Traveling From Little Rock, Arkansas to Atlanta, Georgia: A Practical Guide for Atlanta Travelers

Planning a trip from Little Rock, Arkansas to Atlanta, Georgia—or figuring out the best way to get back home to Atlanta from Little Rock? Whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or coordinating travel for friends or family, it helps to understand all your options and how they connect with the city’s major transportation hubs.

This guide walks through driving, flying, buses, and trains, plus what to expect when you arrive in Atlanta and how to get around once you’re here.

How Far Is Little Rock From Atlanta?

The distance between Little Rock, Arkansas and Atlanta, Georgia is roughly:

• By road: about 500–520 miles, depending on your route
• Typical driving time: around 7.5–8.5 hours in normal traffic

Most travelers use one of three main options:

1. Drive between Little Rock and Atlanta
2. Fly into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
3. Take a bus, sometimes with a transfer in another city

There is no direct passenger train between Little Rock and Atlanta, but you do have some indirect rail options if you’re flexible on time.

Driving From Little Rock to Atlanta

For many people who live in or near Atlanta, driving is the most flexible option, especially for family trips, moving, or bringing pets.

Common Driving Route

The most straightforward route is:

• I-40 East from Little Rock
• Connect to I-55 South (near West Memphis)
• Pick up I-22 East toward Birmingham
• Then I-20 East from Birmingham straight into Atlanta

You’ll enter the Atlanta area from the west on I-20, passing through Douglasville and continuing toward downtown.

Estimated drive time:

• Around 8 hours without long stops
• Longer if you hit traffic in Birmingham or inside the Atlanta metro area

What Atlanta Drivers Should Know

If you're returning home to Atlanta from Little Rock, plan ahead for:

• Atlanta rush hour:

  • Morning: roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.
  • Evening: roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.
    Traffic on I-20, the Downtown Connector (I-75/85), and the Perimeter (I-285) can slow you down.

• Downtown versus suburbs:
  Decide in advance if you’re heading inside the Perimeter (ITP)—like Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead—or farther out to areas like Marietta, Smyrna, Decatur, Stone Mountain, or Sandy Springs. This can change which exit you take off I-20 or I-285.

• Parking in Atlanta:

  • Midtown and Downtown: paid decks and lots are common
  • Neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Grant Park: more street parking, but watch for signs and time limits

Quick Road Trip Planning Tips

• ⛽ Fuel stops: Cities like Memphis, Tupelo, and Birmingham are logical fuel and food stops.
• ☕ Rest breaks: If traveling with kids or pets, consider spreading the drive over a day with multiple shorter stops.
• 🌙 Overnight options: If you don’t want to drive the full distance in a single day, Birmingham is a natural halfway stop with plenty of hotels.

Flying From Little Rock to Atlanta

Flying from Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is usually the fastest way to travel between the two cities.

Typical Flight Experience

• Flight time: about 1.5 hours in the air
• Total time, door to door: often 4–6 hours, once you include airport arrival, security, and travel on each end

Airlines commonly offer nonstop or one-stop flights between Little Rock and Atlanta, with Atlanta often serving as a connection hub for other U.S. and international destinations.

Arriving at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Hartsfield–Jackson is one of the busiest airports in the world, but it’s also well-organized and familiar to most Atlanta residents.

Airport location:

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

Key things to know on arrival:

• Two main terminals:
  • Domestic Terminal (North & South)
  • International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)
• An airport train (Plane Train) connects concourses and makes transfers fairly simple.

Getting From ATL Into Atlanta

How you leave the airport depends on whether you live in Metro Atlanta or you’re visiting without a car.

1. MARTA (Public Transit)
MARTA is often the easiest option for visitors staying near Downtown or Midtown.

• Airport MARTA Station: located inside the Domestic Terminal
• You can take the Red or Gold line north to:
  • College Park
  • West End
  • Downtown Atlanta (Five Points)
  • Midtown
  • Buckhead and beyond on some lines

Great if your hotel is near a MARTA station or if you’re heading to areas like Georgia State University, Peachtree Center, Midtown business district, or Buckhead business/hotel clusters.

2. Rideshares and Taxis

• Designated rideshare pickup areas are clearly marked at the airport.
• Taxis have a fixed-rate zone for some downtown and Midtown destinations, which can be helpful for budgeting.

3. Rental Cars

If you’re coming back to Atlanta but don’t have your own vehicle, or you’re a visitor planning to explore the metro area:

• Rental Car Center (RCC) is accessible via the SkyTrain from the airport.
• From the RCC, you can quickly access I-85, I-75, or I-285 to reach most Atlanta suburbs.

