Cheap Flights From Orlando, FL to Atlanta, GA: How to Find the Best Deals to Hartsfield–Jackson

Looking for cheap flights from Orlando, FL to Atlanta, GA? Whether you live in Atlanta and are flying home from a trip to Orlando, or you’re visiting Atlanta and planning a return flight, it helps to understand how this specific route works and how to keep your costs down.

Most flights from Orlando to Atlanta land at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), one of the busiest airports in the world and the main gateway to the metro area. With so many daily flights, this route is often competitive on price—if you know when and how to book.

Key Facts About Orlando–Atlanta Flights

Route basics:

  • Departure airports in Orlando:
    • Orlando International Airport (MCO) – main commercial airport
    • Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) – smaller, more limited commercial service
  • Arrival airport in Atlanta:
    • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Typical flight time: Around 1 hour 20 minutes in the air
  • Flight type: Mostly nonstop flights, multiple times per day

Because ATL is a major hub, there are usually plenty of daily options between Orlando and Atlanta, especially from MCO. This heavy traffic often keeps prices competitive, especially during off‑peak days and times.

What Counts as a “Cheap” Flight on This Route?

Prices can change based on season, demand, and how early you book, but many travelers consider a flight “cheap” from Orlando to Atlanta if it:

  • Is nonstop
  • Falls at the lower end of the typical price range seen for your travel month
  • Avoids excessive fees for bags and seat selection

For people traveling to Atlanta, a flight that gets you into ATL at a reasonable time (not very late at night, not peak rush-hour if you can avoid it) is often worth a few extra dollars, especially if you need to connect with MARTA, rideshares, or shuttles into the city.

Best Times to Fly from Orlando to Atlanta for Lower Fares

1. Cheaper Days of the Week

On the Orlando–Atlanta route, prices often shift by day of week. Travelers commonly see:

  • Midweek flights (Tuesday–Wednesday): Often among the cheapest options
  • Saturday: Sometimes reasonably priced compared with peak business travel days
  • Monday and Friday: Often more expensive due to work travel and weekend trips
  • Sunday evenings: Can also run high, especially for flights returning to Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta and are planning a round trip, booking your Orlando → Atlanta leg midweek can lower the overall cost.

2. Time of Day

For this route, very early morning and late-night flights are often more affordable. Common patterns:

  • First flights of the day from Orlando (around 6–8 a.m.) – often cheaper, and you land in Atlanta early enough to use public transit or avoid traffic.
  • Mid-morning and late afternoon – frequently busier and can be higher priced.
  • Late-night arrivals into ATL – sometimes cheaper, but consider whether MARTA is still running and how you’ll get from the airport to your final destination.

MARTA rail service from ATL (Airport Station on the Red/Gold Line) generally runs from around 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., but exact times can vary. If you’re targeting a very late flight from Orlando, double‑check transit options from the airport to your Atlanta lodging.

3. Seasonality

On this route, demand is driven by:

  • School breaks and holidays (spring break, Thanksgiving, winter holidays)
  • Major events in either city (sports events, conventions, large festivals)
  • Theme‑park travel season in Orlando

If your schedule is flexible, avoid the priciest windows by:

  • Flying just before or after major holidays, rather than on the holiday weekend itself.
  • Choosing shoulder seasons (early fall or late winter, outside of holiday periods) for typically milder prices.

How to Actually Find Cheap Orlando → Atlanta Flights

1. Book Ahead—but Not Too Far

For short domestic routes like Orlando–Atlanta, many travelers find:

  • Booking a few weeks to a couple of months in advance often produces better prices than last-minute buying.
  • Very early booking (many months ahead) doesn’t always guarantee the lowest fare on such a common route, but it can give you more choice in flight times and seat selection.

If you live in Atlanta and regularly travel to Orlando, you can watch fares for patterns, then plan your return flight to ATL around the cheaper windows you see repeatedly.

2. Be Flexible on Airports and Times

Most cheap flights will run MCO → ATL, but occasionally:

  • Flights from Orlando Sanford (SFB) may appear, though options are usually fewer.
  • Adjusting your departure time by a few hours (earlier morning or later evening) can noticeably lower the fare.

When you compare flight times, always factor in:

  • Your ride to Orlando’s airport
  • Travel from ATL to your final Atlanta-area stop (Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, etc.)
  • Whether you want to use MARTA, rideshare, or a car service when you land

3. Consider Total Trip Cost, Not Just the Ticket Price

A fare might look cheap, but your total cost depends on:

  • Baggage fees
  • Seat selection fees
  • Ground transportation from ATL to your Atlanta destination

For many travelers heading into Atlanta:

  • Arriving at ATL with only a carry-on or personal item can speed you through the airport and reduce extra fees.
  • MARTA can be a low-cost way to reach downtown Atlanta, Midtown, Buckhead, or other neighborhoods along the Red/Gold lines.

