Traveling From Atlanta, GA to Washington, DC: Your Complete Guide

Planning a trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Washington, DC? Whether you live in Atlanta, you’re visiting the city, or you’re helping someone plan a route, this guide walks through the main ways to get from Atlanta to the nation’s capital—by car, plane, bus, and train—with details and tips specifically useful to Atlanta travelers.

How Far Is It From Atlanta to Washington, DC?

From downtown Atlanta, GA to downtown Washington, DC, the distance is roughly:

• By road: about 640–660 miles (depending on the route)
• Typical driving time: about 10–11 hours in normal traffic with brief stops
• By air: flight distance is roughly 540–560 miles, with 1.5–2 hours in the air (not counting airport time)

Atlanta travelers often choose between speed (flying) and flexibility (driving or taking a bus/train), depending on budget, schedule, and comfort.

Option 1: Driving From Atlanta to Washington, DC

For many people in the Atlanta metro area, driving is the most flexible option for an Atlanta-to-DC trip.

Main Driving Route

The most common route is:

1. Start in Atlanta (often via I-85 North)
2. Continue on I-85 North through Greenville, SC and Charlotte, NC
3. Near Petersburg, VA, connect to I-95 North
4. Take I-95 North into the Washington, DC area

This route keeps you mostly on major interstates and is straightforward for Atlanta drivers.

Approximate Driving Time and Costs

• Time: Around 10–11 hours of drive time from central Atlanta (longer if leaving during heavy traffic).
• Fuel: Varies by vehicle, but many Atlanta drivers budget for a full day of driving plus gas and meals.
• Tolls: The main Atlanta–DC route via I‑85 and I‑95 has limited tolls, but you may encounter some in Virginia or near DC if you use express lanes.

When Atlanta Traffic Matters

Leaving from inside the Perimeter (I-285) vs. outside it can affect your travel time, especially if:

• You leave weekday mornings (6:30–9:30 a.m.) or afternoons (3:30–6:30 p.m.)
• You’re coming from high-traffic areas like Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown, or along GA-400, I‑75, I‑85, or I‑20

👋 Tip for Atlanta drivers:
If possible, plan to clear the metro Atlanta area before rush hour—for instance, leaving very early in the morning or later in the evening can significantly cut your total travel time.

Road Trip-Friendly Stops Between Atlanta and DC

Common stopping points when driving from Atlanta include:

• Greenville, SC – walkable downtown, restaurants, and coffee shops
• Charlotte, NC – large city with numerous food and rest options
• Durham/Raleigh, NC area (if you adjust the route slightly east)
• Richmond, VA – good last major stop before Washington, DC

This can turn your Atlanta-to-DC run into a more relaxed 1.5–2 day road trip if you don’t want to drive the full distance in one shot.

Option 2: Flying From Atlanta (ATL) to Washington, DC

If you want the fastest way from Atlanta to Washington, DC, flying from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is typically the top choice.

Atlanta’s Main Airport

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

For most Atlanta-based travelers, ATL is the starting point. It is accessible by:

• MARTA rail: Take the Red or Gold line directly to the Airport Station, located inside the domestic terminal.
• Car: Reachable via I-85 and Camp Creek Parkway, with multiple parking options (economy, daily, long-term).
• Rideshare/Taxi: Designated pickup zones at both domestic and international terminals.

DC-Area Airports Commonly Used From Atlanta

When you search flights from Atlanta, you’ll typically see options to:

• Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) – closest to downtown DC, located in Arlington, VA
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – farther out in Virginia, served by airport shuttles and rail connections
• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) – in Maryland, with train/shuttle links into DC

From Atlanta, nonstop flights commonly go to DCA and IAD, and often to BWI as well.

Typical Flight Time

• In the air: About 1.5–2 hours
• Total travel time door-to-door from Atlanta: Often 4–6 hours including:
  • Getting to ATL from your home, hotel, or conference in Atlanta
  • Security screening time
  • Boarding, taxi, and deplaning
  • Local transportation from the DC-area airport into Washington, DC

Getting to the Airport From Around Atlanta

• From Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead:
  The MARTA rail system is often the most predictable option. Board the Red or Gold line and ride to Airport Station.
• From the suburbs (Alpharetta, Marietta, Decatur, Gwinnett, etc.):
  Many travelers drive and park at ATL or at an off-airport parking service, or take MARTA from a park‑and‑ride station like North Springs, Doraville, or Indian Creek.

When Flying Makes Sense for Atlanta Travelers

Flying generally works best if:

• You want to maximize time in Washington, DC and minimize travel time.
• You’re leaving from or staying near central Atlanta with easy MARTA access.
• You’re okay with security lines and airport routines.

For many Atlanta residents, a Friday afternoon or evening flight to DC and a Sunday return is a common choice for short visits.

Option 3: Taking the Bus From Atlanta to Washington, DC

Intercity bus travel is another option from Atlanta to DC that can be more budget-friendly than flying.

Where Buses Typically Depart in Atlanta

Although exact locations can occasionally change, common Atlanta departure areas include:

• Bus terminals or curbside pickup near Downtown Atlanta and Midtown, often near MARTA stations
• Access via major roads such as Peachtree Street, Courtland Street, or Forsyth Street, depending on the operator

If you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, or near Georgia State University or CNN Center, it’s usually straightforward to reach these departure points by foot, MARTA, or short rideshare.

