Newark Flights to Atlanta: How to Find the Best Options to Hartsfield-Jackson

Flying from Newark to Atlanta is a common route, whether you’re heading home to Atlanta, visiting family, or traveling for business. Most flights arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), one of the busiest airports in the world and the main gateway to the city and the metro area.

This guide breaks down how Newark–Atlanta flights work, what to expect when you land in Atlanta, and how to navigate ATL and the city once you arrive.

Key Things to Know About Newark to Atlanta Flights

If you’re planning a trip between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Atlanta, here are the basics:

• Primary airports:
  • Departure: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey
  • Arrival: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta, Georgia
• Typical flight time: Around 2 to 2.5 hours in the air (nonstop)
• Common flight types:
  • Nonstop flights (most convenient for Atlanta travelers)
  • One-stop flights with connections in other cities
• Popular reasons for flying this route:
  • Atlanta residents returning from trips to the New York/New Jersey area
  • Visitors coming to downtown Atlanta, Midtown, Buckhead, or nearby suburbs
  • Business travel to Atlanta’s corporate hubs and convention centers

For anyone based in Atlanta, this route is important because it offers quick access to the New York metro area, while still keeping connections simple on the return to ATL.

Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights from Newark to Atlanta

Nonstop flights

For most people traveling to Atlanta, a nonstop flight is the most practical option:

Why nonstop is often best for Atlanta trips:

• Shortest total travel time from Newark to ATL
• Fewer chances of delays from tight connections
• Easier to plan ground transportation and meeting times in Atlanta

Nonstop flights typically land at the domestic concourses at Hartsfield-Jackson, making it straightforward to get to MARTA, rideshares, taxis, and rental cars.

Connecting flights

You may see one-stop flights connecting in other cities. These can sometimes be cheaper or fit specific schedules, but:

• Travel time is usually significantly longer
• More risk of missed connections and delays
• Less predictable arrival time in Atlanta, which matters if you have events, meetings, or hotel check-ins planned

If you live in Atlanta and are flexible on timing, a connecting flight might occasionally make sense for cost reasons, but most travelers prefer to keep this route simple and direct.

When to Fly Newark to Atlanta for the Best Experience

Busy travel times for Atlanta

Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) handles huge volumes of traffic, and certain times are predictably busier:

• Monday mornings and Thursday/Friday afternoons: heavy business travel
• Sunday evenings: lots of travelers returning to Atlanta for the work week
• Holiday periods and major Atlanta events:
  • Big conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center
  • Major games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena
  • College football season and large concerts

If you want smoother crowds and shorter lines when landing in Atlanta:

• Aim for midday flights or midweek travel when possible.
• Allow extra time if you’re landing right before a big event downtown.

Arriving in Atlanta: Navigating Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL)

Almost all Newark–Atlanta flights arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

Terminals and concourses

ATL’s layout is straightforward once you understand its structure:

• Domestic Terminal (North & South): Most Newark–Atlanta flights arrive here.
• Concourses T, A, B, C, D, and E: Connected by the Plane Train (underground train).
• International Terminal / Concourse F: Typically used for international arrivals, not this route.

If you’re meeting someone flying in from Newark, they’ll usually exit into the Domestic Terminal baggage claim area.

Getting from ATL to Atlanta Neighborhoods

Once you land from Newark, you have several ways to reach downtown Atlanta, Midtown, Buckhead, or suburbs.

1. MARTA (Train) – Fast for Downtown & Midtown

The MARTA Airport Station is directly inside the Domestic Terminal:

• Follow signs for “Ground Transportation” and “MARTA”
• The station is at the end of the North-South rail line

From the airport, MARTA goes directly to:

• Downtown Atlanta:
  • Peachtree Center
  • Five Points
  • Georgia State
• Midtown:
  • North Avenue
  • Midtown
  • Arts Center
• Buckhead area:
  • Lindbergh Center and northbound stops

This is a strong option if:

• You’re staying in a downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead hotel
• You want to avoid traffic and parking
• Your luggage is manageable

2. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) – Flexible for Most of Metro Atlanta

Rideshare pickup zones at ATL are in designated areas of the ground transportation center. Signs inside the terminal guide you there.

