Atlanta to Austin: Practical Ways to Get From Georgia to Texas

Traveling from Atlanta to Austin is a common trip for Atlantans—whether you’re relocating, visiting friends, heading to a conference, or planning a music-and-food getaway in Texas. This guide walks through the main ways to get from Atlanta, Georgia to Austin, Texas, with a focus on local departure points in Atlanta, costs to consider, and how to choose the best option for your situation.

Big Picture: How Far Is Atlanta From Austin?

Atlanta and Austin are roughly 900–1,000 miles apart, depending on your exact route. That distance shapes your choices:

• Flying: About 2.5 hours in the air (plus airport time)
• Driving: About 13–15 hours of road time
• Bus or train + bus: Typically well over 18 hours, often as an overnight or multi-day trip

For most people in Atlanta, the decision usually comes down to flying vs. driving, with long-distance bus or mixed train–bus travel as lower-cost but longer-duration alternatives.

Flying From Atlanta to Austin ✈️

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, flying is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Austin.

Main Departure Point in Atlanta

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
General information: (800) 897-1910

ATL is a major hub with multiple daily flights to Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), often non-stop.

What to Expect From the Flight

• Flight time: Usually about 2.5 hours non-stop
• Total door-to-door time from an in-town Atlanta neighborhood:
  • 30–60 minutes to reach ATL (depending on traffic or MARTA)
  • 1–2 hours for check-in and security
  • 2.5 hours in the air
  • 30–45 minutes to exit AUS and get into Austin proper
    Overall, many Atlantans find the total travel time is 5–7 hours.

Getting to ATL From Around Atlanta

From in-town Atlanta (Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, East Atlanta):

• MARTA Rail
  • Take the Red or Gold Line directly to Airport Station, located inside the Domestic Terminal.
  • Many travelers in Atlanta use MARTA to avoid parking fees and I-75/85 congestion near the airport.

From suburbs or outside the Perimeter (OTP):

• Driving and parking:
  • On-airport parking is available in several decks and economy lots.
  • Off-airport parking lots around Camp Creek Parkway and other nearby areas can sometimes be less expensive.
• Park-and-ride MARTA stations:
  • Drive to a MARTA station with parking (for example, Sandy Springs, North Springs, College Park, or Doraville), then take the train to Airport Station.

When Flying Makes the Most Sense

Flying from Atlanta to Austin is often best if:

• You have limited time and need to maximize days in Austin.
• You’re traveling solo and car fuel + possible overnight stay might be comparable or more expensive than a flight.
• You prefer less time on the road and more time at your destination.
• You’re starting from somewhere with easy access to MARTA or the Connector, making ATL convenient.

Driving From Atlanta to Austin 🚗

If you like road trips, have multiple people traveling, or are moving belongings, driving from Atlanta to Austin can be practical and flexible.

Typical Driving Route

A common route many Atlantans take:

• From Atlanta, head west on I‑20 through Alabama and Mississippi.
• Connect through Jackson, MS, then continue west toward Shreveport, LA.
• From Louisiana into Texas, you’ll work your way toward I‑35 or other major highways that run north–south to Austin.

Depending on your exact routing, you may:

• Stay on I‑20 into Texas and then drop south toward Austin, or
• Mix US highways to shorten the route slightly.

Approximate Driving Time and Distance

• Distance: Around 900–1,000 miles
• Driving time: About 13–15 hours of driving, without major stops

With realistic breaks for fuel, food, and rest, most Atlanta drivers either:

• Split the trip into two days, stopping overnight somewhere in Mississippi, Louisiana, or East Texas, or
• Rotate drivers and push through in one very long day.

Pros of Driving From Atlanta

Driving can be a good option if:

• You’re taking family or friends, making the per-person cost lower than multiple plane tickets.
• You want to bring pets or more luggage than airlines make convenient.
• You’re moving to Austin and need to carry belongings or tow a small trailer.
• You enjoy flexible stops—for example, detouring through New Orleans or other cities along the way.

Atlanta-Specific Considerations for Drivers

• Leaving Atlanta: Try to avoid rush hour on I‑75/85 through Downtown and the I‑285 interchanges, especially weekday mornings (7–9 a.m.) and late afternoons (4–7 p.m.).
• Rental cars: If you don’t own a car in Atlanta:
  • Many rental agencies have locations near Midtown, Buckhead, and Downtown, as well as at ATL airport.
  • In-town locations can be easier to access via MARTA or rideshare if you’re staying in the city.
• Parking in Austin: Central Austin and the downtown area can have tighter parking, similar to some intown Atlanta neighborhoods. Factor this into hotel or Airbnb choices.

Bus Options From Atlanta to Austin 🚌

For travelers prioritizing cost over time and comfort, long-distance bus services operate between Atlanta and Austin.

Departure Points in Atlanta

Long-distance bus companies commonly use terminals or curbside stops in or near:

• Downtown Atlanta
• Midtown Atlanta
• Nearby transit-connected areas

Before booking, confirm:

• The exact bus stop address
• Whether the stop is near a MARTA station or requires a rideshare/taxi

What to Expect From Bus Travel

• Travel time: Often 18–24+ hours, depending on route, layovers, and connections.
• Comfort:
  • Basic reclining seats and overhead storage
  • Limited legroom compared to private car
  • Rest stops at gas stations or roadside travel centers
• Cost:
  • Often cheaper than flying, especially if you book early or travel on less busy days.
  • May not save as much if you factor food purchases and extra overnight time.

