Atlanta to Dallas: Your Complete Guide From an Atlanta Perspective

Traveling from Atlanta to Dallas is a common trip for work, family, and fun. Whether you’re leaving from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, driving out of the Perimeter, or planning a bus or train combo, this guide walks you through the most practical options, costs, and tips—specifically for people starting in Atlanta, Georgia.

Overview: Your Main Options From Atlanta to Dallas

From Atlanta, you can generally get to Dallas in four ways:

1. Flying (fastest and often easiest)
2. Driving (most flexible)
3. Bus (budget-friendly)
4. Train + Bus Combo (for those who prefer rail travel, with extra planning)

Quick Comparison for Atlanta Travelers

Flying From Atlanta to Dallas

For most people in or visiting Atlanta, flying is the most efficient way to get to Dallas.

Main Atlanta Airport

You’ll almost always depart from:

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

ATL is a major hub, with frequent daily flights to both Dallas–Fort Worth and Dallas Love Field.

Dallas Airports You’ll Land At

From Atlanta, you’ll most commonly fly into:

• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – Major international hub, many direct flights from ATL.
• Dallas Love Field (DAL) – Closer to downtown Dallas, served primarily by certain carriers.

Typical Flight Experience From Atlanta

• Flight time: Around 2 to 2.5 hours in the air.
• Total door-to-door time: Often 4–6 hours, once you include:
  • Getting to ATL (MARTA, rideshare, or parking)
  • Security, boarding, and taxiing
  • Deplaning and ground trip to your final destination in Dallas

Getting to ATL From Around Atlanta

Depending on where you are in the metro area, plan your route:

• MARTA Rail:

  • Take the Red or Gold line directly to Airport Station, inside the Domestic Terminal.
  • Good if you’re staying near Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or near a MARTA-connected hotel.

• Driving and Parking:

  • From Downtown/Midtown: I-75/85 South to the airport exit.
  • Long-term parking available in airport lots and private off-site lots.
  • Allow extra time during rush hours (morning and late afternoon on weekdays).

• Rideshare/Taxi:

  • Widely available from most parts of Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett.
  • Handy if you don’t want to deal with parking.

When Flying Makes Sense

Flying from Atlanta to Dallas usually works best if:

• You’re going for business or a short trip.
• You value time over cost.
• You don’t want to drive long distances.
• You’re comfortable with airport security and planning ahead.

Driving From Atlanta to Dallas

If you live in Metro Atlanta, driving can be appealing—especially for families, relocations, or trips where you want to carry more luggage.

Basic Driving Route

A common route from Atlanta to Dallas:

• Start on I-20 West out of Atlanta
• Continue west through Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana
• Eventually connect into Texas toward the Dallas area

Depending on your exact Atlanta starting point (for example, Decatur, Sandy Springs, Marietta, or Peachtree City), you may first hop on:

• I-285 to connect to I-20
• Or I-75/I-85 through Downtown to catch I-20 West

Time and Distance

• Approximate drive time: Around 11–12 hours with minimal stops.
• Distance: Roughly 780–800 miles, depending on your exact start and end points.

If you’re leaving from inside the Perimeter (ITP), allow for city traffic as you work your way toward I-20. Travelers from Cobb, Gwinnett, or North Fulton may prefer to loop around using I-285 to avoid driving straight through Downtown, especially during peak times.

When Driving Is a Good Choice

Driving may suit you if:

• You’re moving from Atlanta to Dallas and have belongings to take.
• You’re splitting the drive into two days and want to stop along the way.
• You’re traveling with family or pets and need flexibility.
• You prefer to avoid airports and flights.

Practical Driving Tips for Atlantans

• Plan your departure time:
  • Try to leave after morning rush (after ~9:30 a.m.) or before afternoon rush if heading out via I-20.
• Vehicle prep:
  • Consider getting basic maintenance done before leaving. If needed, there are numerous service centers around Atlanta, Smyrna, Norcross, and Stockbridge near I-20 and I-75/85 corridors.
• Rest and overnight stays:
  • Many Atlanta travelers break the trip with an overnight stop somewhere between Mississippi and Louisiana to avoid pushing straight through.

Bus Travel From Atlanta to Dallas

If you’re cost-conscious and have time, bus travel from Atlanta to Dallas is another option.

