Getting From Atlanta, Georgia to Orlando: Your Complete Travel Guide

Planning a trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Orlando, Florida is one of the most common getaways for Atlanta residents and visitors. Whether you’re heading to the theme parks, visiting family, or escaping for a long weekend, there are several practical ways to make the trip — each with different costs, travel times, and convenience levels.

This guide walks you through all the main options from Atlanta to Orlando, with tips tailored specifically to people starting in or near Atlanta.

How Far Is It From Atlanta to Orlando?

The distance from downtown Atlanta to Orlando is roughly:

• By road: about 440–460 miles, depending on your exact starting point and route
• By air: about 400 miles (direct flight distance)

Most travelers from Atlanta choose between:

• Driving
• Flying from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Taking a bus
• Taking a train part of the way, then connecting

Here’s a quick comparison to help you orient yourself:

*Costs vary by date, demand, and how early you book.

Driving From Atlanta to Orlando

For many people in Atlanta, driving is the default choice. You control the schedule, can pack what you want, and can stop along the way.

Main Driving Route: I‑75 South and Florida’s Turnpike

The most common route from Atlanta to Orlando is:

1. Start on I‑75 South from Atlanta
2. Continue through Macon, Tifton, and Valdosta
3. Cross into Florida, stay on I‑75 South toward Ocala
4. Connect to Florida’s Turnpike toward Orlando

Typical drive time: 6.5 to 8 hours, not counting long stops, traffic, or weather delays.

If you’re leaving from common Atlanta areas:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta: Follow signs to I‑75/I‑85 South, then continue on I‑75 when the highways split near Hapeville.
• Buckhead / Brookhaven: Take GA‑400 South to connect to I‑85/I‑75 South, then stay on I‑75.
• Decatur / East Atlanta: Use I‑20 West or local connectors to reach I‑75/I‑85 South, then continue on I‑75.

Tolls and Planning for Costs

There are no tolls in Georgia on this route, but once you get onto Florida’s Turnpike, expect tolls.

Ways to handle tolls:

• Cash / Card: Most main plazas accept standard payment, but some ramps may be electronic-only.
• SunPass / Toll Transponder: Helpful if you visit Florida often, but not required.
• Rental Cars: If you’re renting in Atlanta, ask the company about toll policies if you plan to drive into Florida.

You’ll also want to budget for:

• Gas (depends on vehicle and gas prices)
• Meals and snacks along the way
• Parking once you arrive in Orlando (especially at theme parks or downtown hotels)

When to Leave Atlanta for a Smoother Drive

Traffic patterns around Atlanta can significantly affect your start:

• Avoid weekday rush hours, especially:
  • Morning: roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.
  • Evening: roughly 4:00–7:00 p.m.
• If you’re heading out from Downtown, Midtown, or near the Connector (I‑75/85), consider leaving:
  • Very early morning (before 6:30 a.m.), or
  • Late morning (after 9:30 a.m.) on weekdays
• On holiday weekends (spring break, summer holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year), expect:
  • Heavy traffic on I‑75 South through Macon and Valdosta
  • Extra delays near Florida border and Orlando area

Places to Stop Between Atlanta and Orlando

Popular break points for Atlanta drivers include:

• Macon, GA: About 1.5 hours from Atlanta; good for an early meal or gas.
• Tifton or Valdosta, GA: Roughly halfway; common for lunch or fuel.
• Ocala, FL: Later in the trip; plenty of services before you turn toward Orlando.

If you’re traveling with kids from Atlanta, many families like to:

• Let children run around at larger travel plazas or rest areas
• Pack snacks from home or from Atlanta-area groceries before leaving to cut costs

Flying From Atlanta (ATL) to Orlando

If you want to maximize time in Orlando and minimize time on the road, flying is often the best choice.

Airports Involved

From Atlanta:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

To Orlando:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO) – main airport, closest to many theme parks and resorts
• Some flights also serve Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), but most Atlanta-origin travelers use MCO.

How Long Is the Flight?

• Flight time: around 1.5 to 2 hours nonstop
• Total door-to-door time from most Atlanta neighborhoods:
  • Plan 3–5 hours including:
    • Getting to ATL from your home or hotel
    • Check-in and security
    • Boarding, taxi time, baggage claim, and transit on the Orlando side

Getting to the Airport From Atlanta Neighborhoods

Common ways Atlanta travelers reach ATL:

• MARTA Rail:
  • Red and Gold Lines both go directly to the Airport Station (inside the Domestic Terminal).
  • Good options if you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, or near MARTA-connected hotels.
• Rideshare / Taxi:
  • Widely available throughout Metro Atlanta.
• Driving and Parking:
  • On-site parking at ATL plus off-site lots near the airport, with shuttle services.
• Hotel Shuttles:
  • Many airport-area hotels in College Park, East Point, and Hapeville offer shuttles.

Security and Check-In Timing

From Atlanta to Orlando, most travelers:

• Aim to arrive at ATL at least 2 hours before departure
• Expect heavier security lines during:
  • Early mornings
  • Monday mornings and Thursday/Friday afternoons
  • Holiday and school break periods

Because ATL is a major hub, plan a time cushion, especially if you’re traveling with young kids or checked bags.

