Flying From Columbus to Atlanta: How to Plan Your Trip to Hartsfield‑Jackson

Looking for flights to Atlanta from Columbus and want to know what to expect when you land in Atlanta, Georgia? Whether you’re returning home, visiting family, attending a conference downtown, or connecting through Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), it helps to understand your options and how everything works on both ends of the trip.

This guide walks you through the main types of Columbus–Atlanta flights, what airports are involved, typical travel times, how to get from the airport into Atlanta, and practical tips specifically for Atlanta‑bound travelers.

Key Question: Which “Columbus” Are We Talking About?

There are several cities named Columbus in the United States that commonly have routes to Atlanta:

• Columbus, Georgia (CSG) – the closest Columbus to Atlanta
• Columbus, Ohio (CMH / LCK)
• Other, smaller Columbus locations in different states

Many people searching for “flights to Atlanta from Columbus” are looking at one of the first two. The good news is that both Columbus, GA and Columbus, OH have ways to reach Atlanta, but the experience is a bit different in each case.

Below, you’ll see guidance for both major Columbuses that feed flights into Atlanta.

Atlanta’s Airport: What to Expect When You Land

No matter which Columbus you fly from, you’ll almost certainly arrive at:

Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Located about 10–15 minutes south of Downtown Atlanta (without heavy traffic)
• Major hub for Delta Air Lines and a busy stop for many U.S. carriers
• Two main sides:
  • Domestic Terminal (North & South)
  • International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)

Helpful to know for Atlanta‑bound passengers:

• Most flights from Columbus, GA and Columbus, OH arrive at the Domestic Terminal.
• To reach Atlanta neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, or Westside, you’ll depart from the Domestic Terminal ground transportation area or the MARTA station inside the airport.

Flights From Columbus, Georgia (CSG) to Atlanta

If you’re in Columbus, Georgia, you’re only about 100 miles southwest of Atlanta. Historically, there have been short regional flights between Columbus Airport (CSG) and Atlanta (ATL).

1. Flight vs. Driving From Columbus, GA to Atlanta

Because of the relatively short distance:

• Driving often takes about 1.5–2 hours, depending on traffic and departure point in Columbus.
• Flying, when available, involves:
  • Short flight time in the air (often under an hour)
  • Time for check‑in, security, boarding, taxiing, and deplaning in Atlanta

In practice, many travelers in Columbus, GA:

• Drive directly to ATL to catch a longer flight, or
• Use a shuttle or rideshare service instead of a short regional flight

2. Columbus Airport (CSG) Basics

If flights are operating between CSG and ATL, they typically:

• Use smaller regional aircraft
• Have limited daily departures, often timed to connect with major flights in Atlanta

Columbus Airport (CSG)

• Address: 3250 W Britt David Rd, Columbus, GA 31909
• About 10–15 minutes from much of Columbus, GA by car

If you’re in Atlanta and expecting someone from Columbus, GA by air, it’s worth confirming:

• Whether they’re actually flying CSG → ATL, or
• Driving or taking a shuttle and then meeting you at ATL’s Domestic Terminal or elsewhere in the city

Flights From Columbus, Ohio (CMH / LCK) to Atlanta

If you’re traveling from Columbus, Ohio to Atlanta, the trip is a true city‑to‑city flight rather than a short hop.

Common airports in the Columbus, OH area:

• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) – main commercial airport
• Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) – primarily cargo and some passenger/service operations

Most standard commercial flights to Atlanta depart from CMH.

1. Typical Columbus, OH → Atlanta Flight Details

• Flight time (in the air): usually around 1.5–2 hours
• Nonstop flights: often available on major U.S. airlines, especially those that use ATL as a hub
• Connections: Some itineraries may route you through another hub, but many travelers prefer nonstop CMH → ATL when available

If you live in Atlanta and are comparing options to visit Columbus, OH:

• Nonstop flights can be efficient for short trips
• You’ll usually land at CMH, which is close to downtown Columbus, Ohio

When Is the Best Time to Fly to Atlanta From Columbus?

For both Columbus, GA and Columbus, OH, there are a few patterns that often affect flights into Atlanta:

1. Time of Day

• Morning flights are often preferred for:
  • Better odds of being on time (fewer earlier delays stacking up)
  • Smoother same‑day connections in Atlanta if you’re continuing elsewhere
• Evening arrivals in Atlanta can mean:
  • Heavier traffic on Atlanta interstates, especially on weekdays
  • More crowded MARTA trains during rush hours

2. Time of Year

Flights into Atlanta can be busier around:

• Spring and fall conference seasons (Downtown/Midtown events)
• Major sports events (Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, big college games)
• Summer travel season and winter holidays

If you plan to stay in Atlanta rather than just connect through, consider allowing extra time for:

• Hotel booking in neighborhoods you prefer (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, etc.)
• Ground transportation from ATL during busy periods

Arriving in Atlanta: Getting From ATL to the City

Once your flight from Columbus lands at ATL, you’ll need to get from the airport into the city or metro area. Atlanta offers several ground transportation options.

