Traveling From Seattle to Atlanta, Georgia: Routes, Costs, and What to Expect

If you’re planning a trip from Seattle to Atlanta, Georgia—whether you’re an Atlanta resident heading home, relocating here, or flying in for a visit—there are several practical details to think through. The distance is long, the time zones change, and the travel options vary widely in cost and convenience.

This guide breaks down the main ways to get from Seattle (Washington) to Atlanta (Georgia) and what Atlanta-area travelers and visitors should know once they arrive.

How Far Is Seattle From Atlanta?

Seattle, Washington and Atlanta, Georgia are roughly 2,600–2,700 miles apart by road, depending on your exact route. By air, the flight distance is around 2,200+ miles.

You’re also crossing three time zones:

• Seattle: Pacific Time (PT)
• Atlanta: Eastern Time (ET)

That means Atlanta is 3 hours ahead of Seattle. This matters for:

• Flight arrival times
• Hotel check-ins in Atlanta
• Ground transportation schedules
• Work calls or meetings you plan around the trip

Main Ways to Travel From Seattle to Atlanta

You can get from Seattle to Atlanta by:

1. Nonstop or connecting flight
2. Multi-day road trip
3. Combination of train and bus
4. Relocation shipping options (for moves)

Flying will be the default choice for most people traveling to or from Atlanta, but each option has pros and cons.

1. Flying From Seattle to Atlanta

For most Atlanta-bound travelers, flying is by far the fastest and most practical option.

Flight basics

• Route: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) → Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Nonstop flight time: Typically about 4.5–5.5 hours in the air
• Time change: Add 3 hours when you land in Atlanta

Because Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world, it offers:

• Multiple daily nonstop flights from Seattle
• Several one-stop options through other major hubs

When you land in Atlanta: What to know about ATL

If you’re arriving from Seattle, you’ll almost always land at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, located just south of downtown.

Key details:

• Location: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Distance to Downtown Atlanta: About 10–12 miles
• Time to downtown:
  • MARTA train: around 20–25 minutes
  • Car/rideshare: 15–35 minutes, depending on traffic

🛬 Getting from ATL to your destination in Atlanta:

MARTA (train):

• MARTA’s Red and Gold lines connect directly from the airport station to:
  • Downtown (Peachtree Center, Five Points)
  • Midtown (Midtown Station, Arts Center)
  • Buckhead and beyond (North Springs, Doraville lines)
• Airport station is inside the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim.

Rideshare / Taxi:

• Designated Rideshare Pickup Zones and a Taxi stand are clearly marked.
• A typical trip to Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead is common and straightforward.

Rental cars:

• All major rental companies operate from the CONRAC (Consolidated Rental Car Center).
• To get there, use the SkyTrain from the airport terminals (clearly signed).

2. Driving From Seattle to Atlanta

Driving from Seattle to Atlanta is a serious multi-day road trip, not a quick commute. It can make sense if:

• You’re moving to or from Atlanta and want your car with you.
• You enjoy long-distance road trips and have time to spare.
• Flights aren’t an option for budget or personal reasons.

Approximate distance and time

• Driving distance: About 2,600–2,800 miles
• Driving time (wheels turning): Around 38–45 hours of actual driving

Most people break this into 4–6 days, depending on:

• Daily driving hours
• Weather conditions (especially in winter through higher elevations)
• Stops for rest, food, and sleep

Common route pattern

You’re generally heading southeast across the country. A common approximate routing might pass through:

• Washington → Idaho → Montana/Wyoming → South Dakota/Nebraska → Missouri → Tennessee → Georgia

Specific highways and cities vary, but you’ll likely connect with long stretches of:

• I-90 / I-94 / I-80 in the western and central parts
• I-24 or I-40 as you angle toward the Southeast
• I-75 heading into Atlanta, Georgia from the north

Because road conditions and construction change, Atlanta drivers planning this trip typically:

• Check state DOT websites along the way
• Look at long-range weather forecasts
• Plan overnight stops in larger cities with well-established lodging options

Costs and considerations for Atlanta residents

Before deciding to drive to or from Seattle:

• Fuel: A round trip can mean thousands of miles; fuel adds up quickly.
• Lodging: Expect several hotel/motel nights each way.
• Vehicle wear and tear: Tires, oil, and general maintenance may be impacted.
• Weather: Winter storms and mountain passes in western states can be significant.

For many Atlanta-area travelers, driving one way is something they only do if they’re relocating or taking a once-in-a-lifetime road trip, not for quick visits.

3. Train and Bus Options Between Seattle and Atlanta

There is no single direct passenger train from Seattle to Atlanta. If you want to travel largely by rail or bus, expect:

• Multiple legs
• Longer total travel time compared with flying
• Several changes between trains and/or buses

A very generalized pattern can look like:

1. Long-distance train from Seattle toward a major hub in the central or eastern U.S.
2. Transfer to another long-distance train or intercity bus heading toward the Southeast.
3. Final connection by bus or regional service into Atlanta, Georgia.

