Flying From Atlanta to Roanoke, Virginia: What Travelers Need to Know

Planning a trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Roanoke, Virginia and wondering how the flights work, what airlines serve the route, and how to get to and from each airport? This guide walks you through the essentials from an Atlanta traveler’s perspective, whether you live here or are just flying out of the city.

Key Facts About Flights From Atlanta to Roanoke

Because specific airline schedules can change, always double-check current options. But in general, Atlanta–Roanoke air travel tends to look like this:

Understanding Your Airport Options in Atlanta

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Nearly all commercial flights from Atlanta to Roanoke depart from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, located just south of downtown:

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Main phone (airport information): (800) 897-1910

For most Atlanta residents, ATL is the default choice because:

• It has the most flight options and connections.
• It’s accessible by MARTA rail, rideshare, and major highways.
• Airlines often route regional flights like Atlanta–Roanoke through large hubs, and ATL is one of the largest in the world.

Getting to ATL From Around Atlanta

By MARTA (recommended for many city travelers):

• Take the Red or Gold Line to Airport Station, located inside the Domestic Terminal.
• Trains run directly from areas like Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and Doraville.
• If you’re staying near Peachtree Center, Five Points, or Arts Center, you can usually reach the airport in about 20–30 minutes by train.

By car or rideshare:

• From Downtown Atlanta, follow I‑85 South signs to the airport (about 15–25 minutes in moderate traffic).
• From Buckhead, take GA‑400 South to I‑85 South, then to the airport.
• From Cobb County/Marietta, you can use I‑75 South to I‑285 East and then merge onto I‑85 South.
• Use the Domestic Terminal for most major carriers; the International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Terminal) is served by a separate entrance off I‑75.

Allow extra time during peak Atlanta traffic hours (morning and late afternoon rush, Fridays, and before holidays).

What to Expect From the Atlanta–Roanoke Flight Route

Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights

The Atlanta to Roanoke route is a short regional trip, but nonstop service can be:

• Seasonal
• Limited to certain times of day
• Adjusted based on airline schedules and demand

As a result, many Atlanta-based travelers will see one-stop flights as the most common option, often through:

• Charlotte (CLT)
• A Washington, D.C.–area airport
• Another East Coast hub, depending on airline

💡 Tip: When comparing options, pay attention not just to ticket price but also to total travel time and layover length. A higher fare with a short, well-timed layover can sometimes be far more convenient than a cheaper ticket with long or awkward connections.

Typical Travel Time

• Nonstop flight time: Usually around 1 hour 20 minutes–1 hour 40 minutes in the air.
• One-stop total time: Often 3–5 hours door-to-door, depending on layover.

Add in:

• 1.5–2 hours at ATL before departure (check-in + security)
• 30–60 minutes after landing in Roanoke (deplaning, bags, and ground transportation)

How to Compare and Choose Flights From Atlanta to Roanoke

When you search for “flights from Atlanta to Roanoke, Virginia”, you’ll usually see several options. From an Atlanta vantage point, here’s how to sort through them.

1. Look at Departure Times That Fit Atlanta Traffic

Try to match your flight time with your drive or MARTA ride:

• Early morning flights (before about 8:00 a.m.) can mean lighter road traffic but more crowded TSA lines.
• Late afternoon departures can conflict with Atlanta rush hour, especially if you’re coming from Cobb, Gwinnett, or the Northern suburbs.
• If using MARTA, consider your local station’s parking availability and the evening train schedule if you’re coming home late.

2. Consider Which Atlanta Terminal You’ll Use

• Most domestic flights, including to Roanoke (ROA), operate from the Domestic Terminal.
• Check your airline’s North (N) or South (S) terminal assignment before you go.
  • For example, one large airline cluster often uses South, others use North.
• If you’re connecting from an international arrival, factor in the time to transfer from the International Terminal to Domestic by shuttle or Plane Train.

3. Weigh Price vs. Convenience

Common trade-offs include:

• Cheapest fares may include:
  • Longer layovers
  • Late-night or very early flights
  • Less convenient seating or baggage rules
• More convenient flights often offer:
  • Short layovers
  • Midday or early evening departures
  • Better alignment with Atlanta’s MARTA schedule or rush hour

If you live far from ATL (for example, in Newnan, McDonough, or Cumming), a midday departure can be easier to reach than a tight early-morning schedule.

What You’ll Find at Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA)

Once you leave Atlanta, you’ll land at Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport, the main commercial airport serving Roanoke and much of Virginia’s Blue Ridge region.

• Address: 5202 Aviation Dr NW, Roanoke, VA 24012
• Main phone: (540) 362-1999

From an Atlanta traveler’s point of view, ROA is a small, straightforward airport, especially compared with ATL.

