Traveling From Atlanta, GA to Raleigh, NC: Routes, Tips, and What to Expect

Planning a trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Raleigh, North Carolina is a common route for Atlanta residents, students, and business travelers. Whether you live in Atlanta full time, are here on a visit, or are flying into Hartsfield–Jackson and continuing on to Raleigh, it helps to understand your options clearly.

This guide walks you through the main ways to get from Atlanta to Raleigh, what each option is like in practice, and how an Atlanta-based traveler can plan the trip smoothly.

Quick Overview: Atlanta to Raleigh at a Glance

Approximate distance:

• By road: ~400–435 miles, depending on route
• Typical travel time:
  • Driving: 6–7 hours
  • Flying (gate to gate): ~1–1.5 hours, plus airport time
  • Bus or train: 8–12+ hours, depending on schedules and connections

Fast Comparison for Atlanta Travelers

Driving From Atlanta, GA to Raleigh, NC

For many people in metro Atlanta, driving is the most straightforward way to get to Raleigh—especially if you’re starting from suburbs like Marietta, Decatur, Duluth, or College Park and need door-to-door flexibility.

Main Driving Routes

Two common routes from Atlanta to Raleigh:

1. I-85 North Most of the Way (via Greenville & Charlotte)

   • Head north on I-85 from Atlanta.
   • Pass through Greenville, SC, Spartanburg, SC, and Charlotte, NC.
   • Continue on I-85 until you connect with US-70 / I-40 toward Raleigh.
   • Typical time: 6–7 hours, depending on traffic.

2. I-20 to I-95 (Less common for Atlanta locals)

   • Take I-20 East from Atlanta toward Augusta.
   • Then travel north on I-95, then cut over toward Raleigh.
   • Generally longer and less direct from Atlanta, and often not worth it unless you’re combining with other stops.

For most people leaving Intown Atlanta or nearby suburbs, staying on I-85 through the Carolinas is the most efficient and straightforward.

Where You’ll Start From in Atlanta

Common starting points:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:
  Use the Downtown Connector (I-75/85) to merge onto I-85 North.
• Buckhead / Brookhaven / Chamblee / Doraville:
  Usually a quick hop to I-85 North via local surface streets.
• South Atlanta / Hapeville / College Park / East Point:
  Use I-285 or local connectors to reach I-85 North.
• Western suburbs (Smyrna, Mableton, Douglasville):
  Take I-285 around to connect with I-85 North.

Typical Travel Time and Traffic Considerations

Plan for 6–7 hours of driving time, plus stops. From Atlanta:

• Rush hour inside Atlanta (roughly 7–9 a.m., 4–7 p.m.) can add 30–60 minutes just to get out of the metro.
• Charlotte, NC can also slow you down if you pass through during weekday rush hours.
• Weekends, holiday periods (like Thanksgiving and Christmas), and major events in Atlanta or Charlotte can extend travel times.

👍 Tip for Atlanta drivers:
If you can, plan your departure to avoid leaving Atlanta during the peak morning or evening rush. Leaving before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. often means a smoother ride out of the city.

Suggested Stops Along the Way

From an Atlanta perspective, likely stopping points on I-85 include:

• Greenville, SC: A popular midpoint for food, fuel, and a leg stretch.
• Spartanburg, SC: Smaller, but convenient for quick breaks.
• Charlotte, NC: Major city stop with many dining options; can be a good place to refuel and rest.

If you’re driving with kids from Atlanta suburbs or you’ve just landed at Hartsfield–Jackson and are heading out by rental car, planning a major stop around Greenville breaks the trip nicely.

Flying From Atlanta to Raleigh

If you’re starting your trip in Atlanta or landing at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and continuing to Raleigh, flying is usually the fastest option.

Airports Involved

• Atlanta Departure:
  Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Raleigh Arrival:
  Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU)
  Located between Raleigh and Durham, convenient to both cities.

What Atlanta Travelers Should Know About Flying

• From most parts of metro Atlanta, allow at least 45–90 minutes to get to ATL, depending on traffic and distance.
• Hartsfield–Jackson is one of the busiest airports in the world, so you’ll want to:
  • Arrive about 2 hours before your flight, especially if you’re checking bags.
  • Factor in security line times, particularly at peak periods.
• MARTA can be a good option if you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or along the North Line and want to avoid parking and traffic.

Getting to the Airport From Around Atlanta

• By MARTA (train):
  • Take any Red or Gold line train directly to the Airport Station, located inside the Domestic Terminal.
  • This is often the most predictable option if you’re staying near a MARTA station.
• By car:
  • Parking options at ATL include short-term, long-term, and economy lots, as well as private offsite parking near the airport.
• From suburbs like Alpharetta, Roswell, Marietta, or Lawrenceville:
  • Plan for extra drive time, especially during weekday mornings and late afternoons.
  • Consider using I-285 to approach from the most logical side of the metro based on where you live.

