Flights from Atlanta to Baltimore: How to Find the Best Options from ATL ✈️

If you’re looking for a flight from Atlanta to Baltimore, you’ll be flying out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and into either Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) or, less commonly, nearby airports in the D.C. region. This guide walks you through everything an Atlanta-based traveler needs to know to plan the trip smoothly.

Key Facts About Atlanta–Baltimore Flights

Typical route basics:

• Departure airport: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Primary arrival airport: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
• Flight time (nonstop): Usually around 1.5 to 2 hours in the air
• Distance: Roughly 580–600 miles
• Time zone: Both Atlanta and Baltimore are in Eastern Time, so no time change

Because there’s no time zone difference, this route is popular for same-day business trips, weekend getaways, and family visits. You can often leave Atlanta in the morning and be in Baltimore before lunch.

Which Airlines Fly from Atlanta to Baltimore?

Airline offerings can change, but Atlanta is a major hub, so you’ll usually find a mix of nonstop and one-stop options.

Common Types of Flights on This Route

• Nonstop flights

  • Fastest and most convenient
  • Ideal if you want to limit airport time or are traveling with kids or tight schedules

• One-stop flights

  • May connect through another city (for example, Charlotte, Washington, D.C., or another Eastern hub)
  • Sometimes cheaper, but add time and potential for delays

When comparing airlines:

• Look at total travel time, not just departure/arrival times
• Check baggage policies carefully, especially for budget airlines
• Consider your loyalty programs or credit card points if you collect miles

Best Times to Fly from Atlanta to Baltimore

Time of Day

For Atlanta-based travelers, some general patterns tend to hold:

• Early morning flights
  • Often have fewer delays
  • Useful for same-day meetings or events in Baltimore
• Midday flights
  • Can be more relaxed, with shorter security lines than early morning rush
• Evening flights
  • Good for after-work departures from Atlanta
  • Watch for higher risk of weather or cascading delays later in the day

Days of the Week

Pricing on this route can shift based on demand:

• Fridays and Sundays often cost more due to weekend travel
• Midweek flights (Tuesday–Thursday) can sometimes be more affordable
• Holiday periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break) often see higher prices and fuller flights

If you live in Atlanta and have some flexibility, checking multiple days within the same week can reveal noticeable price differences.

Getting to ATL from Around Atlanta

Because almost every flight from Atlanta to Baltimore starts at Hartsfield–Jackson, planning your ground transportation to ATL is just as important as picking your flight.

MARTA (Public Transit)

If you’re near a MARTA station, the Airport Station is located directly inside the Domestic Terminal (North/South).

• Lines: Red and Gold lines serve the airport
• Good for: Avoiding parking fees, predictable travel time during rush hour
• From Downtown Atlanta: Often about 15–20 minutes on MARTA, not counting wait time

This is a strong option if you’re staying near Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or near the Perimeter on the Red/Gold lines.

Driving and Parking

If you prefer to drive:

• Address for GPS:
  Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320

Parking options include:

• Hourly parking: Best for pick-ups/drop-offs or very short trips
• Daily parking: Good for weekend or short business trips
• Economy or park-and-ride lots: Usually cheaper for longer stays

Plan extra time for:

• Traffic on I-75, I-85, or the Downtown Connector
• Shuttle times from remote lots back to the terminal

Rideshare and Taxis

• Rideshare pick-up zones are well-marked at ATL
• Useful if you don’t want to deal with parking or MARTA transfers
• Price varies depending on time of day and location in the metro area

Many Atlanta residents find rideshare cost-effective for short trips (1–3 days) versus paying for daily parking.

Which Terminal Will You Use at ATL?

At Hartsfield–Jackson:

• Domestic flights (like Atlanta to Baltimore) generally depart from the Domestic Terminal
• Concourse assignment (A, B, C, D, T, etc.) depends on the airline and gate schedule
• You can move between concourses via the Plane Train underground people mover

If you’re flying a U.S. domestic carrier, expect to:

1. Arrive at the Domestic Terminal (North or South check-in)
2. Clear TSA security
3. Use the Plane Train or walk to your departure concourse

Always confirm your airline’s check-in area (North vs. South) before you leave home.

Arriving in Baltimore: What Atlanta Travelers Should Expect

Most Atlanta–Baltimore trips will use BWI (Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport).

