Flying From Atlanta to Birmingham: A Local’s Guide to a Short, Easy Trip

Planning flights from Atlanta to Birmingham is one of the simplest trips you can make from Atlanta. Whether you live in the city, are flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and connecting onward, or you’re helping family get between the two cities, this route is short, frequent, and usually straightforward.

Below is a clear guide tailored to Atlanta travelers: how the route works, where to go at ATL, alternatives like driving, and tips for making this quick hop as easy as possible.

How Long Is the Flight From Atlanta to Birmingham?

The actual flying time between Atlanta and Birmingham is typically around 30–40 minutes in the air. From gate to gate, it often runs about 1 hour, depending on taxi time at both airports.

Key points:

• Distance: Roughly 140–150 miles
• Time in the air: About 30–40 minutes
• Total trip time (airport to airport): Often around 1–1.5 hours including taxiing and boarding

For many Atlanta residents, the decision is less about time in the air and more about:

• How early you need to be at ATL
• Security lines and boarding
• Your plans once you arrive in Birmingham

Where You’ll Fly From in Atlanta

Almost all commercial flights from Atlanta to Birmingham (BHM) depart from:

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

Terminals and Concourses

For most Atlanta-based travelers:

• Check-in: Usually at the Domestic Terminal (North or South), depending on your airline
• Departure gates: Commonly from Concourses T, A, B, or C for this short regional route

You’ll use:

1. Domestic Terminal entrance – North or South, based on your airline
2. TSA security – Clear security at the appropriate checkpoint
3. Plane Train – The underground train that connects all concourses
4. Walk to your assigned gate for the ATL–BHM flight

Since this is a short-haul regional route, the gates are typically among the more central concourses (A–C), but always double-check your boarding pass and the airport monitors.

Where You’ll Land in Birmingham

Flights from Atlanta arrive at:

Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
5900 Messer Airport Hwy
Birmingham, AL 35212
Main phone: (205) 595-0533

BHM is much smaller and easier to navigate than ATL:

• Fewer concourses
• Shorter walking distances
• Generally quicker baggage claim and exit

For Atlanta travelers used to the scale and crowds of ATL, Birmingham’s airport often feels low-stress and straightforward.

Typical Flight Experience: ATL → BHM

Here’s what a typical Atlanta-to-Birmingham flight day looks like:

1. Arrive at ATL

   • Recommended arrival: 1.5–2 hours before departure for most travelers
   • If you’re checking bags, stick closer to 2 hours, especially at very busy times

2. Check-in and baggage

   • Use airline kiosks or counters at the Domestic Terminal
   • Drop any checked bags, then proceed to TSA

3. Security at ATL

   • Clear TSA at your assigned terminal area
   • Allow extra time during morning rush and late afternoon/early evening

4. Walk or ride the Plane Train to your concourse

   • Follow signs for your concourse (T, A, B, C, etc.)
   • Trains usually come every few minutes

5. Boarding

   • Short regional flights often use smaller jets
   • Overhead baggage space may be more limited; gate-checking small roller bags is common

6. In-flight

   • Time in the air is quick—often just enough for a brief announcement and a short beverage service, if offered

7. Arrival at BHM

   • Deplane, walk to baggage claim
   • Rental cars, rideshare pickup, and taxis are all located near the arrivals area

When Is It Better to Fly vs. Drive?

Because Atlanta and Birmingham are relatively close, many locals debate whether to drive or fly.

Approximate Travel Comparison

Flying is usually better if:

• You’re connecting through ATL from another city anyway
• You have tight schedules (business meetings, same-day return)
• You prefer not to drive or are traveling solo and value speed

Driving can make sense if:

• You’re traveling with family or a group
• You’re carrying items that are awkward to fly with
• You prefer to avoid airport procedures and baggage limits
• Cost is a key factor and you already have access to a car

Getting to ATL From Around Metro Atlanta

If you’re starting somewhere in Atlanta or the metro area, you’ll want a simple way to reach Hartsfield–Jackson.

