Flying From Minneapolis to Atlanta: What Travelers to ATL Need to Know

If you’re planning a flight from Minneapolis to Atlanta, you’re most likely arriving at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)—one of the busiest and most connected airports in the world and a major gateway to the city and the greater metro area.

Whether you live in Atlanta and are returning home from Minneapolis–Saint Paul (MSP) or you’re visiting Atlanta from Minnesota, this guide walks you through the route, timing, airlines, and—most importantly—what to expect once you land in Atlanta.

Key Facts About Flights From Minneapolis to Atlanta

Route basics (MSP ➜ ATL):

• Airports: Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Typical flight time: About 2.5 hours nonstop (air time)
• Distance: Roughly 900 miles
• Time zone change: Minneapolis is usually in Central Time, Atlanta is in Eastern Time (1 hour ahead)

Common Airlines on This Route

Most travelers flying from Minneapolis to Atlanta will see options like:

• Delta Air Lines – Atlanta is Delta’s primary hub, so there are usually multiple nonstop flights each day between MSP and ATL.
• Other major carriers – Depending on the day and season, you may also find one-stop options through other hubs.

Because ATL is Delta’s home base, nonstop options are often:

• More frequent
• Scheduled throughout the day (morning, midday, evening)
• Well integrated with connecting flights to other destinations if Atlanta is not your final stop

Typical Schedule, Duration, and Best Times to Fly

How Long the Flight Takes

From Minneapolis to Atlanta, gate-to-gate flight time is typically:

• Around 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes for a nonstop flight
• Add extra time for:
  • Boarding and taxiing
  • Possible air traffic congestion in or out of ATL
  • Baggage claim and getting from your gate to ground transportation

If you’re connecting through Atlanta to another city, factor in:

• At least 60–90 minutes between flights for most travelers
• More time if:
  • You’re traveling with young children or elderly family members
  • You prefer not to rush across terminals
  • You’re unfamiliar with ATL and want a buffer

Best Times to Fly Into Atlanta

Many travelers going MSP ➜ ATL prefer to land in Atlanta:

• Mid-morning to early afternoon – Often smoother for:
  • Checking into hotels
  • Getting to business meetings
  • Avoiding late-night commutes from ATL into the city
• Early evening – Common for business travelers returning home; expect heavier crowds on weekdays

Atlanta traffic on the freeways (especially I-75, I-85, and I-285) can be heavy during:

• Morning rush: roughly 7:30–9:30 a.m.
• Evening rush: roughly 4:00–7:00 p.m.

If possible, plan your flight arrival so your trip from the airport into the city avoids the worst of rush hour, especially if you’re renting a car or using a rideshare.

Navigating Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

When you arrive from Minneapolis, your flight will land at ATL, about 10 miles south of downtown Atlanta.

Terminals and Concourses

ATL has:

• Domestic Terminal North (T-North)
• Domestic Terminal South (T-South)
• International Terminal (Concourse F)
• Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, F, connected by the Plane Train (underground train system)

Flights from Minneapolis to Atlanta are usually domestic and arrive into one of the domestic concourses (T, A, B, C, or D).

Once you land:

1. Follow signage to Baggage Claim if Atlanta is your final destination.
2. If you’re connecting, check the monitors or your app for your next gate and concourse.
3. Use the Plane Train to move between concourses quickly—trains run frequently and the ride between concourses is typically just a couple of minutes.

Getting From ATL Into Atlanta

After your MSP ➜ ATL flight, you’ll need to choose how to reach your final stop in the city or suburbs.

1. MARTA (Train) 🚆

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is often the simplest and most affordable way to get from ATL into the city.

• Airport Station: Located at the end of the domestic terminal near baggage claim. Follow signs for “Ground Transportation / MARTA”.
• Line: The Airport is on the Red and Gold Lines, which go directly into downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead.

Common stops for visitors and residents:

• Five Points: Central downtown connection point
• Peachtree Center: Convenient for many downtown hotels and offices
• Midtown Station: Close to Midtown hotels, restaurants, and attractions
• Buckhead Station: North Atlanta, business and shopping district

MARTA is especially useful if you’re:

• Staying downtown or Midtown
• Attending a conference near the Georgia World Congress Center
• Trying to avoid traffic and parking costs

2. Rideshare (Uber, Lyft)

Rideshare is widely used for airport transfers in Atlanta.

