Flying From Atlanta to Pittsburgh: A Practical Guide for ATL Travelers

Flights from Atlanta to Pittsburgh are a popular choice for Atlanta residents, business travelers, college families, and sports fans heading to Steelers, Penguins, or Pirates games. Whether you’re leaving from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) or planning a trip into Atlanta first, the route to Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is straightforward and usually fast.

This guide breaks down what you need to know about flights, timing, airports, fares, and tips that matter specifically if you’re planning this trip from Atlanta.

How Long Is the Flight From Atlanta to Pittsburgh?

Most nonstop flights from Atlanta (ATL) to Pittsburgh (PIT) are about:

• Air time: ~1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
• Gate-to-gate time: Often listed around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours

Keep in mind:

• Taxi time at ATL can add several minutes, especially during peak hours.
• Weather in either city—especially winter in Pittsburgh—can affect actual travel time.

If you’re connecting instead of flying nonstop, your total trip time can easily stretch to 3–5 hours or more, depending on the layover.

Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights From Atlanta to Pittsburgh

If you’re based in Atlanta, you’ll usually have both nonstop and connecting options to Pittsburgh.

Nonstop Flights

Nonstop flights are the most convenient for:

• Business travelers with same-day meetings in downtown Pittsburgh
• Families visiting colleges like the University of Pittsburgh or Carnegie Mellon
• Sports trips for games at Acrisure Stadium or PPG Paints Arena

Nonstop flights typically:

• Leave from ATL’s domestic concourses (T, A, B, C, or D)
• Land at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) in the main terminal complex

Benefits of nonstop flights:

• Less chance of missed connections
• Simpler timing for airport rides, MARTA planning, or parking at ATL
• Better for short weekend trips or day trips

Connecting Flights

Sometimes you may see connecting flights via other cities if:

• Nonstop options are sold out or limited at your preferred time
• You’re using miles or specific fare types that force connections
• You’re combining Pittsburgh with another city on the same ticket

Things to consider with connections:

• Total travel time: Often 3+ hours, even though the distance is short
• Weather risk: Winter connections through northern hubs can add delay risk
• Layover length: Short layovers can be stressful; long layovers can waste time

For most Atlanta-based travelers, nonstop flights to Pittsburgh will be the most practical choice if the schedule and price line up.

Typical Flight Times From Atlanta to Pittsburgh

Flight schedules change seasonally, but if you’re planning from Atlanta, you’ll usually find:

• Morning departures: Convenient for arriving in Pittsburgh before lunch or for same-day business
• Afternoon departures: Good for a relaxed travel day or after-school departures
• Evening departures: Useful if you’re working a full day in Atlanta before flying out

At-a-Glance: What to Expect

When to Book Flights From Atlanta to Pittsburgh

If you live in Metro Atlanta and travel on this route regularly, you’ll notice some patterns:

For Business Travel

• Book early in the week for trips the following week or two.
• Early morning flights from ATL to PIT are usually best if you need to work the same day in Pittsburgh.
• Return flights from Pittsburgh to Atlanta after 4 p.m. local time work well for same-day round trips, if schedules allow.

For Leisure, Sports, and College Visits

• Football weekends, college move-in, graduation, and major concerts can push fares higher.

• If you’re traveling from Atlanta for:

  • Steelers or Pitt Panthers football games
  • Graduation/parents’ weekend at Pitt, CMU, Duquesne, or other universities
  • Big events or festivals

  Try to book several weeks to a few months in advance, especially if your dates are fixed.

Time of Day vs. Price

From Atlanta, you may find that:

• Very early morning and late-night flights can sometimes be cheaper.
• Friday and Sunday flights often fill up first due to weekend trips and business travelers.

It can be worth comparing:

• A Friday night departure from ATL vs. an early Saturday morning departure
• A Sunday evening return to ATL vs. Monday morning if your schedule is flexible

Getting to Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL) for Your Pittsburgh Flight

Because ATL is such a large and busy airport, planning your trip to the airport is important if you’re heading to Pittsburgh.

How Early Should You Arrive at ATL?

For a domestic flight from Atlanta to Pittsburgh:

• Plan to be at the airport about 2 hours before departure.
• Add extra time if:
  • You’re checking bags
  • You’re traveling at peak times (Monday mornings, Friday afternoons, or holidays)
  • You’re unfamiliar with Hartsfield–Jackson

Transportation Options in Atlanta

Depending on where you are in the city, you have several good options:

MARTA (Public Transit)

• MARTA rail goes directly to the Airport Station, attached to the Domestic Terminal (North and South).
• If you’re staying near Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or along the North-South MARTA line, this is often the fastest and most predictable option, especially during rush hour.
• Once at the Airport Station, you walk directly into the terminal to reach your airline’s check-in area.

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving from Atlanta or the suburbs:

• ATL’s address:
  Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320

Parking options include:

• Hourly and daily parking at the Domestic Terminal decks
• Economy lots that are usually more budget-friendly
• ATL West and Park-Ride lots with shuttle service to the terminal

If you’re taking a short trip to Pittsburgh (e.g., weekend), you may want to compare daily deck vs. economy or offsite parking.

