Flights From Baltimore to Atlanta: How to Plan Your Trip to Hartsfield–Jackson

Flying from Baltimore to Atlanta is one of the most common routes into the city, whether you’re coming home, visiting family, or starting a business trip. Because Atlanta is a major air hub, the Baltimore–Atlanta corridor is typically frequent, competitive on price, and straightforward to navigate.

This guide walks you through what to expect on flights from Baltimore/Washington (BWI) to Atlanta’s Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport (ATL) and how your arrival fits into getting around Atlanta, Georgia.

Overview: Baltimore to Atlanta Flight Basics

For travelers heading to Atlanta, flights from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) are typically:

• Nonstop flight time: Around 1.5 to 2 hours in the air
• Route distance: Roughly 575–600 miles
• Airports involved:
  • Departure: BWI in Maryland
  • Arrival: ATL in Atlanta, Georgia

Because ATL is a major Delta hub and one of the busiest airports in the world, flights from Baltimore tend to be:

• Frequent throughout the day
• Competitive in price across different airlines
• Well-connected to Atlanta’s local transit, rideshare, and rental cars

If you live in Atlanta, this route is particularly useful if you regularly commute to the Baltimore / Washington, D.C. area and want predictable options back home.

Airlines and Typical Flight Options

Most flights from Baltimore to Atlanta are nonstop and serviced by major U.S. carriers. Airlines commonly operating this route include:

• Full-service carriers flying into ATL’s domestic terminals
• Low-cost carriers that may offer basic fares with add-ons for bags and seat selection

Because flight offerings can change, it helps to:

• Compare nonstops vs. one-stop flights (nonstops are usually best for this short route)
• Look at departure times that line up with Atlanta traffic patterns if you’ll be driving after landing
• Check baggage policies carefully, especially on budget carriers

For most travelers with Atlanta as the final destination, nonstop flights from Baltimore are ideal. One-stop flights via other cities usually only make sense if the fare difference is substantial or you’re earning/redeeming frequent flyer miles on a specific airline.

Best Times to Fly From Baltimore to Atlanta

By Time of Day

When you’re heading into Atlanta, timing your flight can make a big difference in how smoothly you exit the airport and reach your home, hotel, or meeting:

• Early morning arrivals (before 8:00 a.m.)

  • Often smoother at security and baggage claim
  • You may face heavier rush hour traffic on I‑75/I‑85 into Downtown or Midtown

• Late morning to early afternoon arrivals (10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.)

  • Often a sweet spot: airport is busy but manageable
  • Highway traffic into central Atlanta is generally lighter than rush hour

• Evening arrivals (after 5:00 p.m.)

  • You may land during or just after Atlanta’s evening rush, which can slow travel to Buckhead, Midtown, or the northern suburbs
  • Good option if you’re staying near the airport or taking MARTA instead of driving

By Time of Year

Baltimore–Atlanta flights run year-round, but:

• Summer and holiday periods (Thanksgiving, late December, long weekends) often mean:
  • Higher fares
  • Crowded flights both directions
• Mid-week and off-peak months (often late winter or early fall) can bring:
  • More reasonable prices
  • Better seat selection

If you live in Atlanta and know you’ll be returning from Baltimore around major holidays, booking early usually helps you secure good times and avoid awkward late-night arrivals.

What to Expect When You Land at Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL)

Almost all flights from Baltimore to Atlanta arrive in the Domestic Terminal at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Terminals and Concourses

ATL’s domestic side includes these passenger areas:

• Domestic Terminal – North & South (check-in and ground transportation)
• Concourses T, A, B, C, D, and E for domestic flights
• A Plane Train (underground people mover) connecting all concourses and terminals

Your flight from Baltimore will typically arrive at one of the domestic concourses (A–D or T). Once you exit the plane:

1. Follow signs for “Baggage Claim / Ground Transportation.”
2. Take the Plane Train or walk to the Domestic Terminal baggage claim.
3. From baggage claim, you’ll choose between:
   • MARTA train
   • Rideshare pick-up
   • Taxi
   • Rental cars
   • Shuttles to downtown and nearby hotels

Getting From ATL to Your Destination in Atlanta

How you continue your trip after a Baltimore–Atlanta flight depends on where you’re staying or living in the city.

1. MARTA: Easiest Option for Central Atlanta

If you’re heading to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or the Perimeter, MARTA can be the most predictable way to avoid traffic.

