Flights to Baltimore From Atlanta: How to Find the Best Options From ATL ✈️

Flying from Atlanta to Baltimore is a straightforward trip for both business and leisure travelers. Whether you live in Metro Atlanta, you’re visiting the city and flying out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), or you’re just trying to understand how this route works, it helps to know your options and what to expect.

This guide focuses specifically on flying from Atlanta, Georgia to Baltimore, Maryland, with practical tips on schedules, airports, transportation, costs, and how to make the trip smoother.

Key Facts About Flights From Atlanta to Baltimore

Route basics (Atlanta → Baltimore)

• Departure airport: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Primary arrival airport: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
• Flight time (nonstop): Typically about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours in the air
• Frequency: Multiple nonstop flights most days, plus one-stop options through other hubs
• Main trip types: Business travel, visiting family, college visits, cruising from Baltimore, or trips to the Baltimore–Washington region

Which Airlines Fly From Atlanta to Baltimore?

Most travelers flying from Atlanta to Baltimore use nonstop flights, but there are also many one-stop options via other cities.

Common options from ATL to BWI

Airline offerings can change, but travelers commonly see:

• Low-cost carriers offering nonstop flights between ATL and BWI
• Legacy carriers (larger national airlines) offering:
  • Nonstop flights to Washington, D.C.–area airports (like DCA or IAD) plus a short drive/train to Baltimore
  • One-stop connections from ATL to BWI through their main hubs (for example, via Charlotte, Dallas–Fort Worth, Chicago, or other cities)

If your priority is price, low-cost carriers from Atlanta to BWI are often among the cheapest options.
If your priority is loyalty points, seat upgrades, or flexibility, connecting through your preferred airline’s hub may make sense.

Direct vs. Connecting Flights From Atlanta to Baltimore

Nonstop flights

Nonstop ATL → BWI flights are typically best for:

• Atlanta residents who want to save time
• Weekend trips or short business visits
• Families traveling with kids (less hassle, no plane changes)

Nonstop flights:

• Usually depart from ATL’s domestic terminals (North or South)
• Use the Concourse T–E gates (you’ll ride the Plane Train after security if you’re not in Concourse T)
• Land at BWI, which is directly connected to Baltimore by road and rail

Connecting flights

You might consider a one-stop itinerary if:

• You’re chasing a lower fare that undercuts nonstop options
• You want to stay loyal to a specific airline not offering nonstop ATL–BWI service at your time
• You’re combining a Baltimore trip with another stop along the way

Common connection cities from Atlanta can include:

• Charlotte (CLT)
• Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW)
• Chicago (ORD or MDW)
• Philadelphia (PHL)
• New York–area airports

Connecting can add 2–4 hours (or more) to your total travel time, so compare total trip length—not just price.

ATL vs. Other Departure Points Around Atlanta

Most people flying to Baltimore will depart from ATL, but a few alternatives exist for specific situations.

Main Atlanta departure: Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL)

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main information line: (800) 897-1910

Reasons ATL is usually best:

• Most flight choices to Baltimore and nearby D.C. airports
• MARTA rail access from many in-town neighborhoods
• Extensive parking options and ground transportation
• Easier to find good departure times throughout the day

Regional alternatives (less common)

Depending on where you live in metro Atlanta, you might see limited or seasonal flights to the Baltimore/Washington area from regional airports such as:

• Middle Georgia Regional Airport (near Macon)
• Athens-Ben Epps Airport

These are usually used only if you have a very specific fare or schedule need; for most travelers in or near Atlanta, ATL remains the practical choice.

Typical Flight Duration and Timing

How long is the flight?

• Nonstop ATL → BWI: Around 1.5–2 hours of actual flying
• Gate-to-gate time: Often listed around 2–2.5 hours to account for taxiing and boarding
• One-stop itineraries: Usually 3.5–6+ hours total depending on connection

Best times of day to fly from Atlanta

Travelers from Atlanta often prefer:

• Early morning departures:
  • More likely to depart on time
  • Good for same-day meetings or maximizing your first day in Baltimore
• Midday flights:
  • Often less crowded than peak morning/evening
• Evening flights:
  • Work a full day in Atlanta, then fly out after business hours

If you’re connecting, give yourself enough layover time—at least 60–90 minutes is a comfortable buffer at most large airports.

Getting to ATL From Around Atlanta

Using MARTA to reach the airport

MARTA is often the easiest way to reach ATL, especially if you’re staying near downtown or Midtown.

• Take MARTA’s Red or Gold Line southbound
• Get off at the Airport Station (it’s inside the Domestic Terminal, near the South baggage claim)
• If you’re parking elsewhere or being picked up, follow signs to your desired area

Good origin stations for airport access include:

• North Springs, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs (Red Line, north of the city)
• Doraville, Chamblee, Brookhaven/Oglethorpe, Lindbergh Center, Midtown, North Avenue, Five Points, West End (Red/Gold Line corridor)

Driving and parking at ATL

If you’re driving:

• Use I-85 for the Domestic Terminal
• Use I-285 → I-75 and follow signs if you’re heading to the International Terminal (though most Baltimore flights use the domestic side)

Common ATL parking options:

• Hourly (closest, but more expensive)
• Daily parking decks
• Economy and Park-Ride lots (more budget-friendly, shuttle required)
• Numerous off-airport parking lots near Camp Creek Parkway and surrounding areas

If you live inside the Perimeter (ITP), compare the time and cost of MARTA vs. parking—for solo travelers, MARTA is often cheaper and simpler.

