Traveling From Atlanta to Denver: Your Practical Guide

Planning a trip from Atlanta to Denver? Whether you live in metro Atlanta, are visiting the city and flying out, or just want to understand your options, this guide walks through how to get from Atlanta, Georgia to Denver, Colorado in a clear, Atlanta-focused way.

We’ll cover flights, driving, trains and buses, costs, timing, and what to know about altitude and weather when you’re leaving from Atlanta.

Main Ways to Travel From Atlanta to Denver

Most people going Atlanta → Denver use one of four options:

• Fly from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Drive (solo or with family/friends)
• Bus (long-distance coach services)
• Train + bus combo (since there is no direct passenger rail line)

Here’s a quick snapshot:

Times are approximate and depend on traffic, route, and connections.

Flying From Atlanta to Denver

For most Atlanta-based travelers, flying is the most practical option.

Airports and Terminals in Atlanta

You’ll depart from:

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

Key points for Atlanta travelers:

• Domestic flights to Denver usually leave from Concourse A, B, C, D, or T.
• The MARTA Red and Gold lines connect downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead directly to the airport (Airport Station).
• If you’re driving, main access roads are I-85, I-75, and Camp Creek Parkway.

Flight Time and What to Expect

• Nonstop Atlanta to Denver flights are typically around 3 to 3.5 hours of flying time.
• Add time for:
  • Getting to ATL (often 30–60+ minutes depending on where you live)
  • Security screening and boarding (arriving 1.5–2 hours before departure is common for domestic flights)
  • Taxi time on the runway

Total doorstep-to-doorstep time from an Atlanta home to a Denver hotel can easily be 5–7 hours even with a nonstop flight.

Booking Tips for Atlanta Residents

• Peak travel times for ATL–DEN often include:
  • Winter (ski season in Colorado)
  • Spring break
  • Summer vacation months
• If you live in Intown Atlanta (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park), taking MARTA can be simpler than airport parking.
• Suburban residents in Cobb, Gwinnett, Fayette, or Henry County may find airport parking or rideshare more convenient, especially with early morning flights.

Driving From Atlanta to Denver

If you prefer a road trip or need to transport pets, gear, or bulky items, driving Atlanta to Denver is a realistic—though long—option.

Distance and Main Routes

The drive from Atlanta, GA to Denver, CO is roughly 1,400–1,500 miles, depending on your exact start in metro Atlanta and chosen route.

Common route from Atlanta:

1. I-75 North from Atlanta toward Chattanooga
2. Merge with I-24 West toward Nashville
3. I-64 / I-70 West across the Midwest
4. Follow I-70 West into Colorado and on to Denver

Alternative southern routes (using more of I-20 and then angling northwest) are possible but often longer or less direct.

How Long Will the Drive Take?

• Pure driving time (no long stops) is typically 19–22 hours.
• Realistically, most Atlanta drivers:
  • Split it into two full days on the road
  • Stop overnight in a midpoint city (for example, around Missouri or Kansas)

If you’re leaving Atlanta metro:

• Leaving from North Fulton, Cobb, or Cherokee County can shave a little time compared to starting south of I-20.
• Traffic within Atlanta on I-285, I-75/85 through downtown, and I-20 can add significant time if you depart during rush hour.

Road Trip Considerations for Atlantans

• Weather changes:
  • You leave Atlanta’s relatively humid, lower-elevation environment.
  • As you head into the Plains and then Colorado, conditions can be drier, windier, and much colder in winter, especially near Denver and the Front Range.
• Winter driving:
  • If you’re used to Atlanta winters, be prepared for snow, ice, and potentially chain restrictions in parts of Colorado.
• Fuel and rest stops:
  • Past the larger metro areas in the Midwest and Plains, services can spread out. Plan fuel stops more carefully than you would on a typical Georgia or Southeast trip.

Bus Travel From Atlanta to Denver

Traveling Atlanta to Denver by bus is usually chosen for budget reasons, not speed.

Where You’ll Depart in Atlanta

Many long-distance bus services use or are close to:

Atlanta Bus / Coach Terminals

• Historically near downtown around Forsyth St SW or other central locations
• Exact terminals and addresses can change; confirm departure points when you book

You’ll want to arrive early and allow for Atlanta traffic, especially if you’re coming from suburbs like Lawrenceville, Marietta, or McDonough.

What to Expect

• Typical total travel time can be 26–30+ hours, with transfers in other cities depending on your route and provider.
• Pros:
  • Often cheaper than flights if booked early
  • You don’t have to drive yourself
• Cons:
  • Long hours seated
  • Longer, less predictable schedules than flying
  • Fewer comforts compared with personal car or faster flight

Bus travel can work well for travelers with flexible schedules who prioritize cost above convenience.

Train Options From Atlanta to Denver

There is no direct passenger train from Atlanta to Denver, but rail enthusiasts sometimes piece together train + bus combinations.

