Traveling From Raleigh, NC to Atlanta, GA: A Practical Guide for Atlanta-Focused Travelers

Planning a trip from Raleigh, North Carolina to Atlanta, Georgia—or comparing life between the two cities—comes up often for people who live in Atlanta, are moving here, or visit frequently. Whether you’re relocating for work, visiting family, or heading back home to Atlanta, it helps to understand the best ways to travel, typical routes, timing, and what to expect when you arrive in Atlanta.

This guide walks through your main options for getting from Raleigh to Atlanta, with Atlanta-specific tips on transportation, arrival points, neighborhoods, and how to get around once you’re here.

How Far Is Raleigh, NC From Atlanta, GA?

On average, Raleigh to Atlanta is:

• By car: About 400–450 miles, depending on your exact start and end points
• By driving time: Typically 6–7 hours in normal traffic
• By flight: Around 1 hour 20 minutes air time, plus time at each airport

Most trips use either I‑85 or a combination of I‑40, I‑85, and I‑285 to reach the Atlanta metro. For Atlanta residents, this route is common for college visits, business trips, ACC games, and family connections in North Carolina.

Driving From Raleigh to Atlanta

If you prefer flexibility and control over your schedule, driving from Raleigh to Atlanta is a direct and manageable option.

Main Driving Routes

Most GPS apps will propose some version of these routes:

1. I‑85 South via Charlotte

   • Raleigh → Greensboro → Charlotte → Atlanta
   • Uses I‑40 West from Raleigh to Greensboro, then I‑85 South all the way toward Atlanta
   • Often the most straightforward route, with plenty of services and rest areas

2. Route variations via I‑285 around Atlanta

   • As you approach the Atlanta metro, you’ll typically be routed onto I‑285 (the Perimeter)
   • From I‑285, you can connect to:
     • I‑75/85 into Downtown/Midtown Atlanta
     • GA‑400 to Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and North Fulton
     • I‑20 for East/West Atlanta and some suburbs

Typical Drive Time & Traffic Tips (Atlanta-Focused)

• Normal range: 6–7 hours of driving time
• Leaving Raleigh early in the morning can help you avoid:
  • Heavy traffic near Charlotte
  • The worst of Atlanta rush hour

In Atlanta, rush hour traffic can be intense on:

• I‑75/85 through Downtown
• I‑285, especially on the north side
• GA‑400 near Buckhead and Sandy Springs

⏰ Atlanta timing tip:
Aim to arrive between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. or later in the evening after 7 p.m. when possible. This makes it easier to reach central neighborhoods like Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, West Midtown, or East Atlanta.

Where You’ll Likely Enter Atlanta

Depending on your final destination in the city:

• Heading to Downtown or Midtown: You’ll likely come in on I‑85 South, then merge onto I‑75/85 (the Downtown Connector).
• Heading to Buckhead: You may be routed on I‑285 and then GA‑400 South.
• Heading to the airport (Hartsfield‑Jackson): You’ll usually take I‑85 South directly to the airport exits or connect via I‑285.

Flying From Raleigh to Atlanta

For many travelers, especially those connecting through Atlanta, flying from Raleigh to Atlanta is the fastest and most convenient choice.

Main Airports

• Departure:Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) – located between Raleigh and Durham
• Arrival:Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – just south of Downtown Atlanta

ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world and a major hub for the Southeast, which makes Raleigh–Atlanta flights frequent and easy to book.

Flight Time & Airport Experience

• Flight duration: Usually about 1 hour 15–30 minutes
• Total trip time door-to-door: Often 3–5 hours, once you factor in:
  • Getting to RDU
  • Security and boarding
  • Taxiing and deplaning at ATL
  • Getting from ATL into Atlanta neighborhoods

Getting From ATL Into Atlanta

Once you land in Atlanta, you have several options to reach your final destination:

1. MARTA Rail (Public Transit)

MARTA is Atlanta’s main rail and bus system. The Airport Station is directly connected to the Domestic Terminal.

• To reach MARTA Rail:

  • Follow signs for “MARTA” from baggage claim in the domestic terminal.
  • The station is at the end of the Domestic Terminal (South).

• Useful MARTA stops for visitors:

  • Five Points: Downtown transfer point to all lines
  • Peachtree Center: Heart of Downtown offices and hotels
  • Civic Center / North Avenue: Near Downtown/Midtown border
  • Midtown Station: Access to Midtown hotels, offices, and attractions
  • Arts Center: Upper Midtown and cultural sites
  • Buckhead / Lenox / Brookhaven: North Atlanta shopping and business districts

✅ Best for:
Travelers staying near MARTA stations in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead and those who want to avoid renting a car immediately.

MARTA’s main headquarters and central hub are near:
MARTA Headquarters
2424 Piedmont Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30324

(You don’t need to visit the HQ to ride; all ticketing is done at the stations.)

2. Rideshare & Taxis

Rideshare services and taxis operate heavily between ATL and neighborhoods across metro Atlanta.

