Flying from Atlanta to EWR: How to Get from ATL to Newark Liberty International Airport
Travelers in Atlanta, Georgia searching for “Atlanta to EWR” are usually planning a trip from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey, serving the New York City area. Whether you live in metro Atlanta or you’re visiting and flying onward to Newark, it helps to understand your flight options, ground transportation, timing, and planning tips specific to leaving from Atlanta.
This guide walks through everything you need to know to travel efficiently and confidently from Atlanta to EWR.
Understanding the Atlanta to EWR Route
The Atlanta–Newark route is a major domestic corridor connecting the Atlanta metro area with the New York–New Jersey region. Most travelers use it for:
- Business trips to New York City or northern New Jersey
- Vacations and weekend getaways
- Connections to international flights departing from Newark
- Visiting family or college campuses in the Northeast
Because both ATL and EWR are large hubs, you’ll usually find multiple daily nonstop flights, plus connections through other cities if needed.
Airports on This Route
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
If you’re starting in Atlanta, you’ll almost always depart from ATL, located south of downtown:
- Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
- About 10–20 minutes from Downtown Atlanta in light traffic, longer during rush hours
- Accessible via MARTA rail, rideshare, taxis, and major highways (I‑75/I‑85)
ATL has two main terminal sides:
- Domestic Terminal (North & South) – used for most Atlanta–EWR flights
- International Terminal (Concourse F) – typically not used for this route unless you’re connecting
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
EWR is in Newark, New Jersey, and serves:
- Newark and nearby New Jersey cities
- Manhattan and the broader New York City metro area
From EWR, common next steps are:
- AirTrain Newark + regional rail into Manhattan
- Rideshare, taxi, or shuttle to Newark, Jersey City, or other NJ towns
- Connecting flights to Europe, Asia, and other international destinations
Typical Flight Options: Atlanta to Newark (EWR)
Flying is the most direct and time-efficient way to get from Atlanta to EWR.
Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights
You can usually choose between:
Nonstop flights:
- Flight time is typically around 2 to 2.5 hours in the air.
- Best for saving time and minimizing risk of delays from connections.
Connecting flights:
- Route might go through another hub (for example, Charlotte, Washington, or Chicago).
- Often used when nonstops are too expensive or sold out, or when combining with international legs.
For most Atlanta travelers, a nonstop ATL–EWR flight is the preferred choice.
How Long Does Atlanta to EWR Really Take?
When planning your day, remember the total travel time includes more than the flight itself.
Rough door-to-door timing from an Atlanta home to your destination near Newark:
- Getting to ATL from Atlanta
- 20–60 minutes depending on where you live (e.g., Midtown vs. north suburbs) and traffic
- Pre-flight time at ATL
- Many travelers aim for 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight, more if it’s a peak time or you’re checking bags
- Flight time ATL → EWR
- Around 2–2.5 hours in the air
- Deplaning and exiting EWR
- 20–45 minutes, depending on checked bags and airport crowds
- From EWR to your final destination
- 30–90+ minutes depending on whether you’re going to Newark, elsewhere in New Jersey, or into New York City
🔎 Practical takeaway: Even with a short flight, expect the overall trip from an Atlanta address to a hotel in Manhattan or suburban New Jersey to take 5–7 hours in total.
Getting to ATL from Around Atlanta
One of the key parts of any Atlanta to EWR trip is simply getting to Hartsfield–Jackson on time.
MARTA: Rail from In-Town Atlanta
If you’re staying or living near intown neighborhoods like Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or Sandy Springs, MARTA can be a reliable option.
- MARTA Airport Station is inside the Domestic Terminal, at the end of the Red and Gold Lines.
- Many riders appreciate avoiding I‑75/I‑85 traffic and parking fees.
Examples:
- From Midtown Station to Airport Station: often around 20–25 minutes on the train.
- From Buckhead Station: around 30–35 minutes, depending on train timing.
You can board MARTA at major stations including:
- Five Points (Downtown) – transfer hub
- Peachtree Center (Downtown)
- Midtown, Arts Center, North Avenue
- Lindbergh Center, Buckhead, Lenox
- Doraville, Chamblee, Brookhaven/Oglethorpe (Gold Line north)
- North Springs, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody (Red Line north)
Driving or Rideshare to ATL
If you’re driving yourself or using rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.):
- Main access routes:
- I‑75/I‑85 (Downtown Connector) southbound
- Camp Creek Parkway from the west
- ATL is well-signed from the highways; look for Domestic Terminal or International Terminal exits.
Approximate drive times in typical traffic:
- Downtown Atlanta → ATL: 15–30 minutes
- Midtown → ATL: 20–35 minutes
- Buckhead → ATL: 25–45 minutes
- Perimeter/Dunwoody → ATL: 30–50 minutes
- Marietta → ATL: 35–60+ minutes
Atlanta traffic can be highly variable, especially around:
- Morning rush: roughly 6:30–9:00 a.m.
- Evening commute: roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.
If you’re catching a morning Atlanta–EWR flight, many locals leave earlier than they think they need to, especially from the northern suburbs.
Parking at ATL for an Atlanta to EWR Trip
If you’re leaving your car at ATL for a Newark trip, you’ll choose between airport-operated and off-airport parking options.
