Flying From Pittsburgh to Atlanta: What Travelers to ATL Need to Know ✈️

If you’re planning a Pittsburgh to Atlanta flight, you’ll be flying between Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)—one of the world’s busiest hubs and Atlanta’s main gateway.

Whether you live in Atlanta and are returning from Pittsburgh, you’re visiting Atlanta for the first time, or you’re comparing options to get to ATL, this guide walks through how the route works, what to expect at ATL, and how to move around the city once you land.

Key Facts About Pittsburgh–Atlanta Flights

Typical non‑stop flight time:
~1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours in the air, depending on winds and routing.

Main airports on this route:

• Departure: Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
• Arrival: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

Time zone:
Both Pittsburgh and Atlanta are in the Eastern Time Zone, so there’s no time change to worry about.

Nonstop vs. Connecting: Which Makes Sense for Atlanta Travelers?

For most people flying between Pittsburgh and Atlanta, a nonstop flight is the most convenient.

Nonstop flights

Pros:

• Short total travel time
• Fewer chances of delays or missed connections
• Simpler planning for airport pickup, MARTA, or rideshare in Atlanta

These are especially helpful if:

• You live in metro Atlanta and want to get home quickly
• You’re coming to Atlanta for a meeting, conference, or game and have a tight schedule
• You’re catching another flight out of ATL and want a more predictable arrival

Connecting flights

Sometimes a connecting flight may show up cheaper, especially if:

• You’re booking last‑minute
• You’re using airline miles or points
• You’re pairing the Pittsburgh–Atlanta leg with a longer trip

However, because ATL is already a major hub, connecting flights can add hours to the journey without much benefit if Atlanta is your final destination.

Typical Flight Experience: PIT to ATL

Knowing what the trip generally looks like can help you plan your time in Atlanta before and after the flight.

At Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)

From the Atlanta side, planning your departure from Pittsburgh usually involves:

• Arriving 1.5–2 hours before departure for domestic flights
• Standard security screening
• Boarding usually starting 30–40 minutes before departure

If you’re Atlanta‑based and returning home from a visit to Pittsburgh, factor in the door‑to-door time once you land at ATL (see ground transportation below) when someone is picking you up or when you’re booking rides.

In the air

On a typical PIT–ATL flight you can expect:

• Around 1.5–2 hours in the air
• Light beverage service and possibly light snacks
• Limited but usually enough time for:
  • A short nap
  • Answering offline emails
  • Watching a downloaded show or movie

Because the flight is relatively short, many Atlanta travelers prefer to eat before boarding or plan on a meal after arriving at ATL or back in the city.

Arriving at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

When you arrive from Pittsburgh, you’ll land at ATL, which is located in south Atlanta, just off I‑85.

Layout basics: Domestic vs. International

Most PIT–ATL flights are domestic, so you’ll arrive in the Domestic Terminal side and use the Concourses A–E or T.

Key layout points:

• Concourses & Plane Train:
  After landing, you’ll either walk or take the Plane Train (underground tram) to Baggage Claim or another concourse if you have a connection.
• North vs. South Terminal:
  The Domestic Terminal is split into:
  • North Terminal – many airlines and rental car counters
  • South Terminal – primarily used by Delta and some partners

Knowing which side you need can help if someone is picking you up in Atlanta or if you’re heading to a specific shuttle or rental car area.

Ground Transportation in Atlanta After Your Flight

Once your Pittsburgh to Atlanta flight lands, your next step is getting from ATL into the city or suburbs. Here are the main options and what works best for different situations.

1. MARTA (Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) 🚆

MARTA is often the fastest and most budget‑friendly way to get from ATL to many neighborhoods inside the Perimeter (I‑285).

• Station at the airport:
  Airport MARTA Station is directly connected to the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim.
• Lines:
  • Red and Gold rail lines serve the airport.
• Popular destinations from ATL by MARTA:
  • Downtown Atlanta (Peachtree Center, Five Points, GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center)
  • Midtown (Arts Center, Midtown Station)
  • Buckhead (Buckhead, Lenox, Lindbergh Center)
  • Doraville/Chamblee (north on the Gold Line)
  • Sandy Springs & North Springs area (north on the Red Line)

MARTA is usually a good option if:

• You’re staying at a hotel downtown or in Midtown
• You don’t want to deal with traffic or parking
• You live near a MARTA station and are returning home to Atlanta

2. Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) and Taxis

Rideshare and taxi services are widely used for ATL arrivals.

• Domestic Terminal Pickup:
  There is a designated Rideshare Pickup area at the Domestic Terminal. Follow signs from baggage claim or ask an airport staff member.
• Typical uses:
  • Going to neighborhoods without easy MARTA access, like many parts of:
    • East Atlanta Village
    • West Midtown
    • Grant Park
    • Smyrna
    • Some suburbs outside the Perimeter
  • Traveling late at night or with heavy luggage or young children
  • Getting to areas south of the airport, like College Park or Union City, which may not be as convenient by MARTA

Taxis are typically lined up at specified stands just outside the terminal. They can be convenient if you prefer to just walk out and go without using an app.