Approximate Cost Ranges for Atlanta–Baltimore Flights

Prices vary by season, demand, and how early you book, but you can expect these general patterns:

• Cheapest fares: Often on low-cost carriers, especially with limited or no-frills tickets
• Standard economy: More flexible tickets from major airlines or more convenient times
• Business and last-minute travel: Higher fares, especially during weekdays or peak times

To manage costs from Atlanta:

• Book earlier when possible, especially for holidays and school breaks
• Avoid peak departure times (Monday morning, Friday afternoon) if your schedule is flexible
• Compare:
  • Nonstop ATL → BWI
  • ATL → DCA (Washington National) + train/drive to Baltimore
  • ATL → IAD (Dulles) + transportation to Baltimore
    Sometimes, flying into a D.C. airport and then taking ground transportation to Baltimore can be competitively priced.

BWI vs. D.C.-Area Airports for Baltimore Trips

If your main destination is Baltimore, it makes sense to compare airports in the greater region.

Overview: Airports you might use from Atlanta

For most Atlanta-based travelers whose final stop is Baltimore, BWI is usually the most convenient arrival point. However, if you:

• Find a much cheaper or better-timed ATL → DCA flight
• Have meetings in both D.C. and Baltimore
• Want to sightsee in D.C. as well

…you might fly into a D.C. airport and then continue north.

Getting From BWI Into Baltimore

Once you land at BWI, you’ll have several options to reach Baltimore:

1. Rail (MARC or Amtrak)

From the airport:

• Take the free BWI Airport shuttle to the nearby rail station
• Board a MARC (commuter) train or Amtrak train toward Baltimore Penn Station

Benefits:

• Often one of the fastest ways into the city
• Good for travelers familiar with train systems from using MARTA in Atlanta

2. Rideshare and taxis

• Rideshare pickup zones are clearly signed at BWI
• Taxis are available at the ground transportation level

This is similar in feel to using rideshare at ATL’s North or South Terminal pickup zones.

3. Rental cars

If you’re planning to explore more of Maryland:

• Use BWI’s consolidated rental car facility
• Shuttle buses connect the terminal to the rental center

This is comparable to ATL’s Rental Car Center, which Atlanta travelers are often already used to.

Tips for Atlanta Travelers Booking ATL → BWI

1. Think about traffic to the airport

Atlanta traffic is well-known for being unpredictable. To protect your flight plans:

• From Intown neighborhoods (Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Westside):
  • Consider MARTA if you’re flying during rush hours
  • If driving, add buffer time for I-75/85 congestion
• From Northside suburbs (Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs):
  • Allow extra time on GA-400 and I-285
• From Southside and Clayton County:
  • You may be closer to ATL but still account for local congestion

Aim to arrive at ATL:

• At least 2 hours before departure for domestic flights
• More during peak holiday travel periods

2. Compare one-way vs. round-trip fares

From Atlanta, it can sometimes be cheaper to:

• Book a round-trip ATL ↔ BWI on one airline
• Or book two one-way tickets (possibly on different airlines) if your schedule is flexible

Check both options when you search.

3. Consider baggage and seat costs

Especially if you’re flying a low-cost carrier:

• Baggage fees, seat selection, and change fees can add up
• If you’re used to flying certain carriers from ATL for other routes, compare the total cost, not just the base fare

4. Look at nearby travel dates

Flights from Atlanta can swing in price based on:

• Day of the week (midweek can be cheaper than Friday–Sunday)
• Time of year (summer, Thanksgiving, and winter holidays can be higher)

If you live in Atlanta and your schedule is flexible, test different departure and return days to find a better deal.

What Atlanta Visitors Should Know Before Flying Out to Baltimore

If you’re visiting Atlanta and flying onward to Baltimore:

• Many hotels in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and near Perimeter Center are along the MARTA Red/Gold Lines, giving you easy rail access to ATL
• If you’re staying near Hartsfield–Jackson (College Park, East Point, Hapeville), some hotels offer airport shuttles; confirm details directly with the property
• Allow enough time to:
  • Check out of your hotel
  • Travel to the airport
  • Clear security (which can be busy at ATL, especially mornings and Mondays)

You’ll depart Atlanta from:

• Domestic Terminal North or South depending on your airline
• Security screening, then onward to your assigned concourse via the Plane Train or walkway

When Flying to Baltimore From Atlanta Makes the Most Sense

Flying from Atlanta to Baltimore usually makes sense when:

• You’re traveling for work to offices in Baltimore or the Baltimore–Washington area
• You’re visiting family or friends in Maryland
• You’re connecting to a cruise out of Baltimore’s port
• You’re visiting colleges or universities in or near Baltimore
• You’re adding Baltimore to a multi-city East Coast itinerary starting from Atlanta

Because the flight is relatively short and service is frequent, it’s a practical route for both quick trips and longer stays.

For anyone in Atlanta—whether you live in Midtown, Decatur, Marietta, or farther out in Gwinnett or Henry County—flying to Baltimore via ATL is usually simple to arrange. Focus on:

• Nonstop options for the fastest trip
• BWI vs. D.C.-area airports based on your final destination
• The right balance of price, schedule, and convenience for your needs

With a little planning around Atlanta traffic, airport timing, and your ground transportation in Maryland, the ATL → Baltimore trip is one of the easier East Coast routes to navigate.