Flying From Atlanta to Rochester, NY: A Practical Guide for ATL Travelers

If you’re planning a trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Rochester, New York, you’ll be flying between Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Frederick Douglass–Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC). This route is popular with Atlanta residents visiting family in upstate New York, college students heading to schools in the Rochester area, and business travelers connecting to the Northeast corridor.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to help you plan flights, choose schedules, understand costs, and navigate both airports with less stress.

Key Things to Know About Flights From Atlanta to Rochester, NY

Typical travel time:

• Nonstop flights: Around 2 to 2.5 hours in the air
• 1-stop itineraries: Often 4–6+ hours total, depending on layovers

Route overview from Atlanta:

• Departure airport: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Arrival airport: Frederick Douglass–Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)
• Flight distance: Roughly 800–900 miles, depending on routing
• Time zone difference: Rochester is in the same time zone as Atlanta during standard time (Eastern Time), so you usually don’t have to worry about jet lag or major time changes.

Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights From Atlanta to Rochester

Nonstop Options

Nonstop flights are the most convenient way to travel from Atlanta to Rochester. These usually:

• Depart from ATL’s domestic terminals (North or South)
• Arrive directly at ROC without a change of planes
• Save you the hassle of navigating another airport in the middle of your trip

Nonstop flights are especially helpful if:

• You’re traveling with kids or older adults
• You’re on a tight schedule for events, college visits, or meetings
• You want to minimize the risk of delays or missed connections

Connecting Flights

If nonstop schedules don’t work for your dates or budget, you may find:

• 1-stop flights through major hubs such as Charlotte, Washington, New York-area airports, or Chicago
• Slightly lower fares at times, but longer travel days

With a connection, plan for:

• Extra time to switch gates (and possibly terminals)
• A higher chance of weather-related or cascading delays, particularly in winter in the Northeast

For most Atlanta-based travelers, a nonstop flight from ATL to ROC is the most straightforward choice if the schedule and price work.

When to Fly: Best Times and Seasons for Atlanta–Rochester Trips

Seasonal Considerations

Coming from Atlanta’s relatively mild winters, it’s important to be realistic about upstate New York weather, especially in late fall, winter, and early spring:

• Winter (roughly November–March):
  • Rochester can see snow, ice, and wind, especially from Lake Ontario.
  • Flights may experience de-icing delays or occasional cancellations.
• Summer and early fall:
  • Generally smoother weather and more predictable operations.
  • Popular time for family visits, festivals, and college move-ins in Rochester.

If your schedule is flexible and you’re concerned about disruptions, spring, summer, and early fall tend to be the easiest times to fly between Atlanta and Rochester.

Time of Day Tips

From Atlanta, consider:

• Morning departures:
  • Often less impacted by same-day delays.
  • Helpful if you have same-day meetings or events in Rochester.
• Midday/afternoon flights:
  • Good if you’re driving in from outside Metro Atlanta (Athens, Macon, Columbus) and want to avoid an overnight stay.
• Evening flights:
  • Convenient after a workday in Atlanta, but more vulnerable to cascading delays, especially in bad weather seasons.

Typical Costs and How to Save on Atlanta–Rochester Flights

Prices on this route fluctuate based on season, day of the week, and how early you book. While exact fares vary:

Factors That Usually Lower Your Fare

• Booking in advance:
  • For peak times (holidays, college move-in dates), try to book several weeks to a few months ahead.
• Flying midweek:
  • Tuesday and Wednesday departures often cost less than Fridays and Sundays.
• Flexible travel dates:
  • Being open by a day or two can unlock lower fares.

What Can Raise Prices

• Last-minute bookings from Atlanta, especially around:
  • Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s
  • Spring break
  • College move-in / graduation weekends in the Rochester area
• Friday and Sunday flights, popular with weekend travelers

If you live in Atlanta and travel to Rochester regularly (for family, school, or work), it can be helpful to:

• Join a frequent flyer program with airlines that operate between ATL and ROC
• Watch for fare alerts and flexible date options when planning ahead

Comparing Schedules and Options at a Glance

Below is a simplified comparison of common itinerary types from Atlanta to Rochester. Specific airlines and times change, but the patterns are similar:

Use this as a rough guide when you’re comparing Atlanta–Rochester flight options on your preferred booking platform.

Navigating Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

If you’re based in Metro Atlanta, you probably know ATL can feel overwhelming. A little planning makes the Atlanta-to-Rochester trip smoother.

Where You’ll Depart

Flights from Atlanta to Rochester use:

• Domestic terminals:
  • Terminal North or Terminal South (check your airline)
• Concourses:
  • Most domestic flights use Concourses A–E and T
  • You’ll reach these by the Plane Train or underground walkways

Getting to ATL From Around Metro Atlanta

Common ways to reach ATL:

• MARTA
  • Take the Red or Gold Line to the Airport Station, which drops you inside the Domestic Terminal (near baggage claim and check-in).
  • For many Atlanta residents staying near Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead, this avoids traffic and parking costs.
• Driving yourself
  • Major access via I-85, I-75, and the Camp Creek Parkway area.
  • On-site options include Domestic Parking Garages, Economy lots, and Park-Ride lots.
• Rideshare and taxis
  • Designated Rideshare pickups are clearly signed at the domestic terminal.
  • Useful if you don’t want to deal with parking or MARTA.