3. Rental Cars

If you’re visiting Atlanta and plan to explore multiple suburbs, parks, or outlying areas, a rental car can be practical.

• ATL Rental Car Center (RCC):
  Located at:

  2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy
  College Park, GA 30337

  • Reachable via the SkyTrain, an automated people mover that runs from the Domestic Terminal (and nearby Georgia International Convention Center) to the RCC.

• Good option if you plan to visit:

  • Stone Mountain Park
  • Marietta, Kennesaw, or Woodstock to the northwest
  • Peachtree City, Fayetteville, or Newnan to the south
  • Suburbs along I‑85, I‑75, or I‑20 that aren’t served well by MARTA

4. Hotel and Regional Shuttles

Some Atlanta hotels and regional shuttle services offer transportation from ATL, especially to:

• Major Downtown and Midtown hotels
• Conference centers or major event venues
• Nearby cities such as Macon, Columbus, or Augusta via scheduled shuttle services

If you’re attending a conference or large event in Atlanta, check your registration materials—many conferences list recommended transportation options from ATL.

How Early to Arrive at ATL for Your Return Flight to Pittsburgh

When you’re leaving Atlanta to fly back to Pittsburgh, plan ahead for both:

1. Travel time to the airport, and
2. Check‑in and security time at ATL.

General timing guidelines

For most domestic flights from ATL to Pittsburgh:

• Aim to arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure.
• Add traffic or MARTA time on top of that.

Examples from popular Atlanta areas:

• From Downtown/Midtown:
  • MARTA train: often about 20–30 minutes from downtown stations to the Airport Station, plus time to get to your gate.
  • Car or rideshare: plan for 30–60+ minutes, depending on traffic.
• From Buckhead:
  • MARTA via Red/Gold Line: allow 35–45 minutes to the airport.
  • Car or rideshare: often 35–60+ minutes, especially during rush hour.
• From northern suburbs like Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, or Marietta:
  • In heavy traffic, it’s wise to allow at least 1–1.5 hours to reach ATL by car or rideshare.

Atlanta traffic can be unpredictable, especially:

• Weekday mornings (commuter traffic heading into the city)
• Late weekday afternoons and early evenings
• Around major events (Falcons games, big concerts, conventions)

When planning your Pittsburgh‑bound flight, leaving a comfortable buffer is usually better than rushing.

What Atlanta Visitors Should Expect at ATL

If Pittsburgh is your home and you’re flying into Atlanta for the first time, ATL can feel large but is generally straightforward if you follow signs.

Baggage claim and meeting points

• After landing, you’ll take the Plane Train or walk to Baggage Claim in the Domestic Terminal.
• Meeting someone? Common meeting spots include:
  • Near your baggage carousel
  • At the North or South Terminal doors
  • At MARTA Airport Station entrance if you’re taking the train together into the city

Make sure you agree on North vs. South Terminal and any door or door number ahead of time, so you’re not walking back and forth after a long flight.

Accessibility and assistance

ATL offers:

• Wheelchair assistance (usually requested through your airline)
• Elevators and escalators between ticketing, concourses, and baggage claim
• Marked Accessible routes throughout the airport

If you or someone you’re traveling with needs extra time or accommodation, build in an extra 30 minutes on either side of your flight.

Pittsburgh–Atlanta Flight: Cost & Timing Considerations for Atlanta‑Based Travelers

While prices can change frequently, there are some general patterns that people in Atlanta often notice on this route.

When flights are often higher

Flights between Pittsburgh and Atlanta may be more expensive:

• Around major holidays (Thanksgiving, late December, early January)
• During big events in either city, like major football games, large conventions, or graduations
• When booking very close to the departure date

When Atlanta travelers often find better deals

People flying from ATL to Pittsburgh or back tend to find better options when they:

• Book several weeks in advance
• Are flexible about departure time (early morning or late evening)
• Check weekday flights, especially midweek, when schedules allow

Because Atlanta is a major airline hub, you’ll often see multiple time options for the PIT–ATL route, which can help you match your arrival or departure with MARTA schedules, rush‑hour patterns, or event times in the city.

Quick Reference: Pittsburgh to Atlanta Flight Essentials

A Pittsburgh to Atlanta flight is a short hop that plugs directly into one of the country’s best‑connected airports. Once you understand how ATL’s layout, MARTA access, and local traffic patterns work, planning your arrival or departure in Atlanta becomes much easier—whether you’re coming home, visiting for a weekend, or connecting through the city to somewhere else.