• Where to go at ATL:
  • Follow signs for “Rideshare” or “Ground Transportation”
  • Dedicated pickup zones are located outside the terminals

This is convenient if you’re staying in areas like:

• Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown, Virginia‑Highland, East Atlanta Village, Grant Park, or other neighborhoods that aren’t directly on a MARTA Rail line.

3. Rental Car

If you plan to travel around metro Atlanta or beyond, a rental car can make sense.

• Most providers operate out of the ATL Rental Car Center (RCC), connected to the terminals via the SkyTrain.
• From the RCC, it’s straightforward to reach I‑85, I‑285, or I‑75, depending on where in Atlanta you’re headed.

Bus or Train From Raleigh to Atlanta

For travelers who don’t want to fly or drive, intercity bus and train options are available, though they may be less direct.

Bus Travel

Long-distance bus services typically connect Raleigh to Atlanta with one or more stops.

In Atlanta, common bus arrival/departure areas include:

• Terminals close to Downtown or Midtown, often near major MARTA stations
• From there, you can transfer to MARTA Rail or bus, or use rideshare/taxis to reach your final neighborhood

Bus travel can be a budget-friendly choice but often takes longer than driving or flying. It may be a good fit if:

• You’re traveling light
• You have a flexible schedule
• You’re comfortable with longer transit times

Train Travel (Amtrak)

Amtrak routes can connect Raleigh and Atlanta, often with transfers.

Atlanta’s primary Amtrak station:

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

From this station:

• MARTA access: You can take a short rideshare or bus ride to:
  • Arts Center Station or Midtown Station on MARTA Rail
• Nearby neighborhoods: West Midtown, Midtown, and some Buckhead-adjacent areas are reachable by short rideshare or bus connections.

Train travel is typically slower than flying, may be comparable or longer than driving, but some travelers appreciate:

• The ability to move around on board
• More relaxed boarding process compared to airports

Comparing Raleigh–Atlanta Travel Options

Here’s a simple overview to help Atlanta-based travelers decide how to get between the two cities:

Atlanta Neighborhood Considerations for Raleigh Travelers

Whether you’re moving from Raleigh to Atlanta or visiting, it helps to understand some key Atlanta areas you might be headed to after your trip.

Central Business & Tourist Areas

• Downtown Atlanta

  • Home to government buildings, major attractions, and convention spaces
  • Convenient if you’re here for large events or business meetings
  • Accessible via MARTA (Five Points, Peachtree Center)

• Midtown Atlanta

  • Major hub for offices, tech, arts, and nightlife
  • Popular with visitors who want a walkable environment by Atlanta standards
  • Served by Midtown, North Avenue, and Arts Center MARTA Stations

Popular Residential & Mixed Areas

• Buckhead

  • Known for shopping, dining, and business centers
  • Accessible by Buckhead, Lenox, and Lindbergh Center MARTA Stations and GA‑400

• West Midtown / Upper Westside

  • Growing area with restaurants, lofts, and creative spaces
  • Typically accessed via car, rideshare, or bus

• Eastside neighborhoods (Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia‑Highland, Grant Park)

  • Often compared favorably by visitors from Raleigh because of their intown neighborhood feel
  • Some MARTA bus access; many people use bikes, scooters, and rideshare

If you’re relocating from Raleigh, you may want to visit several of these neighborhoods after your arrival to better understand where you might want to live, commute, or spend free time.

Practical Tips for Raleigh-to-Atlanta Trips

A few Atlanta-specific pointers make this trip smoother:

• Watch Atlanta rush hour:

  • Morning: roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.
  • Evening: roughly 4:00–7:00 p.m.
    Try to plan arrival and departure outside these windows when possible.

• Parking in Atlanta:

  • Downtown and Midtown often use paid decks and lots.
  • Many residential neighborhoods use street parking, some with time limits.

• Using MARTA from ATL:

  • If you’re staying near a rail station, public transit can be efficient and cost-effective.
  • If your destination is far from MARTA, factor in a rideshare segment.

• Weather & driving:

  • Atlanta and Raleigh have somewhat similar climates, but Atlanta traffic can be more congested, especially during storms.
  • Build in extra time in cases of heavy rain or severe weather.

Helpful Atlanta Contacts & Waypoints

If your trip from Raleigh to Atlanta involves transfers, planning, or local navigation, these Atlanta-based points can help:

• Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320
  General information is available via the airport’s main information lines and help desks inside the terminals.

• Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
  Headquarters:
  2424 Piedmont Rd NE
  Atlanta, GA 30324

• Atlanta Amtrak – Peachtree Station
  1688 Peachtree St NW
  Atlanta, GA 30309

These locations connect many travelers arriving from Raleigh and the broader North Carolina region into the heart of Atlanta’s transportation network.

Travel between Raleigh, NC and Atlanta, GA is straightforward by car, plane, bus, or train. Once you understand how you’ll enter Atlanta—via highway, ATL airport, or intown hubs like Downtown, Midtown, or Peachtree Station—you can plan the rest of your trip around MARTA, rideshare, or driving to reach the Atlanta neighborhood that fits your needs.