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

If you live in Atlanta, are planning to visit the city, or are coordinating travel for friends and family, understanding flights from Rochester, NY to Atlanta, GA can help you save time, money, and stress. This route is a common connection for people coming to the Atlanta metro area for business, family visits, conventions, or flights that continue through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to how this route works, which airlines typically serve it, what to expect when you land, and how to get from ATL into the city once you arrive.

Key Facts About Flights from Rochester to Atlanta

Route overview

• Departure airport: Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) in Rochester, New York
• Arrival airport: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta, Georgia
• Typical flight time: Around 2 to 2.5 hours for nonstop flights (air time only)
• Time zone change: Rochester is in the same Eastern Time Zone as Atlanta, so there’s no time difference
• Common purposes: Business trips, college visits, family travel, conventions, and connecting flights to other Southern or international destinations through Atlanta

Quick Comparison: Rochester → Atlanta Flight Basics

Airlines and Flight Options on This Route

Specific schedules change frequently, but travelers commonly see major U.S. carriers offer service on the Rochester–Atlanta route, especially those with a strong presence at ATL, which is a major hub.

Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights

Nonstop flights
When available, these are often the best choice if:

• You want to minimize total travel time
• You’re coordinating arrival with Atlanta events, such as a conference at the Georgia World Congress Center or a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• You want fewer chances of missed connections or delays

Connecting flights
Sometimes you’ll see one-stop options that connect in cities like:

• Charlotte
• New York City area airports
• Washington, D.C.

These may appear when:

• Nonstop flights are sold out or limited
• You’re looking for cheaper fares
• You need specific times that only connections can offer

When you’re planning from the Atlanta side (for example, booking family travel to bring someone from Rochester to visit you), it’s usually wise to compare nonstop vs. one-stop:

• Check total travel time door-to-door
• Consider winter weather risk in the Northeast, which can affect connecting flights
• See whether arrival times match Atlanta transit options or rides from friends and family

How Far Is Rochester from Atlanta by Air?

The air distance between Rochester and Atlanta is typically in the range where:

• The flight is short enough to be manageable with an early-morning departure and a same-day arrival in Atlanta with plenty of time left
• It’s long enough that driving would usually take an entire day or more, making flying the more practical option for most visitors

For someone in Atlanta planning a trip to Rochester and back, it’s realistic to:

• Fly from ATL to ROC in the early morning
• Spend the day in Rochester
• Return to ATL either that evening or the following day, depending on available schedules

Planning for Arrival at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

If you’re in Atlanta and you’re helping someone fly in from Rochester, it helps to understand what happens once they land.

Where They’ll Arrive

Most flights from Rochester arrive at domestic terminals at ATL:

• North Terminal and South Terminal both handle domestic airlines
• Gates are typically in the concourse areas connected by the Plane Train (an underground people mover system)

If you’re picking someone up:

• Follow signs to Domestic Arrivals at ATL
• There are cell phone waiting lots where you can park for free while you wait for a “ready for pickup” text or call

Airport address:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Parkway
  Atlanta, GA 30320
  Main information line (commonly published): (800) 897-1910

(The exact phone options and departments can change; airport staff at info desks inside the terminals can also assist.)

Getting from ATL into Atlanta After the Flight

A big advantage of flying from Rochester to Atlanta is how many ground transportation options exist once you land.

1. MARTA (Train) – Budget-Friendly and Direct 🚇

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) runs a rail station directly inside the airport.

• The Airport Station is connected to the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim
• Trains run on the Red and Gold lines, taking you directly to:
  • Downtown Atlanta (e.g., Peachtree Center Station)
  • Midtown (Arts Center, Midtown Stations)
  • Buckhead (Buckhead Station)
• Good option if:
  • You’re staying at a Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead hotel
  • You want to avoid parking and traffic
  • Your visitor from Rochester is comfortable with train travel

General MARTA info:

• MARTA Headquarters (for reference):
  2424 Piedmont Road NE
  Atlanta, GA 30324
  Customer information line (commonly published): (404) 848-5000

2. Taxis and Rideshare

Taxis

• Official taxi stands are located at the Domestic Terminal Ground Transportation Center
• Flat-rate options may be available to key zones like Downtown or Midtown, depending on current rules
• Useful for late-night arrivals from Rochester when MARTA runs less frequently

Rideshare (App-Based Services)

• Pick-up areas are clearly marked and usually in designated rideshare zones near the Domestic Terminal
• A practical choice if:
  • You’re heading to suburbs like Sandy Springs, Decatur, or College Park
  • You don’t want to transfer between MARTA rail and bus

3. Rental Cars

If your visitor from Rochester wants to drive themselves around metro Atlanta, they can rent a car directly from ATL.

