Flying From Raleigh to Atlanta: What Travelers to ATL Need to Know

A Raleigh to Atlanta flight is one of the quickest and most convenient ways to get into the city, whether you’re coming home to Atlanta, visiting family, or planning a business trip. Most flights arrive at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), one of the main transportation hubs for the entire Southeast.

This guide walks you through what to expect on the Raleigh–Atlanta route, how it fits into your plans in Atlanta, and practical tips for navigating ATL once you land.

Key Facts About Raleigh to Atlanta Flights

Most travelers flying from Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) to Atlanta (ATL) will experience a straightforward, short-haul trip.

Typical basics of the route:

• Route: Raleigh–Durham (RDU) → Atlanta (ATL)
• Nonstop flight time: About 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes in the air
• Total door-to-door time: Often 3–4 hours, including check-in, security, taxiing, and deplaning
• Primary airlines on this route: Common options include Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines, among others, depending on schedules
• Frequency: Multiple flights most days, especially mornings and evenings

Because Atlanta is a major hub, especially for Delta, the RDU–ATL flight is often used by travelers who live in Atlanta returning from Raleigh, or by visitors using Atlanta as a connection point to other U.S. or international destinations.

Why Choose a Flight From Raleigh to Atlanta?

If you’re deciding between driving or flying, here are points that matter specifically for Atlanta-based travelers and visitors:

Time vs. Driving

• Driving distance: Roughly 400–450 miles, depending on your starting point in Raleigh and destination in Atlanta
• Typical drive time: Around 6–7 hours without major traffic delays
• Nonstop flight time: Around 1.5 hours of air time, plus airport processes

For many people who live in Atlanta, flying back from Raleigh is worth it if:

• You’re on a tight schedule
• You’re connecting through ATL to another flight
• You want to avoid a long highway drive on I‑85

Comfort and Convenience

Flying is often more comfortable if you:

• Prefer short travel days
• Need time to work while traveling (Wi‑Fi on some flights, work-friendly environment at ATL)
• Want easier access to Atlanta’s transit, rideshare, and rental cars once you land

What to Expect Leaving Raleigh (RDU) for Atlanta

If you’re an Atlantan returning home from a trip to Raleigh–Durham, here’s what your departure typically looks like.

Arriving at RDU

Most travelers are advised to arrive:

• About 2 hours before departure for domestic flights
• A bit earlier during busy holiday periods

RDU has two passenger terminals:

• Terminal 1 – Often used by a smaller set of airlines
• Terminal 2 – Used by most larger carriers

Check your airline and flight info to confirm which terminal you’ll use for your Raleigh to Atlanta flight.

Security and Boarding

• Standard TSA security screening is required.
• Boarding for the short flight usually begins 25–40 minutes before departure.
• Since this is a short-haul route, seating is typically standard economy or business, with limited time for full-service meals, but drinks and light snacks may be offered.

Landing in Atlanta: Navigating Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL)

Once you arrive on your Raleigh to Atlanta flight, you’ll land at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):

Address:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 North Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main information line: (800) 897‑1910 (widely used public contact)

Terminals and Concourses

ATL has a Domestic Terminal (North and South sides), an International Terminal (Concourse F), and Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, F.

Your Raleigh to Atlanta flight will almost always:

• Arrive at one of the domestic concourses (T, A, B, C, or D)
• Use Delta gates if you’re flying Delta, often at Concourse A, B, or T
• Use other concourses depending on your airline

You can move between concourses using the Plane Train, an underground automated train that runs continuously and is well signed.

Connecting Through Atlanta After a Raleigh Flight

Many people on the RDU–ATL route are connecting through Atlanta. If you’re an ATL resident, you may still connect through your home airport to other destinations.

Domestic Connections

For domestic-to-domestic connections:

• You do not go through security again if you stay airside.
• Check your next gate and concourse as soon as you land.
• Use the Plane Train for quick movement between concourses.

A safe buffer for connections is often:

• At least 45 minutes for domestic flights on the same airline
• Longer buffer during peak travel periods or if you prefer a slower pace

International Connections

If your RDU → ATL flight is the first leg of an international itinerary:

• You’ll typically arrive at a domestic concourse.
• You may depart from Concourse E or F (International).
• Follow signs for your connecting gate; you do not clear customs in Atlanta unless Atlanta is your first U.S. entry point coming from abroad.

Getting From ATL to Atlanta Neighborhoods

Once your Raleigh to Atlanta flight lands and you’ve collected bags (if checked), you have several options to get into the city or suburbs.

1. MARTA (Train)

The MARTA Airport Station is located inside the Domestic Terminal, at the western end of the main terminal building.

• Best for: Going to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near-station neighborhoods
• Advantages: Budget-friendly, avoids traffic, predictable timing
• Example travel times (approximate, from Airport Station):
  • Airport → Five Points (Downtown): ~20 minutes
  • Airport → Midtown Station: ~25 minutes
  • Airport → Buckhead Station: ~30–35 minutes

If you’re staying in central Atlanta, MARTA is one of the simplest options after landing from Raleigh.

2. Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare pickups (like major app-based services) and licensed taxis are available:

• Domestic Terminal: Well-marked pickup zones outside baggage claim
• Best for: Direct trips to neighborhoods not near MARTA (e.g., East Atlanta, West Midtown, parts of Decatur, Smyrna, or suburban areas)

Typical rideshare or taxi trips can be quicker than MARTA if traffic is light and your destination is not near a MARTA station, but may cost more.

3. Rental Cars

If you’re planning to drive around the Atlanta metro area, a rental car can be convenient.

• Rental Car Center (RCC): Accessed via the SkyTrain from the Domestic Terminal
• You can rent from many major companies and drive to Cobb County, Gwinnett, North Fulton, Henry County, and beyond.

Example: Basic Raleigh–Atlanta Flight Day Timeline

Here’s a simple overview of how a typical trip might look for someone returning home to Atlanta:

This means many travelers can leave Raleigh mid-morning and be settled in Atlanta by early afternoon.

Tips for Atlanta-Based Travelers on the RDU–ATL Route

1. Plan Around Atlanta Traffic

Even though flying helps avoid a long drive, Atlanta surface traffic still matters once you land:

• Weekday rush hours: Roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.
• If you’re landing during peak times, factor in extra time for:
  • I‑75/85 through Downtown
  • The Connector, especially around Midtown and Downtown
  • Routes to Cobb, Gwinnett, and North Fulton

📝 Tip: If your Raleigh to Atlanta flight gets you in just before rush hour, consider relaxing in the airport or using MARTA to bypass freeway congestion if your final stop is MARTA-accessible.

2. Give Yourself Cushion for Same-Day Events

If you live in Atlanta and you’re flying back from Raleigh for a same-day event (wedding, game, meeting), build in extra time:

• Aim for a morning or early afternoon flight to Atlanta
• Assume potential delays due to weather or air traffic, especially in peak storm seasons
• Consider an earlier flight than the last possible option for critical commitments

3. Use ATL’s Amenities If You Need to Wait

ATL is large and has many services that are useful if your Raleigh flight:

• Arrives early and you’re waiting for a ride
• Is delayed and you’re waiting out a connection

You’ll find:

• Multiple food and snack options in each concourse
• Seating areas with charging outlets
• Clear signage to restrooms, customer service desks, and baggage claim

How the RDU–ATL Flight Fits Common Atlanta Use Cases

For Atlanta Residents Working in Raleigh

If you live in Atlanta but travel regularly to the Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill):

• The Raleigh to Atlanta flight is often part of a routine weekly or monthly commute.
• Morning RDU → ATL flights can have you back in Atlanta by midday, letting you work from a local office, home, or co-working space the same day.

For Visitors Coming to Atlanta From Raleigh

If you’re visiting Atlanta:

• A direct RDU–ATL flight is usually the most time-efficient way to arrive.
• Once you land, decide if it makes more sense to:
  • Use MARTA if your hotel is near Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead stations
  • Take rideshare or taxi if staying in more residential neighborhoods or the suburbs
  • Rent a car if you’ll be exploring places like Stone Mountain, Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, or Peachtree City

For Students and Families

Families and students commuting between Raleigh-area schools and Atlanta-area homes often prefer flying because:

• The short flight reduces travel fatigue.
• There are frequent options to match holiday schedules and breaks.
• ATL’s connectivity makes it easy for family members flying into Atlanta from other cities to coordinate meetups.

Practical Contact and Location Info for Atlanta Travelers

Here are some key, official points of reference that are useful when your plans involve a Raleigh to Atlanta flight.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Address: 6000 North Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320
• General information phone: (800) 897‑1910
• Lost & Found (Domestic Terminal): Located near North Terminal baggage claim (check signage at the airport for current location and hours)

MARTA (Atlanta’s Rail and Bus System)

• Airport Station: Inside ATL Domestic Terminal
• MARTA Customer Service (general information): (404) 848‑5000

If you plan to connect from your Raleigh to Atlanta flight to MARTA, it’s helpful to know your nearest MARTA station to your home, hotel, or meeting location, such as:

• Five Points Station – Central hub (Downtown)
• Peachtree Center – Downtown/Convention area
• Midtown Station – Midtown area
• Buckhead Station – Buckhead area

When a Raleigh to Atlanta Flight Makes the Most Sense

For someone focused on Atlanta, a Raleigh to Atlanta flight is usually the best option when:

• You value speed and convenience over a 6–7 hour drive
• You’re connecting at ATL to another U.S. or international flight
• You’re returning to or visiting central Atlanta and can easily use MARTA or a short rideshare
• You’re coordinating schedules around work, school, or family and need predictable timing

With a relatively short flight, clear options for getting into the city, and Atlanta’s role as a major hub, the RDU–ATL route fits smoothly into the daily lives of many residents and visitors connected to Atlanta, Georgia.