Traveling From Atlanta, GA to Baltimore, MD: Routes, Tips, and What to Expect

Planning a trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Baltimore, Maryland? Whether you live in Atlanta, are flying in and heading north, or are comparing options for a business or family trip, the Atlanta–Baltimore route is a common one along the East Coast.

This guide walks you through all the main ways to get from Atlanta to Baltimore—by plane, car, train, and bus—plus local Atlanta-specific tips on departure points, traffic patterns, and how to choose the option that fits your time and budget.

How Far Is It From Atlanta to Baltimore?

In practical travel terms:

• By air: About 1.5–2 hours of flight time, not counting airport time.
• By car: Around 680–700 miles, typically 10–11 hours of driving, depending on route and traffic.
• By train or bus: Often 13–18+ hours, depending on schedules and transfers.

For most travelers starting in Atlanta, the choice usually comes down to flying vs. driving, with train and bus as lower-cost, slower options.

Option 1: Flying From Atlanta to Baltimore

For many Atlanta-based travelers, flying is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Baltimore.

Main Airports: Where You’ll Depart and Arrive

In Atlanta:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  ATL is the primary air hub for the city and one of the busiest airports in the world. If you’re staying in Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead, this is almost always your best departure point.

In Baltimore:

• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
  BWI is the major airport serving Baltimore and is located south of the city. From BWI, you can reach downtown Baltimore by train, light rail, ride-share, or taxi.

Typical Flight Experience From Atlanta to Baltimore

Flight time:
Most nonstop flights between ATL and BWI take about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours in the air.

Total door-to-door time from Atlanta:

If you live in or near Atlanta, plan roughly:

• 45–60 minutes: Travel from your Atlanta home/hotel to ATL
• 1.5–2 hours: Airport check-in, security, and boarding buffer
• 1.5–2 hours: Actual flight
• 30–60 minutes: Deplaning and transportation from BWI to downtown Baltimore

Overall, the realistic total door-to-door time is often 4.5–6 hours, depending on how close you are to ATL and your destination in Baltimore.

Getting to ATL From Around Atlanta

How you get to Hartsfield–Jackson affects both your timing and stress level:

• MARTA (train):
  • The Red and Gold lines both go directly to the Airport Station (inside the Domestic Terminal).
  • If you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near Lindbergh Center, MARTA can be one of the simplest ways to reach ATL, especially during rush hour.
• Driving and parking:
  • Direct access via I-85 or I-285.
  • Long-term parking is available in airport-operated lots and private off-site lots around College Park and Hapeville.
• Rideshare/taxi:
  • Available widely across the metro area, but travel times can spike during peak hours.

🕒 Atlanta timing tip:
For most flights to Baltimore, arriving at ATL 2 hours before departure is a common buffer. If you’re traveling Monday morning or Friday afternoon from busy areas like Buckhead or Dunwoody, consider extra travel time due to heavy I‑75/I‑85 traffic.

Option 2: Driving From Atlanta, GA to Baltimore, MD

Driving from Atlanta to Baltimore can be a good option if you:

• Want control over your schedule
• Are traveling with family or pets
• Need a car in Baltimore
• Prefer not to fly

Main Driving Route From Atlanta to Baltimore

One of the most common routes is:

1. Leave Atlanta on I‑85 North

   • From Downtown or Midtown, you’ll access I‑85 via the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85).
   • If you’re in the northern suburbs (Sandy Springs, Alpharetta), you may connect via GA‑400 or I‑285.

2. Merge onto I‑85 to Charlotte

   • Pass through Greenville, SC and Charlotte, NC.

3. Pick up I‑77 and then I‑81 (varies by exact route)

   • Many drivers head up toward Roanoke, VA, and continue north.

4. Transition to I‑70 and then I‑695/I‑95 toward Baltimore

   • I‑695 is the Baltimore Beltway, connecting you around the city to different neighborhoods.

Approximate distance: 680–700 miles
Typical driving time:10–11 hours of drive time, not counting long stops.

When to Leave Atlanta to Avoid Traffic

Atlanta’s traffic can shape how pleasant the first leg of your trip is.

• Avoid weekday rush hours if possible:
  • Morning: roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.
  • Evening: roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.
• If you’re starting near Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, you’ll be feeding directly into the I‑75/85 Downtown Connector, which is extremely congested during peak times.
• Many long-distance drivers choose to:
  • Leave very early (before 6 a.m.), or
  • Leave late morning (around 10 a.m.) once rush hour eases.

Breaks and Overnight Stops

If you prefer not to drive all 10–11 hours in one day, common break points along the way include:

• Greenville, SC – Good early stop if you’re leaving Atlanta late in the day.
• Charlotte, NC – A larger city with many lodging and food options.
• Areas in Virginia (e.g., Roanoke or along I‑81) – Convenient mid-route overnight break.

Pros and Cons of Driving From Atlanta to Baltimore

Pros:

• Full schedule control – Leave when you want, stop where you want.
• No airport security or luggage lines.
• Useful if you need a vehicle in Baltimore or along the way.
• Can be cost-effective for families or small groups.

Cons:

• It’s a long day of driving; fatigue is a real factor.
• Weather and traffic (especially leaving Atlanta and entering Baltimore/DC area) can add time.
• Parking costs in central Baltimore can offset some savings.