Bus Travel Between Little Rock and Atlanta

Bus service can be a more budget-friendly option, though it usually takes longer than both driving and flying.

Typical Bus Experience

• Travel time: commonly 11–15+ hours, depending on route and transfers
• You may need to transfer in another city such as Memphis or Birmingham.

From the Atlanta side, intercity buses generally use major stops such as:

• Areas near Downtown Atlanta or close to MARTA rail stations
• Some routes may also serve suburban pickup points, depending on the carrier

Because schedules and routes can change, it’s important to:

• Check the latest departure and arrival locations in Atlanta
• Confirm whether your bus stop connects easily to MARTA buses or rail, especially if you’re headed to areas like Decatur, East Point, Sandy Springs, or Tucker

Train Options From Little Rock to Atlanta (Indirect)

There is no simple, direct passenger train connecting Little Rock and Atlanta, but if you enjoy rail travel and are not in a hurry, you can combine routes.

Amtrak in Atlanta

Atlanta is served by Amtrak’s Peachtree Station:

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

This station is along the Crescent line, which runs between New York and New Orleans.

From Little Rock’s side, rail options are more limited and usually involve traveling via another city with Amtrak service and then connecting to a route that eventually reaches Atlanta. This can mean:

• Multiple segments
• Overnight travel in some cases
• A longer overall trip than driving or flying

For travelers who live in Atlanta and like scenic routes, this can be an experience, but it’s rarely the most time-efficient way to go between Little Rock and Atlanta.

Comparing Your Options: Little Rock to Atlanta

Here’s a simple overview of the main ways to travel between Little Rock and Atlanta and what they feel like from the perspective of someone based in or coming to Atlanta:

What Atlanta Visitors Should Plan For After Arriving

Whether you’re flying or arriving by bus or car from Little Rock, it helps to understand how Atlanta is laid out.

Key Areas of the City

• Downtown Atlanta
  Business district, government buildings, major attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, State Farm Arena, and the Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.

• Midtown
  Arts and cultural core, near Piedmont Park, High Museum of Art, and a strong cluster of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. Convenient to MARTA.

• Buckhead
  Major shopping and business area, with many hotels and dining options. Accessible via MARTA Red Line and major roads like Peachtree Road and GA‑400.

• Neighborhoods Inside the Perimeter
  Places like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Grant Park, and West Midtown are popular for restaurants, the Atlanta BeltLine, and walkable communities.

Getting Around Once in Atlanta

• MARTA Rail: Helpful for going between Airport – Downtown – Midtown – Buckhead – Sandy Springs.
• MARTA Bus: Extends coverage to many neighborhoods, especially where rail does not reach.
• Rideshare/Taxi: Convenient for late-night travel or areas not close to MARTA.
• Driving: Common for residents; be prepared for rush hour congestion and sometimes limited parking in dense neighborhoods.

Practical Tips for Atlanta-Based Travelers Going to Little Rock

If you live in Atlanta and are planning a trip to Little Rock:

• From Atlanta to Little Rock by car:
  Take I‑20 West to Birmingham, then connect to I‑22 West toward Memphis and continue to Little Rock via connecting routes.

• From Atlanta to Little Rock by air:
  Depart from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). If you’re in Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead, MARTA can be an efficient way to reach the airport without worrying about parking.

• Timing your departure from Atlanta:

  • If driving, leave Atlanta before 6:30 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. to avoid heavier westbound traffic on I‑20.
  • If flying, build in extra time for airport security and potential delays, especially during weekends and holidays.

When Each Option Makes the Most Sense

For someone connected to Atlanta, here’s how to think about your choices:

• Choose driving if you:

  • Want maximum flexibility with stops and timing
  • Need to bring more luggage, equipment, or pets
  • Prefer controlling your schedule rather than relying on bus or flight times

• Choose flying if you:

  • Value speed and predictability
  • Are connecting from Little Rock through Atlanta to another destination
  • Are already comfortable navigating ATL and using MARTA or rideshare afterward

• Choose bus if you:

  • Are on a tight budget
  • Don’t want to drive long distances
  • Have flexibility with travel time and don’t mind transfers

• Consider indirect train travel only if you:

  • Really enjoy rail journeys and scenic routes
  • Have significant flexibility in your schedule
  • Understand that it will take longer and likely require multiple connections

Understanding the options between Little Rock, Arkansas and Atlanta, Georgia helps you choose what fits your schedule, budget, and comfort level—whether you’re coming home to Atlanta, visiting the city for the first time, or coordinating travel for friends and family headed this way.