Flights From Atlanta to Shreveport: How to Plan Your Trip From ATL
Flying from Atlanta, Georgia to Shreveport, Louisiana is a relatively short hop, but there are a few important details Atlanta travelers should know before booking. Whether you live in Metro Atlanta, you’re visiting the city and flying out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), or you’re comparing driving vs. flying, this guide walks you through the key points.
Overview: What to Expect on an Atlanta–Shreveport Flight
- Departure airport: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Arrival airport: Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV)
- Typical flight time: About 1.5 hours in the air (nonstop)
- Time zone change: Atlanta is in Eastern Time, Shreveport is in Central Time (Shreveport is one hour behind Atlanta).
- Distance: Roughly 550–600 miles by air
When nonstop options are available, this is a quick regional trip. When a connection is required, the total travel time can be similar to or slightly longer than driving, depending on layovers and airport wait times.
Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights From Atlanta to Shreveport
Available flight options between Atlanta and Shreveport can change over time, but in general, you’ll see two main patterns:
Nonstop Flights (When Offered)
When a nonstop route is available from ATL to SHV:
Pros
- Fastest total travel time
- Less chance of delays related to connections
- Simple itinerary (one boarding, one landing)
Cons
- Fewer schedule choices per day
- Sometimes higher fares than connecting flights, depending on demand
Connecting Flights
If nonstop service is limited or not available on your travel dates, you may see one-stop options through another hub, such as:
- Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW)
- Houston (IAH or HOU)
- Other regional hubs, depending on airline schedules
Things to consider with connections:
- Total travel time: A 1.5‑hour direct flight can easily become 4–6 hours with a connection and layover.
- Weather sensitivity: Thunderstorms in connecting cities can ripple through schedules, especially in summer.
- Missed connections: Tight layovers can be stressful if your first leg departs late from Atlanta.
If your schedule is tight—for example, you’re trying to reach Shreveport by a specific afternoon or for an event—it’s worth prioritizing the most direct, earliest flight you can reasonably take from ATL.
Typical Flight Time and When to Arrive at ATL
In-the-Air Time
Most Atlanta–Shreveport itineraries list about 1 hour 30 minutes of flight time for a nonstop route. Boarding, taxiing, and deplaning add additional time, so plan on around 2–2.5 hours door-to-door once you reach your gate.
When to Arrive at Hartsfield–Jackson
Because ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world, local travelers should give themselves a realistic buffer:
- Domestic flights (no checked bags, mobile boarding pass):
Aim for 1.5–2 hours before scheduled departure. - Domestic flights with checked bags or traveling at peak times:
Aim for 2 hours before departure, especially:- Weekday mornings (roughly 6–9 a.m.)
- Sunday evenings
- Holiday periods and major event weekends
ATL’s security lines at the Main Security Checkpoint and North/South Checkpoints can move quickly or back up unexpectedly. Building in extra time helps you navigate parking, the Plane Train, and potential crowds without stress.
Understanding Your Departure: ATL Terminals & Navigation
Almost all commercial flights from Atlanta to Shreveport will depart from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main Information: (800) 897-1910 (automated info line commonly used by travelers)
Key Areas to Know at ATL
- Domestic Terminal – North and South:
Most domestic check-in counters are in the Domestic Terminal. Your airline will dictate whether you use North or South ticketing. - Concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F):
The gate for flights to Shreveport will be located in one of the concourses, typically one of the domestic concourses (T–D). - Plane Train:
An underground tram that shuttles you quickly between terminals and concourses. For first-time visitors, follow signs for “Transportation Mall / Plane Train” after security. - ATL SkyTrain:
An automated people-mover outside the secure area connecting:- MARTA Airport Station
- Rental Car Center
- Select airport-area hotels
If you’re coming from Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead, using MARTA’s Red or Gold Line to Airport Station is often faster and more predictable than driving at rush hour.
Best Time to Fly From Atlanta to Shreveport
Time of Day
Atlanta-based travelers often find:
- Early morning flights:
- Less impacted by afternoon thunderstorms (especially in summer)
- Lower chance of cascading delays
- Midday flights:
- Good balance if you’re coming from outside the Perimeter (OTP) and want to avoid a pre‑dawn drive
- Evening flights:
- Convenient after work, but more vulnerable to delays earlier in the day
Day of the Week
Patterns that many travelers notice:
- Midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) can sometimes have:
- More stable fares
- Slightly less crowding at ATL security than Monday morning or Friday evening
- Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays:
- Heavier business and leisure traffic
- You may want extra time for check-in and security
- Fares can rise during peak demand times
If you’re flexible, searching a few days before and after your ideal date from Atlanta can reveal noticeably different options and prices.
Driving vs. Flying: Should Atlantans Fly to Shreveport?
For Metro Atlanta residents, it’s reasonable to compare driving vs. flying to Shreveport.
Driving From Atlanta to Shreveport
- Driving distance: Roughly 600–650 miles, depending on your route
- Drive time: About 9–10 hours without significant stops or traffic
- Route example: Many drivers use I‑20 West across Alabama and Mississippi into Louisiana.
When Flying May Make More Sense
Flying from ATL can be the better choice if:
- You’re on a tight schedule and can get a nonstop or short-connection flight.
- You want to avoid crossing multiple cities and states by car in one day.
- You’re already staying near ATL or along MARTA, reducing your ground-transport time.