Option 3: Taking the Train From Atlanta to Baltimore

If you’d rather avoid driving or flying, train travel offers a more relaxed alternative, though it is much slower.

Where You Depart in Atlanta

• Atlanta Amtrak Station (Peachtree Station)
  1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
  Located in Brookwood, between Midtown and Buckhead.

This small station serves long-distance trains running along the East Coast. Parking is limited, so many Atlanta residents choose rideshare, taxi, or a friend drop-off.

General Train Route to Baltimore

From Atlanta, you would typically:

• Board a northbound Amtrak service (often an overnight or long-distance route).
• Travel through the Carolinas and Virginia, then up toward the Mid-Atlantic.
• Continue on to Baltimore Penn Station, located near downtown Baltimore.

Travel time:
Depending on the specific train and schedule, travel can range from roughly 13–18+ hours, with possible changes.

What Train Travel Is Like for Atlanta Residents

Advantages:

• More space to move: You can walk around, use the café car, and work or relax.
• Less stress than driving: No dealing with interstate traffic after leaving Atlanta.
• Possible overnight options, allowing you to sleep through part of the trip.

Tradeoffs:

• Much longer door-to-door time than flying or driving.
• Fewer daily departure options from Atlanta compared to a short-flight route.
• You’ll still need local transportation on both ends (Atlanta and Baltimore) to and from the stations.

For Atlanta-based travelers who enjoy the journey as part of the experience or want to avoid flying, this can be appealing—but it’s not the fastest way to reach Baltimore.

Option 4: Taking a Bus From Atlanta to Baltimore

Intercity bus service offers one of the lowest-cost options from Atlanta to Baltimore, but it’s usually the slowest.

Atlanta Bus Departure Points

Depending on the operator, buses may depart from:

• Downtown/near Five Points area
• Terminals or intercity bus stops near central Atlanta

Locations can vary by provider, so it’s important to confirm the exact station address and arrival time requirements before your trip.

Travel Time and Experience

• Estimated travel time: Often 13–18+ hours, depending on route, stops, and connections.
• Some routes run overnight, which can save on lodging.

What to expect:

• Shared seating, limited legroom compared with trains but acceptable for many travelers.
• Multiple stops along the route, which add time but can be useful for short breaks.
• You’ll arrive at a bus stop or terminal in or near Baltimore, then likely use local transit, rideshare, or taxi to your final destination.

This option tends to appeal most to:

• Travelers on a tight budget
• People who are flexible with time and don’t mind an extended ride

Comparing Your Main Options From Atlanta to Baltimore

Below is a simple side-by-side look at the main choices for an Atlanta–Baltimore trip.

Atlanta-Specific Planning Tips for an Atlanta–Baltimore Trip

1. Choose Your Departure Time Around Atlanta Traffic

Because Atlanta traffic can dramatically affect your start, plan carefully:

• If flying, build extra time to reach ATL from:
  • Northside (Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta) – Add more buffer when I‑285 is congested.
  • Gwinnett County – I‑85 southbound can be very slow during peak times.
• If driving, consider:
  • Pre-dawn departure to clear Atlanta before rush hour.
  • Late-morning start to avoid the early crush.

2. Where You’re Staying in Atlanta Matters

Your neighborhood in Atlanta can shape which mode makes the most sense:

• Midtown / Downtown / Old Fourth Ward:
  • MARTA to ATL is straightforward.
  • Bus and potential rideshare options are easier.
• Buckhead / Brookhaven:
  • Close to Atlanta Amtrak Station for train travel.
  • Reasonable access to I‑85 for driving north.
• Suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Smyrna, Stone Mountain, Fayetteville):
  • If flying, factor in the drive or possible MARTA park‑and‑ride.
  • If driving, you may choose a route that avoids downtown entirely using I‑285.

3. Think About Your Arrival Needs in Baltimore

Your arrival mode can also affect your return to Atlanta:

• If you fly from ATL to BWI, you’ll likely return via the same airports. Make sure your car parking, MARTA plan, or rideshare plan in Atlanta is clear for your return.
• If driving, think about parking in Baltimore, then driving all the way back to Atlanta. You may want to schedule a rest day or split the drive.
• For train and bus, consider late-night arrivals in Baltimore and your comfort with late arrivals when you head back to Atlanta.

Which Option Is Best for You as an Atlanta Traveler?

Here’s a simple way to decide using Atlanta as your starting point:

• You prioritize speed and convenience:
  → Fly ATL → BWI. Plan for airport arrival 2 hours early and pad your drive/MARTA time to ATL.

• You want flexibility and will use a car in Baltimore:
  → Drive. Consider leaving Atlanta early in the morning to avoid heavy traffic and possibly split the drive over two days.

• You dislike flying and want a more relaxed, scenic route:
  → Look into train travel from Atlanta’s Peachtree Station to Baltimore, understanding it will be much slower.

• You’re on a tight budget and very flexible on time:
  → Consider intercity bus options from Atlanta to Baltimore, planning for a long ride and making sure your Atlanta departure time feels safe and convenient.

With a clear sense of your time, budget, and comfort level—and an eye on how Atlanta’s layout and traffic patterns affect your departure—you can choose the Atlanta-to-Baltimore route that fits your trip best.