Flying From Denver to Atlanta: How to Find the Best Flights to ATL
Flying from Denver to Atlanta is a popular route, whether you’re heading home to Atlanta, visiting the city, or connecting through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). This guide walks you through what to expect on flights to Atlanta from Denver, how to get good fares, and what to do once you land at ATL — all with an Atlanta-focused perspective.
Key Facts About Denver–Atlanta Flights
Typical flight details
| Detail | What to Expect on Denver → Atlanta Flights |
|---|---|
| Route | Denver International Airport (DEN) → Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) |
| Nonstop flight time | About 2.5–3 hours in the air |
| Time zone change | Denver (Mountain) → Atlanta (Eastern), +2 hours |
| Common trip types | Business travel, conferences, family visits, Atlanta vacation, connections to Southeast and international flights |
Most travelers heading to Atlanta fly directly into Hartsfield–Jackson, which is the main commercial airport serving the Atlanta metro area.
Which Airlines Fly From Denver to Atlanta?
Several major airlines commonly operate the Denver to Atlanta route. On this route you’ll usually find:
- Nonstop options on large national carriers
- One-stop options through other hubs (useful if times or prices work better)
From an Atlanta traveler’s point of view, the biggest advantage of arriving from Denver is easy access to Atlanta’s huge flight network. ATL is a major hub, so it’s common for people to:
- Fly Denver → Atlanta and then connect to smaller Southern cities
- Meet family, attend conferences, or start a road trip here
Even if your final destination is elsewhere in Georgia, flying DEN → ATL is often the most straightforward choice.
Best Time of Day to Fly Denver → Atlanta
Because of the time zone difference, you’ll “lose” two hours on paper flying east. For Atlanta plans, that matters. Here’s how it usually plays out:
Morning departures from Denver
- Often land in Atlanta mid-afternoon or early evening
- Good if you want to check into your Atlanta hotel, grab dinner, and settle in the same day
- Helpful for business travelers with next-morning meetings in Midtown or Downtown
Midday/afternoon departures from Denver
- Often land in Atlanta in the evening or late evening
- Works if you’re going straight home in Atlanta or don’t mind a late check-in
Red-eye options (if offered seasonally or via connecting routes)
- Can land early morning in Atlanta
- Convenient if you want to go straight to work in areas like Buckhead, Perimeter Center, or Downtown, but can be tiring
If you’re connecting in Atlanta — for example, Denver → Atlanta → Savannah, Jacksonville, or an international destination — pay attention to connection times. ATL is large, and while the connection process is efficient, you still need time to move between concourses.
When to Book Flights to Atlanta from Denver
People flying into or out of Atlanta notice certain pricing patterns:
1. Watch Atlanta’s busy seasons
Demand for Denver–Atlanta flights can rise around:
- Spring break (families visiting Atlanta attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or Zoo Atlanta)
- Summer (vacations and conventions)
- Major events at the Georgia World Congress Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or State Farm Arena
- Holiday periods (Thanksgiving, winter holidays, long weekends)
During these times, booking earlier is often better, especially if you want specific flight times that fit around Atlanta meetings, events, or family schedules.
2. Be flexible with dates and airports on the Denver side
From an Atlanta traveler’s standpoint:
- If you live in Atlanta and are returning from Denver, flying back on Monday mornings or Sunday evenings can be pricier.
- Midweek flights (Tuesday–Thursday) often have more reasonable fares if your schedule can flex.
3. Consider Atlanta traffic when choosing flight times
If you’ll be driving to or from ATL or catching MARTA, remember:
- Morning rush (roughly 7–9 a.m.) and evening rush (4–7 p.m.) can slow you down on I-85, I-75, and the Connector.
- Off-peak arrivals can mean smoother trips to neighborhoods like Decatur, Sandy Springs, East Atlanta, or College Park.
What to Expect When You Land at ATL
All flights from Denver to Atlanta arrive at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), located at:
- 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
Terminals and Concourses
ATL has:
- A Domestic Terminal (North and South sides)
- An International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal, Concourse F)
- Multiple concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F) connected by the Plane Train underground shuttle
Most Denver → Atlanta flights arrive at domestic concourses such as A, B, C, or T.