Time Breakdown for a Typical Flight Trip

For someone based in Atlanta, the total door-to-door time often looks like:

• Getting from your home/hotel/office to ATL: 45–90 minutes
• Airport arrival before flight: ~2 hours
• Flight from ATL to RDU: ~1–1.5 hours
• Getting out of RDU and into Raleigh: 20–40 minutes

Overall, expect 4–5 hours door to door in many cases, which is still usually shorter and less tiring than a 6–7 hour drive—especially for business trips or short visits.

Bus Travel From Atlanta to Raleigh

If you don’t have a car, prefer not to drive, or are looking for a budget-friendly way from Atlanta to Raleigh, bus service is another option.

Where Buses Typically Depart in Atlanta

Common departure areas in or near central Atlanta include:

• Downtown Atlanta (near or along Forsyth St, Garnett area, or other central locations)
• Near Hartsfield–Jackson Airport for some operators

Exact locations, schedules, and operators can change, so it’s important to confirm departure points and times in advance.

What an Atlanta-based Bus Trip Is Like

• Travel time: Usually 8–10+ hours, depending on routing and stops.
• Comfort level: Varies by carrier and coach; many offer reclining seats and rest stops.
• Considerations:
  • You’ll need to get to the bus departure point, which may mean using MARTA, rideshare, or a taxi if you’re coming from Atlanta neighborhoods or suburbs.
  • If you’re flying into ATL and connecting to bus, you’ll need to factor in transit between the airport and the bus terminal.

This can be a cost-effective option for students, travelers on a budget, and people who prefer not to drive long distances.

Train Travel: Atlanta to Raleigh by Amtrak

There is no single, direct train that goes straight from Atlanta, GA to Raleigh, NC without a connection, but train travel can still be an option if you don’t mind connections and longer travel times.

Atlanta’s Amtrak Station

• Atlanta (Peachtree) Station
  1688 Peachtree St NW
  Atlanta, GA 30309

This small station is located in Brookwood, between Midtown and Buckhead. It’s reachable by:

• Local bus routes,
• Rideshares or taxis from anywhere in Atlanta,
• Short drives from areas like Midtown, Buckhead, West Midtown, or the Upper Westside.

What to Expect With Trains

• You may need to:
  • Travel north or south first, then connect to a line serving Raleigh.
  • Deal with longer trip times (often 10–12+ hours, depending on connections and layovers).
• For Atlanta residents, trains are often chosen for:
  • A more relaxed travel experience compared with driving.
  • Avoiding road traffic.
  • People who dislike flying.

If you live intown and can reach Peachtree Station easily, this may be worth considering, but you’ll want to compare schedules and total travel time carefully before committing.

Choosing the Best Option for You as an Atlanta Traveler

When you’re based in or visiting Atlanta, the right choice from Atlanta, GA to Raleigh, NC depends on your priorities:

1. If You Want the Fastest Overall Trip

• Flying from ATL to RDU is usually best.
• Especially good for business travelers, weekend trips, and those already near MARTA rail or Downtown/Midtown.

2. If You Want Maximum Flexibility

• Driving gives you:
  • Control over your schedule.
  • Ability to stop in Greenville, Charlotte, or other towns.
  • A car on hand once you arrive in Raleigh.
• Particularly useful if you’re leaving from Atlanta suburbs where airport access is less convenient.

3. If You’re Focused on Saving Money

• Bus service is often the lowest up-front cost, especially if you:
  • Can get to Downtown Atlanta or other departure points easily.
  • Don’t mind the longer ride and set schedule.

4. If You Prefer a Slower, More Scenic or Relaxed Journey

• Consider train travel, understanding that:
  • You’ll likely have connections.
  • It will usually be slower than flying or direct driving.
  • You’ll need to get to Peachtree Station from wherever you are in the Atlanta area.

Practical Planning Tips for Atlanta-Based Travelers

A few Atlanta-specific considerations that can make your Atlanta to Raleigh trip smoother:

• Account for Atlanta traffic:
  • If you’re driving or heading to the airport/bus/train station, build in extra time during weekday rush hours or around major events (games, concerts, conventions).
• Use MARTA where it makes sense:
  • If you’re near a MARTA rail station, taking the train to the Airport Station can simplify your flight days.
• Parking choices:
  • If you drive to ATL, plan where you’ll park in advance—long-term or economy lots near the airport are common choices for Atlanta residents.
• Check weather along the I-85 corridor:
  • Especially in winter or during severe storms, weather can affect both road conditions and flight schedules between Atlanta and Raleigh.

Traveling from Atlanta, GA to Raleigh, NC is a manageable trip by car, plane, bus, or train, and your best option depends largely on where you’re starting in the Atlanta area, how much time you have, and whether you value cost, speed, or flexibility most. By factoring in Atlanta traffic patterns, access to Hartsfield–Jackson, and your comfort level with long drives, you can choose the route that fits your trip—and your life in Atlanta—best.