How to Travel from Atlanta, GA to New Orleans: Routes, Tips, and What to Expect

Going from Atlanta, Georgia to New Orleans, Louisiana is a classic Southern trip—whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, heading to a festival, or visiting family. From driving down I‑85 and I‑65 to catching a direct flight from Hartsfield‑Jackson, Atlanta travelers have several convenient options.

This guide walks you through all the main ways to get from Atlanta to New Orleans, with a focus on what’s most practical, affordable, and realistic for someone starting in or near Atlanta.

Key Ways to Get from Atlanta to New Orleans

Distance from Atlanta to New Orleans:
Roughly 470–520 miles, depending on your route.

Here’s a quick overview:

Driving from Atlanta to New Orleans

For many people in Atlanta, driving is the most straightforward option.

Common Driving Routes

1. Atlanta → Montgomery → Mobile → New Orleans (I‑85/I‑65/I‑10)
   This is one of the most direct and popular routes:

   • Start on I‑85 S from downtown or the Perimeter
   • Continue to Montgomery, AL
   • Take I‑65 S toward Mobile
   • Merge onto I‑10 W into New Orleans

   Approximate time: 6–7 hours in normal traffic.

2. Atlanta → Columbus → Montgomery → Mobile → New Orleans (I‑185/US‑280)
   Slight variation that may avoid some I‑85 congestion around peak times:

   • Take I‑85 S to I‑185 S toward Columbus, GA
   • Pick up US‑280 W to Opelika/Auburn, then connect back toward Montgomery and follow the same path to Mobile and New Orleans.

   Approximate time: Similar to the first route, but can vary with traffic and stops.

Where You’ll Start in Atlanta

Most drivers in Atlanta start from:

• Downtown/Midtown (via the Downtown Connector, I‑75/85)
• Buckhead/Sandy Springs (using GA‑400 to connect to I‑85 or I‑285)
• Decatur/East Atlanta (via I‑20 or local routes to I‑85 S)

Choose your starting route based on:

• Time of day (rush hour around the Connector and I‑285 can be heavy)
• Your exact neighborhood (local streets vs. direct interstate access)

Typical Driving Time and Conditions

• Non‑rush‑hour, light traffic: around 6 hours
• Heavy traffic or peak holiday weekends: 7–8+ hours
• Weather considerations: Heavy rain and storms are common along the Gulf; allow extra time during bad weather.

Driving Tips for Atlanta Travelers

• ⏰ Leave early: Leaving before 7 a.m. from Atlanta often helps you clear the city and reach Alabama before peak congestion.
• 🛑 Plan fuel and food stops:
  Common stop points from Atlanta:
  • Montgomery, AL – good for gas and food; roughly halfway.
  • Mobile, AL – final major stop before you enter Louisiana.
• 💵 Tolls: The main routes between Atlanta and New Orleans are generally toll‑free, which is helpful for budget planning.
• 🚗 Rental cars in Atlanta: If you don’t have a car, you can rent from:
  • Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) rental center (via SkyTrain)
  • Major rental locations along Peachtree Street, Midtown, and Buckhead

Flying from Atlanta to New Orleans

For speed and convenience, especially on shorter trips, flying from Atlanta to New Orleans is often the easiest choice.

Main Airport in Atlanta

You’ll depart from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Access:
  • MARTA rail to Airport Station at the Domestic Terminal
  • Ride‑shares and taxis from most Atlanta neighborhoods
  • Parking at multiple airport decks and off‑site lots

Flight Details: Atlanta to New Orleans

• Nonstop flight time: Usually about 1.5 hours in the air.
• Total door‑to‑door time from much of Atlanta: Often 3–5 hours once you factor in:
  • Travel to ATL
  • Security screening
  • Boarding, taxiing, and deplaning
  • Transit from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) into the city

If you live ITP (inside the Perimeter) and are comfortable with MARTA, the airport is especially accessible without a car.

Getting to the Airport from Around Atlanta

• MARTA Rail:
  • From Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead, take the Red or Gold Line directly to Airport Station.
  • This can be faster than driving during rush hour.
• Driving:
  • From I‑85 or I‑75, follow signs for Hartsfield‑Jackson.
  • Plan extra time for parking and shuttle rides to the terminal.
• Ride‑share/taxi:
  • Widely used from all over metro Atlanta.
  • Helpful if you don’t want to deal with parking.

When Flying Makes Sense for Atlantans

Flying is usually the better choice when:

• You’re short on time
• You’re traveling alone and find a reasonable fare
• You want to avoid a long drive at night or in bad weather

Driving often makes more sense when:

• You’re traveling with family or friends and can split costs
• You plan to stop in multiple cities between Atlanta and New Orleans
• You want your own car in New Orleans for flexibility

Taking a Bus from Atlanta to New Orleans

If you’re traveling from Atlanta to New Orleans on a budget and don’t want to drive, intercity buses are another option.

