts (through travel apps or airline accounts).
• Checking flights from nearby alternative airports, but for this route, ATL is usually your best and most convenient option.

Planning Your Trip from Atlanta to Rochester

How Early to Get to ATL

Hartsfield-Jackson is one of the busiest airports in the world, so Atlanta travelers should plan arrival carefully:

• Domestic flights:
  • Aim to arrive 2 hours before departure, especially if:
    • You’re checking bags.
    • You’re unfamiliar with ATL’s layout.
    • You’re traveling during holidays, Monday mornings, or Friday afternoons.
• TSA wait times:
  • Can vary: early mornings and late afternoons are often busier.
  • Using TSA PreCheck can significantly speed up security.

Since ATL is so large, even small delays in parking, security, or the Plane Train between concourses can matter.

Getting to ATL from Different Parts of Metro Atlanta

Atlanta traffic is often unpredictable. From various areas:

• Downtown / Midtown / Buckhead:
  • MARTA is often the fastest during rush hour. Trains run directly to Airport Station inside the terminal.
• Eastside (Decatur, East Atlanta, Stone Mountain):
  • MARTA rail (if near a station) plus a transfer to the Airport line, or drive via I-285/I-20/I-85.
• North Fulton / Cobb / Gwinnett:
  • Usually a drive along I-75, I-85, or I-285. Allow extra time during morning and evening rush hours.
• Southside (College Park, East Point, Riverdale):
  • Shorter drive times; still plan for traffic and security screening.

Build in extra buffer time during:

• Heavy rain or thunderstorms (common in Atlanta).
• Major events (big games, concerts, or conventions).

Baggage, Weather, and Seasonal Considerations

Weather Issues on This Route

You’re flying between:

• Atlanta: Known for thunderstorms, especially in warm months.
• Rochester / Upstate NY: Known for snow, ice, and lake-effect weather, especially late fall through early spring.

Practical tips for Atlanta-based travelers:

• In summer, check for thunderstorms that can delay departures from ATL.
• In winter, keep an eye on conditions in Rochester and the Northeast:
  • Consider flights with slightly longer layovers if you must connect.
  • Morning flights sometimes depart before the worst of a storm system.

Packing and Baggage Considerations

• If you’re leaving warm Atlanta for cold Rochester, pack:
  • Layers in your carry-on (jacket, hat, gloves), in case your checked luggage is delayed.
• Check your airline’s baggage rules:
  • Some fares include a carry-on and personal item.
  • Others may charge extra for checked bags or even carry-ons in the most basic fare types.

Because ROC is a smaller airport, baggage claim is usually quick, which many Atlanta travelers find to be a welcome change from busier airports.

Tips for Different Types of Atlanta Travelers

Business Travelers from Atlanta to Rochester

If you’re traveling for work from Atlanta:

• Look for early morning departures from ATL and evening returns from ROC.
• Nonstop flights are often preferred to protect your schedule.
• Consider airport lounges at ATL, which can help if you run into delays or need a quiet work area.

Families and Students Traveling Between Atlanta and Rochester

This route is popular for:

• Visiting family in upstate New York.
• Traveling to or from colleges near Rochester.

Helpful considerations:

• Try to book nonstop flights when traveling with kids or a lot of luggage.
• For students based in Atlanta:
  • Be mindful of peak student travel times (start/end of semester, breaks).
  • Book earlier for better nonstop availability and prices.

Visitors to Atlanta Flying Onward to Rochester

If you’re visiting Atlanta and heading to Rochester afterward:

• Plan extra time to return rental cars at ATL and get from the rental car center back to the terminal via the SkyTrain.
• If you’re staying near MARTA in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, consider taking the train to the airport instead of a car service during rush hour.

Practical Contacts and Resources for Atlanta Departures

Here are some useful Atlanta-area contacts and locations that can help your trip go more smoothly:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • General airport information: (800) 897-1910
• MARTA Customer Information Center (for airport train connections)
  • General info line: (404) 848-5000
  • Airport Station is directly connected to the Domestic Terminal

If you’re a frequent traveler from Atlanta, it may also be helpful to keep your chosen airline’s customer service number and ATL ticket counter hours handy, especially during winter or peak seasons when schedule changes are more common.

By understanding how flights from Atlanta to Rochester typically work—airports, timing, weather, and transit to and from ATL—you can choose flights that fit your schedule, reduce stress, and make the most of both cities.