Flying From Buffalo, New York to Atlanta, Georgia: What Travelers to and from ATL Should Know

If you’re planning a trip between Buffalo, New York and Atlanta, Georgia, you’ll almost always be flying through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or are coordinating travel for family coming in from Buffalo, understanding how this route works can save time, money, and stress.

Key Facts About Flights from Buffalo to Atlanta

Route basics (typical patterns):

• Departure airport: Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), Cheektowaga, NY
• Arrival airport: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Atlanta, GA
• Flight type: Commonly nonstop and one-stop options
• Typical nonstop flight time: Around 2 to 2.5 hours in the air
• Time zone difference: Buffalo and Atlanta are both in the Eastern Time Zone, so no time change to worry about

Because ATL is one of the busiest hubs in the country, Atlanta-bound flights from Buffalo are frequent and often used for both direct Atlanta trips and onward connections to the Southeast, Caribbean, or international destinations.

Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights into Atlanta

Nonstop flights BUF → ATL

For most Atlanta travelers, nonstop flights are the most convenient:

• Shorter travel day
• Less chance of missed connections
• Easier for families and first-time flyers

Nonstop options typically run multiple times per day, especially morning and late afternoon/early evening. Schedules can shift seasonally, so it’s worth:

• Checking morning departures if you want to arrive in Atlanta with plenty of daytime left
• Looking at later flights if you’re returning from Buffalo after work or events

One-stop flights BUF → ATL

You might consider a one-stop itinerary if:

• Nonstop prices are high on your preferred date
• Nonstop options are sold out
• You want to use or maximize airline loyalty miles

Common connection cities for this route often include Midwestern or East Coast hubs. If you’re coming home to Atlanta, watch total travel time—some connections can add several hours compared to a simple nonstop flight.

When Atlanta Travelers Usually Find Better Deals

From the Atlanta side, many people either:

• Fly from ATL to BUF to visit family or upstate New York attractions, then
• Fly BUF back to ATL to return home

Patterns many travelers notice on this route:

• Midweek flights (Tuesday–Thursday) often have more competitive prices than Fridays and Sundays
• Early morning and late-night flights can be cheaper, but you’ll want to factor in ground transportation to/from ATL at off-peak hours
• Holiday periods (Thanksgiving, winter holidays, spring break) see higher demand both from Atlanta residents going north and from Buffalo-area residents heading south to Georgia

If you’re scheduling relatives or guests coming from Buffalo to Atlanta, suggest they:

• Look at several different days of the week
• Compare nonstop vs. one-stop itineraries
• Book well in advance for major holidays or college move-in/move-out seasons

Navigating Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, ATL will be your main point of arrival or departure for Buffalo flights.

Basic ATL layout for Buffalo–Atlanta travelers

Buffalo flights usually arrive and depart from one of the domestic concourses, which are connected by:

• The underground Plane Train (automated people mover)
• A walkable pedestrian tunnel with moving walkways

Key areas for someone coming in from Buffalo:

• Domestic South Terminal: Most travelers exit here to reach ground transportation, rideshares, and MARTA
• Baggage claim: Clearly labeled by airline; check the airport’s arrival screens when you land
• Ground Transportation Center: Where you find taxis, shuttles, and some rideshares

If you’re picking up visitors arriving from Buffalo, plan to meet them:

• At Domestic Terminal (North or South) depending on their airline, or
• At the Passenger Pick-Up/Arrivals level near their airline’s baggage claim area

Allow extra time during rush hour; traffic around ATL can be heavy, especially on I-85 and I-285.

Getting Between Atlanta and ATL Airport

Whether you’re flying from Atlanta to Buffalo or welcoming someone from Buffalo, local transportation is a major part of the experience.

Public transit: MARTA

MARTA’s Airport Station is directly inside the domestic terminal at ATL.

• Location: At the end of the Red and Gold lines, beneath the Domestic Terminal
• Good for: Solo travelers, light luggage, downtown/midtown/Buckhead stays
• Destinations:
  • Downtown Atlanta (Peachtree Center, Georgia State)
  • Midtown (Arts Center, Midtown Station)
  • Buckhead (Lenox, Buckhead Station)

For Buffalo visitors staying in central Atlanta, MARTA can be:

• Faster than driving during peak traffic
• More predictable in cost than rideshares at surge times

Rideshare, taxi, and shuttle

For door-to-door service:

• Rideshare services pick up at designated zones on the lower level
• Taxi stands are organized outside baggage claim
• Some hotels near the airport offer complimentary shuttles; check with the property

If you’re coordinating transportation for guests arriving from Buffalo:

• Send them your exact pickup spot at ATL (e.g., “Domestic South, Door S-3, lower level”)
• Remind them to follow airport signs for Ground Transportation, not the international terminal, unless they’re connecting onward internationally

What to Expect in Each City’s Airport (From an Atlanta Perspective)

Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) – For Atlantans Traveling North

If you live in Atlanta and are flying ATL → BUF → ATL:

• Size: Smaller and easier to navigate than ATL
• Security lines: Often shorter than Atlanta’s, but can still be busy at peak times
• Ground transportation:
  • Rental cars are popular for exploring Buffalo and nearby areas
  • Taxis and app-based rideshares operate at BUF
  • Some hotels near the airport run shuttles

Plan extra time in winter months, as snow and icy conditions are more common in the Buffalo area than in Atlanta.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – For Visitors from Buffalo

Guests arriving from Buffalo will find:

• One of the busiest airports in the world, but generally well-signed
• Multiple concourses with restaurants, shops, and services
• Clear directions to baggage claim, MARTA, rideshares, and rental cars

If you’re hosting visitors, it can help to:

• Text them a simple step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to Baggage Claim
  2. Pick up bags
  3. Follow signs to Ground Transportation
  4. Look for you at a specific door or curb zone
• Share a screenshot of the airport map if they’re nervous about large airports

Typical Travel Time from Landing in Atlanta to the City

When planning activities on the day someone flies from Buffalo into Atlanta, factor in:

1. Flight time: About 2–2.5 hours in the air
2. Taxi to gate and deplaning: 10–25 minutes, depending on traffic on the tarmac
3. Baggage claim: 15–30 minutes after landing, if checking bags
4. Travel from ATL to the destination in Atlanta:
   • Downtown by MARTA: About 20–25 minutes of train time
   • Midtown by MARTA: About 25–30 minutes
   • By car or rideshare: 20–60+ minutes depending on traffic and destination

For planning restaurant reservations, events, or meetings in Atlanta, it’s usually safe to give at least 2–3 hours after scheduled landing time before expecting someone to arrive at a central Atlanta location.

Weather and Seasonal Considerations on the Buffalo–Atlanta Route

Weather is one of the biggest factors that can affect travel plans between these two cities.

Winter and early spring

• Buffalo: More likely to experience lake-effect snow, ice, and low visibility
• Impact:
  • Possible de-icing delays on departure from BUF
  • Occasional cancellations or multi-hour delays
• Tip for Atlantans flying north: Build time buffers, especially if you have a same-day event in New York

Summer and storm season in Atlanta

• Atlanta: More frequent thunderstorms, especially afternoon and early evening
• Impact:
  • Holding patterns in the air
  • Ground stops or ramp closures due to lightning
• Tip for visitors from Buffalo: If possible, avoid very tight same-day connections in Atlanta to other flights during peak storm times

Practical Packing and ID Tips for This Route

Even though Buffalo and Atlanta are both in the U.S., local travelers sometimes forget key details.

Identification and security:

• You’ll need a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport)
• The same security rules apply in BUF and ATL:
  • Standard carry-on size limits
  • Liquids in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, all fitting in one quart-sized bag

Packing for climate differences:

• Buffalo visitors to Atlanta may want:
  • Lighter clothing, especially in late spring, summer, and early fall
  • A light rain jacket for sudden storms
• Atlantans flying to Buffalo should consider:
  • Warmer layers, especially fall through early spring
  • Winter-ready shoes or boots if traveling between late fall and early spring

How Atlanta Residents Often Use the Buffalo–Atlanta Route

People in the Atlanta area commonly use flights between ATL and BUF for:

• Family visits to Western New York or for relatives traveling here to Georgia
• College drop-offs and visits (for schools in upstate New York)
• Sports trips and events in both cities
• Connecting travel:
  • Atlantans fly to Buffalo as a gateway to nearby areas (Niagara Falls, Canada border crossings, etc.)
  • Buffalo residents fly through Atlanta on the way to Florida, the Caribbean, or international routes

If you’re in Atlanta planning for frequent trips, you might:

• Choose a primary airline with strong coverage on the ATL–BUF route
• Take advantage of nonstop options whenever possible to reduce disruptions

Helpful Atlanta-Area Details for Incoming Buffalo Travelers

If you’re welcoming someone from Buffalo to Atlanta, these local notes can be useful to share:

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

• MARTA Airport Station:
  Located inside the Domestic Terminal (South side), accessible directly from baggage claim and the main terminal area.

• Downtown landmarks reachable by MARTA from ATL:

  • Peachtree Center
  • Georgia State
  • Five Points (transfer hub)

• Common visitor areas from ATL:

  • Downtown Atlanta: For events, arenas, and government buildings
  • Midtown: For arts, dining, and nightlife
  • Buckhead: For shopping and some business travel

Quick Reference: Buffalo → Atlanta Flight Snapshot

For anyone in Atlanta arranging travel from Buffalo to Georgia—whether you’re flying yourself or welcoming family—understanding how this route works through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport makes it much easier to plan schedules, manage arrivals, and navigate the city once you land.