Where Buses Typically Depart in Atlanta

Bus companies generally operate from or near downtown Atlanta. Common departure areas include:

• The central bus terminals near the Downtown area and the Five Points vicinity
• Locations accessible by MARTA bus or rail

Because specific providers and addresses can change, it’s best to:

• Confirm current departure locations
• Check arrival points in New Orleans before you travel

What to Expect from Bus Travel

• Travel time: Often 8–10 hours, depending on route and stops.
• Comfort: Varies by operator; many offer:
  • Reclining seats
  • Restroom on board
  • Wi‑Fi or charging ports on some buses

Bus travel makes the most sense if:

• You’re price‑sensitive
• You’re comfortable with longer travel times
• You don’t want to handle driving or parking

Train Options: Atlanta to New Orleans

There is no single direct Amtrak route that runs straight from Atlanta to New Orleans, but some travelers still use train plus other transport to make the trip.

Current Rail Reality from Atlanta

• Atlanta’s main passenger rail station:
  Peachtree Station
  1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

From Atlanta, you can reach several cities by train, but getting to New Orleans usually involves:

• Connecting through another city (for example, a train plus bus combination)
• Blending train, bus, or rental car segments

This option is more about enjoying the journey than speed.

When to Consider a Train + Other Transport

• You value scenic travel and a slower pace.
• You’re flexible on time and don’t need to arrive the same day.
• You’re already planning to visit a city on the route where trains connect more directly to New Orleans.

How to Choose the Best Option from Atlanta

For someone starting in Atlanta, here’s a simple way to narrow it down:

1. Time vs. Cost

• Fastest:
  • Flying from ATL to New Orleans (shortest travel time overall).
• Cheapest (most of the time):
  • Driving with multiple passengers, when you can split fuel and parking.
  • Bus travel if you’re solo and flexible on timing.

2. Where You Live or Stay in Atlanta

• Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead:
  • MARTA to ATL is very convenient; flying becomes more attractive.
• Far suburban areas (e.g., Kennesaw, Lawrenceville, McDonough):
  • The drive to the airport plus security time can be long.
  • Driving directly to New Orleans can be just as efficient.
• Near a MARTA line:
  • Air travel is easier without needing to park or arrange a ride.

3. Purpose of Your Trip

• Weekend getaway or long weekend:
  • Flying lets you maximize your time in New Orleans.
• Extended road trip or family vacation:
  • Driving gives you flexibility and chances to explore:
    • Montgomery, AL
    • Mobile, AL
    • Gulf Coast and coastal detours

Practical Planning Tips for Atlantans

Budgeting Your Trip

Driving costs to consider:

• Gas (round‑trip between Atlanta and New Orleans is roughly 1,000 miles)
• Parking in New Orleans
• Potential overnight stops if you prefer not to drive late

Flying costs to consider:

• Fare from ATL to MSY
• Bag fees, if any
• Transportation from MSY into New Orleans (ride‑share, taxi, or shuttle)
• Airport parking in Atlanta if you drive to ATL

Timing Your Departure from Atlanta

• Morning departures from Atlanta (by road or air) often help avoid:
  • Afternoon thunderstorms, especially in summer
  • Evening rush on major highways and at the airport
• Around holiday periods and big events (both in Atlanta and New Orleans), plan for:
  • Higher airfares
  • Heavier interstate traffic
  • Busier airport security lines

Safety and Comfort on the Road

For a 6–7 hour drive from Atlanta:

• Rotate drivers if possible.
• Stop every couple of hours to stretch, especially if traveling with kids.
• Keep an eye on weather radar for storms along the Gulf region.

Helpful Atlanta Locations and Services for This Trip

If you’re starting your trip in Atlanta, these locations can be part of your planning:

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

  • MARTA Airport Station at the Domestic Terminal
  • Rental Car Center accessible via ATL SkyTrain

• Peachtree Station (Atlanta’s Amtrak station)
  1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

  • Serves as Atlanta’s main intercity rail hub

• MARTA Visitor Information (Five Points area access)
  For route planning to the Airport Station or bus terminals:

  • Five Points Station (Downtown hub for all MARTA lines)

Using MARTA to connect from your Atlanta neighborhood to intercity bus departures or the airport can reduce parking costs and simplify logistics.

Traveling from Atlanta, GA to New Orleans is straightforward once you decide what matters most to you: time, cost, comfort, or flexibility. From a quick flight out of Hartsfield‑Jackson to an easy drive down through Alabama, Atlantans have several reliable paths to reach the Crescent City.