Traveling From Burbank to Atlanta, Georgia: A Practical Guide

If you’re planning a trip from Burbank, California to Atlanta, Georgia, you’ll want to understand your main travel options, how to get into and around Atlanta once you arrive, and what to expect as a visitor or returning resident. This guide is tailored specifically to people living in or traveling to Atlanta, so you can plan both the long-distance trip and your local logistics with confidence.

Key Ways to Travel From Burbank to Atlanta

You can get from Burbank (BUR) to Atlanta, Georgia in three main ways:

• Flying (fastest and most common)
• Driving (most flexibility, road-trip style)
• Bus or train plus local connections (more complex, usually slower)

Because Atlanta is a major transportation hub, your arrival options are straightforward, especially by air.

Flying From Burbank to Atlanta

Burbank to Atlanta by Air: What to Expect

Burbank is served by Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), while Atlanta is served by:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – the primary and largest airport for the city

Most trips from Burbank to Atlanta involve:

• 1 stop (common routing: BUR → major hub → ATL)
• Approximate total travel time: 6–9 hours including layovers, depending on connections and time of day

There are typically no non-stop flights from Burbank to Atlanta; you’ll usually change planes at a major hub such as Phoenix, Dallas, Denver, or another large airport.

Arrival at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

Atlanta’s airport is located on the south side of the city, about 20–25 minutes by car from Downtown Atlanta in light traffic.

Once you land at ATL, you have several options to reach:

• Downtown Atlanta (Georgia State Capitol, Five Points area)
• Midtown (Georgia Tech, Arts Center)
• Buckhead (Lenox, Phipps Plaza)
• Suburbs such as Sandy Springs, Decatur, College Park, etc.

Getting From ATL Into Atlanta

1. MARTA Train (Public Transit)

For many travelers, MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is the simplest and most budget-friendly way to get from the airport into Atlanta.

• Station: MARTA’s Airport Station is inside the Domestic Terminal, at the end of the North/South rail line.
• Lines: Red and Gold lines run from the airport through Downtown and Midtown.
• Key stops for visitors:
  • Five Points – Downtown connection hub
  • Peachtree Center – Downtown hotels, business district
  • Civic Center and North Avenue – close to some major venues and neighborhoods
  • Midtown – near arts, dining, and some hotels
  • Buckhead, Lenox, Lindbergh Center – popular business and shopping areas

📝 Tip: If you’re staying in Downtown or Midtown Atlanta, MARTA is often faster than driving during rush hour and avoids parking costs.

2. Rideshare, Taxi, and Car Services

You’ll find clearly marked areas at ATL for:

• Rideshare pickups (such as app-based ride services)
• Taxis
• Hotel shuttles (for select hotels, especially near the airport)

Travel times (depending on traffic):

• Airport to Downtown: ~15–30 minutes
• Airport to Midtown: ~20–35 minutes
• Airport to Buckhead: ~25–45 minutes
• Airport to Perimeter Center/Sandy Springs: ~30–50 minutes

These options are useful if:

• You have large luggage
• You’re arriving late at night
• You’re staying in an area far from MARTA stations

3. Renting a Car at ATL

If you’re planning to explore Atlanta’s suburbs or the broader Georgia region, renting a car can be practical.

ATL’s rental car operations are consolidated at:

Rental Car Center (RCC) – ATL
2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy, College Park, GA 30337

You’ll take the SkyTrain from the terminal to the RCC. From there you can drive directly to Atlanta’s neighborhoods, other Georgia cities, or even on to nearby states.

Driving From Burbank to Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta and are returning from Burbank by car, or you’re considering a cross-country move or road trip, the drive between Burbank and Atlanta is long but straightforward.

Approximate Distance and Route

• Distance: Around 2,000–2,200 miles, depending on route
• Driving time (non-stop): ~30–34 hours of wheel time
• Common routing:
  • Take major interstate highways such as I‑10, I‑20, and/or I‑40, then connect to I‑20 East toward Atlanta

A typical route might involve:

1. Leaving the Burbank/Los Angeles area via I‑10 or I‑40
2. Traveling across the Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico)
3. Crossing Texas
4. Heading through Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama
5. Entering Georgia and continuing to Atlanta via I‑20 East

Planning For an Atlanta Arrival by Car

When planning your final approach into Atlanta, keep these points in mind:

• Major interstate entrances to the city:
  • I‑20 from the west or east
  • I‑75 / I‑85 (the “Downtown Connector” through central Atlanta)
• Be prepared for heavy traffic during:
  • Weekday mornings (roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.)
  • Weekday evenings (roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.)

