Flying From Atlanta to Baltimore: How to Find the Best Flight for Your Trip

Looking for flights from Atlanta to Baltimore? Whether you live in metro Atlanta or you’re visiting and flying out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the Atlanta–Baltimore route is a straightforward, high-traffic corridor with plenty of options.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know from an Atlanta-based perspective: airlines, airports, typical schedules, how to get to and from ATL, money-saving tips, and what to expect on arrival in Baltimore.

Key Facts About Flights Atlanta → Baltimore

Route overview

• Origin: Atlanta, Georgia – Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Destination: Baltimore, Maryland – Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
• Nonstop flight time: Usually around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
• Distance: Roughly 575–600 miles
• Typical trip type: Business travel, government trips, family visits, college-related travel (Baltimore and DC area), and quick weekend getaways

Common Airlines on the Atlanta–Baltimore Route

Carriers on this route may change occasionally, but travelers from Atlanta will commonly see:

• Major full-service carriers offering connections and sometimes nonstops
• Low-cost airlines that frequently run competitive fares on ATL–BWI

Most flights depart from ATL’s domestic terminals (North or South) and arrive in BWI’s domestic concourses.

Quick Comparison: Atlanta to Baltimore Flight Basics

Use this simple summary table to plan your trip:

Choosing the Right Airport in Atlanta

All commercial flights from Atlanta to Baltimore depart from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):

ATL basic details

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Terminals:
  • Domestic Terminal – North & South (most ATL–BWI departures)
  • International Terminal (Concourse F) – not typically used for this route
• Ground transportation options:
  • MARTA rail (Airport Station, directly inside the Domestic Terminal)
  • Rideshare (designated pick-up zones)
  • Taxi stands
  • Airport and off-airport parking
  • Hotel shuttles (mainly serving downtown, Midtown, and airport hotels)

For most Atlanta residents, getting to ATL is easier than driving to a secondary regional airport. Travel time from popular areas:

• Downtown Atlanta → ATL: ~15–25 minutes by car in light traffic, ~20 minutes via MARTA
• Midtown → ATL: ~20–30 minutes by car, ~25 minutes via MARTA
• Buckhead → ATL: ~25–40 minutes by car (heavier rush-hour traffic)

If you’re coming from outside the Perimeter (OTP) — like Marietta, Alpharetta, or McDonough — factor in I‑75, I‑85, or I‑285 congestion, especially during weekday rush hours.

When to Fly: Best Times and Seasonal Considerations

Time of day

From Atlanta, you’ll typically find:

• Morning departures: Convenient for same-day meetings or early arrivals into Baltimore or the DC area.
• Afternoon departures: Good for flexible travelers and vacationers.
• Evening flights: Often useful for people working a full day in Atlanta before heading out.

If you’re trying to avoid delays:

• Earlier flights from ATL often have better on-time performance, since the day’s disruptions haven’t piled up yet.
• Evening flights can be more vulnerable to weather and traffic backups along the East Coast.

Day of the week

For lower fares on Atlanta–Baltimore flights, many travelers look for:

• Midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday)
• Saturday flights, which can sometimes be cheaper than Fridays and Sundays

Peak pricing often appears:

• Friday evenings (weekend trips)
• Sunday afternoons and evenings (returning from weekend travel)

Seasonal demand from Atlanta

Expect higher demand and potentially higher prices around:

• Spring break and early summer (families heading to/from the Mid-Atlantic)
• Major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year’s)
• Big event weekends in Baltimore or Washington, DC (sports events, conventions, graduations)

If your schedule is flexible in Atlanta, look at flying a day earlier or later than your first-choice dates to see if fares drop.

How to Get to ATL from Around Metro Atlanta

MARTA to the airport

For many Atlanta residents, MARTA is the simplest way to reach flights to Baltimore:

• Both the Red Line and Gold Line go directly to Airport Station, located inside the Domestic Terminal.
• From Airport Station, you’re just a short walk to:
  • Check-in counters
  • Security checkpoints
  • Plane Train to the concourses

Using MARTA can be especially helpful if:

• You live near a MARTA rail station (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Doraville, College Park, etc.).
• You want to avoid airport parking fees.
• You’re traveling at peak times when I‑75/I‑85 traffic is heavy.

Driving and parking

If you’re driving yourself to ATL for a Baltimore flight:

• On-site parking at ATL includes:
  • Hourly and daily parking decks near the terminal
  • Economy lots
  • Park-Ride lots with shuttle service
• Off-site parking lots around the airport corridor often offer:
  • Lower daily rates
  • Shuttle buses to the Domestic Terminal

For rush-hour weekday departures, it’s wise to leave extra time for:

• Downtown connector (I‑75/85) congestion
• Security screening lines, especially early morning

Rideshare and taxis

If you prefer to be dropped off:

• Rideshare pick-up/drop-off areas are clearly signed at ATL; they’re commonly used by local residents flying out for short trips.
• Taxi stands are available on the curb; fares from central Atlanta to the airport are usually standardized within a set zone.