• MARTA Airport Station location:
  Inside the Domestic Terminal, at the western end—just follow signs for “MARTA” from baggage claim.
• Lines serving the airport:
  • Red Line and Gold Line
• Common stops for visitors and residents:
  • Five Points (Downtown hub, near government buildings and some hotels)
  • Peachtree Center (Downtown, near many hotels and offices)
  • Midtown (tech offices, arts district, restaurants)
  • Arts Center
  • Lenox and Buckhead (north Atlanta business and shopping)
  • Medical Center / Dunwoody / Sandy Springs (Perimeter area)

MARTA is especially helpful if:

• You’re staying in a hotel near a MARTA station
• You live near the Red or Gold Lines
• You want to avoid renting a car or paying for parking in central Atlanta

Contact info (for planning your route):
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
Customer Service: 404‑848‑5000

2. Rideshare and Taxi

If you prefer a direct ride from ATL after your Baltimore flight:

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

• Pickup area for app‑based rideshares is at the North and South Domestic Terminal lower level, signed as “Rideshare” or “App-Based Ride Services.”
• You’ll follow clearly marked signs from baggage claim down to the designated pickup zones.

Rideshare is convenient for:

• Late-night arrivals from Baltimore
• Travel to locations not easily served by MARTA, such as many parts of East Atlanta, West Midtown, or outer suburbs

Taxi

• Official taxi stands are located outside the Domestic Terminal (Ground Transportation).
• Taxis operate on flat rates or metered fares depending on your destination; rate sheets are posted at the stands.

Taxis may be a good fit if:

• You prefer a regulated flat fare to Downtown or Midtown
• You want to avoid managing an app or surge pricing

3. Rental Cars

If you live in an outlying suburb or plan to travel extensively around the metro area, a rental car may be practical.

Reaching the Rental Car Center (RCC)

All major rental agencies are housed in ATL’s Rental Car Center, located near the airport but not walkable from the terminal.

To get there:

1. From baggage claim, follow signs for “Rental Cars / Rental Car Center.”
2. Take the ATL SkyTrain, an automated people mover that runs from:
   • The Domestic Terminal
   • The Rental Car Center
   • The Gateway Center (college and hotel area in College Park)

The Rental Car Center is open daily and includes:

• Multiple national rental brands
• Gas stations nearby for refueling before returning your car

Sample Travel Times From ATL to Popular Atlanta Areas

After landing from Baltimore, your total trip time depends heavily on traffic. Below is a rough, non-rush-hour estimate from ATL by car:

⛔ During rush hour (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.), these times can increase significantly, especially toward Buckhead, Midtown, and the northern suburbs.

Tips for Booking Baltimore–Atlanta Flights With Atlanta in Mind

1. Choose Arrival Times That Work With Atlanta Traffic

If possible:

• Aim for late morning or early afternoon arrivals to avoid the heaviest congestion.
• If you must arrive during peak rush hour, consider:
  • Taking MARTA to Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead
  • Staying at a hotel close to a MARTA station and driving later if needed

2. Consider ATL’s Size When Planning Connections

If Atlanta is a connection point, and you ultimately live here or are returning home:

• Account for walking and Plane Train travel time between concourses.
• Allow yourself at least 45–60 minutes for domestic connections if changing concourses.

3. Use ATL as Your Home Base If You Live in Metro Atlanta

For Atlanta residents traveling frequently to Baltimore:

• Keep in mind that ATL offers many daily Baltimore flights, but early morning and late evening slots may book up first.
• If you live near MARTA, you can often:
  • Take MARTA directly to the Airport Station
  • Avoid long-term parking costs

If You’re Visiting Atlanta From Baltimore

Once you land from Baltimore, common next steps include:

Staying in Downtown or Midtown

Ideal if you:

• Want walkable access to attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, or the College Football Hall of Fame
• Prefer MARTA access over renting a car

How to get there from ATL:

• Take MARTA from Airport Station:
  • Exit at Five Points, Peachtree Center, or Civic Center for Downtown
  • Exit at Midtown or Arts Center for Midtown

Staying in Buckhead

Buckhead is known for:

• Upscale shopping and restaurants
• Many business hotels
• Easy access to Lenox and Buckhead MARTA stations

From ATL:

• Take MARTA Red Line toward North Springs, exiting at Lenox or Buckhead
• Or use rideshare/taxi for more direct door-to-door service

Staying Near the Airport

If your Baltimore–Atlanta flight arrives late or you’re catching an early return flight:

• Many airport hotels offer shuttle service from the Domestic Terminal.
• Staying nearby can significantly reduce stress if you have a very early departure back to Baltimore.

Key ATL Contacts and Practical Info

Here are a few useful details if you’re planning your Baltimore–Atlanta flight with Atlanta logistics in mind:

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

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)
Customer Information: 404‑848‑5000
Airport Station: Located inside Domestic Terminal, follow “MARTA” signs

For lost items, ground transport specifics, or special assistance, airport and transit agencies typically provide updated contact details and instructions via their main phone lines and information desks.

Flying from Baltimore to Atlanta is usually a quick, direct route into the city, and ATL is well set up to move you efficiently into Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and the wider metro area. By choosing the right flight time, planning your ground transportation, and understanding how ATL connects to the rest of the city, you can make your trip into Atlanta, Georgia straightforward and predictable.