If possible, time your arrival outside peak hours when navigating:

• Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) – central through-city stretch
• I‑285 (Perimeter) – the loop around the metro area

Atlanta drivers often plan around these traffic patterns, especially when arriving from a long out-of-state drive.

Bus or Train Options Into Atlanta

There’s no simple direct bus or train from Burbank to Atlanta, but if you’re combining several legs, your end point in Atlanta will usually be one of the following:

Intercity Bus Services

Many long-distance buses arrive at or near central Atlanta, often close to Downtown or Midtown. While exact terminals may change, you can generally expect:

• Arrival near Downtown Atlanta, giving quick access to MARTA stations like Five Points, Garnett, or Peachtree Center

Once you arrive by bus, you can use:

• MARTA rail
• Local buses
• Rideshare or taxis

Amtrak to Atlanta

Atlanta is served by Amtrak’s Peachtree Station:

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

This station is situated in North Midtown/South Buckhead. From here you can:

• Take a short rideshare or taxi to:
  • Midtown MARTA Station
  • Arts Center MARTA Station
  • Downtown Atlanta
• Connect to neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, West Midtown, or Old Fourth Ward with local transit plus short car rides

Comparing Travel Options: Burbank to Atlanta

Below is a simple comparison of common ways to get from Burbank to Atlanta, Georgia with Atlanta-specific considerations:

If You Live in Atlanta and Are Visiting Burbank

If your home base is Atlanta and you’re planning a round-trip:

• You’ll likely depart from ATL and fly into Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) or another Los Angeles–area airport, then reverse the trip back to Atlanta.
• For your return:
  • Either fly directly back to ATL (usually with a layover)
  • Or drive back along a similar interstate route if you’re road-tripping or moving

When you come back into Atlanta:

• Factor in traffic on the Downtown Connector and I‑285
• Plan your arrival to avoid peak traffic times if possible
• Decide ahead of time whether you’ll go straight to:
  • Intown neighborhoods (e.g., Midtown, Downtown, Eastside)
  • Suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Decatur, Sandy Springs, College Park)

Practical Tips for Atlanta-Focused Travelers

Whether you’re arriving from Burbank or returning home to Atlanta, a few local-focused tips can make the trip smoother:

1. Know Your Final Neighborhood

Atlanta is spread out, so identify where you’re headed:

• Downtown – Government buildings, major event venues, some hotels
• Midtown – Arts, nightlife, Georgia Tech, many hotels
• Buckhead – Upscale shopping and business district
• Decatur / East Atlanta – More residential, local restaurants and bars
• Airport Area (College Park, Hapeville) – Good if you have very early or late flights

This will shape whether MARTA, rideshare, or a rental car is your best option once you arrive.

2. Factor in Atlanta Traffic

Atlanta traffic is known for:

• Heavy congestion on I‑75/85 through Downtown
• Busy periods on I‑285 around the metro area

If you’re landing at ATL or driving in from out of state, leave extra time for:

• Rush-hour delays
• Weather-related slowdowns (heavy rain can significantly slow traffic)

3. Parking Considerations

If you arrive by car or rental car:

• Downtown and Midtown often have paid parking in decks and lots.
• Many residential neighborhoods have a mix of street parking and small lots; pay attention to signage.
• Major attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium have designated parking areas but may charge event or peak-season pricing.

Who to Contact for Travel and Transit Info in Atlanta

For official, up-to-date information once you’re in Atlanta:

MARTA (Public Transit)

• Main Office: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
• General Info: Often available on posted signage and via phone directories
• Use MARTA rail and buses to move between airport, Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and some suburbs.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• On-site help: Information desks throughout the terminals and signs directing you to MARTA, rental cars, ground transportation, and hotel shuttles

Atlanta Visitor Information
You’ll typically find visitor information centers or desks at:

• ATL Airport
• Major visitor hubs in Downtown and Midtown

These can help you navigate from your point of arrival (air, road, or rail) to your final destination in the Atlanta area.

Traveling from Burbank to Atlanta, Georgia is usually simplest by air, with ATL serving as your main gateway into the city. Once you arrive, Atlanta’s combination of MARTA, rideshare services, and highway access makes it manageable to reach neighborhoods all across the metro area, whether you’re here for a short visit, a longer stay, or a permanent move.