What to Expect During the Flight

From an Atlanta traveler’s standpoint, the ATL–BWI flight is one of the shorter East Coast routes.

Flight duration and comfort

• In the air: Typically 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
• Gate-to-gate total time: Often around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on taxi time and airport congestion

Tips for such a short flight from Atlanta:

• You generally won’t need a full meal, but grabbing a snack in ATL’s concourses can be a good idea.
• For work travelers, this route is often used as a “laptop flight” – enough time to answer emails or work on a short project.
• If you’re sensitive to temperature, pack a light layer, as cabin temperatures can vary.

Arriving in Baltimore: Ground Transportation From BWI

When you land in Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), you’ll have several options to reach:

• Downtown Baltimore
• The Washington, DC metro area
• Nearby suburbs in Maryland

Key points for Atlanta-based travelers:

BWI basics

• Airport: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
• Location: South of downtown Baltimore, with easy access to both Baltimore and DC

Getting from BWI to Baltimore

Common ways to reach the city:

• Airport shuttles and hotel shuttles (if your hotel offers one)
• Rideshare and taxis from designated curbside areas
• Light rail service from BWI to downtown Baltimore, which many visitors use for a direct, budget-friendly ride

Getting from BWI to Washington, DC

If your final destination is DC or surrounding areas:

• Train from BWI Rail Station:
  • A free airport shuttle bus connects BWI terminal to the BWI Marshall Rail Station.
  • From there, MARC commuter trains or Amtrak can take you into Washington, DC’s Union Station.
• Rental cars available at the BWI consolidated rental car facility, accessed by airport shuttle

This makes BWI a practical option for Atlantans heading not only to Baltimore but also the greater DC region, without needing to fly directly into Washington-area airports.

Packing and Travel Tips for Atlanta → Baltimore

From the perspective of someone leaving Atlanta, here are practical pointers:

Weather differences

• Atlanta vs. Baltimore climate:
  • Baltimore winters tend to be colder and can see more snow and ice than Atlanta.
  • Spring and fall in both cities can be mild, but pack a layered outfit if you’re not sure.
• If you’re flying from Atlanta in winter, plan for colder temps on arrival in Baltimore or DC.

Airport timing

• For domestic flights from ATL to BWI:
  • Many travelers aim for arrival at ATL 1.5–2 hours before departure, especially during busy travel periods.
  • If you’re checking bags or traveling near holidays, lean toward 2 hours.

Checked vs. carry-on luggage

• Because the ATL–BWI route is short, a lot of Atlantans use a carry-on only approach for faster airport exits and less risk of lost bags.
• If you do check luggage:
  • Allow extra time at both ATL and BWI.
  • Plan your ground transportation at BWI with a buffer for baggage claim.

Budgeting and Saving on Atlanta–Baltimore Flights

From Atlanta, prices to Baltimore can vary widely based on timing and flexibility. Common ways travelers try to keep costs down include:

• Flexible travel dates:
  • Checking fares across a week or month rather than locking in one specific day.
• Off-peak flight times:
  • Early morning or late evening departures can sometimes be cheaper.
• Booking ahead when possible:
  • Last-minute tickets, especially around holidays or major events in Baltimore/DC, can be significantly more expensive.
• Considering total trip cost:
  • Factor in airport parking or MARTA fare in Atlanta, plus ground transportation from BWI into Baltimore or DC, not just the flight price.

If you live in metro Atlanta and travel this route frequently (for school, family, or work), it can be helpful to:

• Sign up for fare alerts or track prices over time.
• Keep notes on which days and times tend to be cheapest for your specific needs.

Is Driving From Atlanta to Baltimore Worth It Instead of Flying?

Some Atlantans consider driving instead of flying to Baltimore or DC, especially when traveling with family.

• Driving distance: Roughly 680–700 miles from the Atlanta area to Baltimore, depending on your exact starting point
• Drive time (no major stops): Usually 10–11 hours in light traffic

Comparing options:

• Flying ATL–BWI:
  • Around 2 hours in the air
  • Additional time for airport transit, security, boarding, and ground transport on each end
• Driving:
  • No security lines or baggage limits
  • But a full day on the road, plus fuel, potential overnight stays, and tolls on some routes

For most short trips (like a 2–4 day visit), many Atlanta travelers find flying to be more practical and less tiring, especially if they can find reasonably priced flights.

Final Checks Before Your Atlanta–Baltimore Trip

Before you head to ATL for your flight:

• ✅ Confirm your departure terminal and gate for ATL
• ✅ Verify your ID requirements for domestic air travel
• ✅ Check arrival time and ground transport options from BWI to your final stop
• ✅ Build in extra time if you’re traveling during rush hour to or from ATL
• ✅ Consider using MARTA or a rideshare if you want to avoid airport parking fees

With a bit of planning from the Atlanta side—choosing the right departure time, arranging your ride to Hartsfield–Jackson, and understanding how you’ll get from BWI into Baltimore or DC—the flight from Atlanta to Baltimore can be one of the easiest East Coast trips you take.