Traveling From Atlanta, GA to Detroit, MI: Your Complete Guide

Planning a trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Detroit, Michigan? Whether you live in Atlanta, are here for business or school, or you’re just passing through Hartsfield–Jackson, this guide walks you through all the main ways to get from Atlanta to Detroit—by plane, car, bus, and train—plus what Atlanta-area travelers should know before they go.

How Far Is It From Atlanta to Detroit?

The distance between Atlanta, GA and Detroit, MI depends on how you travel:

• By air: About 600–650 miles (nonstop flight distance).
• By car: Roughly 700–750 driving miles, depending on your route.
• Typical drive time: About 11–13 hours with normal traffic and short stops.

For most people in Atlanta, the decision comes down to:

• Flying for speed and convenience.
• Driving for flexibility and budget.
• Bus or train when trying to save money and you don’t mind a longer trip.

Flying From Atlanta to Detroit

For many Atlanta residents, flying from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the fastest and most straightforward way to reach Detroit.

Key Atlanta Airport Details

Most Atlanta-based travelers will depart from:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320
  General information: (800) 897‑1910

If you’re staying in the city, allow:

• 30–45 minutes from Midtown or Downtown by car or rideshare in light traffic.
• 1+ hour during rush hours.

Nonstop and Connecting Flights

Airlines commonly offer:

• Nonstop flights Atlanta → Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
• Connecting flights through other hubs if nonstop times or prices don’t work for you

Typical flight time:

• About 1.5–2 hours in the air (not counting security and boarding).

Atlanta Traveler Tips for Flying

• Arrive early:
  For domestic flights, many Atlanta travelers plan to arrive at ATL 2 hours before departure, especially during busy travel seasons or early morning rush.
• Security checkpoints:
  ATL has multiple TSA checkpoints; wait times can vary. South and North Security tend to be busiest in the morning and late afternoon.
• Parking around ATL:
  You can choose among airport-owned lots, off-site private parking, MARTA Park & Ride, or being dropped off.
• Public transit to ATL:
  The MARTA Red and Gold lines serve the airport at the Airport Station, directly inside the Domestic Terminal.

If your final destination is Detroit proper, you will typically arrive at:

• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
  Located in Romulus, MI, southwest of downtown Detroit.

From DTW, you can reach Detroit via rental car, rideshare, taxi, hotel shuttles, or regional transit options.

Driving From Atlanta to Detroit

If you prefer having your own car, bringing more luggage, or planning stops along the way, driving from Atlanta to Detroit can work well for families, students, or small groups.

Common Driving Routes

A very typical driving route from Atlanta is:

1. Start in Atlanta and take I‑75 North out of the city.
2. Continue through Chattanooga, TN, and Knoxville, TN.
3. Head north through Kentucky (often through Lexington).
4. Keep following I‑75 north through Ohio (Cincinnati, Dayton, and Toledo area).
5. Cross into Michigan on I‑75 and continue to Detroit.

Approximate distance and time:

• 700–750 miles
• 11–13 hours of driving, not counting long meal breaks or overnight stops.

Atlanta-Specific Considerations

• Leaving Atlanta:
  Traffic on I‑75/I‑85 through Downtown and on the Perimeter (I‑285) can be heavy during:
  • Weekday mornings (roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.)
  • Late afternoons and evenings (roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.)
• Best times to depart:
  Many Atlanta drivers prefer leaving:
  • Very early morning (before rush hour), or
  • Late evening to clear city traffic before heading north.

Road Trip Planning Tips

• Weather:
  If you’re leaving Atlanta in late fall, winter, or early spring, expect temperatures to drop as you go north. Roads in Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan can be affected by snow and ice.
• Vehicle prep in Atlanta:
  • Check brakes, tires, fluids, and lights before you leave.
  • If you don’t have winter tires and are traveling in colder months, consider the possibility of snow in the Midwest and Michigan.
• Rest stops and overnight stays:
  Many Atlanta travelers break the trip into:
  • 1 long day drive, or
  • 2 days with an overnight halfway (often in northern Tennessee, Kentucky, or southern Ohio).

Bus Options From Atlanta to Detroit

If you’re looking for a budget option and don’t mind longer travel times, you can travel by bus from Atlanta to Detroit with intercity bus providers.

Where Buses Typically Depart in Atlanta

Many long-distance buses use central Atlanta locations such as:

• Atlanta Bus Station – Courtland Street / Downtown area
  (Major carriers frequently use this general area—check your ticket or provider for the exact address.)

Because bus companies may adjust departure points over time, always:

• Confirm the exact street address on your ticket before you go.
• Arrive 30–60 minutes early, especially if you’re checking luggage.