1. MARTA (Public Transit)

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) runs trains directly from the airport.

• Airport Station: Located inside ATL, next to the Domestic Terminal (North)
• Trains run on the Red and Gold Lines
• Popular stops for visitors:
  • Five Points (Downtown)
  • Peachtree Center (Downtown)
  • Midtown
  • Arts Center
  • Buckhead (via the Red Line)

Why MARTA is useful:

• Often faster than driving during rush hour
• Avoids parking costs in the city
• Straightforward for travelers staying near MARTA stations

2. Rideshare and Taxis

Atlanta has designated pick‑up areas at ATL for:

• Rideshare services
• Taxis and licensed ground transportation

Pick‑up areas are clearly marked; from the Domestic Terminal, expect:

• A short walk or shuttle ride to the rideshare zone
• Taxi stands near baggage claim exits

This is a good option if:

• You have heavy luggage
• You’re staying farther from a MARTA station (for example, parts of Westside, East Atlanta, or some suburban areas)

3. Rental Cars

For travelers coming from Columbus and planning to explore beyond central Atlanta, renting a car can be practical.

ATL has a separate Rental Car Center, connected to the terminals by the SkyTrain. From there, you can:

• Access major rental companies
• Drive to:
  • Downtown/Midtown (generally 15–30 minutes, traffic‑dependent)
  • Suburbs like Sandy Springs, Marietta, Alpharetta, Decatur, or Stone Mountain

Quick Comparison: Travel From Columbus to Atlanta

Below is a simple overview for travelers comparing their options to reach Atlanta:

Tips for Atlanta Travelers Coming From Columbus

1. Plan Your Ground Transportation in Atlanta in Advance

Before you board your flight from Columbus, it helps to know:

• Will you use MARTA, rideshare, taxi, or a rental car?
• Where is your lodging in Atlanta?
  • Near MARTA stations → train is often easiest
  • In more residential or suburban areas → rideshare or rental car may be better

2. Allow Buffer Time at ATL for Connections

If your flight from Columbus is just the first leg of a longer trip and you’re connecting through Atlanta:

• Build in extra time for:
  • Navigating ATL’s concourses (A, B, C, D, E, F, T)
  • Riding the Plane Train between gates
• ATL is large; changing concourses can take additional minutes even without delays

Many travelers prefer:

• At least an hour between flights for domestic connections
• More if traveling with family or unfamiliar with ATL’s layout

3. Consider Atlanta Traffic if Someone Is Picking You Up

If you have friends or family in Atlanta coming to get you:

• Coordinate your flight arrival time with:
  • Morning rush (approx. 7–9 a.m.)
  • Evening rush (approx. 4–7 p.m.)

Traffic on I‑75/I‑85 (“the Connector”) can be heavy, particularly when:

• Large events are happening in Downtown or Midtown
• There is construction or accidents on key routes

It’s helpful to:

• Share your live flight status
• Agree on a specific terminal and door at the Domestic Terminal arrivals level for pickup

If You’re Already in Atlanta and Flying Out to Columbus

If you live in Atlanta and are planning a trip to one of the Columbuses:

• To Columbus, GA

  • Decide whether to drive or use a short flight (if available)
  • Some travelers simply rent a car in Atlanta and return it in Columbus, GA, depending on their plans

• To Columbus, OH

  • Look for nonstop ATL → CMH flights to keep the trip simple
  • Consider departure times that avoid the worst of Atlanta’s morning or evening traffic getting to ATL

Practical Contacts and Local Details

For Atlanta‑bound travelers, these main points of contact are useful:

Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Location: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Main role: Primary arrival and departure point for Atlanta‑area flights, including those from Columbus, GA and Columbus, OH

MARTA (For Airport Trains and Buses in Atlanta)

• Airport Station: At the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim
• Connects ATL with: Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and other parts of the city on the Red and Gold Lines

Before you fly, you may also want to:

• Confirm terminal and gate information on your airline’s app or website
• Check how close your Atlanta destination is to a MARTA station or major roadway, to choose the best transportation method from the airport

Flying from Columbus to Atlanta is straightforward once you know which Columbus you’re leaving from, where you’ll land at ATL, and how you’ll get into the city. By planning your ground transportation and timing with Atlanta’s layout and traffic in mind, you can make your arrival in the city smooth and stress‑free.