Flying From Raleigh, NC to Atlanta, GA: What Travelers to Atlanta Should Know

Planning a flight from Raleigh, North Carolina to Atlanta, Georgia is a common trip, whether you’re coming home to Atlanta, visiting the city, or connecting onward through Hartsfield-Jackson. Because Atlanta is a major air hub, this route is frequent, competitive, and usually straightforward — but there are smart ways to save time and reduce stress once you land.

This guide focuses on what matters most once you arrive in Atlanta, while still covering the basics of the flight itself.

Overview of the Raleigh–Atlanta Flight Route

The flight from Raleigh (RDU) to Atlanta (ATL) is a short, busy route served multiple times a day.

Key basics:

• Departure airport: Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU), Morrisville, NC
• Arrival airport: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Atlanta, GA
• Typical flight time: About 1 to 1.5 hours in the air
• Common purpose of travel: Business, visiting family, weekend trips, and, very often, connections to other destinations via Atlanta

Because Atlanta is one of the largest air travel hubs in the world, many travelers on this route are either:

• Atlanta-bound (coming to work, visit, or move here), or
• Connecting through ATL to other U.S. or international cities

If you’re planning to stay in Atlanta, your main considerations are arrival terminal, ground transportation, and timing.

What to Expect When You Land in Atlanta

Terminals and Concourses at ATL

All commercial flights from Raleigh to Atlanta arrive at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), located about 10 miles south of Downtown Atlanta.

ATL is organized like this:

• Domestic Terminal North & South – where most Raleigh–Atlanta flights arrive and connect
• Concourses T, A, B, C, D, and E – domestic and some international flights
• International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal / Concourse F) – for many international arrivals and departures

For a typical Raleigh to Atlanta flight:

• You’ll usually arrive at one of the domestic concourses (often A, B, C, or D).
• You’ll use the Plane Train (underground train) or walkways to reach:
  • Baggage claim
  • Ground transportation
  • Another concourse if you’re connecting

Tip: Follow signs for “Baggage Claim” if Atlanta is your final destination, or “Connecting Flights” if you’re continuing on.

Timing Your Flight for Atlanta Plans

Because this is a short route, you have a lot of flexibility in timing, but Atlanta’s traffic and activity levels matter once you land.

Busy Travel Times in Atlanta

If you’re heading into the city from ATL, consider:

• Morning rush (approx. 7–9 a.m.) – Heavier traffic on I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285.
• Afternoon/evening rush (approx. 4–7 p.m.) – Slowdowns are common, especially toward Midtown, Buckhead, and Perimeter areas.
• Game and event days – Travel may be more congested if you’re going near:
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Falcons, Atlanta United, major events)
  • State Farm Arena (Hawks, concerts)
  • Georgia World Congress Center (large conventions)

If you want a smoother arrival into Atlanta:

• Aim for midday or late-evening arrivals to reduce traffic delays.
• Build in extra time if you have dinner reservations, meetings, or events the same day.

Getting From ATL Airport Into Atlanta

After you land from Raleigh, your biggest decision is how to get from Hartsfield–Jackson into the city or surrounding areas.

1. MARTA (Public Transit) – Often the Easiest for Downtown and Midtown

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is the main public transit system serving ATL and many Atlanta neighborhoods.

• Airport Station: Located inside the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim for North/South terminals
• Line: MARTA Red or Gold Line
• Key stops for visitors and residents:
  • College Park – nearby hotels, Park & Ride
  • West End / Oakland City – access to Southwest Atlanta neighborhoods
  • Garnett / Five Points – entry to Downtown Atlanta
  • Peachtree Center – hotels, offices, and attractions downtown
  • Midtown – access to Piedmont Park, Midtown offices, restaurants
  • Arts Center – cultural venues, some hotels
  • Lindbergh Center, Buckhead, Medical Center, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs (via Red Line)

Best for:

• Travelers staying Downtown or Midtown
• Those who prefer to avoid driving and parking
• People with light or rolling luggage

2. Taxis and App-Based Rides (Uber/Lyft)

If you’re heading to a specific Atlanta neighborhood or traveling with a group, a taxi or app-based ride can be more direct.

• Taxi stands: Clearly marked near the baggage claim / Ground Transportation area
• Rideshare pickups: Designated zones are marked for Uber and Lyft outside the terminals

Best for:

• Late-night arrivals when transit is less frequent
• Direct trips to neighborhoods like Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, Decatur, West Midtown, Buckhead, or East Atlanta Village
• Families or groups with larger luggage loads

3. Rental Cars – Useful for Suburbs and Multi-Stop Itineraries

If you’re planning to explore metro Atlanta or nearby areas from your Raleigh–Atlanta flight, a rental car can make sense.