When a Bus Makes Sense for an Atlantan

Taking a bus from Atlanta to Austin might be worth considering if:

• You don’t drive or prefer not to drive long distances.
• You’re budget-focused and flexible with time.
• You’re comfortable with overnight or multi-stop travel and basic amenities.

Use MARTA or local rideshare to reach the bus terminal to avoid downtown parking concerns, especially if you live in areas like Decatur, East Point, College Park, or Buckhead.

Train + Bus: Alternatives From Atlanta

There is no direct passenger train that runs straight from Atlanta to Austin. However, some travelers combine Amtrak service from Atlanta with bus connections.

Atlanta Train Station

Peachtree Station (Atlanta Amtrak)
1688 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
Information (Amtrak general): (800) 872-7245

From Atlanta, long-distance trains head toward cities where you might transfer to another train or a bus heading to Texas.

Why Train + Bus Is Less Common

For an Atlanta-to-Austin trip, train–bus combinations can:

• Take significantly longer than flying or driving
• Involve multiple transfers
• Require careful timing to avoid long layovers

This path may appeal mainly to travelers who:

• Enjoy train travel as an experience
• Want to see multiple cities along the way
• Are very flexible about schedule

For most Atlanta residents focused simply on getting from Atlanta to Austin efficiently, flying or driving is usually more practical.

Comparing Your Options: Atlanta to Austin at a Glance

Below is a simplified comparison to help you choose what fits your needs, starting from Atlanta:

Costs and Budgeting From an Atlanta Perspective

Actual prices fluctuate, but you can think of costs in relative terms:

• Flights:
  • Frequently competitive due to Atlanta being a major hub.
  • Can be relatively affordable if booked early or during non-peak times.
• Driving:
  • Fuel for roughly 900–1,000 miles each way (plus wear and tear on your vehicle).
  • Potential overnight hotel along the route if you don’t drive straight through.
  • May be cheaper per person if you’re traveling with several people.
• Bus:
  • Often the lowest upfront transportation cost.
  • Expect to budget for meals at rest stops and possibly extra time off work due to the longer trip.
• Train + bus:
  • Can be comparable or higher than bus alone, with more time involved.
  • Often chosen for the experience rather than pure cost savings.

For someone living in-town Atlanta with easy MARTA access, the combination of MARTA + flight can be one of the most time-efficient and straightforward choices. If you live in farther suburbs like Alpharetta, Marietta, or Fayetteville, driving directly from home may feel simpler than navigating airport logistics, especially for groups.

Planning Tips for Atlantans Traveling to Austin

A few practical steps can make the trip smoother:

1. Consider Atlanta Traffic Windows

• Leaving by early morning or late evening can help you avoid the worst congestion on:
  • I‑75/85 (Downtown Connector)
  • I‑285 interchanges
• If flying, give yourself extra time driving to ATL, especially from north-side suburbs using GA‑400 or I‑285.

2. Use MARTA When It Makes Sense

• From neighborhoods like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, College Park, and Decatur, MARTA rail can be an efficient way to reach:
  • Airport Station (for flights)
  • Nearby bus terminals downtown

This can help you avoid airport parking costs or downtown parking hassles.

3. Think About Luggage and Gear

• Flying: Better if you’re packing light or medium; checked bags are straightforward but can add cost.
• Driving: Useful if you’re bringing bulkier items, instruments, sports gear, or several suitcases.
• Bus/Train: Expect more limitations on baggage size and number; lighter packing is easier.

4. Time of Year Matters

• Summer: Busy travel periods from Atlanta may affect airfare, traffic, and lodging costs along driving routes.
• Holiday seasons: Crowds at ATL and on highways can add time and stress; booking early is often wise.
• Weather: While Atlanta and Austin both tend to have milder winters than many U.S. cities, strong storms or heavy rain can still affect I‑20 driving conditions and flight schedules.

When You’re Traveling With Kids or Pets From Atlanta

• Kids:
  • For some Atlanta families, a 2.5-hour flight is easier with children than a long car or bus ride.
  • Others prefer driving, where they can stop as needed along I‑20 and choose their own pace.
• Pets:
  • Driving from Atlanta gives the most flexibility for pet breaks and comfort.
  • If you’re flying from ATL with pets, check airline rules well in advance and plan extra time for check-in and security.

Choosing the Best Atlanta-to-Austin Option for You

Think about:

• Where in metro Atlanta you’re starting (intown vs. far suburbs)
• How many people are traveling
• How much time you have vs. how much you’re willing to spend
• How comfortable you are with long drives or overnight buses
• What you need to bring (just a carry-on vs. multiple bags, equipment, or furniture)

From an Atlanta standpoint, many travelers ultimately choose:

• Flight from ATL for quick trips and business travel.
• Driving for relocations, longer stays, or family road trips.
• Bus or train + bus for specific budget, flexibility, or experience-focused reasons.

With these options in mind, you can pick the route from Atlanta to Austin that fits your schedule, budget, and travel style.