Basic BWI Details

• Airport code: BWI
• Location: Just south of Baltimore, northeast of Washington, D.C.

When you land, you’ll proceed to:

• Baggage claim for checked luggage
• The ground transportation level if you’re taking a shuttle, rental car, Uber/Lyft, or train

Getting from BWI to Baltimore or D.C.

If you’re an Atlanta traveler unfamiliar with the area, these are the main options from BWI:

To Downtown Baltimore

• Rideshare or taxi: Door-to-door, convenient if you have luggage or are arriving late at night
• Light Rail: The Maryland Light Rail has a station at BWI and goes into central Baltimore
• Shuttles or hotel vans: Some hotels near BWI or in Baltimore offer shuttle service

To Washington, D.C.

• Train from BWI Rail Station:
  A shuttle connects BWI Airport to the BWI Rail Station, where you can take regional trains toward Washington, D.C.
• Bus or rideshare: Possible but usually slower or more expensive than the train

If you’re visiting several cities (Baltimore and D.C.) from Atlanta, factor in the travel time from BWI to each destination when comparing your options.

Typical Costs and How to Find Better Fares

Exact prices vary, but there are common patterns Atlanta travelers can watch for when booking flights to Baltimore.

Factors That Affect Price

• How far in advance you book
• Time of year (summer, holidays, and big event weekends can be higher)
• Time and day of travel (early morning or less popular days can sometimes be lower)
• Nonstop vs. connecting (nonstop is faster but not always cheaper)

Practical Tips for Atlanta-Based Travelers

• ✅ Compare multiple days around your ideal travel date
• ✅ Consider flying at less popular hours (early morning or later evening)
• ✅ Check whether baggage fees or seat selection costs change the total price
• ✅ If you travel frequently from Atlanta, consider whether airline status or credit card benefits help on this route

Packing and Airport Timing for This Route

Because Atlanta–Baltimore is a short-haul domestic flight, you can usually keep things simple, but planning ahead saves stress.

When to Arrive at ATL

For domestic flights like this:

• Many travelers plan to be at ATL about 2 hours before departure, especially during busy periods
• If you’re checking bags, add extra buffer time
• Factor in:
  • Atlanta traffic
  • Security line length
  • Time from security to your concourse

Checked vs. Carry-On

For a quick hop like Atlanta to Baltimore:

• Carry-on only can help you:
  • Skip baggage claim in Baltimore
  • Move faster if you’re catching a train or meeting
• Checked bags may be better if:
  • You’re on an extended trip
  • You’re carrying items that are not allowed in carry-on

Always check your airline’s bag size and fee rules in advance.

Simple Comparison Snapshot: ATL → BWI

Here’s a quick summary Atlanta travelers can use when planning:

Special Considerations for Atlantans Flying to Baltimore

Weather and Delays

Both cities can experience summer thunderstorms and winter weather that may cause delays:

• Summer: Afternoon storms around Atlanta can sometimes ripple through later flights
• Winter: Snow or ice in the Mid-Atlantic can affect arrivals into BWI

If you have a time-sensitive event in Baltimore (wedding, game, medical appointment, or big meeting), consider:

• Booking an earlier flight than strictly necessary
• Allowing a buffer day during peak weather seasons

Traveling with Kids or in Groups

For families or groups from Atlanta:

• Arrive at ATL extra early to navigate check-in and security with less stress
• Consider nonstop flights to avoid the challenges of connecting with children or large groups
• Pre-plan ground transportation from BWI that fits your group size (larger rideshare, van service, or pre-arranged shuttle)

If You’re New to Atlanta and Flying Out for the First Time

For visitors staying in Atlanta and flying to Baltimore:

• Know your side of town:

  • If you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, MARTA to the Airport Station is usually straightforward
  • If you’re in suburbs like Marietta, Alpharetta, or Lawrenceville, driving or rideshare may be more practical

• Give yourself extra time if you’ve never navigated ATL before—it’s a large, busy airport with multiple concourses and checkpoints

A flight from Atlanta to Baltimore is a quick, direct domestic trip that’s easy to manage once you understand your options from ATL, your ground transportation choices, and what to expect on arrival at BWI. With a bit of planning around timing, baggage, and how you’ll get to and from the airports, most Atlanta travelers find this route straightforward and efficient.