Bus Trip Time and Experience

• Typical travel time: Around 12–14 hours from Atlanta to Washington, DC, depending on the route and number of stops.
• Many buses offer:
  • Reclining seats
  • Wi‑Fi (quality can vary)
  • Power outlets
  • Restroom on board

Some routes may run overnight, allowing Atlanta travelers to leave at night and wake up closer to DC.

Who Bus Travel Works Best For

From an Atlanta perspective, buses are often a good fit if:

• You’re price-sensitive and willing to trade time for savings.
• You don’t want to drive yourself.
• You live near Downtown/Midtown and can easily get to the bus departure point.

If you’re out in the suburbs around Cobb, Gwinnett, or South Fulton, be sure to factor in your time and cost to reach the bus stop.

Option 4: Taking the Train From Atlanta to Washington, DC

For travelers who prefer not to fly or drive, rail travel offers a unique and more relaxed way to go from Atlanta to DC.

Atlanta’s Amtrak Station

Amtrak – Peachtree Station
1688 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
(Located in the Brookwood area, between Midtown and Buckhead)

This is Atlanta’s primary intercity passenger rail station.

• Access by car: Near Peachtree St NW with limited parking in the immediate area.
• Access by MARTA bus: Several bus routes connect from nearby MARTA rail stations.
• Access by rideshare/taxi: Common and often easiest, especially with luggage.

Route and Travel Time to Washington, DC

The train serving Atlanta typically continues northeast and eventually reaches Washington, DC’s Union Station, located in the heart of DC.

• Approximate travel time: Often in the range of 12–14 hours from Atlanta to Washington, DC, depending on the specific schedule.
• Style of travel:
  • You can move around more freely than on a bus.
  • Dining and lounge options may be available on certain trains.
  • Overnight travel options may include coach seats or sleeping accommodations, depending on availability.

Why Some Atlanta Travelers Choose the Train

• You prefer a more comfortable, scenic, or spacious journey than a bus.
• You want to avoid driving long distances and don’t like flying.
• You’re coming from Midtown/Buckhead and can easily reach Peachtree Station.

This is often a good fit for travelers who value the experience of the journey as much as the destination.

Quick Comparison: Atlanta to Washington, DC Travel Options

Below is a simple overview to help Atlanta-based travelers decide:

*Times are general ranges and can vary based on traffic, schedules, and exact route.

Planning Tips Specifically for Atlanta Travelers

1. Consider Where You’re Starting in Metro Atlanta

Your location in the Atlanta area can make one option clearly better:

• Inside the Perimeter (I-285) – Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Inman Park, West Midtown, etc.:
  • MARTA + flight is often efficient.
  • Train from Peachtree Station or bus from Downtown/Midtown are convenient.
• North Atlanta suburbs (Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Gwinnett):
  • Driving or driving to ATL for a flight are common choices.
• West or South suburbs (Douglasville, Fayetteville, McDonough, College Park, Jonesboro):
  • Driving straight toward I‑85 or heading directly to ATL tends to be simplest.

2. Time Your Departure Around Atlanta Traffic

To reduce frustration:

• Avoid launching a road trip during weekday rush hours.
• If flying, budget extra time to get to Hartsfield–Jackson if you’re coming from Cobb, Gwinnett, or North Fulton, as corridor traffic on I‑75, I‑85, and GA‑400 can be heavy.

👍 Tip: Many Atlanta residents find that leaving for DC late evening (by car, bus, or train) or early morning (for flights) reduces delays.

3. Think About Parking and Transportation on Each End

• In Atlanta:
  • For flights, decide between airport parking, MARTA, or rideshare.
  • For train/bus, consider using rideshare if you’re concerned about parking near Downtown or Peachtree Street.
• In Washington, DC:
  • If you’re flying, check how you’ll get from DCA/IAD/BWI into the city (metro, commuter train, shuttle, or rideshare).
  • If you’re driving, factor in that parking in central DC can be limited and costly—some Atlanta travelers prefer to park at a hotel or in a commuter lot and use public transit.

4. Build in Weather and Seasonal Considerations

Leaving from Atlanta, you may encounter:

• Winter conditions in Virginia or the mid-Atlantic, even if it’s mild in Atlanta.
• Holiday traffic surges around Thanksgiving, winter holidays, and long weekends, especially on I-85 and I-95.

Leaving a buffer in your schedule helps reduce stress, especially when you have fixed appointments or events in DC.

Helpful Atlanta-Area Contact Points

For trip planning and logistics, these Atlanta-based resources are useful:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  General information is available via the airport’s main phone directory and information desks located within the terminals.

• Amtrak – Peachtree Station
  1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
  Station staff can assist with schedules, tickets, and boarding details.

• MARTA Customer Service Center (for airport and station access in Atlanta)
  MARTA Headquarters – 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
  Customer service lines and station agents can advise on routes to ATL, Downtown, and bus/train departure points.

Traveling from Atlanta, GA to Washington, DC can be as fast, flexible, or scenic as you want it to be. Once you decide whether speed, cost, or comfort matters most for your situation in Atlanta, choosing between flying, driving, bus, or train becomes much clearer.