MARTA (Public Transit)

MARTA is often the easiest for city-based travelers:

• Airport Station (MARTA rail) is inside the Domestic Terminal
• Take the Red or Gold line directly to the Airport Station

This can be especially convenient if you’re coming from:

• Midtown
• Downtown
• Buckhead
• Doraville
• Sandy Springs (near rail access)

MARTA General Info:
Customer service line: (404) 848-5000

Driving and Parking

If you drive to ATL:

• Follow signs for Domestic Terminal – North or South
• Choose between hourly, daily, economy, or off-airport private parking
• Allow extra time for parking shuttles, especially in peak periods

Many Atlanta residents use off-site long-term parking lots near the airport, which often provide shuttle service to the terminal.

Rideshare and Taxis

From city neighborhoods like Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Buckhead, West Midtown, or East Atlanta, rideshare to ATL can be straightforward:

• Drop-off is at the upper-level Departures area of the Domestic Terminal
• For pickups, follow the airport’s signs to the designated rideshare areas

Tips for Finding Good ATL → BHM Flight Times and Fares

While prices change constantly, Atlanta-based travelers can use a few general strategies:

• Be flexible with departure times. Early morning or late evening flights can sometimes be more affordable.
• Consider your connection needs. If you’re connecting through Atlanta to Birmingham, make sure the layover gives you enough time to change concourses at ATL.
• Account for ATL rush hours. Morning and late afternoon can be busier, which may affect security wait times.

If you’re already physically in Atlanta and booking last-minute, having options from Hartsfield–Jackson, one of the busiest airports in the world, typically means several daily choices to Birmingham.

What to Expect at Birmingham–Shuttlesworth (BHM)

For an Atlanta traveler used to a huge hub airport, BHM feels simple and relaxed:

• Shorter walks: Gates, baggage claim, and exits are close together
• Ground transportation:
  • Rental car counters typically inside the terminal or near it
  • Taxis and rideshares available near the arrivals area
• Return flights to Atlanta: Usually follow the same easy pattern back to ATL

If you’re doing a same-day round trip from Atlanta (common for business), BHM’s smaller size can make quick turnarounds more manageable.

If You’re Connecting Through Atlanta to Birmingham

Many people flying to Birmingham connect through ATL, then take the short hop to BHM.

If your incoming flight lands in Atlanta:

• Follow signs to Connecting Flights after deplaning
• Use the Plane Train to reach your next concourse
• Because ATL is large, try to allow at least 45–60 minutes between flights, more if you’re unfamiliar with the airport

For international arrivals into ATL:

• You’ll usually clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the International Terminal (Concourse F)
• Then proceed to the Domestic Terminal and your Atlanta-to-Birmingham flight
• Allow extra time for immigration, baggage re-check, and security re-clearance

Packing and Baggage Considerations for This Short Route

Because the flight is so short, many Atlanta travelers prefer carry-on only to save time.

Keep in mind:

• Smaller regional jets may have limited overhead space
• Roller bags sometimes must be gate-checked at no extra charge
• If you need to check bags, allow a bit more time at ATL and on arrival at BHM

For quick business trips or overnight stays in Birmingham, a personal item and small carry-on are often enough and help you move quickly through both airports.

Helpful Atlanta-Based Contacts and Locations

If you need in-person support in Atlanta related to your trip (ticket changes, general information, or assistance):

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Main Information Desk
  Domestic Terminal, Main Atrium
  Phone: (800) 897-1910

• MARTA Airport Station
  Located at the Domestic Terminal, west end near baggage claim
  MARTA Customer Information: (404) 848-5000

These are stable, public-facing resources Atlanta travelers commonly use when navigating flights, including the Atlanta-to-Birmingham route.

From an Atlanta perspective, flying to Birmingham is one of the easiest regional trips you can make: a short hop from a major hub to a smaller, low-stress airport. With a bit of planning around ATL logistics, timing, and your transportation to and from the airport, you can get between the two cities quickly and with minimal hassle.