Flights from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Atlanta (ATL): What Travelers to Atlanta Need to Know

Flying from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the busiest domestic routes in the country. Whether you live in Atlanta and are returning home from Chicago, or you’re coming to Atlanta for business, a convention, or a weekend trip, understanding how this route works will save you time, money, and stress.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to ORD–ATL flights, what to expect at each airport, and how to connect smoothly into the city once you land.

Key Facts About ORD to Atlanta Flights

Typical flight basics:

• Route: Chicago O’Hare (ORD) → Atlanta (ATL)
• Average nonstop flight time: About 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
• Distance: Roughly 600–750 miles in the air
• Airlines on this route: Multiple major U.S. carriers commonly serve this route with nonstop and connecting options
• Type of service: High-frequency domestic route with flights spread throughout the day

Because both ORD and ATL are major airline hubs, you’ll usually find:

• Early-morning flights for same-day meetings in Atlanta
• Midday options for more relaxed travel
• Evening flights that let you finish the workday in Chicago and sleep in Atlanta

Choosing the Right ORD–ATL Flight for an Atlanta Trip

1. Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights

For most travelers headed to or returning to Atlanta, a nonstop flight from ORD to ATL is the most convenient:

• ✈️ Nonstop flights

  • Shortest total travel time
  • Fewer chances of delays or missed connections
  • Best for business travel, family trips, and tight schedules

• 🔁 Connecting flights

  • May occasionally be cheaper, especially during peak times
  • Can extend travel time significantly
  • Less appealing if Atlanta is your final destination

If you live in metro Atlanta (Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, etc.), nonstop usually makes the most sense unless a connection offers a substantial savings and you have flexibility.

2. Best Time of Day to Fly INTO Atlanta

Consider Atlanta-specific factors when picking your arrival time:

• Early morning arrivals (before ~9 a.m.)

  • Often smoother flying conditions
  • Traffic on I‑75/I‑85 into the city can already be busy but is usually manageable if you’re heading to Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.

• Midday arrivals (10 a.m.–3 p.m.)

  • Good balance between airport crowd levels and city traffic
  • Convenient for checking into hotels in Downtown, Midtown, or near the airport.

• Evening arrivals (after 5 p.m.)

  • You’ll be flying during or right after Atlanta rush hour (typically 4–7 p.m.)
  • Plan extra time if you’re being picked up, using rideshare, or renting a car.

For business travelers heading to Downtown Atlanta for meetings or conferences at places like the Georgia World Congress Center, arriving earlier in the day gives you a buffer for traffic, MARTA waits, and hotel check-in.

How Early to Arrive at ORD for a Flight to Atlanta

For flights from Chicago O’Hare to Atlanta, general guidance is:

• Domestic flights: Aim to arrive at ORD 2 hours before departure
• Busy travel periods (holidays, Monday mornings, Sunday evenings): Consider 2.5–3 hours

Things that can slow you down at O’Hare:

• Long lines at check-in and security during peak times
• Weather-related delays (especially in winter)
• Terminal changes or gate changes for your Atlanta flight

Because ATL is such a major destination, ORD–ATL flights are often tightly scheduled. Being early gives you the best chance of clearing security and boarding on time.

What to Expect When You Land in Atlanta (ATL)

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the world’s busiest airports and the primary air gateway for the Atlanta region.

ATL Terminals and Concourse Layout

Most ORD–ATL flights use the domestic terminal at ATL:

• Domestic Terminal North & South: Check-in, baggage claim, ground transportation
• Concourses T, A, B, C, D, and E (domestic use): You’ll likely arrive at T, A, B, or C from ORD
• A fully underground Plane Train runs between concourses and the domestic terminal, which is especially handy if:
  • You’re connecting to another domestic flight
  • You’re walking from a far concourse to baggage claim

Follow signs for:

• Arrivals / Baggage Claim if Atlanta is your final destination
• Ground Transportation / MARTA if you’re heading directly into the city

Getting from ATL to Your Destination in Atlanta

Once you arrive from ORD, you have several ways to get into Atlanta or the surrounding suburbs.

1. MARTA Rail (Recommended for Many Travelers)

The MARTA rail station is located inside the airport at the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim. Look for signs to “MARTA”.

• Line: The Red and Gold Lines serve the airport
• To Downtown Atlanta: Roughly 15–20 minutes
• To Midtown: Often under 30 minutes
• To Buckhead: About 30–35 minutes

This can be the most reliable and cost-effective option if you’re staying:

• Downtown (Peachtree Center, Five Points area)
• Midtown (around Peachtree Street, Piedmont Park, Georgia Tech)
• Buckhead (Lenox, Phipps area – requires transfer or staying on the Red Line)

MARTA Tip:
Buy a Breeze Card at the station machines. Have your hotel address handy so you can confirm which stop is closest.

2. Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare services and taxis operate from designated pickup areas at ATL:

• Follow “Rideshare” or “Taxi” signs from baggage claim
• There is usually a flat or metered rate for official taxis heading to central Atlanta areas

This works well if:

• You’re traveling with family or heavy luggage
• You’re going to neighborhoods not well served by MARTA, such as:
  • Westside (West Midtown, Atlantic Station, Upper Westside)
  • East Atlanta Village, Kirkwood, or parts of Decatur outside rail range
  • Suburban destinations in Cobb, Gwinnett, or north Fulton County

3. Rental Cars

The ATL Rental Car Center is off-site but connected by a dedicated SkyTrain:

• From the domestic terminal, follow signs for “Rental Cars”
• The SkyTrain ride takes a few minutes and runs frequently

A rental car can be useful if you’re visiting:

• Suburban office parks north of the city (e.g., Perimeter Center, Alpharetta, Roswell, Duluth)
• Attractions that are spread out, like Stone Mountain Park, parts of Lake Lanier, or Six Flags Over Georgia

Approximate Travel Times from ATL to Key Atlanta Areas

*Times vary with traffic and time of day. Atlanta rush hour (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.) can significantly extend car travel.

Planning ORD–Atlanta Flights Around Atlanta’s Schedule

1. Business Travel to Downtown or Midtown

If you’re flying in from Chicago for meetings at:

• Downtown offices, courthouses, or government buildings
• Georgia World Congress Center
• Midtown tech and corporate offices near Peachtree Street

Helpful timing tips:

• Try to arrive in Atlanta the afternoon before a morning meeting
• For same-day morning meetings, consider the earliest ORD–ATL flight, and build in time for:
  • Potential ORD delays
  • Taxi/MARTA transit to your destination

2. Weekend or Event Trips

Atlanta hosts a wide range of events and festivals, including major conventions, sports games, and music events around:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• State Farm Arena
• Downtown and Midtown hotels and convention spaces

During large events:

• Flights from ORD to Atlanta can sell out or become more expensive
• ATL can be crowded at arrivals, and lines for MARTA and rideshare may be longer

Booking ORD–ATL flights early is wise if you’re traveling during big weekends or holiday periods.

Baggage, Check-In, and Airport Tips for ORD–ATL Travelers

Check-In and Baggage

For a smooth trip between Chicago and Atlanta:

• Check in online before heading to O’Hare
• If you’re checking bags, arrive extra early; bag drop lines at ORD can be long
• Keep your ATL hotel address or meeting location handy for ground transportation planning once you land

What to Pack with Atlanta in Mind

Atlanta’s weather can be quite different from Chicago’s, especially in winter and summer:

• Winter: Atlanta winters are generally milder, but pack layers and a light to medium jacket.
• Summer: Atlanta can be hot and humid; bring breathable clothing and consider a refillable water bottle.
• Rain: Sudden showers are common; a compact umbrella or light rain jacket is useful.

Because you’re landing at a major hub, you’ll have access to plenty of shops and services at ATL if you forget anything.

Using ATL as a Connection Point After Your ORD Flight

Some passengers on ORD–ATL flights are connecting to:

• Other cities in the Southeast (e.g., Savannah, Charleston, Birmingham)
• Florida destinations
• International flights departing from ATL

If Atlanta is not your final destination:

• Follow signs to the Plane Train immediately after deplaning
• Check your next gate and concourse on arrival
• For tight connections, move quickly and avoid unnecessary stops in the terminal

If you have a long layover and want a quick taste of Atlanta:

• Be sure you have enough time to leave and re-clear security (generally 4+ hours)
• MARTA can get you to Downtown or Midtown relatively quickly if you want a brief city visit

Helpful Local Contacts and Resources in Atlanta

While you typically won’t need local offices for a simple ORD–ATL flight, it can help to know who to contact if you have travel issues or questions once in Atlanta.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• General information desks are located in the terminals to help with:
  • Directions to MARTA, rental cars, and rideshare pickup
  • Lost and found assistance
  • Basic airport navigation

MARTA Customer Information Center

• Phone (commonly listed): 404-848-5000
• Can assist with:
  • Train routes from the airport to your hotel or neighborhood
  • Service alerts or schedule changes

These contacts are especially useful if your ORD–ATL flight is delayed or diverted and you need to adjust your onward travel into the city.

Flying from Chicago O’Hare to Atlanta is generally straightforward, but understanding how the route fits into Atlanta’s airport layout, transit options, and local traffic patterns makes a big difference. With the right flight time, a clear plan for how you’ll leave ATL, and awareness of Atlanta’s busier travel periods, you can move smoothly from the plane to wherever you need to be in the metro area.