Rideshare and Taxis

• Rideshare pick-ups (like Uber or Lyft) and traditional taxis are widely available around Metro Atlanta.
• Drop-off is usually at your airline’s curbside at the North or South Domestic Terminal, depending on your carrier.
• This can be a good choice if you’re traveling with luggage or don’t want to manage parking.

What to Expect at Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL)

Hartsfield–Jackson is one of the busiest airports in the world, but it’s also very structured and easy to navigate once you understand the layout.

Terminals and Concourses

• Domestic flights to Pittsburgh depart from the Domestic Terminal and use concourses T, A, B, C, D, or occasionally E.
• After security, you’ll reach the Plane Train, an underground train that connects all concourses.

Plan at least:

• 5–15 minutes after security to reach your gate, depending on your concourse.

Security Screening

Tips for smoother screening in Atlanta:

• Have your ID and boarding pass ready.
• Wear easily removable shoes and minimize metal accessories.
• If you have TSA PreCheck, use the dedicated lines; they can significantly cut time.

Mornings and early evenings often see heavier crowds, so build in buffer time if your Pittsburgh flight is during those periods.

Arriving at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) From Atlanta

Once you land in Pittsburgh from Atlanta, the airport is generally straightforward.

Layout and Baggage Claim

• You’ll arrive at the Airside Terminal, then move toward the Landside Terminal, where baggage claim is located.
• If you checked luggage in Atlanta, look for the belt assigned to your flight.

Ground Transportation in Pittsburgh

From PIT, Atlanta travelers typically use:

• Rental cars – helpful if you’re visiting family across western Pennsylvania or heading to a campus not directly downtown.
• Rideshare and taxis – available outside the terminal; convenient if you’re staying downtown or near major hospitals or universities.
• Shuttles and buses – some hotels, universities, and sports venues offer shuttle options; local buses also serve the airport.

Travel time from PIT to Downtown Pittsburgh:

• Usually around 25–35 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

Best Times of Year to Fly From Atlanta to Pittsburgh

From Atlanta, the season can impact both your experience and what you pack.

Winter (Late Fall to Early Spring)

• Pittsburgh can have snow, ice, and cold temperatures, especially from December through February.
• Atlanta travelers should pack:
  • A warm coat, gloves, and hat
  • Winter-ready shoes or boots if you plan to walk outdoors
• Flights are still frequent, but winter weather can occasionally cause delays at PIT or connecting airports.

Spring and Fall

• These are popular times for:
  • College visits and orientation
  • Football and hockey seasons
• Weather is often milder, but evenings in Pittsburgh can still be cooler than Atlanta.

Summer

• Summer brings:
  • Family visits and vacations
  • Outdoor events and baseball games
• Fares can rise around holidays (Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day), so early booking from Atlanta is helpful if your dates are fixed.

Packing and Planning Tips for Atlanta-to-Pittsburgh Flights

Since you’re starting from Atlanta’s climate and heading to a generally cooler city, it helps to think ahead.

Clothing and Weather

• Layering is key. You might leave Atlanta in a T-shirt and arrive in Pittsburgh needing a jacket.
• If traveling in winter:
  • Carry your heaviest layer on the plane to save suitcase space.
  • Pack gloves, a warm hat, and thick socks in your carry-on, not checked baggage.

Travel Documents and Logistics

For a domestic flight from ATL to PIT, you’ll need:

• A valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license) acceptable for TSA screening.
• If you have a digital boarding pass, keep your phone charged; consider printing or saving a screenshot as a backup.

Airport Timing

From an Atlanta perspective:

• Aim to depart home or your hotel so that you arrive at ATL roughly:
  • 2 hours before departure, plus:
  • Extra buffer for Atlanta traffic if driving from areas like Gwinnett, Cobb, or Henry counties.

If you’re staying near Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, MARTA can help you avoid highway traffic altogether.

Using Atlanta as a Connection Point to Pittsburgh

If you’re not an Atlanta resident but are connecting through ATL to reach Pittsburgh, much of the same guidance still applies.

• ATL’s Plane Train makes connections fairly quick, but:
  • Try to allow at least 45–60 minutes between flights if you’re not familiar with the airport.
• Food, restrooms, and seating are available in every concourse, so even longer connections are manageable.

If you’re arriving from an international flight into Atlanta before heading to Pittsburgh:

• You’ll likely enter through the International Terminal/Concourse F, complete customs and immigration, then re-check luggage and re-clear security before proceeding to your Pittsburgh departure gate.
• Build in extra connection time, especially if your first leg is long-haul.

Practical Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers Heading to Pittsburgh

For someone starting in or passing through Atlanta, here are the key points to remember:

• Nonstop flights from ATL to PIT are common and usually take about 1.5–2 hours.
• Try to arrive at Hartsfield–Jackson at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure.
• Consider MARTA if you’re staying in central Atlanta; it takes you directly into the Domestic Terminal.
• Check seasonal weather in Pittsburgh and pack accordingly, especially in winter.
• Book early for peak periods like football weekends, college events, and holidays, as flights are popular from Atlanta.

With a bit of planning around ATL’s busy environment, weather differences, and your schedule, flights from Atlanta to Pittsburgh can be efficient, predictable, and well-suited to everything from a quick business day trip to a longer family visit.