When Driving Might Be Practical
Driving might be worth considering if:
- You’re traveling with multiple people, and flight costs add up quickly.
- You need a car in Shreveport and want to avoid separate rental fees.
- You prefer to avoid connections and potential airport delays.
For many Atlanta residents, the choice comes down to time vs. flexibility. A convenient nonstop flight usually tips the scale toward air travel.
Getting to ATL From Around Metro Atlanta
How you get to Hartsfield–Jackson can matter almost as much as the flight itself, especially during Atlanta rush hours.
1. MARTA (Train)
MARTA is often the most reliable way into the airport from central Atlanta, especially during peak traffic:
- Red and Gold Lines both go directly to Airport Station, located inside the Domestic Terminal.
- Popular departure points:
- Five Points Station (Downtown)
- Peachtree Center (Downtown)
- Midtown Station
- Lindbergh Center (Buckhead)
- Doraville or North Springs (for northern suburbs)
Using MARTA means you bypass I‑75/85 traffic and go straight into the terminal without parking.
2. Driving and Parking
If you’re driving from OTP suburbs like Marietta, Alpharetta, Decatur, or Fayetteville:
- Plan extra time for:
- I‑75/85 traffic if approaching from the north
- I‑285 congestion if circling the city
- Parking options around ATL include:
- Airport-owned lots and decks (Domestic and International parking)
- ATL West Deck, connected by SkyTrain
- Multiple private off-airport lots with shuttle service
Many Atlantans driving in from farther suburbs arrive at least 2.5–3 hours before departure to account for traffic, parking, shuttle transfers, and security.
3. Rideshare and Taxis
Popular rideshare and taxi services can pick up and drop off at the airport:
- Domestic Terminal: Dedicated rideshare pickup zones; follow posted signs in the terminal.
- International Terminal (if you’re connecting there later): Has a separate drop-off/pickup area on the east side of the airport.
Rideshare is particularly useful if you:
- Live near the Perimeter and want to avoid parking costs.
- Are staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead and traveling light.
What Atlanta Travelers Should Know About Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV)
Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV) is a smaller, regional airport compared to ATL, which can make arrival and departure relatively simple:
- Size: Compact terminal with fewer gates than Atlanta
- Ground transportation:
- Rental car counters onsite
- Local taxis and rideshare services
- Limited public transit compared to Atlanta
The smaller scale means:
- Shorter walks between gate, baggage claim, and rental car counters
- Often less time spent waiting at security when you depart Shreveport back to Atlanta
If you’re returning to Hartsfield–Jackson from SHV, you’ll likely re-enter via one of ATL’s domestic concourses and can connect onward or exit to the Domestic Terminal as usual.
Packing and Timing Tips for Atlantans Flying to Shreveport
A few practical considerations tailored to Atlanta-based flyers:
1. Allow for Atlanta Weather
- Summer:
Afternoon thunderstorms around ATL can cause ground stops and delays, especially for later flights. - Winter:
While major snow/ice events are less frequent, even light winter weather can disrupt Atlanta flight schedules because of the airport’s volume.
Booking earlier flights in the day from Atlanta often reduces the risk of cascading delays.
2. Check Carry-On and Baggage Rules
Policies can change, but it’s smart to:
- Confirm carry-on size and checked bag fees when you book.
- Travel with a personal item sized to fit under the seat to keep essentials close: ID, medications, chargers, and a change of clothes in case of delays.
3. ID and Security Prep
For domestic flights between ATL and SHV:
- A valid, government-issued photo ID (such as a state driver’s license or U.S. passport) is required for adults.
- TSA PreCheck can be especially valuable at busy airports like ATL. Enrollment services are available in various locations around Metro Atlanta.
Arriving at security with your ID readily accessible and electronics/liquids packed according to TSA rules typically speeds things up.
Sample Same-Day Travel Timeline From Atlanta to Shreveport
Here’s a rough outline for someone living in or near Intown Atlanta with a morning flight:
- Flight departs ATL at 10:00 a.m.
- Aim to be inside ATL by 8:00 a.m.
- From Midtown:
- MARTA train around 7:15 a.m. to Airport Station, or
- Drive/ride-share leaving around 7:00 a.m., allowing for traffic.
- Clear security and take Plane Train to your concourse by 8:30 a.m.–8:45 a.m.
- Board around 9:30 a.m.
- Land in Shreveport around 10:30 a.m. Central Time (11:30 a.m. Eastern, but clocks move back one hour locally).
Adjust these times if you’re coming from north suburban areas (Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming), west side (Douglasville, Carrollton), or south side (McDonough, Peachtree City) where drive times to ATL can be longer.
Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers
- Flight time from Atlanta to Shreveport is about 1.5 hours when nonstop, but total door-to-door time depends on connections and airport logistics.
- Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL) is your departure point, and it’s large and busy—plan 2 hours at the airport for most domestic trips.
- MARTA is often the simplest way from central Atlanta to ATL; driving from suburbs may require more buffer time.
- It’s worth comparing nonstop vs. connecting flights from Atlanta and weighing them against driving for this regional route.
- Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV) is smaller, making arrival, baggage, and car rental straightforward once you land.
Planning ahead with Atlanta’s unique traffic patterns, airport size, and weather in mind will make your flight from Atlanta to Shreveport far smoother and more predictable.