Ground Transportation From ROA Into Roanoke

Typical options after arriving from Atlanta include:

• Rental cars: Several major rental agencies operate on-site. If you’re used to sprawling Atlanta suburbs, you may appreciate having a car in and around Roanoke, especially for exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway or nearby towns.
• Taxis and rideshare: Local taxis and app-based rideshare services generally serve the airport.
• Hotel shuttles: Some Roanoke-area hotels and conference centers may offer complementary or scheduled shuttle services—check in advance.

Travel time from ROA to central Roanoke is typically 10–20 minutes, depending on your destination.

When Flying Atlanta–Roanoke Makes Sense (vs. Driving or Other Options)

Flying From ATL to Roanoke

Flying usually makes the most sense for:

• Business travelers based in Atlanta who need to reach Roanoke quickly for meetings.
• College visits to institutions in the Roanoke or New River Valley area when time is limited.
• Anyone connecting through ATL from another city and continuing on to Roanoke as part of a longer trip.

Advantages from the Atlanta side:

• You’re departing from a major hub with frequent connections, which can help if there are delays or rebooking needs.
• For travelers in intown neighborhoods (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland, Downtown), MARTA access may make flying more convenient than a long drive.

Driving From Atlanta to Roanoke

Some Atlanta residents opt to drive instead of fly. Factors to consider:

• The drive is generally around 7–8 hours, depending on route and traffic.
• Common routes include:
  • I‑85 North toward Greenville/Charlotte, then transitioning north toward Virginia.
  • Alternative paths through I‑75 and I‑40 if you’re adding other stops.
• If you live on the north or northeast side of Atlanta (e.g., Duluth, Buford, Alpharetta), you’re already positioned for the I‑85 corridor.

Driving may make sense if:

• You’re traveling with family and multiple passengers, making airfare more expensive.
• You need a car in Roanoke for several days and want to avoid a rental.
• You prefer to avoid airport security, connections, or potential weather delays at major hubs.

How Early Atlanta Travelers Should Arrive at the Airport

Because Hartsfield–Jackson is very busy, plan conservative arrival times, especially for this type of regional flight.

For a domestic flight from Atlanta to Roanoke:

• Aim to arrive at ATL 1.5–2 hours before departure.
• Add extra time if:
  • You’re checking bags.
  • You’re traveling during holidays, Monday mornings, or Friday afternoons.
  • You’re unfamiliar with ATL’s layout or coming from farther suburbs with unpredictable traffic.

If you’re using MARTA, account for:

• Train frequency, especially early morning or late evening.
• Walking time from the Airport Station through the terminal to your check-in counter and gate.

Practical Tips for Atlanta-Based Travelers on This Route

1. Use ATL’s wayfinding tools and signage.
Hartsfield–Jackson has clear signs for:

• Check-in counters
• TSA security checkpoints
• The Plane Train connecting concourses

If you’re used to smaller regional airports, give yourself a bit of extra time to navigate.

2. Consider where you’ll park, if driving.

Common options near ATL include:

• Domestic Terminal lots and decks
• Off-airport private parking facilities with shuttles to the terminal

Keep your parking spot location and shuttle pickup details handy on your phone.

3. Think about weather patterns at both airports.

• Summer in Atlanta can bring afternoon thunderstorms, which sometimes affect short regional flights.
• Roanoke’s region can see winter weather, especially snow and ice, that might impact approach or departure.

Build some flexibility into your schedule if your trip is time-sensitive.

4. Pack appropriately for a smaller regional airport arrival.

At Roanoke–Blacksburg:

• Baggage claim is typically quicker and simpler than at ATL.
• Services (restaurants, shops) are more limited, so consider:
  • Grabbing a snack or meal at ATL before your flight.
  • Charging devices at ATL’s many charging points in case options are fewer at ROA.

Helpful Atlanta Contacts and Resources for Air Travelers

These local resources can be useful as you plan or troubleshoot your Atlanta to Roanoke trip:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  Airport Information: (800) 897-1910

• MARTA Customer Service (for airport train access)
  Phone: (404) 848-5000
  Main station for airport access: Airport Station (inside Domestic Terminal)

• City of Atlanta – Department of Aviation (Administration)
  Often provides general airport operations information and public notices related to ATL.

Keeping these details handy can make it easier to adjust plans if your Atlanta–Roanoke flight schedule changes or if you need to shift to another travel day.

Planning flights from Atlanta to Roanoke, Virginia is generally straightforward once you understand how ATL operates, what kind of service regional routes usually get, and what to expect on landing at Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport. With the right timing around Atlanta traffic and a bit of flexibility, the trip is typically manageable and efficient for both business and personal travel.