Check-In and Security Tips for ATL Travelers

• Arrive early:
  • For domestic flights like ATL → ROC, many travelers aim for 2 hours before departure, especially at peak times (morning rush, holidays).
• Security checkpoints:
  • Main security is located between North and South terminals.
  • If you’re enrolled, TSA PreCheck or CLEAR can significantly shorten wait times.
• Baggage:
  • If you’re connecting through ATL after arriving from another city in Georgia, confirm whether your bags are checked through to Rochester or if you must re-check them.

Arriving at Frederick Douglass–Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)

After leaving Atlanta, you’ll land at ROC, the main airport serving the Rochester metro area and much of western New York.

What to Expect on Arrival

• Size and layout:
  • ROC is much smaller and easier to navigate than Atlanta’s airport.
  • After deplaning, you’ll usually have a short walk to baggage claim.
• Baggage claim and ground transportation:
  • Clear signage leads to rental car counters, taxis, and rideshare pickup areas.
  • The smaller size of ROC often makes it quick to get from gate to curb.

Getting From ROC to Rochester and Nearby Areas

People flying from Atlanta often head to:

• Downtown Rochester – business, cultural attractions, and hotels
• Suburbs like Henrietta, Greece, Pittsford, Fairport
• College campuses, such as the University of Rochester or the Rochester Institute of Technology

Common transport options from ROC:

• Rental cars:
  • Good if you’re visiting multiple spots around Rochester or the Finger Lakes region.
• Taxis and rideshare:
  • Useful for direct trips to hotels and campuses.
• Hotel shuttles (where offered):
  • Some Rochester-area hotels provide airport pickup; check in advance.

Packing and Weather Tips for Atlanta Travelers Going to Rochester

Coming from Atlanta’s climate, it’s easy to underestimate the temperature difference, especially October through April.

Clothing and Gear

• Winter and early spring trips:
  • Pack warm layers, including a coat that can handle snow and wind.
  • Consider water-resistant footwear and gloves, especially if you’ll be walking outside.
• Summer trips:
  • Rochester’s summers are often milder than Atlanta’s, with less heat and humidity.
  • Light layers are usually enough, but bring a light jacket for cooler evenings.

Flight-Day Essentials

• Carry-on bag:
  • Keep essential items like medications, chargers, a light jacket, and any must-have documents in your personal item or carry-on.
• Winter flight prep:
  • In snow season, give yourself extra time for travel from Atlanta to the airport in case of rain or traffic.
  • Be prepared for possible de-icing delays either in Atlanta (if it’s cold) or in Rochester.

Options for Families, Students, and Business Travelers

Families From Atlanta Visiting Rochester

If you’re flying with kids:

• Nonstop flights are usually easier: no rushing through another airport with children and carry-ons.
• Pack snacks, entertainment, and comfort items in your personal item; flight time is short but long enough for kids to get restless.
• Many Atlanta-area families plan morning or midday departures to avoid bedtime conflicts and reduce the chance of major delays.

Atlanta Students Heading to Rochester Colleges

Rochester is home to multiple colleges and universities, and many students from Georgia use the Atlanta–Rochester route.

Tips for students:

• Check academic calendars and book early for:
  • Fall move-in
  • Thanksgiving
  • Winter break
  • Spring break
• Consider having essential items shipped or bought locally in Rochester instead of checking multiple bags from Atlanta, especially in winter.
• If you’ll be flying this route several times a year from ATL, joining a loyalty program with your primary airline can be helpful over time.

Business Travelers From Atlanta

If you’re traveling for work:

• Nonstop morning flights from ATL can get you into Rochester with time for late-afternoon meetings.
• For same-day round trips, look for early ATL departures and evening ROC returns, but keep an eye on potential delays in winter.
• If your schedule is strict, consider arriving in Rochester the night before important meetings during snow-heavy months.

Practical Airport and Contact Details for Atlanta Travelers

While you’ll book flights through your chosen airline or booking platform, it helps to know a few key Atlanta-area details.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Address:
  6000 North Terminal Parkway
  Atlanta, GA 30320

• General phone (main airport information):
  1-800-897-1910

• MARTA Airport Station:
  Located inside the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim.
  Accessible via Red and Gold lines from key Atlanta neighborhoods.

If you’re in the Atlanta area and have airport-specific questions (parking, terminal maps, general operations), the official airport information line and signage on-site are practical starting points.

Smart Planning Steps for Your Atlanta to Rochester Flight

To keep your ATL → ROC trip smooth:

1. Compare nonstop vs. 1-stop options and decide what matters more: time or price.
2. Check seasonal weather for Rochester, especially in winter, when planning flight times and connections.
3. Leave enough time to get to ATL, especially around rush hour on I-75/I-85 or if you’re traveling from suburbs like Marietta, Alpharetta, or Fayetteville.
4. Arrive early at the airport, ideally 2 hours before your flight, to handle check-in and security calmly.
5. Monitor your flight status on your airline’s app or website on the day of travel, both departing Atlanta and returning from Rochester.
6. Have a backup plan in mind for delays or cancellations (such as flexible hotel reservations or alternative departure times).

With some foresight tailored to Atlanta’s busy airport and Rochester’s variable weather, flights from Atlanta to Rochester, NY can be straightforward and manageable, whether you’re heading north for family, school, or work.