Total travel time can easily stretch into several days with layovers and schedule gaps.

This route can attract:

• Travelers who strongly prefer not to fly
• People interested in scenic routes
• Those with flexible schedules who prioritize the journey itself over speed

If you choose this method and you’re Atlanta-based:

• Build in buffer days after you arrive back in Atlanta in case of delays.
• Plan ground transportation from your arrival point (often Downtown Atlanta near MARTA or major bus stations) to your home or hotel.

4. Moving From Seattle to Atlanta (Relocation Considerations)

If you’re relocating to Atlanta from Seattle, the trip isn’t just about personal travel—it’s also about getting your belongings across the country.

Common options Atlanta-bound movers consider:

• Driving a rental truck yourself (Seattle → Atlanta)
• Using a full-service moving company
• Using a portable moving container (you drive or fly separately)
• Shipping a vehicle separately and flying

From the Atlanta side, it’s useful to think through:

• Delivery access:
  • If you’re moving into a condo or apartment in areas like Midtown, Buckhead, Downtown, or Old Fourth Ward, confirm truck access, loading docks, and elevator reservations.
• Parking restrictions:
  • Some in-town Atlanta neighborhoods have narrow streets or limited truck parking.
• Timing:
  • Atlanta can have heavy traffic, particularly on I-75, I-85, I-20, and the Downtown Connector. Many people schedule large deliveries in late mornings or mid-days.

Comparing Travel Options: Time and Convenience

Here’s a simplified overview for Atlanta-focused travelers choosing how to go between Seattle and Atlanta:

For most individuals coming into Atlanta or returning home to Atlanta, a nonstop or one-stop flight strikes the best balance of time, cost, and hassle.

Adjusting to Time Zone and Jet Lag in Atlanta

Flying from Seattle to Atlanta means:

• You lose 3 hours going east.
• A morning in Seattle can be early afternoon in Atlanta.

Many people arriving in Atlanta notice they:

• Feel more tired than the clock suggests on arrival day.
• Wake up earlier than usual for the first day or two.

Common, non-medical strategies Atlanta travelers use:

• Try to sleep on the plane if it’s an early morning departure.
• On arrival in Atlanta, get daylight exposure during the local day to help your body clock adjust.
• If possible, avoid packing your first evening in Atlanta with back-to-back commitments.

What Atlanta Visitors From Seattle Should Know on Arrival

If you’re flying in from Seattle to visit Atlanta—whether for family, sports, or business—here are a few local basics:

Getting around Atlanta

• MARTA is useful for:
  • Airport ↔ Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead
  • Major event venues like State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Georgia World Congress Center (via stations like Five Points, GWCC/CNN Center).
• Rideshare and taxis fill in gaps if you’re staying in neighborhoods not directly on MARTA rail.
• Many in-town areas (like Midtown, parts of Downtown, Inman Park, sections of Virginia-Highland) are walkable once you’re there, though Atlanta overall is more car-oriented than Seattle.

Key Atlanta points of interest after the long trip

Popular spots for first-time visitors from Seattle include:

• Downtown:
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • Centennial Olympic Park
• Midtown:
  • Piedmont Park
  • High Museum of Art
• Historic sites:
  • Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (near the Edgewood/Auburn area)

These are all reachable from the airport via MARTA plus a short walk or rideshare.

Practical Tips for Atlanta-Based Travelers Going to Seattle

If you live in Atlanta and are planning a trip from Atlanta to Seattle and back, planning with the return in mind matters:

• Return flight: A late afternoon or evening flight out of Seattle often gets you into Atlanta late at night local time.
• Ground transportation in Atlanta:
  • If you land late, confirm MARTA operating hours or plan for a rideshare/taxi from ATL.
• Parking at ATL:
  • If you park at Hartsfield–Jackson while in Seattle, factor in daily parking costs and shuttle time back to your car.

Many Atlanta travelers flying round-trip to Seattle choose:

• MARTA or a rideshare to avoid long-term parking fees.
• A flight that arrives in Atlanta with at least some buffer before very late night, if next-day commitments are tight.

Key Takeaways for Seattle ↔ Atlanta Travel

• Flying between Seattle and Atlanta is the primary choice for most, especially via Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), given the distance and time zones.
• Driving is a major undertaking and best suited to relocations or extended road trips.
• Train/bus combinations are possible but slow and complex, with multiple transfers.
• For both Atlanta residents and visitors, plan ahead for:
  • The 3-hour time difference
  • Airport-to-city transport (MARTA, taxi, rideshare, or rental)
  • Traffic patterns around central Atlanta when you arrive or when you move belongings.

With a clear plan for your route, timing, and what happens once you land at ATL, the long journey between Seattle and Atlanta becomes much more manageable.