Flights from Atlanta to Pittsburgh: How to Plan Your Trip from ATL ✈️

Flying from Atlanta to Pittsburgh is a quick and straightforward trip, especially if you’re using Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Whether you live in metro Atlanta, you’re in town on business, or you’re visiting family and need to connect to western Pennsylvania, this guide walks you through everything you need to know.

Overview: Atlanta to Pittsburgh Flight Basics

If you’re flying from Atlanta, Georgia to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PIT), here’s what you can generally expect:

• Flight time: Often around 1.5–2 hours nonstop
• Distance: Roughly 500–600 miles by air
• Main Atlanta airport:Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Destination airport:Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
• Typical flight types: Nonstop and one-stop options, depending on date and time
• Common reasons to travel this route: Business travel, university visits, sports events, family trips, and connections to other areas of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia

This route is popular with Atlanta-based travelers who want a relatively short hop to the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic region without a long layover.

Getting to Your Flight: Using Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL)

Almost all commercial flights from Atlanta to Pittsburgh will depart from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, located just south of downtown.

Airport location:

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

Reaching ATL from Around Atlanta

Depending on where you are in the metro area, you have several options:

1. MARTA (good for downtown and intown travelers)

• Take the Red or Gold rail line to the Airport Station, which connects directly to the Domestic Terminal.
• If you’re staying in areas like Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or near Perimeter Center, MARTA is often the most predictable way to reach your flight, especially during rush hour.

2. Driving and Parking
If you’re driving from suburbs like Marietta, Alpharetta, Decatur, or Fayetteville:

• Plan extra time for I-75, I-285, and I-85 traffic.
• ATL offers:
  • Daily and Economy lots
  • Park-Ride lots with shuttle service
  • Cell phone lots if someone is only dropping you off
• Many off-site private parking facilities near the airport also provide long-term parking with shuttles to the terminals.

3. Rideshare, Taxi, or Shuttle

• Rideshare pickup zones are clearly marked at ATL.
• Licensed taxis are available at the Ground Transportation area.
• Some Atlanta-area hotels provide shuttles to the airport—check with your hotel if you’re staying near College Park, Airport area, or Downtown.

Typical Flight Options: Nonstop vs. Connecting

From Atlanta, you’ll usually see two main types of itineraries to Pittsburgh (PIT):

Nonstop Flights Atlanta to Pittsburgh

Nonstop flights are often:

• Around 1 hour 30 minutes to just under 2 hours in the air.
• Most convenient if you want to minimize travel time and avoid layovers.
• Especially popular with business travelers and people doing quick weekend trips from Atlanta.

One-Stop or Connecting Flights

You might see routes with a connection in another city:

• Sometimes slightly cheaper depending on the day and season.
• Can involve connections in cities like Charlotte, Washington, or New York, depending on the airline.
• Overall travel time can stretch to 3–6 hours or more.

If you’re based in Atlanta and value time, nonstop flights are usually the most practical choice when available, especially for morning departures or same-day turnarounds.

Best Times to Fly from Atlanta to Pittsburgh

Time of Day

• Morning flights from Atlanta often have:
  • Fewer delays related to afternoon weather systems.
  • Smoother connections if your trip doesn’t end in Pittsburgh.
• Evening flights may suit you better if:
  • You work a full day in Atlanta before heading out.
  • You’re returning from Pittsburgh and want to be home the same night.

Day of the Week

Common patterns travelers from Atlanta notice:

• Weekdays (especially Monday and Thursday/Friday):
  Often busier with business travelers.
• Weekends:
  More leisure travelers, sports fans, and students; flight times can still be convenient, but seats may fill quickly when events are happening in Pittsburgh.

If you’re flexible, compare dates across a full week to see if there are noticeably better times or prices from ATL.

What Atlanta Travelers Should Know About Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)

When you land in Pittsburgh:

• Airport: Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
  1000 Airport Blvd
  Pittsburgh, PA 15231
  General information: typically available via the airport’s main phone directory.

• PIT is northwest of downtown Pittsburgh.

• Travel into the city commonly takes 25–35 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

Ground Transportation at PIT

Typical options include:

• Rental cars: Available from on-site rental agencies.
• Rideshare and taxi services: Clearly marked pickup areas.
• Shuttles and public transit: A mix of local shuttles and transit options serve downtown and nearby areas.

If you’re leaving from Atlanta and planning a short trip, it’s worth deciding ahead of time whether you’ll rent a car at PIT or rely on rideshare/taxi services, especially if you’re visiting areas outside downtown Pittsburgh.