• The Rental Car Center (RCC) is a separate facility connected to the terminal by the SkyTrain
• Follow signs to Rental Cars after exiting baggage claim

Once they pick up the car, major routes into the city include:

• I-85 North to Downtown and Midtown Atlanta
• I-285 for accessing the Perimeter and outer suburbs

Best Times to Book and Fly This Route

While pricing changes regularly, there are some general patterns that often apply to Rochester–Atlanta flights.

When to Book

Travelers frequently find that:

• Booking a few weeks in advance can give a better selection of flights and fares
• Peak travel periods (major holidays, big Atlanta events) may require earlier booking

For someone in Atlanta planning for friends or family flying from Rochester:

• Look ahead to major city events like:
  • Big games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena
  • Large conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center
• Those events can affect both flight prices and hotel availability in and around Downtown Atlanta

When to Fly

Morning and midday flights from Rochester to Atlanta are often:

• Less affected by afternoon thunderstorms that can happen in the Southeast in warmer months
• More convenient if your visitor needs to:
  • Attend evening plans in Atlanta
  • Make connecting flights from ATL to other Southern or international destinations

If your traveler is continuing beyond Atlanta, this is particularly important—ATL is a major connection hub, so tight layovers can be risky during high-weather-impact seasons.

What Atlanta Travelers Should Consider Before Booking

If you’re based in Atlanta and planning your own trip to Rochester and back—or arranging travel for others—these points are especially helpful.

1. Purpose of the Trip

• Family visits or casual trips:
  You might prioritize lower fares and be more flexible with flight times.
• Business, conferences, medical appointments, or college visits near Rochester:
  It’s often worth paying more for nonstop flights and better timing to reduce stress and delays.

2. Connection Needs at ATL

For inbound visitors from Rochester:

• Some will end their trip in Atlanta, visiting:
  • Downtown Atlanta, Midtown, Buckhead, or nearby neighborhoods
  • Universities like Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, or Emory University
• Others may connect onward through ATL to:
  • Other Southern states
  • West Coast or international destinations

If you’re the Atlanta-based “point person,” make sure your visitor’s itinerary leaves adequate connection time at ATL if they’re continuing elsewhere.

3. Weather Considerations

Because this route links upstate New York and Georgia, seasonal weather patterns matter:

• Winter:
  Rochester can experience snow and ice, which may cause delays or cancellations that ripple through to Atlanta. If you’re planning a tight schedule in Atlanta (weddings, meetings, ticketed events), consider:
  • Booking earlier arrival days
  • Choosing nonstop flights to reduce delay risks
• Summer in Atlanta:
  Afternoon thunderstorms in the Southeast can add delays around peak heat hours. Morning flights often fare better.

Arranging Atlanta Logistics for Visitors from Rochester

If you live in Atlanta and are coordinating a visit for someone flying from Rochester, a few local planning steps can make their trip smoother.

Lodging Location

Choose where your visitor stays based on their primary Atlanta activities:

• Downtown Atlanta:
  Best if they’re attending events at Georgia World Congress Center, visiting Centennial Olympic Park, or need walkable access to central attractions.
• Midtown:
  Good for arts, nightlife, and access to Piedmont Park and Midtown offices.
• Buckhead:
  Often chosen for shopping and business meetings in the Buckhead business district.
• Near the airport:
  Ideal for short stays or if they’re catching early-morning connecting flights.

Transportation Plans

Think through:

• Will you pick them up at ATL, or will they use MARTA, taxi, or rideshare?
• Do they need to travel around metro Atlanta independently? If so, a rental car may be worth it, especially if they’ll visit suburban areas like Marietta, Roswell, or Stone Mountain.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Rochester → Atlanta Trip

Here are some simple, Atlanta-focused tips you can share with anyone flying in:

• Plan for ATL’s size:
  Hartsfield–Jackson is large and busy. Once they land, it can take extra time to:

  • Ride the Plane Train to baggage claim
  • Retrieve luggage
  • Reach the Ground Transportation or MARTA areas

• Give meeting points:
  If you’re picking them up, choose a clear location such as:

  • The passenger pickup area at Domestic Arrivals
  • A designated spot inside near baggage claim signage

• Think about rush hour:
  Driving from ATL into the city can be slow during:

  • Morning rush: roughly 7:00–9:00 a.m.
  • Evening rush: roughly 4:00–7:00 p.m.
    If possible, schedule arrival times from Rochester that avoid the heaviest traffic.

• Check for events:
  Major Atlanta events (sports, concerts, festivals) can affect:

  • Hotel rates
  • Traffic around Downtown and Midtown
  • Rideshare wait times near the stadium or event venues

By understanding how flights from Rochester, NY to Atlanta, GA typically operate, and how to navigate Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and local transportation, you can plan smoother trips—whether you’re an Atlanta resident flying north and back, or you’re preparing to welcome visitors from Rochester into the city.