Rental Car Center at ATL:

• Located at 2200 Rental Car Center Parkway, College Park, GA 30337
• Accessible via the SkyTrain, a free automated train from the airport terminals

Consider a rental car if:

• You’re staying in Cobb County, Gwinnett, Henry County, or other suburbs
• You’ll be visiting multiple areas like Stone Mountain, Marietta, Alpharetta, Decatur, and Downtown in one trip
• You’re comfortable driving in busy interstate traffic and navigating multi-lane highways

4. Hotel and Private Shuttles

Some hotels, especially those near the airport or in Downtown, may offer shuttle options.

Common shuttle destinations include:

• Airport hotel cluster along Virginia Avenue and surrounding areas
• Certain convention hotels near Downtown

Always confirm shuttle availability, pickup location, and schedule ahead of time.

RDU vs. ATL: Practical Differences That Affect Your Trip

If you’re used to flying out of Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU), Atlanta’s airport will feel significantly larger and busier.

Size and Navigation

• RDU – Smaller, easier to navigate quickly, fewer concourses
• ATL – Much larger, more concourses, and more passengers moving at once

At ATL:

• Expect more walking between gates and transportation areas
• Use the Plane Train to move between concourses quickly
• Follow overhead signs for “Ground Transportation,” “MARTA,” “Ride Share,” “Rental Cars” to avoid confusion

Time Buffer After Landing

Because Atlanta’s airport and road network are busier, build in a realistic buffer:

• From wheels down to curb: 30–60 minutes is common once you add taxiing, deplaning, and reaching baggage claim
• From airport to central Atlanta areas:
  • Downtown / Georgia State Capitol area: about 15–30 minutes in normal traffic
  • Midtown: about 20–35 minutes
  • Buckhead: about 30–45 minutes
  • Perimeter / Sandy Springs: about 35–55 minutes

If you’re arriving from Raleigh for a same-day meeting or event in Atlanta, schedule with this in mind.

Connecting Through Atlanta vs. Staying in Atlanta

Many people on the Raleigh to Atlanta flight are just connecting to other locations. If you’re doing both — staying in Atlanta on one trip and connecting through on another — it helps to know the difference in how you’ll use the airport.

If Atlanta Is Your Final Destination

Focus on:

• Checking baggage tags to ensure they’re tagged to ATL, not beyond
• Making a plan for how you’re getting from ATL into the city
• Knowing where you’re staying:
  • Downtown/Midtown: often best served by MARTA or rideshare
  • Buckhead, Perimeter, or suburbs: often easier with rideshare or rental car

If You’re Connecting Beyond Atlanta

For connections:

• You’ll likely remain airside within security
• Use the Plane Train to move quickly between concourses
• Make sure your Raleigh–Atlanta flight arrival time allows a comfortable connection window, especially during busy times or weather disruptions

Neighborhoods and Areas Atlanta Travelers Commonly Visit

Once your Raleigh–Atlanta flight lands, where you go in the city shapes the rest of your trip. Some common destinations:

• Downtown Atlanta:

  • Near the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia World Congress Center
  • Convenient for business conferences and major events

• Midtown Atlanta:

  • Known for Piedmont Park, Fox Theatre, arts institutions, dining, and nightlife
  • Good balance of residential, office, and entertainment options

• Buckhead:

  • Major shopping, dining, and business district
  • Popular for hotels and corporate offices

• Decatur:

  • Just east of Atlanta, known for walkable squares, restaurants, and neighborhood feel
  • Accessible via MARTA (easier without a car if you stay near the station)

• Airport Area (College Park, Hapeville, East Point):

  • Convenient for early flights back to Raleigh or connecting flights
  • Often chosen by travelers who want to stay close to ATL

Knowing your destination before you board your Raleigh–Atlanta flight helps you choose whether MARTA, taxi/rideshare, or rental car will work best.

Documents and Security Considerations

Flights from Raleigh, NC to Atlanta, GA are domestic flights, so the documentation is standard:

• Government-issued photo ID (such as a state driver’s license or passport)
• Usual TSA security screening rules apply at both RDU and ATL

If you’re connecting to an international flight in Atlanta, you’ll need to follow any additional passport and visa requirements for your final destination, and allow extra time at ATL.

Planning Your Return Flight From Atlanta to Raleigh

If you live in Raleigh or will be returning there:

• Departure will be from ATL back to RDU
• When leaving from Atlanta:
  • Arrive at Hartsfield–Jackson with extra time for security, especially during holidays, Mondays, Fridays, and early mornings
  • Factor in Atlanta traffic on your way to the airport

From within Atlanta:

• Using MARTA:
  • Take the Red or Gold Line to Airport Station, which delivers you directly into the terminal area
• Driving or rideshare:
  • Use signage for the Domestic Terminal if flying to Raleigh
  • Drop-off is clearly marked for North and South terminals

Quick Reference: Raleigh–Atlanta Flight Essentials

Raleigh → Atlanta Flight Snapshot

Flying from Raleigh, NC to Atlanta, GA is a short hop, but once you land, Atlanta’s size and pace make planning your arrival important. By thinking ahead about ground transportation, timing, and your destination neighborhood, you can step off your Raleigh flight and move smoothly into everything Atlanta has to offer.