Flying From Atlanta to Richmond: A Practical Guide for ATL Travelers

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city and need to fly from Atlanta to Richmond, Virginia, your trip will almost always start at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and end at Richmond International Airport (RIC). This route is popular with business travelers, students, and people visiting family along the East Coast.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to planning your flight, getting to and from the airports, and making smart choices on timing, price, and logistics.

Key Facts About Flights From Atlanta to Richmond

Typical route:

• Departure: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Arrival: Richmond International Airport (RIC)

Flight basics (subject to schedule changes):

You’ll see a mix of nonstop and one-stop options depending on the day and airline schedules. Nonstop flights are usually easiest if you’re already in Atlanta and want to minimize total travel time.

Choosing Flights: Nonstop vs. Connecting

Nonstop flights from ATL to Richmond

If your priority is speed and convenience, look for nonstop (direct) flights. These:

• Keep total travel time low
• Reduce the chance of missed connections
• Are often better if you’re traveling with kids or on a tight schedule

On many days, nonstop options are concentrated in the morning and early evening, though exact schedules vary. When searching flights, use filters for “nonstop only” to quickly see those choices.

Connecting flights through other cities

If nonstop flights don’t match your schedule or budget, you’ll see one-stop flights that may connect through another major hub. Pros and cons:

Pros:

• Sometimes lower base fares
• More departure time options

Cons:

• Longer total travel time
• More chances for delays or missed connections
• More tiring if you’re doing a quick weekend or day trip

For most Atlanta-based travelers heading to Richmond, nonstop is usually worth it if the price difference isn’t huge.

Best Time of Day to Fly From Atlanta to Richmond

Because ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world, timing matters.

Morning flights (often the most dependable):

• ✈️ Less impact from “ripple-effect” delays that build up later in the day
• Good for same-day business in Richmond: arrive before lunch, return in the evening

Midday flights:

• Can be more relaxed at security compared to early-morning rush
• Useful if you’re coming from another part of metro Atlanta and want to avoid rush-hour driving

Evening flights:

• Helpful if you’re working a full day in Atlanta before traveling
• More vulnerable to delays, especially during busy travel periods or stormy weather

If you have a must-attend meeting, event, or game in Richmond, consider booking an earlier flight than you think you need, especially during summer storm season or major holidays.

How Early to Arrive at ATL for a Flight to Richmond

For domestic flights like Atlanta ➜ Richmond, a common approach at ATL is:

• Arrive 2 hours before departure if:

  • You’re checking bags
  • You’re unfamiliar with ATL
  • You’re traveling during peak times (early morning, Monday mornings, Thursday/Friday evenings, holidays)

• Arrive 90 minutes before departure if:

  • You’re only carrying on
  • You know your way around ATL
  • You’re traveling outside peak hours

Because ATL is large and can be confusing the first time, building in a buffer is usually worth it.

Getting to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

If you’re starting in or around Atlanta, you have several ways to get to ATL for your flight to Richmond.

MARTA (recommended for many city travelers)

MARTA is often the simplest option from intown neighborhoods:

• Take the Red or Gold line to the Airport Station
• The station drops you directly into the Domestic Terminal (South) near the ticketing counters
• No traffic or parking fees

For many Atlanta neighborhoods—Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs—MARTA can be faster and more predictable than driving during rush hour.

Driving and parking

If you’re coming from the suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Alpharetta, Peachtree City, Lawrenceville), driving may be more practical.

Parking options around ATL include:

• Official airport parking (Domestic & International garages, economy lots)
• Off-site parking lots with shuttle service

When comparing, consider:

• Daily rate (official airport garages are convenient but often pricier)
• Shuttle frequency if parking off-site
• Time of day you’ll be driving (I-75, I-85, and the Downtown Connector can be very congested)

Rideshare and taxis

Rideshare (pickups from Rideshare Pick-Up Zone near the North and South terminals) and taxis work well if:

• You want to avoid parking fees and hassle
• You live within a reasonable distance of the airport

Keep in mind:

• Early morning or late-night pickups can be easier traffic-wise
• During big events in Atlanta (major games, concerts, conventions), demand and prices can increase

Navigating ATL for a Flight to Richmond

Since ATL is large, knowing a few basics makes the Richmond trip smoother:

• Terminals & concourses: ATL has a Domestic Terminal (North & South) and an International Terminal, with Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, F. Your gate to Richmond will usually be in T, A, B, or C.
• Plane Train: After security, use the Plane Train (underground tram) to reach your concourse quickly.
• Security:
  • Standard security lines are near Delta (South Terminal) and other airlines (North Terminal).
  • If you have TSA PreCheck, look for designated lines to speed things up.