Packing and Weather Considerations: Atlanta vs. Pittsburgh

Weather conditions can be quite different between Atlanta and Pittsburgh, especially in winter.

Seasonal Differences

• Winter:

  • Atlanta: Milder winters, occasional ice or snow.
  • Pittsburgh: Colder temperatures, more frequent snow and winter weather.
  • If leaving ATL in light clothing, consider packing warmer layers, coat, gloves, and proper footwear for arrival.

• Summer:

  • Both cities can be warm and humid.
  • You may still notice slightly cooler evenings in Pittsburgh compared with Atlanta.

• Spring/Fall:

  • Popular seasons for trips from Atlanta thanks to milder temperatures in both cities.
  • Good times for university visits, sports events, and work travel.

Weather can also affect flights, particularly in winter. If you’re traveling from Atlanta to Pittsburgh between late fall and early spring, it’s wise to:

• Build in extra time for potential delays.
• Opt for earlier flights when possible.
• Keep an eye on weather forecasts for both cities.

Practical Tips for Atlanta-Based Travelers on This Route

1. Give Yourself Enough Time at ATL

Hartsfield–Jackson is large and busy. For flights to Pittsburgh:

• Aim to arrive at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before your scheduled departure.
• Add extra time if:
  • You’re checking bags.
  • You’re unfamiliar with ATL’s layout.
  • You’re traveling during peak holiday periods.

2. Know Which Terminal You’re Using

Most flights from Atlanta to Pittsburgh depart from the Domestic Terminal:

• If you arrive by MARTA, you’ll enter directly into the Domestic Terminal.
• From there, use the Plane Train or walkways to reach your concourse.

3. Make Use of Atlanta’s Airport Amenities

While waiting for your flight, ATL offers:

• A wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and grab-and-go options across concourses.
• Seating areas with charging stations, useful if you’re working before departure.
• Clear signage to restrooms, nursing rooms, and customer service counters.

For frequent Atlanta–Pittsburgh travelers, knowing your concourses and preferred food or work spots can make the airport experience more predictable and less stressful.

Comparing Common Trip Factors at a Glance

Below is a simple summary of what an Atlanta traveler can typically expect when flying to Pittsburgh:

Use this to quickly set expectations for timing and logistics on both ends of your trip.

Traveling from Different Parts of Metro Atlanta

Where you live or stay in metro Atlanta can change your pre-flight strategy.

If You’re in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead

• MARTA is usually the most straightforward:
  • Red or Gold Line → Airport Station.
• Good balance of cost, time, and predictability, especially if you’re catching a morning or evening flight to Pittsburgh.

If You’re in North Atlanta/Suburbs (e.g., Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta)

• You can:
  • Drive to stations like North Springs or Dunwoody and take MARTA rail to the airport, or
  • Drive directly to ATL and park in airport or off-site lots.
• Factor in rush-hour traffic on GA-400 and I-285 if your flight to Pittsburgh is early morning or late afternoon.

If You’re South of the City (e.g., College Park, East Point, Fayetteville)

• You’re relatively close to ATL compared to other parts of the metro area.
• Driving, hotel shuttles (if staying near the airport), or a short MARTA ride are all practical.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta and Transferring Onward to Pittsburgh

If Atlanta is just a stop on your trip:

• Plan enough layover time at ATL before your onward flight to Pittsburgh, especially if:
  • You need to change concourses.
  • You’re arriving on an international flight and must clear customs before connecting to PIT.

What Atlanta Travelers Often Ask About This Route

Is a same-day round trip from Atlanta to Pittsburgh realistic?
Yes, many business travelers do same-day or overnight trips, especially on nonstop flights. Early outbound flights from ATL and late return flights from PIT can make this workable, depending on your schedule.

How far in advance should I arrive at ATL?
For domestic flights to Pittsburgh, 1.5–2 hours is a common target. Add more time during holidays, peak travel seasons, or if you’re unfamiliar with the airport.

Is there much time-zone difference?
No. Both Atlanta and Pittsburgh are in the Eastern Time Zone, so you don’t have to account for a time change when planning meetings or events on arrival.

Can weather in Pittsburgh affect my flight from Atlanta?
Yes. Winter storms or heavy snow around Pittsburgh can contribute to delays or cancellations, even if the weather in Atlanta is clear. Monitoring your flight status on the day of travel is especially important in colder months.

Flying from Atlanta to Pittsburgh is one of the more manageable domestic trips for Atlanta-based travelers: the flight is short, the time zone is the same, and both airports are well equipped for business and leisure passengers. With a bit of planning around Atlanta traffic, airport timing, and seasonal weather, you can make this route a smooth part of your travel routine.