Traveling From Pennsylvania to Atlanta, Georgia: A Practical Guide for Atlanta Visitors and Residents

Planning a trip from Pennsylvania to Atlanta, Georgia, or expecting friends and family to visit you here from PA? Whether you live in Atlanta, are relocating, or just coordinating a visit, it helps to understand the main travel options, routes, costs, and logistics involved in getting from Pennsylvania down to metro Atlanta.

This guide breaks down the fastest, cheapest, and most convenient ways to make the Pennsylvania–Atlanta trip, with a focus on what it means for someone who will be arriving in, departing from, or staying in Atlanta.

Main Ways to Travel From Pennsylvania to Atlanta

Most trips from Pennsylvania to Atlanta use one of four options:

1. Flying to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
2. Driving (I‑81 / I‑95 / I‑85 routes)
3. Bus (usually into Downtown or Midtown Atlanta)
4. Train (Amtrak + transfer into Atlanta)

The “best” choice depends on:

• Where in Pennsylvania the trip starts (e.g., Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh vs. smaller towns)
• Budget
• How comfortable you are with long drives
• Whether you need a car once you’re in Atlanta

Overview: How Long Does It Take From Pennsylvania to Atlanta?

Here’s a simple comparison for typical trips from major Pennsylvania cities to Atlanta:

*Times are rough estimates and can vary with traffic, weather, and routing.

Flying From Pennsylvania to Atlanta (Best for Speed)

For most travelers, especially those visiting Atlanta or flying home to Atlanta from PA, flying is the most practical choice.

Main Pennsylvania Departure Airports

Common PA airports with flights to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) include:

• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
• Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
• Harrisburg International Airport (MDT)
• Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE, near Allentown)
• Smaller regional airports sometimes route through another city before reaching Atlanta

Many travelers coming to Atlanta for business, events, or to visit family will fly into ATL, which sits just south of Downtown Atlanta.

What to Expect When Arriving at ATL

Hartsfield–Jackson is one of the busiest airports in the world, but it’s well-connected to the city.

Ground transportation options from ATL:

• MARTA Rail (Public Transit)

  • Station: Airport Station at the south end of the main terminal
  • Red and Gold lines go directly to:
    • Downtown Atlanta (Five Points, Peachtree Center)
    • Midtown (Midtown Station, Arts Center)
    • Buckhead and areas north (Lindbergh Center, Buckhead Station)
  • Good for visitors staying in central Atlanta or near MARTA-accessible neighborhoods.

• Rideshare (Uber, Lyft)

  • Dedicated pickup zones at ATL
  • Convenient if you have luggage or are staying somewhere not close to MARTA, such as:
    • West Midtown
    • East Atlanta/Virginia-Highland
    • Suburbs like Sandy Springs, Decatur, or Smyrna

• Taxis and Shuttles

  • Taxi stands and hotel shuttles serve major hotels in Downtown, Midtown, and near the airport.

• Car Rental

  • Atlanta Rental Car Center (RCC) connected to the airport by the SkyTrain.
  • Good if you plan to explore beyond central Atlanta—such as the suburbs, Stone Mountain, Lake Lanier, or other parts of Georgia.

Tips for Atlantans Flying to Pennsylvania

If you’re leaving Atlanta for Pennsylvania:

• Consider flying from ATL to:
  • PHL (for eastern PA and New Jersey access)
  • PIT (for western PA and Ohio/West Virginia border areas)
  • MDT or ABE (if visiting central or northeastern Pennsylvania)
• Plan extra time for:
  • Rush-hour traffic on I‑75/I‑85 or I‑285 going to ATL
  • Security lines, especially at peak travel times

Driving From Pennsylvania to Atlanta (Best for Flexibility)

If you’re relocating, visiting Atlanta for an extended stay, or bringing a lot of belongings, driving can make sense.

Common Driving Routes to Atlanta

The exact route depends on where you start in Pennsylvania, but here are general patterns:

• From Philadelphia / Eastern Pennsylvania

  • Often uses:
    • I‑95 South down through Delaware and Maryland
    • Then connects to I‑85 South toward Atlanta
  • Alternate: I‑81 South through central PA into Virginia, then across to I‑85

• From Pittsburgh / Western Pennsylvania

  • Typically uses:
    • I‑79 South to I‑19 / I‑77 / I‑85 or
    • I‑76 / I‑70 route connecting to Southern interstates
  • Many drivers cut through West Virginia, Virginia, and the Carolinas before hitting I‑85 into metro Atlanta.

What You Need to Know Once You Reach Atlanta

As you get close to Atlanta, most routes funnel into:

• I‑85 (from the northeast)
• I‑75 (from the northwest or south)
• I‑20 (from the east or west)

These all intersect around central Atlanta and the I‑285 perimeter.

Inside the city:

• Downtown is near the junction of I‑75/I‑85 (the Downtown Connector) and I‑20.
• Midtown is just north of Downtown along the Connector.
• Buckhead lies further north along GA‑400 and I‑85 access roads.

Traffic in Atlanta can be dense, especially:

• Weekday mornings (about 6:30–9:30 a.m.)
• Weekday evenings (about 3:30–7:00 p.m.)
• Around large events (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, major conventions)

If you’re scheduling an arrival from Pennsylvania, it’s often wise to time reaching Atlanta midday or later at night to avoid the heaviest traffic.

Parking Considerations in Atlanta

If you’re driving down from Pennsylvania and will keep your car in the city:

• Downtown and Midtown

  • Expect paid parking in garages, lots, or meters.
  • Many hotels and apartment buildings charge separate monthly or nightly parking fees.

• Neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward

  • Street parking can be available, but some blocks are restricted or require permits.

• Suburbs (Decatur, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, etc.)

  • Often easier, with more free or low-cost parking.

Bus Travel From Pennsylvania to Atlanta

For travelers who want to keep costs down and don’t mind longer travel times, long-distance buses are another option.

What the Trip Typically Looks Like

• Trips often involve at least one transfer, often in large hubs like Washington, D.C., New York City, or Charlotte.
• Total time can run from 17 to 20+ hours depending on route and layovers.

Where You’ll Arrive in Atlanta

Most intercity buses arrive close to the Downtown or Midtown Atlanta area, such as:

• Terminals near Downtown Atlanta, close to MARTA stations
• Nearby stops that allow transfers to MARTA buses or rail

Once you arrive:

• MARTA rail can take you to:

  • Downtown destinations like Five Points and Peachtree Center
  • Midtown (restaurants, hotels, cultural institutions)
  • North to Buckhead and Perimeter areas

• Rideshare or taxis:

  • Useful if you’re staying in neighborhoods not directly connected to MARTA rail.

Train Travel From Pennsylvania to Atlanta

There is Amtrak service that connects parts of Pennsylvania to the Southeast, but trips often involve overnight travel and transfers.

General Train Pattern

• Passengers typically board Amtrak in larger Pennsylvania cities (e.g., Philadelphia).
• Routes may connect through major hubs, then down toward the Southeast.
• Atlanta’s main Amtrak stop is the Peachtree Station in the Brookwood area (between Midtown and Buckhead).

Arriving at Atlanta’s Amtrak Station

The Peachtree Station is located in a mostly commercial/office corridor. From there, travelers usually:

• Use rideshare or taxi to reach:

  • Downtown
  • Midtown
  • Buckhead
  • In-town neighborhoods (Westside, Old Fourth Ward, etc.)

• Connect to MARTA by a short rideshare or bus ride to:

  • Arts Center Station
  • Midtown Station
  • Lindbergh Center Station

Because the Amtrak station is not directly connected to MARTA rail, it’s helpful to plan your ground transportation in advance, especially if arriving late at night.

Choosing the Best Option for Your Pennsylvania–Atlanta Trip

When you or your visitors are deciding how to get from Pennsylvania to Atlanta, it helps to think through a few scenarios.

If You Live in Atlanta and Are Inviting Family From Pennsylvania

Consider:

• Flying if:

  • You want them to arrive quickly.
  • They’re older, traveling with kids, or not comfortable with long drives.
  • You’re close to a MARTA-accessible neighborhood or can pick them up at ATL.

• Driving if:

  • They want to bring pets or more belongings.
  • They plan to stay for an extended period and will use the car to get around metro Atlanta.

• Bus or Train if:

  • Budget is a major concern.
  • They’re okay with longer travel times and multiple transfers.

If You’re Relocating From Pennsylvania to Atlanta

For a move:

• Driving a personal car or rental moving truck is very common.
• Many new arrivals choose areas like:
  • Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Virginia-Highland for urban living
  • Decatur, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, and East Cobb for suburban options
• Plan around Atlanta traffic:
  • If possible, arrive outside of peak rush hours.
  • Coordinate move-in times with property management (many require it in Midtown or high-rise buildings).

Practical Tips Once You’re in Atlanta

No matter how you got here from Pennsylvania, knowing a bit about how Atlanta works day-to-day will make your stay easier.

Getting Around the City

• MARTA Rail + Bus

  • Good for many major corridors: Airport, Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter.
  • Helpful for commuters or visitors staying near stations.

• Driving

  • Very common for locals.
  • Be prepared for:
    • Complex interchanges (especially the Downtown Connector)
    • Rush hour traffic
    • Tolls on some express lanes around metro Atlanta

• Walking and Biking

  • More practical in certain neighborhoods:
    • Midtown
    • Downtown
    • Old Fourth Ward (especially along the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail)
    • Inman Park, Cabbagetown, and some parts of West Midtown

Key Areas Newcomers Often Visit or Stay

If you or your Pennsylvania visitors want to understand Atlanta’s layout, common destination areas include:

• Downtown Atlanta

  • Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park
  • Good if you want to be close to major attractions

• Midtown Atlanta

  • Piedmont Park, High Museum, restaurants and nightlife
  • Walkable and well-served by MARTA rail

• Buckhead

  • Shopping districts and high-end hotels
  • Connected via MARTA and surface streets

• In-town Neighborhoods

  • Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, East Atlanta Village
  • Popular with younger residents and visitors who like local restaurants and walkable pockets

Key Takeaways for Pennsylvania–Atlanta Travel

• Fastest option: Nonstop flights from major Pennsylvania airports into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
• Most flexible: Driving, especially if you’re moving or plan to explore metro Atlanta and nearby Georgia destinations.
• Lowest-cost options: Long-distance bus or train, though they involve much longer travel times and transfers.
• Atlanta logistics matter: Plan how you’ll get from ATL (or a bus/train station) to your final destination in the city—using MARTA, rideshare, or car rental.
• Time arrivals wisely: When driving in, try to reach the Atlanta area outside rush hour to avoid congestion.

With a clear sense of these options, anyone traveling from Pennsylvania to Atlanta, Georgia—whether for a visit, a move, or a business trip—can choose the route that best fits their time, budget, and comfort level, and navigate Atlanta with far less stress once they arrive.