Common airport parking areas include:
- Domestic Terminal North & South decks – closer and usually higher cost
- Economy parking – shuttle or longer walk, typically more budget-friendly
- Cell phone lots – for pick-up, not long-term travel
For multi-day trips, many Atlanta residents compare:
- On-site economy or park-ride lots
- Off-site park-and-ride services near Airport Boulevard or Camp Creek Parkway
📝 Tip: Factor in shuttle frequency and travel time from off-site parking to the terminal so you don’t cut your pre-flight arrival too close.
Inside ATL: Navigating the Airport for an EWR Flight
Once inside Hartsfield–Jackson, you’ll go through:
- Check-in and bag drop (if needed) at the Domestic Terminal
- Security screening
- Plane Train (underground train) to your departure concourse
- Waiting at your gate until boarding
Key points:
- ATL uses multiple concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F) connected by the Plane Train and walkways.
- Many Atlanta–Newark flights depart from Concourses A, B, or C, but always confirm your gate on your boarding pass or screens.
- Food, restrooms, and charging outlets are spread throughout the concourses.
Allow time not only for security, but also for the train ride and any walking between concourses.
What to Expect When You Land at EWR
When your Atlanta to EWR flight arrives, your next steps depend on your plans in New Jersey or New York.
1. Baggage Claim and Ground Transport
You’ll:
- Deplane at your assigned EWR terminal
- Follow signs to Baggage Claim if you checked bags
- Choose your exit based on onward travel: taxi, rideshare, shuttle, or train
2. Getting from EWR into New York City
Common options from EWR to Manhattan:
- AirTrain Newark + NJ Transit/Amtrak
- Take AirTrain from your terminal to Newark Liberty International Airport Station
- Transfer to NJ Transit or Amtrak trains toward New York Penn Station
- Taxi or rideshare
- More direct but can be slower in heavy traffic and may cost more than rail
- Shuttle or private car services
- Often used by travelers going to specific hotels or business destinations
If you’re heading to New Jersey cities like Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken, or suburban areas, you can use:
- NJ Transit trains or buses
- Local rideshares or taxis
When Atlanta Travelers Typically Fly to EWR
If you’re based in Atlanta and planning this trip, think about:
- Business schedules – Many business travelers pick early morning or late afternoon Atlanta–EWR departures to align with workdays in New York City.
- Weather considerations – Winter storms in the Northeast can affect EWR schedules; summer storms in Atlanta can also cause delays.
- Holidays and peak seasons – Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break periods often mean fuller flights and more crowded airports at both ATL and EWR.
Planning flexible buffer time is helpful, especially if you:
- Have an international connection out of EWR
- Need to arrive for a specific event or meeting in New York or New Jersey
Cost Considerations for Atlanta to Newark Trips
While prices change frequently, Atlanta travelers often weigh:
- Nonstop vs. connecting fares – Nonstops are convenient but can cost more at peak times.
- Time of day – Midday flights sometimes offer more moderate pricing than early morning or evening rush times.
- Day of week – Weekend vs. weekday can affect both airfare and ground transport costs.
If you live in or near Atlanta, it’s also common to compare:
- Parking at ATL vs. getting a MARTA ride, taxi, or rideshare
- The value of nonstop ATL–EWR versus connecting through another city if you’re linking to an overseas flight
Quick Planning Checklist for Atlanta to EWR
Use this simple table as a planning snapshot tailored to Atlanta-based travelers:
| Step | What to Decide/Do | Atlanta-Specific Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Choose flight | Nonstop vs. connecting, time of day | Consider morning rush on I‑75/I‑85 if you pick an early flight |
| 2. Get to ATL | MARTA, rideshare, taxi, or driving | MARTA is strong from Midtown/Downtown; driving may be easier from Atlanta suburbs |
| 3. Parking (if driving) | On-site vs. off-site | Compare total cost vs. length of stay; factor shuttle time |
| 4. Airport timing | When to arrive at ATL | Many travelers aim for 1.5–2 hours early for domestic flights, more in peak periods |
| 5. Arrival at EWR | How you’ll reach final destination | Decide ahead: AirTrain + train to NYC, taxi/rideshare, or NJ Transit for NJ cities |
| 6. Weather & delays | Build in buffer | In winter, watch Northeast storms; in summer, Atlanta thunderstorms can affect departures |
Practical Tips for a Smooth Atlanta to EWR Trip
A few extra details can make the journey much easier, especially if you’re not a frequent flyer:
- Plan your ground transport to ATL first. In Atlanta, last-minute traffic surprises are common.
- Check your departure terminal and concourse before leaving home. Knowing “Domestic South, Concourse B” or similar can save time on arrival.
- Use real-time traffic or transit apps the morning of your flight to decide whether MARTA or driving is better from your area.
- Monitor your flight status on the airline’s app, especially during stormy weather seasons in either Atlanta or the Northeast.
- If connecting at EWR, allow generous transfer time, particularly for international departures or if you need to change terminals.
For most travelers living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, the Atlanta to EWR route is a straightforward, well-served journey—as long as you account for local traffic, ATL airport logistics, and your onward plans from Newark into New York or New Jersey.