After you land:
- Take the Plane Train or walk via the pedestrian tunnel to Baggage Claim.
- Follow signs for Ground Transportation if you’re heading into the city.
Getting From ATL into Atlanta
Once your Denver to Atlanta flight arrives, you have several ways to reach the city or suburbs.
1. MARTA Train 🚆
MARTA is often the simplest and most predictable way into many parts of Atlanta.
- Station: Airport MARTA Station (inside the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim)
- Connects to:
- Downtown Atlanta (Five Points, Peachtree Center)
- Midtown (Arts Center, Midtown Station)
- Buckhead
- Medical Center, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, North Springs
MARTA works well if you’re:
- Staying at a hotel near a MARTA station (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead)
- Attending conferences near the Georgia World Congress Center, Downtown government buildings, or Midtown offices
2. Rideshare and Taxis
Pickup areas are clearly marked:
- Rideshare pickup: Typically from the North or South economy lots or designated rideshare areas, reached by following airport signage for app-based rides
- Taxi stands: Outside the baggage claim area of the Domestic Terminal
Rideshare or taxi is useful if you’re:
- Heading to neighborhoods less convenient for MARTA, like Virginia-Highland, Grant Park, West Midtown, or East Atlanta Village
- Carrying heavy luggage or traveling late at night
3. Rental Cars 🚗
If you’re planning to explore metro Atlanta or wider Georgia, a rental car might be worth it.
- Rental Car Center (RCC):
- Connected to the terminals by the ATL SkyTrain
- Address: 2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy, College Park, GA 30337
This is useful if you’re going to:
- Suburbs like Alpharetta, Marietta, Peachtree City, or Stone Mountain
- Road trips from Atlanta after flying in from Denver
Just keep Atlanta traffic in mind when planning your return drive to the airport.
Tips for a Smooth Denver → Atlanta Trip
Use these practical pointers to make your flight to Atlanta from Denver more efficient, especially if Atlanta is your final stop or a quick connection.
1. Plan Around Atlanta’s Time Zone and Traffic
- You’ll lose 2 hours flying east, so a 10 a.m. departure from Denver might land in Atlanta in the mid-afternoon.
- For events or meetings in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, build in time for:
- Airport procedures
- Travel from ATL to your destination
- Potential traffic delays
2. Allow Extra Time for ATL Connections
If you’re connecting through Atlanta after flying from Denver:
- ATL is large but designed for connections; still, plan a comfortable layover.
- Short connections can be risky if:
- Your Denver departure is delayed
- Your gate is far from your connecting concourse
3. Keep an Eye on Weather
- Denver can see snow and winter weather that may affect departure.
- Atlanta can experience summer thunderstorms that cause temporary ground stops or delays.
If you’re heading straight to an important Atlanta commitment — like a wedding, conference session, or game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium — consider scheduling arrival at least a day early.
Making the Most of Your Arrival in Atlanta
Once your flight from Denver to Atlanta lands and you’ve reached your destination, you may want to:
- Grab a meal in nearby neighborhoods like:
- College Park (near the airport)
- Downtown or Midtown if you took MARTA or a quick ride
- Take advantage of ATL’s role as a hub: many Denver travelers use Atlanta as a starting point to:
- Drive to North Georgia mountains, Savannah, or Athens
- Connect to destinations throughout the Southeast and beyond
If you live in Atlanta and are returning from Denver, you might plan your arrival based on:
- School pickup times in your local district
- Evening MARTA schedules if you prefer transit over driving
- Whether you want to reach home in time to avoid evening rush on key interstates
Helpful Local Contacts and Information
For official information related to your Denver to Atlanta flight or arrival procedures, these Atlanta-area resources are useful:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
- General information desks are located in the terminals for assistance with wayfinding, ground transportation, and airport services.
ATL Ground Transportation Center
- Located near the Domestic Terminal, with staff who can help direct you to MARTA, shuttles, hotel buses, and taxis.
MARTA Customer Service (for transit from ATL into the city)
- Main Office: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
- Customer information is available at Airport Station and major MARTA rail stations.
These official points of contact can help if you need assistance once your flight to Atlanta from Denver has arrived — whether you’re a local returning home or a visitor navigating Atlanta for the first time.
