Traveling From Atlanta to Detroit: Ways to Get There, What to Expect, and Local Tips

If you’re planning a trip from Atlanta to Detroit, you have several good options whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or are just trying to understand how travel between these two major metros works. This guide focuses on what an Atlanta-based traveler needs to know: how to get there, where you’ll depart from locally, approximate travel times, and practical tips for making the journey smoother.

Overview: Atlanta to Detroit at a Glance

Atlanta and Detroit are roughly 700–750 miles apart, depending on your route. From Atlanta, you can typically:

• Fly from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Drive via major interstates
• Take a bus from central Atlanta locations
• Use train + bus combinations for part of the route

Here’s a simple comparison:

*Does not include airport check-in, security, traffic, or layovers.

Flying from Atlanta to Detroit

Where You’ll Depart in Atlanta

Most people traveling from Atlanta to Detroit will fly out of:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
Mainly accessed via I-85 and the Airport MARTA Station.

ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world and offers multiple daily nonstop flights to Detroit.

Getting to ATL from Around Atlanta

If you’re already in the Atlanta area, you can reach the airport by:

• MARTA rail:
  • Take the Red or Gold line to Airport Station, which drops you directly inside the Domestic Terminal.
  • Good option if you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.
• Driving and parking:
  • On-site park-ride and economy lots, plus many private long-term lots around the airport.
  • Useful if you’re coming from suburbs like Marietta, Sandy Springs, Decatur, or Jonesboro.
• Rideshare or taxi:
  • Common for travelers staying in city hotels or those who don’t want to deal with parking.

Plan to arrive at least 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight, especially during busy morning or evening periods.

Flight Time and What to Expect

• Nonstop flight time: typically around 2 hours in the air.
• Additional time:
  • Check-in and security: 30–60 minutes
  • Boarding and taxiing: ~30 minutes
  • Deplaning and baggage claim in Detroit: 20–45 minutes

From ATL, most nonstop flights land at:

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Located in Romulus, just outside Detroit.

From DTW, you can reach Downtown Detroit by rental car, rideshare, taxi, or shuttle services. Travel time to many downtown hotels is often 20–35 minutes depending on traffic.

Driving from Atlanta to Detroit

If you prefer a road trip, driving from Atlanta to Detroit can be straightforward and scenic in parts.

Common Driving Route

Most Atlanta drivers take:

• I-75 North almost the entire way.

A typical route is:

1. Leave Atlanta on I-75 N (often merging from I-85 depending on your starting point).
2. Continue north through Chattanooga (TN) and Knoxville (TN) or via I-75 through Dalton and Cincinnati (OH) depending on your chosen path.
3. Stay on I-75 as it continues into Ohio, then into Michigan, and approaches Detroit.

You may see alternate routing options based on traffic or navigation apps, but I-75 is the most direct and familiar for many Atlanta drivers.

Approximate Drive Time

• Around 10–12 hours of driving without extended stops.
• Realistically, including gas, food, and stretch breaks, many Atlanta travelers plan for a full day on the road.

Tips for Atlanta-Based Drivers

• Leave early to avoid Atlanta rush-hour traffic on the Connector (I-75/85 through Downtown).
• 🚗 Check weather: You’ll be heading north into regions that can have snow, ice, or heavy rain, especially in colder months.
• Plan fuel and food stops ahead of time, especially if traveling with kids or pets.
• If you want to break the trip into two days, popular overnight stops include cities along I-75.

Taking the Bus from Atlanta to Detroit

Bus travel is a more budget-friendly choice but usually takes much longer than flying or driving.

Where Buses Depart in Atlanta

Common bus departure points in Atlanta include:

• Downtown Atlanta intercity bus stations or stops (often near or around central city transit hubs).
• Some carriers may also use stops along major corridors like the Civic Center area or nearby.

Because bus operators can change locations over time, it’s important to:

• Confirm your exact departure address and check-in time when booking.
• Give yourself extra time to find parking or walk from nearby MARTA stations.

Travel Time and Experience

• Bus travel from Atlanta to Detroit can take roughly 14–18+ hours.
• Routes may include layovers or transfers in major cities along the way.
• Expect basic onboard amenities (commonly restrooms, sometimes Wi‑Fi and outlets), but quality can vary.

Bus travel works best if:

• You’re very cost-conscious.
• You don’t mind long stretches of sitting.
• You prefer not to drive yourself or deal with airport security.

Train and Train–Bus Combinations

There is no direct high-speed or simple direct rail route from Atlanta to Detroit that works the way a nonstop flight does, but a train + bus combo is possible if you prioritize a more scenic or relaxed journey over speed.

Atlanta’s Train Station

Long-distance rail service in Atlanta typically uses:

Atlanta Peachtree Station
1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
Located in Midtown–North Atlanta along Peachtree Street.

From there, it’s sometimes possible to connect via other major rail hubs and then transfer to a bus or additional train service closer to Michigan. This often:

• Takes significantly longer than flying or driving.
• Requires careful itinerary planning to match train and bus schedules.

This option is most appealing to:

• Travelers who enjoy train travel.
• Those who are comfortable with overnight trips and multiple transfers.

Choosing the Best Option for Your Situation in Atlanta

When you’re starting in Atlanta, the “best” way to reach Detroit depends on your priorities:

1. You Want to Get There Quickly

• Best choice:Flying from ATL to DTW
• Why it works for Atlanta travelers:
  • Easy MARTA access if you’re staying in Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead.
  • Multiple daily flights mean some flexibility in departure time.
  • Often the least overall travel time door-to-door.

2. You Want Maximum Flexibility

• Best choice:Driving from Atlanta to Detroit
• Good if:
  • You’re traveling with a group or family.
  • You want to stop in cities along the way.
  • You prefer your own schedule and don’t mind a long drive.

3. You’re Focused on Saving Money

• Best choice:Bus from Atlanta to Detroit
• Considerations:
  • Compare total cost (ticket + food + local transport) to discount flights from ATL.
  • Build in extra time, since it can be an overnight or all-day journey.

4. You Want a Scenic, Slower Journey

• Best choice:Train + bus combination
• Be prepared for:
  • Multiple legs of travel.
  • A less direct route with possible overnight segments.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Heading to Detroit

A few final, Atlanta-specific planning tips:

• Plan around Atlanta traffic.
  Whether you’re driving yourself to Detroit or just driving to the airport or bus station, Atlanta’s rush hours (generally early morning and late afternoon/early evening) can significantly impact your schedule.

• Use MARTA when it makes sense.
  If you’re staying in-town, taking MARTA to the Airport Station can be more predictable than driving and parking, especially during busy events or peak travel seasons.

• Check weather at both ends.
  Atlanta’s weather is often milder than Detroit’s. If you’re traveling in late fall, winter, or early spring, pack for colder and possibly snowy conditions upon arrival in Michigan.

• Confirm addresses and departure points.
  Bus stations, pick-up spots, and even smaller rail stops can change or be a bit confusing if you are unfamiliar with them. Double-check:

  • Street addresses
  • Check-in times
  • Any special instructions (for example, separate luggage check areas)

• Allow extra buffer time.
  From getting through the checkpoints at Hartsfield-Jackson to navigating downtown streets for bus departures, a small time buffer helps avoid missed connections.

Traveling from Atlanta to Detroit can be as fast, flexible, or budget-conscious as you need it to be. Once you decide whether you prioritize speed, cost, or comfort, you can choose the route that fits best with your starting point in the Atlanta area and your plans on the Detroit side.