• Look for the Rideshare Pickup area, clearly signed in the Ground Transportation zone.
• Pricing varies by time of day, distance, and demand.

Rideshare can be convenient if you’re going to:

• Neighborhoods not close to MARTA (e.g., certain parts of Grant Park, West Midtown, East Atlanta, or the suburbs)
• Late-night or very early-morning arrivals when train schedules are more limited

3. Taxis

Atlanta has a regulated taxi stand at ATL near Ground Transportation.

• Flat-rate zones may apply for trips to certain downtown or nearby districts.
• Taxis can be appealing if you prefer a metered or flat-rate ride without dealing with an app.

4. Rental Cars

If your trip involves multiple stops around the metro area—for example, visits in Cobb County, Gwinnett County, or South Fulton—a rental car may be practical.

• ATL Rental Car Center (RCC):
  • Connected via the SkyTrain from the airport
  • Houses most major rental agencies
• Follow signs for “Rental Cars / SkyTrain” after baggage claim.

Remember that Atlanta’s highways can be congested. Give yourself extra time, especially if you need to return the car and catch an early flight back to Minneapolis.

What Atlanta Travelers Should Know Before Booking

If you live in Atlanta and are planning a trip to Minneapolis, or you’re visiting Atlanta from MSP, consider these points before you book.

1. Nonstop vs. Connecting

• Nonstop MSP ➜ ATL flights are widely available and usually preferred:
  • Less total travel time
  • Fewer chances for delays or missed connections
• You may see connecting flights through other hubs, but these often increase travel time significantly for this route.

2. Time Zone and Schedule Planning

Because Atlanta is one hour ahead of Minneapolis:

• A mid-morning departure from MSP can bring you into ATL early afternoon local time.
• When returning to Minneapolis, remember you’ll “gain back” an hour going west, which can help if you’re scheduling meetings or same-day returns.

3. Best Seats and Comfort Tips

For a roughly 2.5-hour flight:

• Aisle seats are popular with business travelers who want to move freely.
• Window seats can be more comfortable if you plan to rest.
• If you’re connecting beyond Atlanta, try to:
  • Sit closer to the front of the aircraft if you have a short layover.
  • Keep your carry-on compact so you can move quickly on and off the plane.

Arriving in Atlanta: What’s Nearby and What to Expect

Once your flight from Minneapolis lands and you’re headed into the city, it helps to understand the layout of Atlanta and where you might be going.

Major Areas You Might Be Heading To

• Downtown Atlanta
  • Home to landmarks like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola
  • Common for conferences and large events
• Midtown
  • Arts, dining, and nightlife; near Piedmont Park and cultural venues
• Buckhead
  • Business district and major shopping centers
• Airport Area / College Park / Hapeville
  • Good for short overnight stays close to ATL

Typical Travel Times From ATL (Without Major Traffic)

Traffic, weather, and events can change these times, so always add a buffer—especially if you’re catching a connecting flight out of ATL later in the day.

Practical Tips for a Smooth MSP ➜ ATL Trip

For Atlanta Residents Flying to Minneapolis

• Consider early morning departures from ATL for better on-time performance and more flexibility if delays occur.
• When returning, aim to land at ATL with enough time to:
  • Commute home during lighter traffic, or
  • Use MARTA comfortably if you’re near a rail station.

For Visitors Arriving in Atlanta From Minneapolis

• If you’re attending an event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or the Georgia World Congress Center, staying downtown and using MARTA can reduce stress and parking costs.
• If your plans include multiple neighborhoods or suburban visits, plan your ground transportation in advance, especially in the evenings or on weekends when traffic patterns can shift around major events and games.

Helpful Local Contacts and Resources

You may want to keep this information handy when flying from Minneapolis to Atlanta:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

  • Location: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • General information and flight status are available by phone via the airport’s main information line (searchable by name if you need the current number).

• MARTA Customer Information Center

  • Headquarters: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
  • Offers route and schedule information for trains and buses that connect from the airport to the city.

These official sources can provide up-to-date details on flight changes, ground transportation, and service disruptions that may affect your MSP ➜ ATL journey.

Flying from Minneapolis to Atlanta is a straightforward, frequently served route, and arriving at ATL puts you within easy reach of downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and the broader metro area. With a sense of the timing, airport layout, and local transportation options, you can plan a trip that fits smoothly into your Atlanta schedule—whether you’re coming home or visiting the city.