Rideshare works well if you’re going to:

• In-town neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland, or West Midtown
• Suburbs such as Decatur, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, or beyond

Expect variable travel times depending on:

• Traffic on I-75/I-85 (Downtown Connector)
• Time of day and weekday vs. weekend

3. Taxi – Simple, Set-Up-Front Option

Taxis are available at marked Taxi Stands outside the Domestic Terminal. They are a straightforward choice if you:

• Prefer a metered ride with a professional driver
• Don’t want to navigate apps after your flight from Newark
• Are heading to popular areas like downtown hotels or convention sites

4. Rental Cars – Useful for Suburbs and Multi-Stop Trips

The Rental Car Center (RCC) at ATL serves most major rental brands:

• Reach it via the SkyTrain from the Domestic Terminal
• Follow signs for “Rental Car Center”

A rental car can be practical if:

• You’re staying outside central Atlanta or in multiple locations
• You’ll be visiting suburban offices, warehouses, or family around the metro area
• You travel frequently between Newark and Atlanta for business and prefer driving yourself

Typical Travel Times from ATL to Key Atlanta Areas

Below is a general sense of drive times from ATL in light to moderate traffic (actual times can be longer during rush hour):

For MARTA, downtown and Midtown stops are typically about 20–30 minutes from the airport.

Tips for Atlanta Locals Returning from Newark

If you live in Atlanta and are flying back from Newark:

Choose flight times around Atlanta traffic

When booking Newark–Atlanta flights, think about:

• Morning arrivals (8–10 a.m.): Can coincide with rush hour on the Downtown Connector
• Late afternoon arrivals (4–7 p.m.): Often line up with heavy evening traffic
• Midday or late evening arrivals: Usually easier for getting home quickly

If you rely on MARTA, you’ll avoid driving stress, especially during these busier times.

Parking at ATL while you’re away

If you left your car at ATL while flying to Newark:

• ATL has Airport Economy, Daily, and Hourly lots, plus several off-airport parking options near Hartsfield-Jackson.
• The ATL Ground Transportation area and airport signage guide you back to parking shuttles and decks.

Give yourself a bit of extra time on arrival in case shuttles and decks are busier during peak travel windows.

What Visitors from Newark Should Know About Atlanta

If you’re flying from Newark to visit Atlanta, a few local-oriented tips can help:

Where you stay shapes how you travel

• Downtown Atlanta: Convenient for conventions, State Farm Arena, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park. Easy MARTA access.
• Midtown: Closer to the High Museum of Art, Piedmont Park, and lots of dining. Good for walking and MARTA.
• Buckhead: Popular for shopping and some business travel; heavier car use but still accessible by MARTA.
• In-town neighborhoods (e.g., Old Fourth Ward, Grant Park, West Midtown): Trendy areas with more local feel—often easiest with rideshare or car.

When choosing your Newark–Atlanta flight time, consider your check-in time and how long it will take to get from ATL to your part of town.

Weather and delays

Newark and Atlanta can both experience weather-related delays, especially from:

• Summer thunderstorms in Atlanta
• Winter weather in the Northeast

Booking a nonstop, earlier-in-the-day flight from Newark can give you more flexibility if there are disruptions, and still get you into Atlanta with time to adjust plans.

Accessibility and Special Assistance at ATL

If you need mobility support or other assistance when arriving in Atlanta from Newark:

• You can request wheelchair assistance through your airline when booking or before check-in.
• ATL terminals, the Plane Train, and MARTA Airport Station are designed with accessibility in mind, including elevators and accessible restrooms.
• For general questions, you can contact ATL’s main information line: (800) 897-1910 and request guidance on accessible services.

Planning Newark–Atlanta Flights with Atlanta in Mind

When you’re choosing a Newark–Atlanta flight, think beyond just departure and arrival times:

• Nonstop flights are usually best for reliable arrival in Atlanta.
• Factor in traffic patterns if you’ll be driving or taking a rideshare from Hartsfield-Jackson.
• Use MARTA if you’re headed to downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead and want to avoid parking and congestion.
• Plan your flight time so it lines up well with hotel check-in, meetings, or events in Atlanta.

By planning with Atlanta’s airport layout, transportation options, and traffic patterns in mind, you can make the Newark to Atlanta trip smoother whether you’re a local coming home or a visitor getting to know the city.