Atlanta to Orlando: How to Travel, What to Expect, and Tips for Atlantans

Planning a trip from Atlanta to Orlando is one of the most common getaways for local families, college students, and business travelers. Whether you’re headed to theme parks, visiting relatives, or escaping for a warm-weather weekend, it helps to understand your options specifically from Atlanta—how to get there, what it costs in time and money, and how to plan the trip smoothly.

This guide breaks down the main ways to travel between Atlanta, GA and Orlando, FL, with practical tips for people who live in or are staying in Atlanta.

How Far Is Orlando from Atlanta?

In simple terms:

• By road: About 430–460 miles, depending on your starting point in metro Atlanta and your destination in the Orlando area.
• By air: The flight path is roughly 400–450 miles, with most nonstop flights around 1.5 hours in the air.

For most Atlantans, the choice comes down to driving vs. flying, with bus and train as lower-cost alternatives.

Option 1: Driving from Atlanta to Orlando

For many metro Atlanta residents, driving is the default way to get to Orlando, especially for families or groups.

Typical Driving Route from Atlanta

Most travelers use I‑75 South almost the entire way:

1. Start on I‑75 S from Atlanta (Downtown Connector, I‑285, or your local on-ramp).
2. Continue through Macon and Valdosta in Georgia.
3. Cross into Florida, staying on I‑75 S.
4. Take Florida’s Turnpike toward Orlando.
5. Connect to local roads or beltways (such as I‑4) depending on where you’re staying in the Orlando area.

You can also use I‑85 S → I‑185 S → US‑431 S / US‑280 E as an alternate via Columbus, but most drivers stick to I‑75 for simplicity.

Driving Time and What to Expect

• Average time: About 6.5 to 8 hours of actual driving, depending on traffic and stops.
• Peak delays from Atlanta:
  • Morning rush leaving Atlanta (roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.)
  • Afternoon return into Atlanta (about 3:30–7:00 p.m.)

To avoid the worst of Atlanta congestion, many locals try to:

• Leave before sunrise (4–6 a.m.) to get well south of I‑285 before rush hour, or
• Leave late morning after rush hour, accepting that they’ll arrive in Orlando later in the evening.

Toll Roads on the Way to Orlando

Once you reach Florida, you’ll likely encounter toll roads, especially the Florida Turnpike and Orlando-area expressways.

• If you have Peach Pass from Georgia, it is generally interoperable with SunPass in Florida, so you can use electronic toll lanes.
• If you don’t have a toll transponder, you can still use most toll roads via plate billing or cash where available, but it’s wise to:
  • Keep cash or a payment card handy.
  • Check your rental car policy if you’re renting in Atlanta to drive to Orlando.

Typical Stops for Atlantans

Popular, practical stop points from Atlanta heading south:

• Macon, GA: Good for a quick fuel or breakfast stop, especially if you leave Atlanta very early.
• Tifton, GA / Valdosta, GA: Midway-ish stop for food and stretching.
• Lake City, FL: Another common fuel and rest break before the final stretch.

💡 Tip: Many Atlantans break the drive with a longer stop in Valdosta, especially if traveling with kids, as it offers multiple restaurant and lodging options right off I‑75.

Option 2: Flying from Atlanta to Orlando

If you want to save time or avoid a long drive, flying from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the fastest option.

Atlanta’s Airport: What Locals Need to Know

Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main information line: (800) 897‑1910

Key points for Atlantans:

• Nonstop flights to Orlando run frequently throughout most days.
• Average flight time is around 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes gate-to-gate.
• With security, boarding, taxiing, and airport transit, the overall door-to-door time can still be 3–4 hours or more, depending on your starting point in metro Atlanta.

Getting to ATL from Around Atlanta

Common ways Atlantans get to the airport:

• MARTA Rail:
  • The Airport Station is directly inside the Domestic Terminal.
  • Good option if you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near a MARTA line.
• Park-and-ride lots:
  • Official ATL parking plus multiple private lots around the airport area.
• Rideshare or taxi:
  • Easy from most intown neighborhoods; factor in rush hour delays.

Orlando’s Airport: Where You’ll Land

Most flights from Atlanta land at:

Orlando International Airport (MCO)
1 Jeff Fuqua Blvd
Orlando, FL 32827

From MCO, you can take hotel shuttles, rideshare, taxis, or rental cars to:

• I‑Drive / Convention area
• Walt Disney World / Lake Buena Vista
• Universal Orlando / International Drive
• Downtown Orlando

Option 3: Bus Travel from Atlanta to Orlando

If you want to save money and don’t mind a longer trip, bus service can be an option.

