Flying From Cleveland, Ohio to Atlanta, GA: What Travelers to Atlanta Need to Know

Travel between Cleveland, Ohio and Atlanta, Georgia is one of the more convenient domestic routes, thanks to frequent flights and Atlanta’s role as a major air hub. Whether you live in Atlanta, are returning home from Cleveland, or you’re planning a trip to Atlanta from Northeast Ohio, understanding this route can save you time, money, and stress.

This guide focuses on what Atlanta-focused travelers need to know about flights from Cleveland to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and what to expect once you land in Atlanta.

Key Facts About Flights From Cleveland to Atlanta

Most commercial flights from Cleveland to Atlanta operate between:

• Departure airport (Cleveland): Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
• Arrival airport (Atlanta): Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

Typical flight time:

• Around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours of airtime, depending on weather and routing.

Nonstop vs. connecting flights:

• Nonstop options are common on this route.
• Connecting flights usually go through other major hubs, but for most travelers, a nonstop CLE → ATL is the most practical choice.

Best Times to Fly From Cleveland to Atlanta

If you are based in Atlanta and planning a round trip, or you’re coordinating someone’s arrival into Atlanta, timing matters.

For Business Travelers to Atlanta

Business travelers often want to:

• Arrive in Atlanta early in the day

  • Morning departures from Cleveland can put you in Atlanta by late morning or midday, giving you time to reach:
    • Downtown (around 10–20 minutes from ATL by car, depending on traffic)
    • Midtown
    • Buckhead or Perimeter business districts

• Return to Cleveland in the evening

  • If you live in Atlanta and are flying to Cleveland and back, you can often do:
    • An early morning ATL → CLE departure
    • An evening CLE → ATL return on another day

For Leisure Travelers and Visitors

If you’re visiting Atlanta from Cleveland or welcoming visitors:

• Midday flights are often more relaxed, with less early-morning rush.
• Avoid the tightest peak windows in Atlanta when you can:
  • Early weekday mornings (security and traffic can be heavy around ATL)
  • Late Sunday afternoons and evenings (high travel volume into and out of Atlanta)

Typical Costs and How to Save on the CLE → ATL Route

Ticket prices on this route change based on demand, day of the week, and season. Travelers to or from Atlanta commonly notice:

• Weekday flights around busy business periods (Monday mornings, Thursday/Friday evenings) can be higher.
• Midweek flights, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are often more budget-friendly.
• Holiday periods in Atlanta (such as major events, large conventions, and sports weekends) can cause prices to spike on Cleveland–Atlanta flights as well.

To save money if you’re Atlanta-based or visiting Atlanta:

• Book early when you know your dates, especially for:
  • Spring and fall (popular conference and event seasons in the city)
  • Major sports events, concerts, or festivals inside the Perimeter
• Be flexible with airports:
  • From Northeast Ohio, some travelers also check flights into Atlanta from Akron-Canton Airport (CAK), although Cleveland Hopkins (CLE) typically has more frequent service to ATL.

What to Expect When You Land at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

No matter where you’re coming from, virtually all commercial flights from Cleveland to Atlanta arrive at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Understanding ATL makes your arrival smoother.

Atlanta Airport Layout: The Basics

ATL has:

• Domestic Terminal – North and South
• International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)
• Multiple concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F) connected by:
  • The underground Plane Train (automated people mover)
  • Walkable tunnels with moving walkways and clear signage

Flights from Cleveland typically arrive at domestic concourses (often T, A, B, C, or D).

Once you land:

1. Follow signs for Baggage Claim if you checked bags.
2. Use the Plane Train to reach your concourse or the main terminal.
3. Head to the Ground Transportation area for MARTA, rideshares, taxis, shuttles, or rental cars.

Getting From ATL to Atlanta Neighborhoods

If you’re flying from Cleveland to visit Atlanta or returning home, your next step is getting from the airport to your final destination.

Using MARTA (Public Transit) 🚇

MARTA is Atlanta’s primary rapid transit system and is one of the easiest ways to go from ATL into the city.

• MARTA Airport Station location:
  • Inside Domestic Terminal – North, at the west end.
  • Follow signs for MARTA from baggage claim.

