Traveling From Pittsburgh to Atlanta, Georgia: A Practical Guide for Atlanta-Focused Travelers

Whether you’re moving to Atlanta from Pittsburgh, planning a road trip, or trying to figure out the best way to get between the two cities, it helps to understand how this trip works from an Atlanta perspective. This guide breaks down your options for traveling between Pittsburgh, PA and Atlanta, GA, what to expect when you arrive in Atlanta, and how to connect to local transportation, neighborhoods, and services once you’re here.

Overview: Distance, Time, and Main Travel Options

Pittsburgh and Atlanta are roughly 600–700 miles apart, depending on your route. From an Atlanta standpoint, here’s what most people consider:

• Flying Pittsburgh to Atlanta – Fastest; usually about 1.5–2 hours in the air.
• Driving Pittsburgh to Atlanta – Scenic, flexible; usually about 9–11 hours.
• Bus or train – Can be more affordable, but typically takes longer and may require connections.

For most people who live in Atlanta (or are planning to), this trip is about either:

• Getting back and forth to Pittsburgh to see family, attend school or work events, or
• Figuring out how to arrive in Atlanta for the first time and get around the city afterward.

Flying From Pittsburgh to Atlanta, Georgia

Why Flying Is Usually the Easiest Option

For Atlanta-bound travelers, flying from Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is often the most efficient choice. Atlanta’s airport is one of the busiest in the world, so flights are typically:

• Frequent (multiple departures most days)
• Nonstop on common routes
• Connected to strong ground transportation options once you land

Typical flight time is about 1.5–2 hours, not counting airport check-in and security.

What to Expect When You Land at Atlanta’s Airport (ATL)

Atlanta’s main airport is:

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

From an Atlanta resident’s or visitor’s point of view, the key advantage is that ATL is directly connected to MARTA, the city’s rail and bus system.

Once you arrive:

• Follow signs for “Ground Transportation” and “MARTA”.
• The MARTA Airport Station is located at the end of the Domestic Terminal (North/South rail line).

Getting From ATL Airport Into Atlanta

Here are the main ways Atlanta travelers get from the airport to the city:

1. MARTA Rail (Public Transit)
Ideal if you’re staying near central Atlanta or along a MARTA line.

• Airport Station is on the Red and Gold Lines
• Popular stops for visitors and residents:
  • Five Points – Downtown hub; easy transfers to East/West line
  • Peachtree Center – Downtown hotels and offices
  • Midtown – Tech Square, arts district, dense residential
  • Arts Center – Museums, cultural venues
  • Buckhead – North Atlanta, business and residential area
• Trains usually run every 10–20 minutes depending on time of day.

2. Ride-Share and Taxi

You can use ride-share services or taxis from designated pick-up areas near Ground Transportation. This is handy if you’re heading to neighborhoods that aren’t right on the MARTA route, such as:

• Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward
• Grant Park
• West Midtown
• East Atlanta Village

3. Rental Cars

If you’re driving often within Metro Atlanta or staying in the suburbs, you may prefer a rental car.

The Rental Car Center (RCC) is reachable by the free SkyTrain from the airport. From there, major rental agencies operate with access to I-85, I-285, and other key highways.

Driving From Pittsburgh to Atlanta, GA

Typical Driving Route and Time

Driving is a viable option if you prefer flexibility or need to transport belongings to or from Atlanta.

Most routes from Pittsburgh to Atlanta:

• Use a combination of I-79, I-77, I-81, and I-85
• Cover around 650–700 miles
• Take roughly 9–11 hours of drive time, depending on traffic and stops

From an Atlanta standpoint, you’ll typically approach the city from the north on I-75 or I-85, merging into the downtown connector (where I-75 and I-85 run together).

Tips for Arriving in Atlanta by Car

Atlanta is known for heavy traffic, especially during weekday rush hours:

• Morning: roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.
• Evening: roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.

If you’re planning a move from Pittsburgh to Atlanta, it may help to:

• Time your arrival midday or later in the evening to avoid the worst congestion.
• Plan your approach based on where you’re staying:
  • Midtown/Downtown: follow the I-75/85 Downtown Connector.
  • Buckhead/Brookhaven: use I-85 North or GA-400.
  • Decatur/Eastside: consider I-20 East or local routes from I-85.
  • Cobb/Marietta: approach via I-75 North.