Where Buses Leave in Atlanta

Intercity bus services typically operate out of or near Downtown Atlanta. The exact terminal can vary by provider, but many use locations close to:

• Central business district
• MARTA rail stops such as Five Points or Garnett

Always confirm your pickup location and arrival time when you purchase your ticket.

Travel Time and Experience

• Total time: Often 15–20+ hours, sometimes longer with transfers.
• Pros:
  • Generally less expensive than flying.
  • No need to drive or park.
• Cons:
  • Long travel time and multiple stops.
  • Less privacy and flexibility than driving your own car.

Getting to the Bus From Around Atlanta

• MARTA Rail + Walk/Short Ride:
  • Many bus terminals are accessible or close to MARTA rail stations, especially in downtown.
• Rideshare:
  • An easy option if you’re coming from suburbs like Dunwoody, Chamblee, Mableton, or College Park.

Bus travel is often used by students, budget travelers, or those who prefer to avoid driving long distances and don’t mind the slower pace.

Train + Bus: A More Scenic but Longer Route

There is no direct high-speed rail from Atlanta to Dallas, and rail routes typically involve transfers and longer travel times. However, some Atlantans prefer to incorporate Amtrak plus a connecting bus.

Atlanta’s Passenger Rail Station

Atlanta Amtrak Station
1688 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
(Located in the Brookwood area, between Midtown and Buckhead)

From here, you may be able to book:

• A train route that includes a leg from Atlanta to another major city
• Followed by a bus or connecting train toward Texas, eventually reaching Dallas

Travel times can be quite long compared to flying or even driving, and schedules can be limited, so this option is mainly for travelers who:

• Enjoy rail travel and don’t mind longer journeys
• Want to make multiple stops or take a more scenic route
• Have flexible arrival and departure dates

Choosing the Best Option From Atlanta to Dallas

Here’s how you might decide, living in or visiting Atlanta:

Consider Your Priorities

• Speed:
  • Choose flying from ATL to Dallas.
• Flexibility and Control:
  • Choose driving from Atlanta via I-20.
• Budget:
  • Compare bus vs. discount flights from Hartsfield-Jackson.
• Preference for Rail:
  • Consider the train + bus combo from the Atlanta Amtrak station, understanding it will be slower.

Typical Atlanta-Based Scenarios

• Business Trip From Midtown to Dallas:
  • MARTA to Airport Station, fly ATL → Dallas, rideshare on arrival.
• Family Moving From Gwinnett to Dallas Suburbs:
  • Pack the car or rental truck, drive via I-20 in one or two days.
• Student Traveling From Atlanta University Center Area (AUC) on a Budget:
  • Use MARTA or a short rideshare to a downtown bus terminal, take a bus to Dallas.
• Visitor Staying Near Buckhead Wanting a Scenic Trip:
  • Take a short ride to Atlanta Amtrak Station, explore a rail/bus combo if time allows.

Practical Planning Tips for Atlantans

Time of Year

Atlanta and Dallas have somewhat similar climates—hot summers and milder winters—but:

• Summer:
  • Air travel can be busy with vacations; factor in potential delays.
  • Long drives may be more fatiguing in the heat.
• Winter:
  • Both cities can experience occasional winter weather, though usually not severe.
  • If driving, check conditions along I-20, especially in areas more prone to ice.

Documents and Preparation

For most travel from Atlanta to Dallas, you’ll be staying within the United States:

• Flights: Carry a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or state ID) for airport security.
• Driving:
  • Ensure your Georgia driver’s license, registration, and insurance are up to date.
• Bus/Train:
  • Have your ticket confirmation and identification, as required by the carrier.

Getting Help Locally in Atlanta

If you need in-person help with planning or questions:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Information Desks
  • Located inside the terminals, offering general assistance with flights and airport services.
• MARTA Customer Service (for help getting to the airport or bus/train connections)
  • Five Points Station is the main central hub for MARTA rail downtown.

Traveling from Atlanta to Dallas is straightforward once you decide whether time, cost, or flexibility matters most. With Atlanta’s busy airport, major interstate access, and central bus and train locations, you can choose the route that best fits your schedule, budget, and comfort level—all starting right here in Atlanta.