Traveling From Atlanta, Georgia to Buffalo, New York: A Practical Guide

Planning a trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Buffalo, New York and want to know the best options, routes, and what to expect? Whether you live in metro Atlanta, are flying in through Hartsfield-Jackson, or are visiting family in Upstate New York, this guide walks you through the main ways to make the trip and how each one works in real life.

How Far Is It From Atlanta to Buffalo?

On a map, Atlanta to Buffalo is roughly:

• By road: about 850–900 miles (depending on your exact start point in Atlanta and route choice)
• By air: about 1.5–2 hours of flight time on a nonstop, plus time at the airport

For most people in Atlanta, the choice comes down to:

• Flying (fastest, usually most convenient)
• Driving (flexible, more control over schedule)
• Bus or train combinations (cheaper in some cases, but slower and more complex)

Option 1: Flying From Atlanta to Buffalo ✈️

For most Atlanta travelers, flying from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is the most straightforward choice.

Main Airports

In Atlanta:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320
  – Major hub with frequent connections to the Northeast and Midwest
  – Accessible via MARTA Red/Gold line to Airport Station, plus shuttles, rideshare, taxis, and parking

In Buffalo:

• Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
  4200 Genesee St
  Buffalo, NY 14225
  – Main airport serving the Buffalo metro and nearby areas of New York and Ontario

Flight Types and What to Expect

From Atlanta, you may find:

• Nonstop flights: Often the fastest way, around 2 hours in the air
• One-stop flights: Routings through cities like Charlotte, Washington, or New York if nonstop options are limited

General expectations:

• Total trip time (door-to-door) often lands around 4–6 hours:
  • 1–1.5 hours to get to ATL and through security (more during peak times)
  • 1.5–2 hours of flight time
  • 30–60 minutes to get bags and travel into Buffalo or surrounding suburbs

Getting to Hartsfield-Jackson From Around Atlanta

If you’re starting from:

• Downtown/Midtown Atlanta:
  – MARTA rail (Red or Gold line) directly to Airport Station
  – Rideshare or taxi via I-75/85 South
• Buckhead/Sandy Springs/Dunwoody:
  – MARTA from North Springs or Doraville direction to Airport Station
  – Driving via GA-400 to I-85 or I-285, then south toward airport
• Southside (College Park, East Point, Forest Park):
  – Shorter trips by local roads or MARTA bus connections
• Suburbs (Marietta, Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, Douglasville, etc.):
  – Usually a combination of I-285 + I-75/85 or local express lanes where available
  – Some travelers use long-term parking near the airport or off-site shuttle lots

📝 Tip for Atlanta travelers:
Build extra time into your schedule. ATL is very busy, and traffic on I‑75/85, I‑285, or GA‑400 can add 30–60 minutes during rush hour.

Option 2: Driving From Atlanta to Buffalo 🚗

If you prefer a road trip or need to bring more belongings, driving from Atlanta to Buffalo is a realistic option, especially for moves, student relocations, or extended stays.

Approximate Driving Distance and Time

• Distance: Roughly 850–900 miles
• Driving time (wheels turning): Around 13–15 hours without long stops

Most people from Atlanta break this into one long day or two shorter days.

Common Driving Routes From Atlanta

A typical route from Atlanta to Buffalo will generally follow some combination of:

1. I‑75 North out of Atlanta
2. Then branching to I‑71 / I‑90 or I‑79 / I‑90 further north

Here’s a common, straightforward pattern:

• Start on I‑75 North from Atlanta
• Pass through:
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Knoxville, TN
• Transition toward:
  • Lexington, KY
  • Then Cincinnati, OH
• Continue via Ohio and into New York, connecting with I‑90 East to Buffalo

Exact turns can vary based on traffic and navigation apps, but expect to cross several states: Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, possibly Ohio, then Pennsylvania/New York combinations depending on routing.

Possible Overnight Stop Ideas

If you don’t want to drive it all at once, common midway or near-midway areas include:

• Knoxville, TN
• Lexington, KY
• Cincinnati, OH, or nearby suburbs

These cities usually offer:

• Multiple lodging options (hotels, motels, short-stay rentals)
• Plenty of gas, food, and rest areas
• Easy access just off the interstates

Things an Atlanta Driver Should Plan For

• Mountain and hilly terrain: Sections of Tennessee and Kentucky can be more winding and elevated than I‑75 around Atlanta.
• Weather differences:
  • Leaving Atlanta in mild weather does not guarantee the same conditions up north.
  • From late fall through early spring, be prepared for snow, ice, or slush in Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.
• Tolls: Certain stretches, especially on I‑90 near Buffalo, may include toll roads.
• Parking in Buffalo: If you’ll be in downtown Buffalo or near the waterfront, check in advance where you can park, especially for overnight or long-term stays.

Option 3: Bus Travel From Atlanta to Buffalo 🚌

There is no single, direct city-to-city bus from Atlanta to Buffalo in most cases, but you can often make the trip using long-distance bus services with transfers.