A common pattern might involve:

1. Taking a train out of Atlanta (from Peachtree Station on Peachtree St NW) toward a major hub city.
2. Connecting to another train that gets closer to Colorado.
3. Using a bus or another transfer to reach Denver.

This is usually:

• Slower and more complex than flying or driving
• Chosen mainly for the experience and scenery, not speed

For everyday Atlanta travelers, this is a niche option rather than a main choice.

Time Zone, Altitude, and Weather Differences

Leaving from Atlanta, you’ll notice some key differences when you arrive in Denver.

Time Zone Change

• Atlanta (Georgia): Eastern Time (ET)
• Denver (Colorado): Mountain Time (MT)

Denver is 2 hours behind Atlanta.
If it’s 3:00 p.m. in Atlanta, it’s 1:00 p.m. in Denver.

This matters for:

• Scheduling business meetings
• Planning calls with family back in Georgia
• Adjusting to early/late flight arrivals

Altitude Change

Atlanta sits at roughly 1,000 feet above sea level in many areas.
Denver is famously around 5,280 feet (“the Mile High City”).

What this can mean:

• The air is thinner and drier in Denver than in Atlanta.
• Some people notice:
  • Mild shortness of breath on exertion
  • Tendency to get thirsty faster
  • Dry skin or lips compared with Atlanta’s humidity

Simple, non-medical tips many travelers follow:

• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid overexerting yourself the first day
• Use lip balm and moisturizer if you’re prone to dryness

Weather Contrast: Atlanta vs. Denver

• Atlanta: Humid subtropical; hot, sticky summers and mild winters with occasional ice or snow.
• Denver: Drier, cooler, and more variable; can have snow in late fall, winter, and even spring, plus strong sunshine at altitude.

From an Atlanta perspective:

• Summer in Denver often feels less humid and more comfortable, especially if you’re used to Atlanta’s thick humidity.
• Winter and spring can feel much colder and snowier than Atlanta, so packing layers, insulated outerwear, and proper footwear is important.

Getting to and From the Airports

From Atlanta (Hartsfield–Jackson)

If you live in or are staying in Atlanta, here are common ways to reach ATL:

• MARTA:
  • Red and Gold Line trains both go directly to Airport Station, attached to the Domestic Terminal.
  • Useful if you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs or along the rail line.
• Car / Rideshare / Taxi:
  • Access primarily via I-85 (north/south), I-75, and I-285.
  • Many Atlanta residents in suburbs like Alpharetta, Marietta, Decatur, or Stockbridge often drive or use rideshare and consider airport parking or park-and-ride options.

Arriving in Denver (Denver International Airport – DEN)

Once you arrive:

• Denver International Airport (DEN) sits east of downtown Denver.
• You connect to the city center using:
  • Airport rail lines to Denver’s downtown area
  • Taxis, rideshares, shuttles, or rental cars

If you’re comparing the experience to Atlanta, DEN is more spread out than Hartsfield–Jackson, but the basic flow—baggage claim, ground transportation, rental cars—is familiar.

Cost Considerations for Atlanta Travelers

Actual prices vary widely, but here’s how most Atlanta-based travelers think about costs:

• Flying:
  • Typically more expensive than driving per person, but much faster.
  • Often preferred for business travel and shorter vacations.
• Driving:
  • Gas, wear and tear, possible overnight hotel stays, meals on the road.
  • Can be cost-effective for families or groups leaving from Atlanta, especially if you split costs.
• Bus:
  • Frequent choice for lowest upfront cash cost.
  • Trade-off is total time and comfort.
• Train + bus:
  • Often more expensive than bus and slower than flying.
  • Chosen more for the rail experience than pure practicality.

When pricing options, Atlanta residents often weigh:

• Time away from work
• Childcare or pet arrangements back home
• The cost of airport parking vs. MARTA vs. rideshare

Planning Tips Specifically for Atlantans

A few Atlanta-centered pointers:

• 🕐 Avoid Atlanta rush hour when heading to ATL
  Try to plan departures outside of 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. on weekdays if you’re driving or ridesharing to the airport.

• 🚇 Consider MARTA if you’re near a station
  If you’re staying along the Red or Gold line—Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, College Park—MARTA can save on parking and avoid congestion.

• 🧳 Pack for a different climate and altitude
  Coming from Atlanta’s humidity, you may want:

  • Layers and warmer outerwear for Denver
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Lip balm and lotion for the drier air

• 📅 Build in buffer time
  If you have important business in Denver, consider arriving from Atlanta the day before rather than same-day, especially in winter when weather can affect schedules.

Traveling from Atlanta to Denver can be quick and efficient by air, adventurous by road, and budget-friendly by bus. Choosing the best option depends on where you live in metro Atlanta, how much time you have, and how you balance cost against convenience.