Orlando, FL to Atlanta, GA: Your Complete Guide to Traveling Between the Cities

Traveling from Orlando, Florida to Atlanta, Georgia is one of the most common regional trips in the Southeast. Whether you live in Atlanta, are flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), or are planning a round trip between the two cities, understanding your options helps you save time, stress, and money.

This guide focuses on what someone in Atlanta, GA needs to know about traveling between Atlanta and Orlando—by car, plane, bus, or train—and how the trip connects with everyday Atlanta life.

Key Facts: Orlando FL to Atlanta GA at a Glance

Approximate distance (by road): 435–460 miles
Typical driving time: 6.5–7.5 hours (without major delays)
Primary Atlanta hub: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Primary highway route: I‑75 North / I‑475 around Macon

Quick Comparison of Travel Options

Driving from Orlando to Atlanta (or Back)

If you’re based in Atlanta and considering driving to Orlando—or returning home from Florida—this is one of the most straightforward road trips in the region.

Main Driving Route

Most Atlanta travelers use this core route:

1. From Atlanta:

   • Take I‑75 South out of the city.
   • Near Macon, follow I‑475 South (bypass) to avoid downtown Macon traffic.
   • Reconnect with I‑75 South.
   • Continue on I‑75 through Valdosta to the Florida line.
   • Near Ocala, connect to Florida’s Turnpike and continue toward Orlando.

2. From Orlando back to Atlanta:

   • Reverse this route: Turnpike → I‑75 North → I‑475 North (Macon bypass) → I‑75 North into Atlanta.

Typical Travel Time and Traffic

From central Orlando to Downtown Atlanta, plan for:

• 6.5–7 hours in light traffic with efficient stops.
• 7–8 hours or more during:
  • Holiday weekends (especially I‑75 in South Georgia).
  • Peak tourist seasons in Orlando.
  • Friday evenings or Sunday afternoons near Atlanta.

In Atlanta, bottlenecks often appear:

• On I‑75/I‑85 (Downtown Connector) through Downtown.
• Around major interchanges such as:
  • I‑285 and I‑75 (Cobb Cloverleaf) in the northwest.
  • I‑285 and I‑75 on the south side (near the airport).

Planning your arrival outside the weekday 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. windows will usually make the final stretch into Atlanta smoother.

Useful Atlanta Access Points Off I‑75

Depending on where you live or stay in Atlanta, different exits may work better:

• Downtown / Georgia State / Capitol area
  • Use exits around the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85).
• Midtown / Georgia Tech / Atlantic Station
  • Head for 10th/14th Street or 17th Street exits off the Connector.
• Buckhead / North Atlanta
  • Continue on I‑75/85 North, then GA‑400 North or I‑85 North as needed.
• Airport / South Atlanta / College Park
  • Follow signs from I‑75 to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport via Camp Creek Parkway or Domestic/International terminals exits.

Road Trip Tips for Atlanta-Based Travelers

• Fuel and food stops:
  South Georgia towns like Tifton, Valdosta, and Cordele are common stop points along I‑75.
• Weather considerations:
  Summer storms can slow traffic both near Orlando and around Atlanta. In rare winter cold snaps, watch for travel advisories in North Georgia.
• Parking in Atlanta after your trip:
  If you’re returning home and heading into Downtown, expect paid parking at most garages and lots. In neighborhoods like Inman Park, Decatur, or West Midtown, on-street parking rules vary—check posted signs.

Flying Between Orlando and Atlanta

For many people who live or work in Atlanta, flying between Orlando and Atlanta is the most time-efficient choice, especially for weekend trips and frequent business travel.

Flight Basics

• Flight time: Around 1.5 hours in the air.
• Primary airports:
  • Atlanta: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
    • 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Orlando: Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Because ATL is a major hub, flights between Orlando and Atlanta are usually frequent throughout the day.

Getting to and from ATL Within Atlanta

If you’re starting in Atlanta, how you reach the airport affects your total travel time as much as the flight itself.

MARTA (public transit):

• Airport Station is directly inside the Domestic Terminal.
• From:
  • Downtown Atlanta: about 15–20 minutes on the Red or Gold line.
  • Midtown: about 20–25 minutes.
  • Buckhead: closer to 30 minutes.

This option is useful if you live near MARTA stations like Five Points, Peachtree Center, Midtown, North Avenue, or Lindbergh Center.

Driving and parking:

• On-site airport parking ranges from hourly to economy lots.
• Many Atlanta residents in suburbs like Marietta, Decatur, or Fayetteville choose off-site parking lots or hotel park-and-fly options near the airport.

Rideshare and taxis:

• Designated pickup zones at ATL for rideshare and taxis.
• Travel time from key areas (without heavy traffic):
  • Downtown: ~15–25 minutes
  • Midtown: ~20–30 minutes
  • Buckhead: ~25–35 minutes
  • Sandy Springs / Perimeter: ~30–40 minutes

Plan extra cushion during rush hours or if severe weather is in the forecast.