Ground Transportation in Orlando

Once you arrive at MCO, options typically include:

• Rental cars (many Atlanta families choose this for theme park flexibility)
• Rideshare and taxis
• Hotel/resort shuttles (check with your Orlando hotel in advance)

If you’re comparing driving vs flying from Atlanta, consider:

• How comfortable you are with an 8-hour drive
• Whether you’ll need a car in Orlando anyway
• Flight prices during your specific travel dates

Bus Travel From Atlanta to Orlando

If you’re looking for a budget-conscious alternative and don’t mind a longer ride, long-distance buses run between the two cities.

Where Buses Typically Depart in Atlanta

While exact operators and terminals can change, buses commonly use locations in or near:

• Downtown Atlanta
• Near Five Points or along major corridors close to MARTA access

Before you go, confirm:

• Departure address
• Boarding time
• Whether you need to print your ticket or show it on your phone

What to Expect on the Trip

Travel time is usually 8–10 hours or more, depending on:

• Number of stops between Atlanta and Orlando
• Traffic around large cities (especially in and out of Atlanta and through central Florida)

On many routes, you can expect:

• Reclining seats and overhead storage
• A restroom on board
• Limited or variable Wi‑Fi and power outlets

Atlanta travelers who choose bus service often:

• Pack a light blanket or jacket (buses can be cool)
• Bring snacks and water, especially for overnight or longer daytime rides
• Use MARTA or rideshare to reach the bus departure point in Atlanta

Train Options From Atlanta to Orlando

There is no direct passenger train running straight from Atlanta to Orlando. If you prefer trains, you can travel part of the way by rail, but it usually involves planning and transfers.

Using Amtrak Near Atlanta

Atlanta is served by Amtrak’s Peachtree Station:

• Atlanta Peachtree Station
  • Address: 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Located in the Brookwood area between Midtown and Buckhead

However, routes from this station do not directly continue to Orlando in a single, simple line. To reach Orlando, travelers sometimes:

• Combine train and bus segments
• Or travel by train to another major city, then connect to a different train or bus that goes to Orlando

This can be more time-consuming than flying or driving, but some Atlanta residents choose it for the comfort of rail travel, the ability to move around on board, or to avoid driving long distances.

If you’re considering this:

• Check current schedules, connections, and total travel times
• Compare cost and convenience to a short flight from ATL or a direct bus

Renting a Car in Atlanta for the Trip

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want to drive to Orlando from here, renting a car is a common strategy.

Where to Rent in Atlanta

Popular areas to pick up a rental vehicle include:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):
  • Consolidated Rental Car Center reachable via the SkyTrain from the main terminal.
• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:
  • Several rental offices serve people staying in hotels or short-term rentals.
• Buckhead and Perimeter (Dunwoody/Sandy Springs):
  • Often convenient if you’re based in North Atlanta.

If your main goal is to go from Atlanta to Orlando and back, you may want to:

• Compare rates between airport and in-town rentals
• Factor in:
  • Mileage policies
  • One-way fees (if you plan to drop the car off in Orlando)
  • Insurance options, especially if you’re not a Georgia resident

Tips for Long-Distance Driving From Atlanta

• ✔️ Check your route ahead of time: Know where you’ll stop for gas and meals.
• ✔️ Watch Atlanta traffic news the morning of your departure (many local stations and radio channels provide rush-hour updates).
• ✔️ Plan for weather:
  • Summer: heavy rain and thunderstorms
  • Winter: occasional cold snaps; ice is rare this far south but can appear during severe cold spells
• ✔️ Take breaks: Rest stops every 2–3 hours help avoid fatigue, especially if you’re driving straight from Atlanta after work.

Atlanta-Specific Tips for Planning Your Orlando Trip

Choosing When to Travel From Atlanta

Orlando is a major destination for Atlanta families, school groups, and college students, so certain times get especially busy on both ends:

• Spring Break (March–April):
  • Heavy traffic leaving Atlanta on weekends
  • Higher flight and hotel costs
• Summer (June–August):
  • More families on the road, higher theme park crowds
• Thanksgiving and Winter Holidays:
  • Busy at ATL, on I‑75 South, and in Orlando

If your schedule is flexible in Atlanta, consider:

• Traveling midweek instead of Friday–Sunday
• Leaving very early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the worst Atlanta congestion

Packing and Prep for Orlando From an Atlanta Perspective

Leaving from Atlanta, you may encounter:

• Mild or cool weather in Atlanta vs hotter, more humid conditions in Orlando (especially most of the year)

Smart packing choices often include:

• Layers for the Atlanta departure (light jacket or sweatshirt)
• Warm-weather clothes and sun protection for Orlando:
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
• Comfortable walking shoes if you’re heading to theme parks
• A small day bag if you’re driving or taking a bus, to keep important items handy

Which Option Is Best for You From Atlanta to Orlando?

From an Atlanta starting point, here’s a simple way to decide:

• Choose Driving if:

  • You want maximum flexibility with schedule and luggage
  • You’re traveling as a family or group and can share driving
  • You don’t mind a 6.5–8 hour road trip

• Choose Flying if:

  • You want to save time, especially on a shorter trip
  • You live or stay near a MARTA rail station or close to ATL
  • You’re okay with airport routines and variable ticket prices

• Choose Bus or Train + Bus if:

  • You’re focused on lower upfront cost
  • You don’t want to drive or deal with parking
  • You don’t mind a longer travel day

By starting with your Atlanta location, budget, and schedule, you can narrow down the best way to get from Atlanta, Georgia to Orlando and plan a trip that’s smooth from your front door to your final stop in Florida.