From the Airport Station, the Red and Gold lines go directly to key parts of Atlanta:

• Downtown Atlanta:
  • Peachtree Center Station
  • Five Points Station
• Midtown:
  • North Avenue, Midtown, and Arts Center Stations
• Buckhead and North Atlanta (Red Line):
  • Buckhead, Medical Center, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, North Springs
• South Atlanta (Gold Line):
  • East Point, College Park, and other south metro stops

MARTA is useful if you:

• Want to avoid Atlanta traffic
• Are staying near a station (many hotels in Downtown and Midtown are)
• Prefer not to rent a car

Rideshare, Taxi, and Shuttles From ATL 🚗

If MARTA does not conveniently reach your final destination, other options include:

• Rideshare pick-up areas for app-based services
• Taxi stands near the Ground Transportation area
• Hotel shuttles, especially for hotels near ATL or around the airport business district

Typical travel times (without severe traffic):

• Airport to Downtown Atlanta: ~10–20 minutes
• Airport to Midtown: ~20–30 minutes
• Airport to Buckhead: ~25–40 minutes
• Airport to Perimeter Center / Dunwoody: ~30–45 minutes

Planning Same-Day Meetings in Atlanta After a Flight From Cleveland

If you’re flying in from Cleveland for meetings or appointments in Atlanta, timing your schedule around the airport and transit is important.

Build in Realistic Buffer Time

From plane door open to walking into a meeting downtown can easily take:

• 60–90 minutes, including:
  • Taxiing and deplaning
  • Baggage claim (if needed)
  • Walking to MARTA or Ground Transportation
  • Transit or drive time to your destination

If you’re scheduling:

• Morning meeting in Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:
  • Aim to land at ATL no later than 2–3 hours before the meeting time.
• Afternoon or evening events:
  • Middle-of-the-day arrivals usually give more flexibility and calmer traffic patterns.

CLE → ATL Flight Considerations for Atlanta Locals

If you live in Atlanta and are taking a trip to Cleveland, understanding the return leg back home can help:

• Return flights from Cleveland to Atlanta in the evening work well if:

  • You’re finishing up a business day in Cleveland
  • You want to be back in Atlanta before late night

• Early morning CLE → ATL flights are useful if:

  • You need to be back in Atlanta for midday commitments
  • You’re connecting onward from ATL to another destination

Weather and Seasonal Factors

• Winter:
  • Cleveland’s snow and ice can sometimes cause delays outbound to Atlanta.
  • Build in extra time if you have important commitments in Atlanta after landing.
• Summer:
  • Atlanta can experience afternoon thunderstorms; occasional delays at ATL are possible.

Helpful ATL Airport Services for Arriving Travelers

If you’re arriving from Cleveland and need services right away in Atlanta, Hartsfield–Jackson offers many practical options.

Rental Cars

Major rental car companies operate out of the ATL Rental Car Center (RCC), accessible by the SkyTrain from the terminal. Follow signs for:

• “Rental Cars” or “SkyTrain” from the domestic terminal.

This is useful if you plan to:

• Travel to suburbs not well served by MARTA
• Drive to areas outside the metro, such as North Georgia or other Georgia cities

ATL Information and Assistance

For in-person help once you land:

• Airport Information Desks are located throughout the terminals and concourses.
• Staff can assist with:
  • Directions within the airport
  • Confirmation of ground transportation options
  • Basic Atlanta visitor information

Quick Reference: Cleveland to Atlanta Flight Basics

Practical Tips for Anyone Flying Cleveland → Atlanta

• Check your arrival concourse at ATL before landing so you can plan your route to baggage claim or MARTA.
• If you’re meeting someone in Atlanta, coordinate a specific location at the airport or in the city, such as:
  • The MARTA Airport Station
  • A hotel lobby in Downtown or Midtown
• If you’re new to Atlanta, consider staying near:
  • Downtown for easy MARTA access and proximity to business, government, and tourist spots.
  • Midtown for a walkable area with museums, restaurants, and direct MARTA access.

Whether you’re returning home to Atlanta, relocating, or just visiting, flights from Cleveland, Ohio to Atlanta, GA offer a convenient way to connect two major metro areas. With a basic understanding of ATL’s layout, local transit options, and typical timing, you can step off your flight and move through Atlanta with confidence.