Flights from Pittsburgh to Atlanta: What Travelers to Atlanta Need to Know

Flying from Pittsburgh (PIT) to Atlanta (ATL) is a popular route for both visitors and Atlanta residents returning home. Whether you’re coming to Atlanta for business, a weekend trip, or connecting onward through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, understanding how this route works will make your travel much smoother.

Overview of Flights from Pittsburgh to Atlanta

The Pittsburgh–Atlanta route is a busy domestic corridor with:

• Multiple nonstop flights most days
• Typical flight time of about 1 hour 40 minutes – 2 hours
• Service into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), located just south of downtown Atlanta

If you already live in Atlanta, these flights matter when you:

• Book return flights home from Pittsburgh
• Arrange airport pickups for friends/relatives flying Pittsburgh to Atlanta
• Plan connections through ATL to other U.S. or international destinations

Where You’ll Fly Into: Atlanta’s Main Airport (ATL)

All commercial flights from Pittsburgh land at:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

Key points for travelers landing in Atlanta:

• Domestic arrivals from Pittsburgh typically use the domestic terminal and concourses such as A, B, C, or T, depending on the airline.
• ATL is a major hub airport, so it’s commonly used for connections to other cities after flying in from Pittsburgh.
• Baggage claim for domestic flights is on the lower level of the domestic terminal, with clear signage by airline.

If you’re an Atlanta local picking someone up from a Pittsburgh flight, check:

• Which concourse and arrival time their flight is scheduled for
• The correct passenger pickup area (North or South terminal, based on airline)

Typical Flight Time and What to Expect

Most nonstop flights Pittsburgh to Atlanta have:

• Gate-to-gate time: About 1 hour 40 minutes–2 hours
• Air time: Often closer to 1.5 hours, depending on winds and traffic

Keep in mind:

• Time spent taxiing and waiting to take off/land at ATL can add a few minutes.
• During peak times in Atlanta (early morning, late afternoon), arrival delays are more common because of heavy traffic at ATL.

For anyone connecting in Atlanta after flying from Pittsburgh:

• Many travelers allow at least 60–90 minutes connection time at ATL, especially if changing concourses.
• The Plane Train (airport train) helps you move between concourses quickly, typically in just a few minutes.

Best Times to Fly from Pittsburgh to Atlanta

For people coming into Atlanta, timing can significantly affect your experience on arrival:

Morning flights

• Often more on-time and less affected by weather delays that build later in the day.
• Good choice if you want to maximize your day in Atlanta—you can land by late morning and be downtown around lunchtime.

Midday / afternoon flights

• Convenient for a more relaxed start but can sometimes see more congestion or connecting traffic at ATL.
• Good for hotel check-in times in Atlanta, often around 3–4 p.m.

Evening flights

• Helpful for weekend trips, working a full day in Pittsburgh before flying.
• If you’re connecting onward from Atlanta, be mindful that late-night delays can impact missed connections.

How Far ATL Is from Atlanta Neighborhoods

Once you land from Pittsburgh, your next step is getting into the city. Approximate drive times from ATL to popular Atlanta areas (without heavy traffic):

Atlanta traffic can be heavy during weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.), so build in extra time for ground transportation if your flight from Pittsburgh lands then.

Ground Transportation After Landing in Atlanta

If you’re flying Pittsburgh to Atlanta, these are your main options once you arrive at ATL:

1. MARTA (Train)

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) rail line connects ATL directly to the city.

• MARTA Airport Station is located inside the domestic terminal, at the end of baggage claim.
• The Red and Gold lines run from the airport to downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and further north.

Good for:

• Visitors staying near downtown or Midtown hotels
• Atlanta residents taking MARTA home near a station
• Avoiding traffic and parking costs

Example segments:

• Airport → Five Points (Downtown): about 15–20 minutes
• Airport → Midtown Station: about 20–25 minutes
• Airport → Buckhead Station: about 30–35 minutes

MARTA Headquarters (for general info and passes):
MARTA Headquarters
2424 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Customer Info (general): 404-848-5000

2. Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshares and taxis are widely used from ATL:

• There are designated pickup zones for rideshare and taxis at the domestic terminal.
• Costs vary based on traffic and destination; rides to downtown or Midtown are typically more affordable than long rides to the outer suburbs.

