Flying From St. Louis to Atlanta: What Travelers to ATL Need to Know

Planning a trip on a St. Louis to Atlanta flight and wondering what to expect when you land in Atlanta—or how the route fits into life in the city? This guide walks through everything from flight basics to navigating Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and getting into the city once you arrive.

St. Louis to Atlanta Flight Basics

Typical flight time and distance

  • Nonstop flight time: Usually about 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes in the air.
  • Distance: Roughly 480–550 miles, depending on the flight path.
  • Time zone: St. Louis is in Central Time (CT); Atlanta is in Eastern Time (ET), so you lose one hour when flying to Atlanta.

If you live in Atlanta and are planning a round trip to St. Louis, keep that time change in mind when booking your return—you’ll “gain” an hour flying back.

Nonstop vs. connecting flights

From St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) to ATL, airlines often offer:

  • Nonstop flights – Fastest and usually most convenient.
  • One-stop connections – Sometimes cheaper but add travel time.

For travelers whose final destination is Atlanta, nonstop is usually worth it, especially if:

  • You’re arriving for a same-day event, meeting, or conference.
  • You want to minimize delays and missed connections.
  • You’re traveling with kids, seniors, or lots of luggage.

What to Know About Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Many visitors underestimate how big and busy ATL is. If you’re arriving from St. Louis, planning ahead can make a big difference.

Where ATL is located

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

  • About 10–20 minutes from Downtown Atlanta in light traffic.
  • Convenient to Midtown, Buckhead, East Point, College Park, and nearby suburbs.

Terminal and concourse layout

ATL uses a centralized terminal + concourse system:

  • Domestic terminals:
    • North Terminal (Terminal N)
    • South Terminal (Terminal S)
  • Concourses: T, A, B, C, D, E, and F are connected in a line.

You’ll arrive from St. Louis into the domestic side of ATL, usually at Concourse A, B, C, or T. To get around:

  • Use the Plane Train, an underground tram connecting all concourses and terminals.
  • Follow signs for “Baggage Claim” if Atlanta is your final destination.
  • Follow signs for “Connecting Flights” if you’re catching another plane.

Navigating baggage claim and pickup

Once you land:

  1. Follow signs for “Baggage Claim” and “Ground Transportation.”
  2. You’ll be directed to either the North or South baggage claim, depending on your airline.
  3. Look up your flight number on the monitors to find your carousel.

If someone is picking you up:

  • Have them follow signage to “Arrivals” for North or South Terminal.
  • Coordinate in advance which door/zone you’ll meet at, because curb space moves quickly.

Getting From ATL Airport Into Atlanta

Whether you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting from St. Louis, you’ll need a plan for ground transportation.

MARTA: Easiest for many visitors and commuters

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) rail station is directly connected to the airport:

  • Location: At the end of the domestic terminal, just past baggage claim.
  • Rail lines:Red and Gold lines serve the airport.

From ATL you can ride MARTA to:

  • Downtown Atlanta – Stops like Five Points and Peachtree Center.
  • Midtown – Midtown Station, Arts Center.
  • Buckhead & North Atlanta – Stations like Lindbergh Center, Buckhead, Medical Center, Dunwoody.

MARTA is especially useful if:

  • You’re staying at a Downtown or Midtown hotel.
  • You want to avoid traffic and parking.
  • You’re connecting to buses for neighborhoods not directly on the rail line.

Rideshare, taxis, and shuttles

If you prefer door-to-door service from your St. Louis to Atlanta flight:

  • Rideshare pickup (Uber/Lyft):

    • Domestic arrivals typically use the Rideshare Pickup zone, reached via clearly marked signs from baggage claim.
    • You’ll need to follow instructions in the app for the correct pickup area.

  • Taxis:

    • Designated taxi stands are outside the baggage claim level of both North and South Terminals.
    • Fares to central Atlanta areas generally use standardized or metered pricing based on distance.

  • Hotel shuttles:

    • Many airport-area hotels in College Park and along I-85/I-75 offer free shuttles.
    • Look for the Ground Transportation / Hotel Shuttles signs.

Renting a car

If you plan to explore metro Atlanta after your flight:

  • Follow signs to the ATL Rental Car Center (RCC).
  • Take the free SkyTrain from the terminal to the RCC.
  • Major rental companies operate there in a consolidated facility.

A rental car is often helpful if you’ll be visiting:

  • Suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Smyrna, Decatur, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta).
  • Attractions not directly on MARTA, like some parks, shopping centers, and outlying venues.

