Flying From Atlanta to Raleigh: How to Plan a Smooth Trip

If you’re looking at flights from Atlanta to Raleigh, you’re most likely flying between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU). This is a short, popular route for Atlanta residents, business travelers in the metro area, and visitors connecting through the city.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to help you understand your options, plan your timing, and move smoothly through both airports.

Overview: What to Expect on Atlanta–Raleigh Flights

The Atlanta–Raleigh route is a short, frequent domestic flight. Key points:

• Typical flight time: about 1 to 1.5 hours in the air
• Distance: roughly 350–400 miles
• Main airports:
  • ATL – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta, GA)
  • RDU – Raleigh–Durham International Airport (Morrisville, NC, serving Raleigh and the Triangle)

Because ATL is a major hub, you’ll find:

• Multiple nonstop flights per day on most days of the week
• Early morning and evening options that work for same-day business trips
• Plenty of connections if you’re arriving from somewhere else and connecting through Atlanta to Raleigh

Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights From Atlanta to Raleigh

Nonstop Flights

For most people in Atlanta, a nonstop flight to Raleigh–Durham is the most convenient option.

Benefits of flying nonstop from ATL to RDU:

• Short total travel time (usually under 3–4 hours door-to-door from much of metro Atlanta)
• Fewer chances of delays or missed connections
• Easier for quick work trips, weekend visits, or day trips

On this route, nonstop flights tend to run all week, with more choices on weekdays.

When You Might See Connecting Flights

You might see connecting flights instead of nonstop if:

• You’re using specific airlines that don’t offer nonstop ATL–RDU service
• You’re booking with frequent-flyer miles or basic economy and nonstop seats are sold out
• You’re traveling at very early or very late hours with fewer options

A connecting itinerary will usually route you through another major hub, adding time and potential layovers. If you’re based in Atlanta, nonstop usually makes the most sense unless you have a strong reason to connect.

Best Times to Fly From Atlanta to Raleigh

Because the flight itself is short, timing is more about airport traffic and your schedule than flight duration.

Morning, Afternoon, or Evening?

• Early morning flights (6–9 a.m.)
  • Often useful for same-day meetings in Raleigh
  • Can be less affected by afternoon weather delays
• Midday flights
  • Good for relaxed travelers, families, or those connecting from elsewhere
• Evening flights (5–9 p.m.)
  • Handy for returning to Atlanta after a business day in Raleigh
  • Can be more affected by rolling delays from earlier flights

Weekdays vs. Weekends

• Weekdays: heavier business travel. Popular flights can fill up sooner.
• Fridays and Sundays: often busier with weekend travelers.
• Saturdays: sometimes slightly lighter crowds at certain times of day.

If you live in Atlanta and have some flexibility, it often helps to compare neighboring days and times to find a better fare and a less-crowded experience.

How Early to Arrive at ATL for a Flight to Raleigh

Even though Raleigh is a short hop, ATL is a large, busy airport, so plan timing around the airport, not the destination.

A common guideline for domestic flights out of ATL:

• With checked bags:
  • Arrive 2 hours before departure
• Carry-on only and already checked in:
  • Plan 90 minutes before departure at a minimum, more at peak times

Consider giving yourself extra time if:

• You’re traveling during rush hour and driving in from suburbs like Marietta, Alpharetta, or Peachtree City
• You’re not familiar with ATL’s layout
• You’re traveling with kids, mobility devices, or a lot of luggage

Getting From Atlanta to Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL)

MARTA (Public Transit)

For many Atlanta residents and visitors staying in the city, MARTA is one of the easiest ways to reach ATL.

• Station: Airport Station (built directly into the Domestic Terminal)
• Lines: Red and Gold lines go to the airport
• Typical ride from downtown Atlanta: about 15–20 minutes from Five Points Station

MARTA is especially practical if you:

• Want to avoid parking costs
• Are staying in Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or along the Red/Gold line
• Prefer a predictable arrival time

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving:

• Airport address:
  Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320

Parking options include:

• Daily and hourly parking garages near the domestic terminal
• Economy and park-and-ride lots farther out, with shuttle service
• Off-airport private parking facilities in the area, often with shuttles

Allow extra time to find parking, wait for a shuttle (if needed), and clear security.

Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare (such as app-based transportation services) and taxis are heavily used for airport trips in Atlanta.

• Pick-up and drop-off locations are clearly signed at the Domestic and International terminals.
• Busy periods (early mornings, evenings, and holidays) may mean slightly longer waits and higher demand.

Navigating ATL for a Flight to Raleigh

Most Atlanta to Raleigh flights depart from the Domestic Terminal at ATL.

Check-In and Security

• If you’re flying from Atlanta to Raleigh–Durham, you’ll typically check in at the Domestic Terminal (North or South) depending on the airline.
• After check-in and bag drop, you’ll go through TSA security and then ride the Plane Train to your concourse (A, B, C, D, etc.).

Helpful tips:

• Mobile boarding passes can speed up your process.
• Wear easy-on, easy-off shoes and pack liquids in accordance with TSA rules to avoid delays.
• PreCheck or other expedited screening (if you have it) can make ATL security quicker, especially at peak times.

What to Expect on Arrival at Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU)

When you land in Raleigh from Atlanta:

• Most flights from ATL arrive at RDU’s Terminal 2, though this can vary by airline.
• Baggage claim is located just past the exit from the secure area on the lower level of your terminal.
• RDU serves the Raleigh, Durham, and Research Triangle region, with easy access to major highways.

Getting From RDU Into Raleigh

Common options:

• Rideshare and Taxis: Pick-up zones are marked outside both terminals.
• Car Rentals: Rental car counters and facilities are located at RDU, with clear shuttle or walkway directions inside the terminal.
• Shuttle Services and Hotel Shuttles: Some Triangle-area hotels offer their own shuttles; check in advance if you’re staying overnight.

Travel time by car from RDU to downtown Raleigh is usually around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Sample Same-Day ATL–Raleigh Trip Plan

If you’re an Atlanta-based traveler making a simple day trip to Raleigh, your schedule might look like this:

Times are examples only, but the pattern shows how same-day trips are very manageable between Atlanta and Raleigh.

Packing and ID Requirements for ATL–RDU Flights

Since this is a domestic route, requirements are straightforward:

• Valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license) is required for adult passengers at security.
• If you have a REAL ID-compliant license, that works as standard domestic ID.
• Make sure your name on the ticket matches your ID.

Packing tips for a short flight:

• Carry-on only can save time on both ends, especially for quick trips.
• Keep medications, electronics, and valuables in your personal item or carry-on.
• Review TSA rules for liquids and electronics to avoid hold-ups at security.

Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors Using ATL

If You Live in Metro Atlanta

• Consider your home location vs. traffic patterns:
  • Northside suburbs (Sandy Springs, Roswell, Johns Creek): watch I-285, GA 400, and I-85 morning/evening congestion.
  • Westside (Smyrna, Douglasville): plan around I-20 and connector backups.
• For very early flights, some travelers choose airport-area hotels the night before to avoid early-morning traffic stress.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta and Flying Onward to Raleigh

If you’re visiting Atlanta first, then continuing on to Raleigh:

• Plan extra buffer time when traveling from downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead hotels to ATL, especially during weekday rush hours.
• MARTA can be efficient if your hotel is near a Red or Gold line station (such as Peachtree Center, Midtown, Buckhead, or Lenox).
• If you’re tight on time, check your boarding pass and terminal in advance so you can go straight where you need to be.

Helpful Local Contacts and Information

While schedules, prices, and airlines change often, some core contact details stay stable and can help with planning:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320
  General Information: airport information desks are located in the Domestic Terminal and concourses.

• MARTA Customer Service (for rail to ATL)
  Headquarters generally lists customer service contacts and schedules; MARTA stations also have posted maps and route information.

• Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU)
  2400 John Brantley Blvd
  Morrisville, NC 27560

Always verify the latest flight times, terminal information, and boarding gate on the day of travel using your airline’s app, text alerts, or airport displays.

For anyone in Atlanta, flights to Raleigh are short, frequent, and straightforward. With a bit of planning around ATL’s size and metro traffic, you can make this route work easily for business trips, campus visits in the Triangle, or quick weekends away.