What an Atlanta Bus Trip Typically Looks Like

Common patterns from Atlanta involve:

• Departing from a central Atlanta bus terminal (often near downtown or a MARTA-connected area)
• Traveling to a major hub city, such as:
  • Washington, DC
  • New York City
  • Cleveland, OH
• Then transferring to another bus heading to Buffalo

Travel time:

• Often 18–24+ hours, depending on:
  • Number and length of layovers
  • Time of day
  • Specific route schedule

Pros and Cons for Atlanta Travelers

Pros:

• May be cheaper than last-minute flights
• No need to drive, handle winter roads, or deal with parking
• Can be an option for students or travelers without a car

Cons:

• Long travel time
• Multiple transfers increase complexity
• Seating and amenities vary by carrier and route

If you live along a MARTA line or close to downtown Atlanta, getting to a bus departure point is usually straightforward via rail + short rideshare.

Option 4: Train Options (Using Connections) 🚆

There is no single direct train route from Atlanta to Buffalo, but there are possible rail combinations that some travelers use when they prefer trains.

From Atlanta, long-distance trains typically involve:

• Starting from an Atlanta passenger rail station (near Midtown/Westside)
• Riding a northbound route to a large northeastern hub city, then
• Connecting to train or rail/bus services that serve Buffalo or nearby New York State cities

This approach tends to:

• Take significantly longer than flying or driving
• Require careful schedule coordination
• Be more practical for train enthusiasts or those deliberately avoiding air travel

For most Atlanta residents, this method is appealing mainly if:

• You are not in a hurry
• You want a scenic, sit-back-and-relax experience
• You are comfortable with transfers and longer overall travel times

Quick Comparison: Atlanta to Buffalo Travel Options

Seasonal Considerations for Atlanta Travelers

Atlanta’s climate is milder than Buffalo’s, so the season you travel matters.

Winter & Early Spring (Roughly November–March)

• Leaving Atlanta:
  – You may start in light jackets and dry roads.
• On the way and in Buffalo:
  – Expect colder temperatures, possible snow and ice.
  – Roads in higher elevations and northern states may be challenging.
  – Flying can sometimes involve delays due to weather, especially around the Great Lakes.

If you’re driving from Atlanta, consider:

• Checking road conditions, especially:
  • Tennessee mountains
  • Kentucky and Ohio highways
  • Upstate New York and the Buffalo area
• Keeping emergency items in the car (warm layers, scraper, blankets, basic supplies).

Summer & Early Fall

• The drive and flights are typically smoother from a weather standpoint.
• Buffalo summers are usually cooler than Atlanta’s, which some travelers appreciate.

How This Trip Fits Different Atlanta Situations

Moving or Relocating From Atlanta to Buffalo

If you’re moving:

• Driving or shipping a car is often essential.
• Many people in Atlanta:
  • Rent a moving truck and tow a personal vehicle
  • Or drive their own car while a moving company transports belongings
• Flying might be better if:
  • You have a job start date and limited time
  • Your belongings are handled by movers or shipped separately

Students Going From Atlanta to Schools Near Buffalo

Atlanta-area students heading to colleges in Buffalo or nearby often choose:

• Flights from ATL to BUF (fast and practical around school breaks)
• Occasional drives for semester moves when bringing more items

Parents and students in metro Atlanta usually find it easiest to:

• Fly for short breaks with a carry-on or single suitcase
• Use road trips + larger vehicles for move-in or move-out.

Family Visits and Tourism

For family visits, sports trips, or seeing attractions near Niagara Falls:

• Nonstop or one-stop flights from ATL are the most time-efficient.
• Some families opt for a road trip from Atlanta, combining:
  • Stops in Tennessee and Kentucky
  • Time in other cities en route
  • Then a few days in Buffalo and nearby sights

Practical Tips for Atlantans Planning the Trip

• Check both time and total cost. When comparing flying vs. driving, factor in:
  • Gas, tolls, parking, extra hotel night (for driving)
  • Baggage fees, airport parking, and ground transport (for flying)
• Consider your starting point in metro Atlanta.
  • If you live close to MARTA or near the airport, flying may be overwhelmingly convenient.
  • If you’re in a far suburb with a car packed full, driving might be more practical.
• Account for Buffalo’s weather.
  • Especially if you’re used to Atlanta’s winters, Buffalo’s conditions can be significantly different, with more snow and wind.
• Plan your arrival time.
  • For flights: try to arrive in Buffalo during daylight if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
  • For driving: avoid scheduling your last stretch through unfamiliar snowy areas late at night if possible.

Traveling from Atlanta, Georgia to Buffalo, New York is very doable by air, road, or longer bus/train combinations. Your best option depends on how quickly you need to arrive, how much you want to spend, and whether you need a vehicle once you get there. If you start your planning with Atlanta’s geography, traffic patterns, and access to Hartsfield-Jackson in mind, you can choose the route that fits your schedule and comfort level.