Best Time of Day to Fly From St. Louis to Atlanta

Morning vs. afternoon vs. evening flights

Each time slot has tradeoffs for Atlanta travelers:

  • Early morning arrivals (before 10 a.m.):

    • Often less risk of weather-related delays.
    • Can beat some midday congestion on the runways and in the air.
    • But you might run into rush hour traffic on Atlanta highways if you’re heading into the city.

  • Midday arrivals:

    • Handy if you want to check into a hotel, grab lunch, and settle in.
    • Works well for same-day afternoon meetings or events.

  • Evening arrivals:

    • Useful for after-work departures from St. Louis.
    • Expect variable traffic leaving ATL; later in the evening can be easier on the roads.

If you live in Atlanta and are returning from St. Louis, consider arrival time when planning next-day commitments—especially if you’re landing late and still need to cross town.

Planning Around Atlanta’s Traffic and Travel Patterns

High-traffic times leaving ATL

If you’re headed from ATL to:

  • Downtown or Midtown:

    • I-75/85 through the city can be slow during weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.).
    • MARTA rail can be a practical alternative during peak driving times.

  • Northern suburbs (e.g., Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta):

    • I-285 and GA-400 can back up during peak commute times.
    • Build in extra time if you’re trying to reach these areas by a specific hour.

  • Southside (College Park, Fayetteville, Peachtree City):

    • Traffic is usually lighter than going north, but afternoon peaks still matter.

How much time to allow after landing

From wheels-down to reaching your destination in Atlanta, plan for:

  • 15–45 minutes to deplane, reach baggage claim, and get luggage (if checked).
  • 10–20 minutes to get to MARTA, rideshare, or rental car.
  • 15–45+ minutes drive or train ride into most central Atlanta areas, depending on traffic and destination.

If you have a time-sensitive event (concert, game, meeting), give yourself a comfortable buffer after your scheduled arrival from St. Louis.

Using ATL as a Connection Point After St. Louis

Some travelers flying St. Louis–Atlanta aren’t staying in Atlanta but connecting elsewhere. Still, Atlanta residents also use this route when connecting through STL for other destinations.

Connection tips at ATL

If Atlanta is your connection point after flying from St. Louis:

  • Layover time:

    • Many travelers aim for at least 60–90 minutes between flights.
    • More time is often more comfortable if you’re unfamiliar with ATL.

  • Changing concourses:

    • Use the Plane Train for fast movement between concourses.
    • Walking is possible but can be time-consuming given the airport’s size.

If you live in Atlanta and are connecting via St. Louis to reach another city, apply similar planning at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)—but expect ATL to feel larger and busier than STL.

What Visitors From St. Louis Should Expect in Atlanta

Once you’ve landed from St. Louis and made it into the city, a few practical points can help you settle in smoothly.

Weather considerations

Atlanta’s climate can differ from St. Louis at various times of year:

  • Summers: Often hot and humid; factor that in if you’re heading straight to outdoor activities after landing.
  • Winters: Generally milder than St. Louis, but cold snaps and occasional winter storms can still affect travel.
  • Storms: Thunderstorms can develop quickly in warmer months, sometimes affecting afternoon and evening flights into or out of ATL.

Check both departure weather in St. Louis and arrival weather in Atlanta, since conditions can influence delays.

Local transportation after your flight

Once you’re in the city, getting around Atlanta can involve:

  • MARTA rail for major corridors (airport, Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter/North Springs on certain lines).
  • MARTA buses for neighborhood connections.
  • Rideshare or taxis if you need flexibility or late-night options.
  • Walking or scooters in concentrated areas like Downtown, Midtown, and parts of the BeltLine.

Choosing your St. Louis–Atlanta flight arrival time with these options in mind can make your first few hours in the city smoother.

Helpful Atlanta-Area Contacts for Air Travel Questions

For flight-specific, up-to-date details, schedules, and airport services, these official resources are commonly used by Atlanta travelers:

  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
    6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
    Main information lines are typically listed on the airport’s official website or airport directories.

  • MARTA Customer Service Center
    2424 Piedmont Rd NE
    Atlanta, GA 30324
    Phone numbers and hours are regularly posted by MARTA for route and fare assistance.

If you’re flying from St. Louis to Atlanta for the first time or coordinating travel for family, checking these official channels before you leave can help you confirm terminal info, transit options, and any service changes affecting your arrival into Atlanta.

By understanding how St. Louis to Atlanta flights work—from flight time and airport layout to MARTA access and Atlanta traffic—you can plan a smoother trip, whether you’re visiting the city, coming home, or using ATL as a key travel hub.