When Flying Makes Sense for Atlanta Residents

Flying Atlanta ↔ Orlando is often best when:

• You’re doing a quick weekend at Orlando theme parks.
• You need to get back to work in Atlanta quickly on Monday.
• You’re traveling for meetings and want minimal time on the road.
• You prefer to avoid long drives with kids or larger groups.

Even factoring in airport security and transit, many Atlanta travelers consider this route worthwhile if they value time over cost.

Bus Travel: Orlando to Atlanta on a Budget

Bus travel between Orlando and Atlanta is commonly used by budget-conscious travelers, students, and those who don’t drive.

Typical Experience

• Travel time: Often 8–10+ hours, depending on route, stops, and traffic.
• Comfort level: Varies by company, but usually includes:
  • Reclining seats
  • A/C
  • Limited Wi‑Fi and outlets (service quality can vary)

Where Buses Typically Arrive in Atlanta

While specific operators may change terminals over time, common arrival areas are usually central to the city, such as:

• Downtown Atlanta:
  Near major streets and close to MARTA rail and bus connections, which makes it easier to continue your trip to:

  • Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, Airport, Perimeter, and other suburbs.

• Midtown / nearby neighborhoods:
  Some services may use locations near Midtown or West Midtown, offering convenient transfers via MARTA or local rideshare services.

When planning, it’s wise to:

• Confirm the exact Atlanta terminal address before booking.
• Check how you’ll get from that terminal to:
  • Your home (if you live in Atlanta).
  • Your hotel (if you’re visiting).
  • A MARTA station for onward travel.

Using MARTA After Your Bus Arrives

If you arrive near Downtown Atlanta, you may be within walking distance or a short ride to stations such as:

• Five Points Station
• Peachtree Center Station
• Garnett Station

From those, you can reach:

• Airport Station for connections to flights.
• North Springs, Doraville, or Indian Creek if you live in the northern or eastern suburbs.
• Decatur, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Sandy Springs, and many other residential hubs.

Train Travel: A Less Common, More Scenic Path

Traveling between Orlando and Atlanta by train is less direct than driving or flying, but some people choose it for a slower, more scenic experience.

What Atlanta Travelers Should Know

• As of recent patterns, there is no simple, direct, high-frequency train that runs straight from Orlando to Atlanta like a commuter route.
• Train travel often involves:
  • Longer travel times (often over 12 hours including connections).
  • Planning around limited schedules.

Atlanta’s Passenger Train Station

• Atlanta Peachtree Station
  • Address: 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Located in the Brookwood area, between Midtown and Buckhead.
  • Nearby neighborhoods:
    • Midtown
    • Atlantic Station
    • Buckhead
  • Connections:
    • Local bus routes
    • Short rideshare trips to Arts Center MARTA Station or other transit spots.

If you live or are staying near Midtown, Buckhead, or West Midtown, this station can be convenient, but if your priority is speed between Orlando and Atlanta, most residents choose driving or flying instead.

Choosing the Best Option for Atlanta-Based Trips to Orlando

If you live in Atlanta or are staying in the metro area, here’s a quick way to decide:

1. Prioritize Time

Choose flying if:

• You want to minimize travel time.
• You’re comfortable with airport routines.
• You can easily reach ATL via MARTA or a quick drive.

2. Prioritize Flexibility

Choose driving if:

• You want control over departure times and stops.
• You’re traveling with family, pets, or a lot of luggage.
• You live in a part of metro Atlanta that’s not close to MARTA or the airport.

Driving can be especially convenient if you’re in:

• Cobb County (Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw) near I‑75.
• Henry County (McDonough) or Clayton County on the southside.
• Fayette, Coweta, or Fayetteville/Peachtree City, where airport access still involves driving.

3. Prioritize Budget

Choose bus travel if:

• You’re looking for one of the lowest-cost options.
• You don’t mind longer travel times.
• You’re comfortable navigating Downtown Atlanta or MARTA upon arrival.

4. Prioritize a Relaxed, Scenic Experience

Consider train travel if:

• Your schedule is very flexible.
• You value the journey itself over speed.
• You’re staying near Midtown/Buckhead and want to start or end at Peachtree Station.

Local Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

• Plan transfers inside Atlanta:
  If you’re returning from Orlando and arriving late at ATL, make sure MARTA’s operating hours and your last-mile ride are lined up, especially if you live far OTP (Outside the Perimeter).

• Account for Atlanta rush hour:
  Even if your Orlando–Atlanta drive goes smoothly, the last 10–20 miles into metro Atlanta can add 30–60 minutes in peak traffic.

• Check major Atlanta events:
  Large events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Georgia World Congress Center, or Midtown festivals can dramatically increase central-city traffic and hotel demand.

• Use central Atlanta as a base:
  If you’re visiting Atlanta from Orlando, staying near:

  • Downtown (for walkability to major attractions),
  • Midtown (arts, dining, MARTA access), or
  • Buckhead (shopping, dining)

  makes it easier to move around without a car, especially combined with MARTA rail and rideshare.

Traveling from Orlando, FL to Atlanta, GA is straightforward once you understand how the routes, transit options, and local Atlanta connections fit together. By aligning your choice—car, plane, bus, or train—with your schedule, budget, and where you’re staying in Atlanta, you can make the trip work smoothly from one city to the other.