Parking rules can vary by neighborhood. If you’re staying near downtown or Midtown, look for garages or validated parking through your hotel or building.

Bus and Train Options Between Pittsburgh and Atlanta

Bus Travel (e.g., Intercity Bus Services)

For people traveling between Pittsburgh and Atlanta on a budget, intercity bus services are sometimes used. These trips:

• May require transfers in larger hub cities.
• Often take significantly longer than driving or flying.
• Usually arrive and depart from central hubs.

In Atlanta, intercity buses typically use stops near Downtown or Midtown, close to MARTA stations, which makes it relatively simple to:

• Walk or take a short ride-share to nearby hotels or apartments.
• Transfer to MARTA rail or buses for neighborhoods not served by rail.

Train Travel (Amtrak and Alternatives)

Direct train service between Pittsburgh and Atlanta is limited. Some travelers:

• Combine Amtrak segments with bus or car trips.
• Travel via major rail hubs and then connect southward.

In Atlanta, the primary passenger rail facility is:

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

From Peachtree Station, residents and visitors commonly:

• Use ride-share or taxi services to reach Midtown, Buckhead, or Downtown.
• Connect to MARTA by a short ride to the Arts Center or Midtown MARTA stations.

Moving From Pittsburgh to Atlanta: Practical Considerations

If your trip is more than a simple visit and you’re relocating from Pittsburgh to Atlanta, you’ll need to think beyond transportation.

Choosing an Atlanta Neighborhood After Arriving

Many new Atlantans coming from cities like Pittsburgh look for areas that balance walkability, transit access, and community feel. Common choices include:

• Midtown – Central, walkable, access to MARTA, strong mix of apartments and condos.
• Old Fourth Ward / Inman Park – Popular with young professionals and families; BeltLine access.
• Virginia-Highland / Morningside – Established intown neighborhoods, more residential feel.
• Buckhead – High-rise living, shopping, business centers.
• Decatur (Decatur city & nearby areas) – MARTA access, small-city vibe, strong local amenities.

When you arrive from Pittsburgh, using MARTA or ride-share from the airport can help you explore different neighborhoods before committing long-term.

Bringing a Car vs. Going Car-Light

Compared to Pittsburgh, parts of Atlanta are more car-dependent, especially outside the urban core. From an Atlanta resident’s standpoint:

• Car helpful or necessary:
  • Suburbs like Cobb County, Gwinnett County, North Fulton, and far Southside.
  • Areas without frequent bus or rail service.
• Car-optional:
  • Midtown
  • Downtown
  • Old Fourth Ward
  • Inman Park
  • Parts of Buckhead
  • Areas near MARTA rail stations

If you’re driving in from Pittsburgh, you may want to:

• Test your daily commute routes, especially if it involves I-75, I-85, I-20, or GA-400.
• Learn where resident parking is allowed for your building or street.
• Familiarize yourself with HOV / express lanes on certain interstate segments.

Comparing Your Main Travel Options: Pittsburgh to Atlanta

Below is a simple comparison focused on what matters most once you’re arriving in or returning to Atlanta:

Atlanta Transportation Hubs and Contacts

If you’re planning your Pittsburgh–Atlanta trip from the Atlanta side, these local hubs and agencies are useful:

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)
– Rail and bus service for much of metro Atlanta
Customer Service (general info): 404-848-5000
Main Office (administrative):
2424 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
– Main airport for all Pittsburgh → Atlanta flights
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

Atlanta Peachtree Station (Amtrak)
– Passenger rail service connection point
1688 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309

These locations form the core connection points once you arrive from Pittsburgh, allowing you to continue into Atlanta’s neighborhoods, workplaces, and attractions.

What Someone in Atlanta Should Keep in Mind About the Pittsburgh Trip

For Atlantan residents who regularly travel between Atlanta and Pittsburgh, a few patterns are common:

• Many choose nonstop flights for short visits or business trips.
• Those with family in Pittsburgh sometimes drive for holidays to carry more luggage or gifts.
• Students and budget travelers may mix bus, train, and flight options depending on price and timing.
• When expecting out-of-town visitors from Pittsburgh, Atlanta hosts often:
  • Pick up guests at ATL airport or
  • Provide simple directions to use MARTA from the airport to central Atlanta.

By understanding how each option connects into Atlanta’s transit, roads, and neighborhoods, you can choose the Pittsburgh–Atlanta travel method that best fits your schedule, budget, and lifestyle here in Georgia.