Check your boarding pass or airline app for your departure concourse and gate, as these can change on the day of travel.

What to Expect Landing at Richmond International Airport (RIC)

Arriving from Atlanta, you’ll land at Richmond International Airport (RIC), which is smaller and easier to navigate than ATL.

At RIC:

• Baggage claim is a short walk from the gates
• Rental car counters are located in or adjacent to the main terminal
• Pickup areas for rideshare, taxis, and hotel shuttles are outside the baggage claim area

Because RIC is compact, many travelers find they can deplane, collect bags, and reach ground transportation fairly quickly compared to larger airports.

Ground Transportation in Richmond After Your Flight

How you leave RIC depends on what you plan to do in the Richmond area.

Common options:

• Rental car:

  • Helpful if you need to visit multiple spots (universities, suburbs, historic sites)
  • Major rental companies operate on-site at RIC

• Rideshare & taxis:

  • Convenient if you’re staying near Downtown Richmond, Shockoe Slip, or by the riverfront
  • Avoids the need to park or navigate an unfamiliar city

• Hotel shuttles:

  • Some hotels near the airport offer shuttle services; check details when booking

If you’re flying from Atlanta for campus visits, business meetings, or government offices, a rental car or reliable rideshare plan is usually the easiest approach.

When Atlanta Travelers Typically Find Better Fares

Flight prices on the Atlanta–Richmond route change frequently, but some patterns are common:

• Midweek travel (Tuesday–Thursday) often has more moderate fares than peak Friday or Sunday trips.
• Booking earlier can help, especially for:
  • Holiday periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year, spring break)
  • College move-in/move-out dates if you’re visiting universities around Richmond

If your schedule is flexible, try adjusting:

• Day of the week (avoid peak times when possible)
• Time of day (midday or late-night flights sometimes cost less)

It can help to compare several days at once when searching to spot cheaper options around your ideal date.

Packing and Check-In Tips Specific to This Route

For a relatively short Atlanta–Richmond flight:

• Carry-on only can save time at both ends:

  • Skip baggage drop-off lines at ATL
  • Go straight to exit or rental cars at RIC

• Check-in online or via app:

  • Helps you avoid lines at the airport counters
  • Allows you to confirm or adjust your seat and double-check your departure time

• Weather considerations:

  • Both cities can be hot and humid in summer, so dress comfortably for boarding and arrival.
  • In winter, cooler temperatures and occasional storms can affect schedules, especially if your trip involves a connection through another city.

Round-Trip Planning: Richmond Back to Atlanta

When you’re returning from Richmond to Atlanta:

• Arrive at RIC about 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights, especially if checking bags.
• RIC is smaller and typically has shorter security lines than ATL, but it’s still best not to cut it too close.
• Once you land in Atlanta:
  • Plan time for the Plane Train and baggage claim
  • Factor in rush-hour traffic if you’re heading back home or to your hotel via I-75/I-85 or I-285

If you parked at ATL, confirm which lot you used and keep your parking ticket handy so you can locate your car quickly after a long day of travel.

Is Flying From Atlanta to Richmond Right for You?

For most travelers in the Atlanta area, flying to Richmond is the fastest and most straightforward way to make the trip, especially compared to driving the full distance by car.

You’ll likely choose this route if:

• You live in metro Atlanta and need a quick weekend or business trip
• You’re visiting Atlanta and continuing on to see family or schools in Richmond
• You value time savings and the ease of flying between two East Coast cities in the same time zone

By picking a nonstop flight when possible, arriving early enough at ATL, and planning ground transportation on both ends, you can make the Atlanta to Richmond route a straightforward, low-stress part of your travel.