What to Expect in Terms of Time and Comfort

• Travel time:
  Often 15–20+ hours, depending on route, traffic, and number of stops.
• Connections:
  Many routes are not nonstop and may require a transfer in another city (for example, in Tennessee, Ohio, or another hub).
• Amenities typically available:
  • Reclining seats
  • Overhead storage
  • Under‑bus luggage space
  • Onboard restrooms on most long-distance buses

Bus can be a good fit if:

• You are a student in Atlanta without a car.
• You want to avoid driving long distances yourself.
• You’re flexible on arrival time and primarily focused on lowest cost.

Train Travel: Can You Take a Train From Atlanta to Detroit?

There is no single, direct train from Atlanta to Detroit, but it is possible to travel part or all of the way by Amtrak with connections.

Atlanta’s Train Station

Atlanta’s main intercity rail station is:

• Peachtree Station (Amtrak)
  1688 Peachtree St NW
  Atlanta, GA 30309
  Information: (800) 872‑7245

It mainly serves the Crescent route, which runs north–south (New York to New Orleans) and stops in Atlanta.

Typical Train Approach

To get from Atlanta to Detroit by train, you would usually need to:

• Take a train from Atlanta to another hub city served by Amtrak with routes toward Michigan (for example, Washington, D.C., or Chicago).
• Transfer to a connecting train or bus service that goes toward Detroit or nearby Michigan cities.

What this means in practice:

• Travel time: Often much longer than flying or even direct driving.
• Cost: Can be competitive with flights at certain times, but often not as cheap as the lowest bus options.
• Experience: Train travel can be more spacious and scenic, but it requires patience and flexibility about arrival times.

Because schedules and routes change over time, Atlanta travelers should:

• Check current Amtrak schedules starting from “Atlanta, GA – Peachtree Station.”
• Look at possible connections that reach Detroit or nearby stations in Michigan or northern Ohio, plus any connecting bus services.

Comparing Your Options: Atlanta to Detroit

Here’s a simple overview to help Atlanta travelers weigh the main choices:

Documents and ID: What Atlanta Travelers Need

Since both Atlanta and Detroit are in the United States, you do not need a passport if you are a U.S. citizen traveling domestically.

However, you should plan to carry:

• For flights (TSA requirements):
  • A valid government‑issued photo ID (for example, driver’s license, state ID, or other accepted ID).
• For bus or train:
  • A photo ID is often required for ticketing and boarding.
• For driving:
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Vehicle registration and proof of insurance

If you are an international visitor staying in Atlanta and heading to Detroit, carry:

• Your passport and immigration documents.
• Any additional ID needed by airlines or carriers.

Planning Around Atlanta Traffic and Airport Crowds

Because Atlanta is a major transportation hub, a little planning goes a long way:

If You’re Flying

• Plan your ride to ATL:
  • From Midtown/Downtown by MARTA, factor in walking to/from stations.
  • By car or rideshare, consider rush-hour slowdowns on I‑75/85 and I‑285.
• Security timing:
  Morning and early evening can be particularly busy at ATL. Many local travelers build in extra cushion time rather than risk missing a flight.

If You’re Driving Out of Atlanta

• Avoid peak rush hours when possible:
  Leaving the city northbound on I‑75 is often smoother:
  • Midday or
  • Later evening after the commute has died down.
• Check traffic before departure:
  Real-time traffic tools can help you avoid construction zones or major delays.

If You’re Taking Bus or Train

• Know your station’s layout:
  If you’re unfamiliar with Downtown Atlanta or Peachtree Station, give yourself time to:
  • Park or get dropped off.
  • Find the right waiting area.
• Keep backup transit options in mind:
  Rideshare, taxis, and MARTA can help if your original plan to reach the station falls through.

Budgeting Your Trip From Atlanta to Detroit

Your total cost from Atlanta to Detroit can vary widely based on:

• Timing: Holidays, weekends, and large events can increase prices.
• How early you book: Flights, trains, and some buses are often cheaper in advance.
• Flexibility: Being open to traveling on weekdays or at off-peak times may reduce costs.

Typical cost categories to think through in Atlanta before you leave:

• Transportation to and from ATL or stations (MARTA fare, rideshare, parking).
• Ticket or fuel cost (flight, bus, train, or gas for driving).
• Parking at ATL if leaving a car.
• Meals en route and potential overnight stays if you split the drive.

Practical Next Steps for Atlanta Travelers

If you’re in or near Atlanta and planning a trip to Detroit, here’s a quick action checklist:

1. Choose your mode: Decide if you prefer speed (flight), flexibility (driving), or budget (bus/train).
2. Check schedules and prices: Start from ATL for flights, Atlanta intercity bus stops for bus, and Peachtree Station for trains.
3. Plan your Atlanta departure logistics:
   • How will you get to ATL, the bus station, or Peachtree Station?
   • What time can you realistically leave, considering Atlanta traffic?
4. Prepare documents and bags: Make sure IDs, tickets, and essentials are organized before you head out.
5. Check weather along the route: Especially important if driving north from mild Atlanta weather into colder states.

With the right planning from your starting point in Atlanta, your trip to Detroit can be straightforward, efficient, and tailored to your schedule and budget.