Using Atlanta’s Hartsfield–Jackson Airport to Your Advantage

Layout and Getting Around

All commercial flights from Orlando arrive at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Knowing a few basics can make your arrival smoother:

  • Domestic arrivals typically use the Domestic Terminal and concourses T, A, B, C, D, and sometimes E.
  • The Plane Train (an underground shuttle) connects all concourses with the Domestic Terminal.
  • Baggage claim for domestic flights is in the North and South baggage claim areas.

Ground Transportation Options from ATL

Once you arrive from Orlando, you have several choices to reach your final destination in Atlanta:

1. MARTA (Public Rail Transit)

  • Station: Airport MARTA Station, directly inside the airport’s Domestic Terminal (at the western end).
  • Lines: Red and Gold lines run north through downtown, Midtown, and beyond.
  • Best for: Travelers heading to Downtown Atlanta, Midtown, Buckhead, or areas near MARTA stations.

2. Rideshares and Taxis

  • Designated pickup areas at the Domestic Terminal Ground Transportation Center.
  • Often convenient if you have luggage, are arriving late, or heading to a neighborhood not easily reached by rail.

3. Rental Cars

  • Located at the ATL Rental Car Center, 2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy, College Park, GA 30337.
  • Accessible via the SkyTrain from the main terminal.

If your cheap flight gets you into Atlanta at an odd hour, confirm that your chosen transit option (especially MARTA) lines up with your arrival time.

Sample Cost Comparison: Cheaper vs. “Expensive” Options

Below is a simplified, illustrative view of how different flight choices from Orlando to Atlanta can affect your total cost. Exact numbers vary, but this helps you think about trade‑offs:

Option TypeFlight Time (Example)Base Fare TendencyExtra Fees RiskGround Transport in ATLOverall Value for Most Travelers to Atlanta
Early Morning Nonstop7:00 a.m. MCO → 8:30 a.m. ATLOften lowerModerateEasy MARTA/taxi accessHigh – cheap + convenient arrival time
Midday Nonstop (Peak)12:00 p.m. MCO → 1:30 p.m. ATLOften higherModerateEasy MARTA accessMedium – comfortable but can cost more
Late Night Nonstop10:00 p.m. MCO → 11:30 p.m. ATLSometimes lowerModerateMARTA runs limited hoursMedium – cheap, but watch transit
Connecting Flight via Another CityVariesSometimes similar or higherHigher (time + hassle)Same as aboveLow – usually not worth it on this short route

For most people traveling into Atlanta, a nonstop flight that arrives during reasonable hours gives the best mix of price and practicality.

Tips for Families and Groups Flying to Atlanta from Orlando

If you’re traveling with family or in a group:

  • Plan bag strategy together. Sharing larger checked bags or optimizing carry-ons can cut fees.
  • Choose arrival time with Atlanta traffic in mind.
    • Landing in ATL during late afternoon (roughly 4–7 p.m.) can mean heavier road traffic if you’re using a car or rideshare.
    • For central Atlanta stays (Downtown or Midtown), landing earlier in the day and taking MARTA can be simpler and cheaper.
  • Coordinate meeting spots at ATL.
    • Domestic baggage claim areas and ATL’s main atrium (with shops and seating) are common rendezvous points.

For Atlanta Residents Returning Home from Orlando

If you live in Atlanta and are flying back from Orlando to ATL, think about:

  • Returning on off‑peak days. A Tuesday or Wednesday return can lower your total trip cost.
  • Choosing flights that land before rush hour if you plan to drive home using I‑75/I‑85 or I‑285.
  • Timing your arrival with MARTA schedules if you prefer to leave your car at home and ride the train from the airport.

You can also look at whether a very early morning Orlando → Atlanta flight allows you to go directly from the airport to work in downtown or Midtown using MARTA, skipping a second commute.

Practical Atlanta Contacts and Information

These resources can help you plan your arrival and onward travel in Atlanta after your Orlando flight:

  • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
    6000 N Terminal Pkwy
    Atlanta, GA 30320
    Main airport information: 800‑897‑1910

  • MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)
    Headquarters: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE
    Atlanta, GA 30324
    General information: 404‑848‑5000

Check operating hours and route maps in advance so your arrival from Orlando lines up with your preferred way of getting into the city.

Flying from Orlando, FL to Atlanta, GA is a short, heavily traveled route with enough daily flights to keep prices relatively competitive. By being flexible on days and times, watching total costs (including baggage and ground transportation), and planning how you’ll get from ATL into the Atlanta area, you can reliably find cheap, convenient options that fit your needs as a resident, visitor, or frequent traveler to Atlanta.