Des Moines Flights to Atlanta: How to Plan, Book, and Arrive Smoothly in ATL

Looking for Des Moines flights to Atlanta and wondering what to expect when you land in Atlanta, Georgia? Whether you’re flying home, visiting family, or heading here for business, it helps to know how the route works, which airport you’ll use, and how to move around once you arrive.

This guide focuses on travel between Des Moines and Atlanta from the perspective of someone who will be arriving in or staying in Atlanta.

Key Things to Know About Des Moines–Atlanta Flights

Most travelers flying from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Atlanta will land at:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Primary airport for the Atlanta metro area
  • Located about 10 miles south of Downtown Atlanta
  • Major hub with frequent domestic and international connections

You’ll typically be looking at:

• Nonstop or one-stop flights
• Flight time of about 2–2.5 hours in the air for nonstop routes
• Morning and evening options on many days, with peak business travel Monday–Thursday

Because Atlanta is a major hub, you can often find schedules that connect your Des Moines flight with same-day arrivals that still give you time to check in at your hotel, grab a meal, or get to a meeting.

When to Fly From Des Moines to Atlanta

Best Times of Day for Arrivals in Atlanta

If you’re planning your day in Atlanta around your flight from Des Moines, consider:

• Morning arrivals (9 a.m.–noon)
  • Good for same-day meetings or events
  • Easier to catch MARTA (Atlanta’s rail system) or daytime ride services
• Afternoon arrivals (noon–5 p.m.)
  • Convenient for hotel check-in times
  • Often less rushed for families or leisure trips
• Late-night arrivals (after 9 p.m.)
  • Typically quieter at AT L, but fewer dining options open in the airport
  • Still easy to get taxis and rideshares, though transit options may be reduced

If you need to be somewhere in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead at a fixed time (conference, game, concert), aim to arrive at least 3–4 hours earlier than the start time to allow for:

• Taxi or MARTA ride
• Hotel check-in
• Traffic delays, especially during rush hour

Typical Flight Experience: Des Moines to Atlanta

Check-In and Departure in Des Moines

From Des Moines, you’ll usually:

1. Arrive at DSM about 90 minutes–2 hours before departure for domestic flights.
2. Check in, drop bags, and go through security.
3. Board a regional or mainline jet depending on the airline and time of day.

Most Atlanta-bound travelers appreciate:

• Bringing a carry-on and personal item to speed up arrival in ATL.
• Downloading boarding passes and any airline apps ahead of time.

In-Flight and Arrival in ATL

During the flight:

• Expect roughly 2 to 2.5 hours of flight time.
• You’ll cross one time zone: Atlanta is in Eastern Time (ET); Des Moines is in Central Time (CT). Atlanta is one hour ahead.

On landing in Atlanta:

• You’ll arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
• Most domestic arrivals, including from Des Moines, use the domestic terminal and concourses T, A, B, C, D, or E.

Navigating Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Airport address:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

ATL is large but designed to be relatively easy to navigate.

Domestic Arrivals and Concourses

Your Des Moines flight will almost always arrive in the domestic area of ATL. Key points:

• Concourses are labeled T, A, B, C, D, E, and F.
• You can move between concourses via:
  • Plane Train (underground automated train)
  • Walkable tunnels with clear signage

Look for:

• Baggage claim signs if you checked luggage
• Ground transportation if you’re heading into the city
• Signs for MARTA, rideshare, taxis, and shuttles

Getting From ATL to Atlanta Neighborhoods

Once your Des Moines–Atlanta flight lands, you have several ways to get into the city.

1. MARTA (Train) 🚆

Ideal for: Travelers heading to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or areas near MARTA stations.

• Station: Airport MARTA Station (inside the domestic terminal)
• Line:Red and Gold lines run directly between the airport and key city areas
• Common stops for visitors:
  • Garnett, Five Points, Peachtree Center – Downtown Atlanta
  • North Avenue, Midtown, Arts Center – Midtown Atlanta
  • Lenox, Buckhead – Buckhead area

MARTA is often:

• Faster than driving during rush hour
• Less expensive than a taxi or rideshare
• Convenient if you’re staying near a MARTA-accessible hotel

2. Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) and Taxis 🚗

Ideal for: Direct, door-to-door service anywhere in the metro area.

• Rideshare pickup:
  Follow airport signs for “Rideshare” from baggage claim. ATL has a designated pickup area.
• Taxis:
  Traditional taxis are available at the Ground Transportation area outside baggage claim.

This is a strong choice if you’re:

• Traveling with several people
• Carrying large or multiple pieces of luggage
• Heading to neighborhoods less convenient to MARTA (e.g., West Midtown, East Atlanta, Decatur beyond the station, Smyrna, etc.)

3. Hotel and Private Shuttles

Many conference hotels and some larger properties in Downtown and near the airport operate shuttles.

Common patterns:

• Airport-area hotels often provide free shuttles to and from ATL.
• Downtown convention hotels may coordinate group shuttles for large events.

If you’re attending a conference at places like the Georgia World Congress Center or Downtown hotels, it’s worth checking your event or hotel details before you fly.