Bus Stations in Atlanta

Intercity buses generally depart from or near Downtown Atlanta or the Midtown/South Downtown area. While the exact stations can change over time, common departure points have included:

• Areas near Civic Center MARTA Station
• Areas near Five Points MARTA Station
• Designated bus terminals or curbside stops around downtown streets

Because locations can shift, it’s best to:

• Check the exact pickup location for your ticket.
• Plan to arrive early to find the stop and queue.

What to Expect from Bus Trips

• Travel time: Typically 9–11 hours, depending on route and stops.
• Amenities: Often include Wi‑Fi, power outlets, and reclining seats, but quality can vary.
• Cost: Usually cheaper than flying, sometimes even cheaper than driving once you factor fuel and parking.

Bus can be practical for:

• Students at Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Emory, or other Atlanta colleges going home or on vacation.
• Travelers without a car or who prefer not to drive at night.

Option 4: Train Travel (Amtrak) Between Atlanta and Orlando

You can also take a train from Atlanta to Orlando via Amtrak.

Atlanta’s Amtrak Station

Atlanta Peachtree Station (ATL)
1688 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone (general Amtrak assistance line): (800) 872‑7245

Located in Buckhead/Midtown area along Peachtree Street, the station is accessible via:

• Rideshare or taxi
• Some local bus routes from nearby MARTA stations

Train Route and Experience

• The Amtrak “Crescent” runs through Atlanta, but it doesn’t go directly to Orlando; you may need a transfer.
• Some trips require changing in cities such as New Orleans or Washington, D.C., depending on route and schedule.

Because schedules and routes can be complex, Atlantans who use the train typically do so when:

• They prefer a more relaxed, scenic journey.
• They want to avoid driving and flying entirely.

Train travel is usually longer than driving or flying but can be more comfortable for those who like spacious seating and the ability to move around.

Comparing Your Options from Atlanta to Orlando

Here’s a simple comparison to help Atlantans weigh the choices:

Planning Your Trip from an Atlanta Perspective

When Atlantans Usually Travel to Orlando

Common times when Atlanta residents head to Orlando:

• Spring break: Families with school-aged children often plan Orlando trips around APS, Fulton, DeKalb, and Cobb County school calendars.
• Summer: Peak heat in both cities, but Orlando’s theme parks and water parks are fully operational.
• Winter: Many Atlantans enjoy Orlando’s milder winter weather, especially around the holidays.

Because of this, prices and crowds can fluctuate. Planning ahead can make a significant difference in both availability and cost.

Packing and Weather Considerations

Both Atlanta and Orlando can be hot and humid, but Orlando often feels:

• More humid
• Warmer in winter months

From Atlanta, you might:

• Pack light layers if leaving in cooler Atlanta temperatures but heading to warm Orlando.
• Bring rain gear; sudden showers are common in central Florida, especially in warmer seasons.

Getting to and from Transportation Hubs in Atlanta

Whether you’re flying, taking a bus, or catching a train, knowing how to connect from your neighborhood in metro Atlanta is important.

Using MARTA

MARTA Headquarters (for general info)
2424 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Customer service: (404) 848‑5000

Key MARTA tips for this trip:

• To ATL Airport: Take the Red or Gold rail lines south to Airport Station.
• To Amtrak Peachtree Station: Use MARTA rail to Arts Center Station or Lindbergh Center, then connect with a bus or rideshare up Peachtree Street.
• To Downtown bus departure areas: Take rail to Five Points or Peachtree Center and walk or transfer to the appropriate bus.

If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying Downtown or Midtown, MARTA can be a straightforward way to reach your flight or bus for Orlando.

Money-Saving Tips for Atlantans Traveling to Orlando

A few locally relevant ideas:

• Drive with a group: Split gas and tolls with friends or family. Leaving from one home in Atlanta can simplify parking and logistics.
• Use MARTA to the airport: If you’re flying, this can reduce parking fees at ATL.
• Consider early or late flights: Sometimes flights from Atlanta to Orlando very early in the morning or late at night are priced lower.
• Pack snacks and water: Whether driving down I‑75 or taking a bus, bringing your own food can cut roadside or station costs.

Practical Safety and Comfort Tips

• Rest before driving: If you’re leaving Atlanta after a full workday, consider splitting the drive or stopping overnight in a city like Valdosta.
• Monitor weather: Both Atlanta and Orlando can have thunderstorms; check forecasts during hurricane season if traveling in late summer or early fall.
• Plan your arrival time: Think about Atlanta traffic when you leave and Orlando traffic when you arrive (especially around I‑4 and the theme park corridors).

Traveling between Atlanta and Orlando is something many locals do repeatedly, so you’re not navigating an unusual route. Once you decide whether to drive, fly, take a bus, or ride a train, planning with Atlanta’s specific traffic, transit, and airport setup in mind will make the trip smoother and more predictable.