Good for:

• Late-night arrivals from Pittsburgh
• Travelers with lots of luggage
• Direct trips to specific neighborhoods or addresses without transfers

3. Rental Cars

If you need your own vehicle in Atlanta:

• Rental cars are located at the ATL Rental Car Center (RCC), connected by the free SkyTrain.
• The SkyTrain departs from a station just outside the domestic terminal and takes a few minutes to reach the RCC.

Useful if you plan to:

• Visit multiple suburbs or outlying areas (e.g., Marietta, Alpharetta, Peachtree City)
• Have meetings in different parts of the metro Atlanta area

Booking Tips for Pittsburgh to Atlanta Flights (From an Atlanta Perspective)

If you live in Atlanta and are planning a round trip ATL ↔ PIT, or you’re helping someone fly into Atlanta, consider:

1. Compare Nonstop vs. Connecting

• Nonstop Pittsburgh to Atlanta flights are typically preferred for:
  • Fewer delays and missed connections
  • Short total travel time
• Connections are mainly relevant if you’re using ATL as a hub to continue to another city after Pittsburgh.

2. Think About Arrival Time in Atlanta

For visitors:

• Arrive midday or early afternoon to easily:
  • Check into your Atlanta hotel
  • Settle in before dinner and evening plans
• If you’re planning to attend an event in Atlanta (game, concert, meeting), aim to arrive at least several hours early to handle possible delays.

For locals returning:

• Consider traffic: If you’re landing from Pittsburgh during evening rush, you may spend more time in traffic than in the air.
• Some Atlanta residents prefer late-night flights back from Pittsburgh to avoid heavy congestion on I-75/85.

3. Seat Choice for the PIT–ATL Route

Even though it’s a relatively short flight, consider:

• Aisle seats if you expect to work, move around, or deplane quickly for tight connections at ATL.
• Window seats if you want a quieter, more scenic ride and no one climbing past you.

Connecting Through Atlanta After Flying from Pittsburgh

Many travelers use the Pittsburgh to Atlanta flight as the first leg of a longer trip.

What to know about connecting at ATL:

• ATL has multiple concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F) connected by the Plane Train and walkable tunnels.
• If you arrive from Pittsburgh at one concourse and depart from another:
  • Plane Train rides are short, usually under 5 minutes between most concourses.
  • Allow time for walking from gate to train and between transfer points.

Tips:

• For domestic-to-domestic connections, many travelers feel comfortable with 60 minutes or slightly less, depending on gate proximity.
• For domestic-to-international connections (for example, from Pittsburgh to Atlanta then overseas), longer connectors—90 minutes or more—are common for peace of mind.

What Visitors from Pittsburgh Should Expect in Atlanta

If you’re arriving from Pittsburgh and staying in Atlanta for a while:

Weather & Packing Considerations

• Atlanta’s climate tends to be warmer and more humid than Pittsburgh’s, especially from late spring through early fall.
• In winter, Atlanta is usually milder, but occasional cold snaps or icy days can still occur and sometimes impact flights.

Pack with an eye on:

• Layers for air-conditioned offices, hotels, and MARTA trains
• Lighter clothing in warmer months, especially if you’ll be walking around downtown, Midtown, or Atlanta’s outdoor attractions

Getting Around After You Arrive

Beyond your initial airport transfer, Atlanta offers:

• MARTA rail and bus for many in-town journeys (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, some east/north areas)
• Rideshares and taxis for point-to-point travel, especially in neighborhoods not directly on MARTA lines
• Scooters and bikes in some dense areas like Midtown and parts of Downtown

Practical Contacts for Travelers in Atlanta

These resources can help if issues arise after your Pittsburgh to Atlanta flight:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  Main Info Line: 800-897-1910 (commonly listed public number)
  Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

• MARTA Customer Service
  General Info: 404-848-5000
  Lost & Found, schedules, and accessibility queries can be handled through this line.

If you experience irregular operations (cancellations or major delays) on your Pittsburgh–Atlanta route, airline counters and customer service desks are located throughout the domestic terminal and concourses at ATL. Look for your airline’s branding signs once you deplane.

By understanding how flights from Pittsburgh to Atlanta work—flight times, arrival procedures at ATL, transportation into the city, and what to expect on the ground—you can plan your trip or your return home to Atlanta with far fewer surprises and much smoother connections.