Flights From Orlando to Atlanta: How to Get to (and From) the ATL Smoothly

Flying from Orlando to Atlanta is one of the busiest short routes in the Southeast. Whether you’re an Atlanta local heading home from Orlando, a visitor connecting through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), or planning future trips between the two cities, understanding this route makes travel easier and often cheaper.

This guide focuses on what travelers arriving in or based in Atlanta should know about flights from Orlando to Atlanta—and how those flights connect with life on the ground in the Atlanta area.

Key Facts About Orlando–Atlanta Flights

Route basics:

• Typical flight time: About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes in the air
• Distance: Roughly 400–450 miles
• Arrival airport in Atlanta:Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Departure airports in Orlando:
  • Orlando International Airport (MCO) – main commercial airport
  • Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) – limited commercial service

Because ATL is a major hub, flights from Orlando to Atlanta often serve as connections to the rest of the country and the world. For Atlanta-based travelers, this is one of the most flexible, frequent short-haul routes available.

Airlines That Commonly Fly Orlando to Atlanta

Several major and low-cost airlines operate on this route. Availability can change, but many travelers see options like:

• Delta Air Lines – Strong presence at ATL, frequent daily flights
• Southwest Airlines – Often operates between MCO and ATL
• Frontier and Spirit – At times offer budget-friendly options

From an Atlanta perspective, this gives you:

• Frequent daily departures and arrivals between ATL and MCO
• A mix of full-service and low-cost carriers, which can help you compare prices
• Many early-morning and late-night options, useful if you’re connecting to other flights or trying to maximize your time in either city

When You Land in Atlanta: Navigating ATL

If you’re flying from Orlando into Atlanta, you’ll arrive at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Located about 10–12 miles south of Downtown Atlanta

Terminals and Concourses

ATL has:

• Domestic Terminal North and South
• Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, and F connected by an underground Plane Train

Orlando–Atlanta flights generally arrive at domestic concourses (T, A, B, C, or D). If Atlanta is your final destination:

1. Follow signs to Baggage Claim.
2. Take the Plane Train if needed to reach the correct terminal.
3. Proceed to Ground Transportation for MARTA, rideshare, taxis, or shuttles.

If you’re connecting onward from Atlanta, watch your boarding passes and screens closely—gate changes are common at large hubs.

Getting From ATL to Atlanta Neighborhoods

Once you’ve flown in from Orlando, your next question is usually: How do I get into the city?

1. MARTA (Public Transit) 🚇

MARTA is one of the easiest ways to reach many parts of Atlanta from the airport:

• Station:Airport MARTA Station, directly connected to the Domestic Terminal
• Lines:Red and Gold lines
• Useful for reaching: Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Doraville, North Springs and connections to bus routes

Examples of common trips:

• Airport → Downtown Atlanta (Five Points Station) – often around 15–20 minutes
• Airport → Midtown (Arts Center Station) – often around 20–25 minutes
• Airport → Buckhead Station – often around 30–35 minutes

MARTA can be a good match if you:

• Are traveling light
• Want to avoid parking or rideshare surge pricing
• Need predictable timing during rush hours

2. Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare pickup (Uber/Lyft):

• Dedicated area at the North and South Economy lots for rideshares
• Follow airport signs for Rideshare from Baggage Claim
• Good for direct travel to neighborhoods like East Atlanta, West End, Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, or Decatur where MARTA rail may not be as convenient

Taxis:

• Taxi stands are located outside the Domestic Terminal
• Flat-rate fares to some central Atlanta zones are typically posted at the airport taxi line

3. Rental Cars

If your Orlando–Atlanta flight is just the first step in a wider Georgia trip (e.g., north Georgia mountains, suburbs, or other cities), renting a car may be useful.

Rental Car Center (RCC):

• Accessible via the ATL SkyTrain from the Domestic Terminal
• Houses major rental brands in one complex
• Address: 2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy, College Park, GA 30337

From there, you can connect directly to:

• I-85 North toward Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and beyond
• I-285 Perimeter for suburban and regional travel

Best Times of Day to Fly Orlando → Atlanta (From an ATL Perspective)

Since ATL is a major connecting hub, time of day matters for both price and comfort:

• Early Morning Flights (6–9 a.m.)

  • Often popular with business travelers returning to Atlanta
  • Good for same-day work or meetings in Atlanta
  • Can be smoother for connections to midday and afternoon flights leaving ATL

• Midday Flights (10 a.m.–2 p.m.)

  • Frequently less crowded at security and boarding than the rush periods
  • Useful if you prefer lower stress, more flexible timing upon arrival in Atlanta

• Evening Flights (5–10 p.m.)