Approximate Time and Cost Ranges

Below is a general guide once you’ve landed from Des Moines. These are ballpark estimates, not fixed prices.

*Costs vary by time of day and demand; this table is for planning-level expectations, not exact pricing.

Choosing When to Arrive in Atlanta (By Neighborhood Needs)

If you’re flying from Des Moines with a specific Atlanta destination in mind, it helps to align your flight choice with local traffic and timing.

For Downtown Atlanta (Conventions, Government, Events)

Common destinations:

• Georgia World Congress Center
• State Capitol / government offices
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Major hotels around Peachtree Center

Tips:

• Aim for a late-morning or early-afternoon arrival into ATL.
• Use MARTA from the airport to Five Points or Peachtree Center for predictable timing.
• If using a rideshare, plan extra time during weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.).

For Midtown (Tech Offices, Arts, Georgia Tech)

Popular spots:

• Georgia Tech
• Midtown’s Peachtree Street corridor
• Fox Theatre
• Arts institutions like the High Museum of Art

Tips:

• Consider MARTA to North Avenue, Midtown, or Arts Center stations.
• If you must arrive by a fixed show or meeting time, consider a midday or earlier afternoon ATL arrival from Des Moines.

For Buckhead (Shopping, Business, Upscale Hotels)

Key destinations:

• Lenox Square
• Phipps Plaza
• Corporate offices along Peachtree Road NE

Tips:

• MARTA to Lenox or Buckhead is straightforward, but connections can take a bit longer than to Downtown.
• Rideshares from ATL to Buckhead can be heavily affected by traffic; early or late-night arrivals may move faster.

Planning Your Return Flight: Atlanta Back to Des Moines

If your trip is round-trip, you’ll also be departing from ATL back to Des Moines. Since ATL is busy, it’s worth planning carefully.

When to Get to ATL for Your Departure

For flights back to Des Moines:

• Arrive at ATL 2 hours before your scheduled domestic departure time.
• During especially busy travel periods (holidays, major Atlanta events, big game weekends), consider arriving even earlier.

Getting to ATL From Within Atlanta

• From Downtown or Midtown:
  • MARTA is often the most predictable method; take the Red or Gold line southbound to Airport Station.
  • Allow at least 45–60 minutes total (walk to station, wait time, train ride).
• From Buckhead:
  • MARTA from Buckhead/Lenox station works well if you’re luggage-light.
  • Rideshare can work, but allow extra travel time for traffic, especially on weekday afternoons.
• From suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Decatur, Sandy Springs):
  • Rideshare, taxi, or a combination of local transit + MARTA can be used.
  • Build in buffer time for unpredictable traffic.

What Someone Staying in Atlanta Should Know About This Route

If you live in Atlanta or will be here long-term and you’re arranging travel for:

• Family or friends flying from Des Moines to Atlanta
• Business associates coming to a meeting in the city
• Guests attending a wedding, conference, or event

It helps to:

1. Share your preferred arrival window
   • For example, “Try to land in Atlanta before 3 p.m. so you can avoid the heaviest evening traffic.”
2. Suggest transportation options from ATL
   • For Downtown/Midtown: give them simple MARTA instructions and station names.
   • For hotel areas not near MARTA: recommend rideshare and give an approximate ride time.
3. Provide a landmark-based explanation
   • Example: “From the airport, take MARTA to Peachtree Center and walk 5 minutes to the hotel,” or “Take a rideshare straight to our place in East Atlanta; it’s usually 20–30 minutes without heavy traffic.”

Practical Tips for a Smooth Des Moines–Atlanta Trip

• Account for the time zone change
  • Atlanta is one hour ahead of Des Moines. If you depart Des Moines at 3 p.m. CT and the flight is about 2 hours, you could land around 6 p.m. ET.
• Plan around Atlanta traffic
  • If using rideshare or taxis from ATL into the city, weekday morning and evening rush hours can significantly increase travel time.
• Know where you’re staying
  • Having the exact hotel or address ready makes it easier to choose between MARTA and rideshare and to follow airport signs.
• Use carry-ons when possible
  • Skipping checked bags can speed up your exit from ATL, especially helpful if you’re heading straight to a meeting or event.
• For late-night arrivals
  • MARTA hours and frequency may be reduced; check ahead. Rideshare and taxis are usually still available, making them a common choice after 10–11 p.m.

Helpful Local Points of Reference in Atlanta

If you’re coordinating airport pickup, planning meetings, or simply trying to understand the layout once your Des Moines flight lands, a few central landmarks:

• Downtown Atlanta: Near Five Points and Peachtree Center MARTA stations; close to State Capitol, Georgia World Congress Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
• Midtown: Around Midtown Station; known for Peachtree Street, Georgia Tech, Fox Theatre, Piedmont Park.
• Buckhead: Served by Lenox and Buckhead MARTA stations; major hotels and shopping districts.
• Airport Area (College Park/Hapeville): Near ATL with many airport hotels and quick shuttle access.

Understanding where you need to be in relation to these areas will help you choose the best flight arrival time, transport option, and route into the city once your Des Moines to Atlanta flight touches down.