  • Common for weekend trips or same-day returns from Orlando
  • ATL can be busy with national and international arrivals
  • Good if you want to maximize your Orlando day and still get back to Atlanta the same night

Locals often watch for early morning and late-night flights when they’re looking for strong fare deals or reliable same-day turnaround options.

How Far in Advance Should Atlanta Travelers Book?

For a busy route like Orlando to Atlanta, many travelers find:

• Booking 2–6 weeks in advance can often provide a good balance of price and choice, especially for non-holiday dates.
• For holidays, long weekends, major events, and school breaks (spring break, Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year), earlier booking is usually helpful.

From the Atlanta side, it’s also smart to:

• Check whether you’re connecting through ATL or using it as your final destination—this can change your schedule flexibility.
• Consider shifting flights by even a couple of hours earlier or later if your Atlanta ground schedule allows; this sometimes reveals better pricing and less congestion.

Typical Costs and What Affects Price

While fares fluctuate, several common factors affect what Atlanta travelers will pay on the Orlando–Atlanta route:

• Time of year: Peak travel seasons (summer, holidays) often raise prices.
• Day of the week: Midweek flights can sometimes be more affordable than Friday/Sunday.
• Time of day: Less conventional times (very early or very late) may offer lower fares.
• Airline type: Low-cost carriers may offer cheaper base fares but add fees for bags and seat selection.

If you’re based in Atlanta and value flexibility, consider:

• Booking nonstop flights to reduce delay risk and simplify your return to ATL.
• Comparing total trip cost (fare + bags + seat fees + airport parking or ground transport in Atlanta), not just ticket price.

Where Orlando–Atlanta Flights Usually Arrive (and Depart) in ATL

While gate assignments change regularly, some patterns help you plan:

If you live in Atlanta, allow enough time to:

• Park or return a rental car
• Clear security and ride the Plane Train to your gate
• Navigate potential delays during high-traffic times

Parking Options at ATL for Orlando Trips

If you’re an Atlanta resident driving to the airport for your Orlando flight, you’ll choose between:

• Economy Parking – More budget-friendly for multi-day trips
• Daily or Hourly Parking – Closer to terminals, higher cost
• ATL West and Park-Ride Lots – Often cheaper for extended trips; served by airport shuttles

Consider:

• Length of your Orlando trip (weekend vs. weeklong vacation)
• Whether someone can drop you off or pick you up
• Your schedule flexibility for shuttles versus walking distance

Alternatives to Flying Between Orlando and Atlanta

Some Atlanta-area travelers consider alternatives, especially for budget or group trips:

• Driving: About 6–7 hours by car via I-75 most of the way

  • More practical if you have family, pets, or lots of luggage
  • Can be appealing if your final destination is not central Orlando or central Atlanta

• Bus: Various bus services operate between Orlando and the Atlanta area

  • Usually longer than flying but may be cheaper
  • Arrival points in Atlanta may include Downtown or other central locations

Even if you’re comparing these options, flights from Orlando to Atlanta often remain attractive because ATL offers so many onward connections, and the actual air time is relatively short.

Tips for a Smooth Orlando → Atlanta Trip (Especially if You Live in ATL)

• Monitor weather at both airports. Summer thunderstorms in Florida or Georgia can affect this route.
• Keep your ATL ground plan ready. Decide in advance if you’re taking MARTA, rideshare, or parking your car.
• If connecting through Atlanta:
  • Aim for a reasonable layover, especially if changing concourses.
  • ATL is large but efficiently laid out; 45–60 minutes is often manageable for domestic–domestic if flights are on time.
• If ATL is home:
  • Consider scheduling flights so you arrive with enough time for weekday traffic if you need to drive from the airport to areas like Alpharetta, Marietta, or Stone Mountain.
  • For very late arrivals, pre-plan your ride options; MARTA rail runs on a schedule and does not operate 24/7.

Useful Atlanta Airport Contacts and Details

For travelers regularly flying between Orlando and Atlanta, it helps to know where to turn for official information:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• General Information Line: 1-800-897-1910
• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

MARTA Airport Station

• Located at the west end of the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim
• MARTA Customer Service (General Info): 404-848-5000

These resources can help with:

• Real-time flight status
• Ground transportation details
• Lost and found or baggage questions
• Accessibility and assistance services

Flying from Orlando to Atlanta is a short, high-frequency route that connects directly into one of the world’s most important aviation hubs. For Atlanta residents and visitors alike, understanding how flights, ATL airport layout, and local transportation fit together makes this trip far more efficient—and helps you move between the two cities with confidence.