Atlanta to JFK: How to Get from Atlanta to New York’s JFK Airport Smoothly

Traveling from Atlanta to JFK Airport in New York is a common route for both business and leisure travelers. Whether you live in Atlanta, you’re visiting, or you’re planning a connection through the city, it helps to understand your options from a local perspective.

Below is a practical guide to getting from Atlanta to JFK, including flight options, local Atlanta airports, ground transportation at both ends, and tips that matter specifically if you’re starting in or passing through Atlanta, Georgia.

Main Ways to Travel from Atlanta to JFK

For most people starting in Atlanta, there are three broad options:

1. Direct flight from Atlanta (ATL) to JFK
2. Connecting flight from Atlanta to JFK via another airport
3. Multi-leg trip by ground and air (for cost or scheduling reasons)

For almost everyone, especially if you’re already in the metro area, flying directly from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to JFK is the most efficient choice.

Your Departure Point in Atlanta

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Most Atlanta-to-JFK trips start at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the main commercial airport for the region.

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Distance from Downtown Atlanta: Roughly 10 miles south of downtown
• MARTA Access: Direct rail service via the Red and Gold lines to Airport Station

If you’re staying in Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead, it’s usually easiest to reach ATL using either MARTA or a rideshare/taxi.

Getting from Atlanta to ATL Airport

By MARTA (Recommended for Many City Residents)

MARTA is often the simplest way to get to ATL from inside the city:

• Take the Red Line or Gold Line toward Airport Station
• Airport Station is located directly inside the Domestic Terminal (between North and South terminals)

Common starting points:

• Five Points Station (Downtown): Direct ride to Airport Station
• Midtown Station / Arts Center Station: Red or Gold Line southbound
• Buckhead Station / Lenox Station: Red or Gold Line southbound

💡 Tip: If you’re flying from Atlanta to JFK and staying near a MARTA rail station, using MARTA avoids parking fees and unpredictable highway traffic on I-75/I-85.

By Car or Rideshare from Around Atlanta

If you’re driving yourself or using rideshare:

• From Downtown: Take I-75/I-85 South to the airport exit
• From Buckhead / North Atlanta: Take GA-400 to I-85 South, then follow signs to the airport
• From Cobb County / Marietta: Use I-285 to connect to I-75/I-85 South

Parking options at ATL include:

• Park-Ride lots (economy)
• Daily parking garages
• Cell phone lots for quick pick-ups

If you prefer to avoid airport parking, many Atlanta residents opt for:

• Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
• Traditional taxi services
• Private shuttle from certain hotels or park-and-ride services near the airport

Choosing a Flight: Atlanta to JFK

Direct Flights vs. Connections

From Atlanta, you can:

• Fly nonstop from ATL to JFK
• Connect via another city (such as Charlotte, Philadelphia, or Washington, D.C.) if schedules or prices work better for you

Nonstop flights are usually preferred:

• Reduce total travel time
• Lower the risk of missed connections
• Simplify luggage handling

Time of Day Considerations

When flying from Atlanta to JFK, think about:

• Morning flights: Typically less impacted by delays, might help you arrive in New York earlier in the day
• Afternoon/evening flights: Can be convenient if you’re coming from work or arriving in Atlanta earlier that same day, but may face more congestion-related delays

Flying from Atlanta, you also have to consider:

• Rush hour traffic to ATL (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.)
• Extra time for security screening, since ATL is a very high-traffic airport

Aim to arrive at ATL:

• About 2 hours before a domestic flight to JFK
• More time if traveling during holidays or busy weekends

What to Expect Upon Arrival at JFK

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is located in Queens, New York, and is one of the main international gateways into the United States.

• JFK has multiple terminals (numbered), and your Atlanta flight will arrive at one of them depending on your airline.
• To travel between JFK terminals, you’ll use the AirTrain (an internal train system within the airport).

Getting From JFK into New York City

Once your flight from Atlanta lands at JFK, you have several options to reach Manhattan, Brooklyn, or other parts of NYC.

1. AirTrain + Subway (Most Budget-Friendly)

• Take the JFK AirTrain from your arrival terminal to either:
  • Jamaica Station (connect to subway lines like E, J, Z; also Long Island Rail Road)
  • Howard Beach Station (connect to the A train)

This is often the most economical way to go from JFK to:

• Midtown Manhattan
• Lower Manhattan
• Parts of Brooklyn and Queens

2. AirTrain + Long Island Rail Road (Faster into Midtown)

• From Jamaica Station, connect to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)
• Travel time to Manhattan is usually faster than the subway, and more comfortable with luggage

3. Taxi, Rideshare, or Car Service

• Official NYC yellow cabs are available at JFK taxi stands
• Rideshare pick-up zones are clearly marked near each terminal

These options:

• Are more expensive than public transit
• May be more convenient if you have heavy luggage or are arriving late at night

Atlanta-Specific Tips for Planning Your Trip to JFK

1. Allow Extra Time for Atlanta Traffic

Even if you live in-town, Atlanta’s interstates and connector routes can back up quickly, especially:

• I-75/I-85 through Downtown and Midtown
• I-285 interchanges around the metro area

If you’re trying to catch a flight to JFK:

• Build in extra buffer time if you’re driving to ATL
• Consider MARTA if you’re reasonably close to a rail station to avoid last-minute stress

2. Consider Where You’re Staying in Atlanta

Where you spend the night in Atlanta can affect how smooth your trip to JFK feels:

• Downtown / Midtown / Buckhead:
  • Easy MARTA access to ATL
  • Good option if you have an early morning flight
• Perimeter / Sandy Springs / Dunwoody / North Fulton:
  • Likely need a mix of car + MARTA or just drive/rideshare straight to ATL
• Cobb, Gwinnett, South Fulton, or Clayton County:
  • Driving or rideshare is usually the fastest way to ATL
  • Some airport-area hotels offer park-and-fly packages

3. Protecting a Same-Day Connection in Atlanta

Some travelers pass through Atlanta on their way to JFK (for example, coming from another Georgia city or a nearby state).

If your route is City → Atlanta → JFK all in one day:

• Try to keep at least 1.5–2 hours between your arrival in Atlanta and your departure to JFK
• Keep carry-on only if possible, so you don’t have to wait for baggage or re-check it
• Stay near your departure gate area, since Hartsfield-Jackson is large and can take time to navigate

Quick Reference: Atlanta to JFK Travel Overview

Special Situations Atlanta Travelers Often Ask About

Traveling with Kids from Atlanta to JFK

• At ATL: Use family lanes where available, and allow extra time at security
• On the flight: Direct flights help avoid re-boarding with children and luggage
• At JFK: Consider taxi or rideshare instead of multiple transfers on public transit if you have strollers or a lot of bags

Flying from Smaller Georgia Cities via Atlanta

If you’re starting outside Atlanta (for example, Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, or Albany):

• Many travelers connect through ATL by air, then continue to JFK
• Others drive to Atlanta, park near the airport, and fly ATL → JFK for better schedules or prices

If you choose to drive into Atlanta:

• Look at long-term parking near Hartsfield-Jackson or park-and-ride facilities around the airport area
• Consider an overnight stay near ATL if you have a very early morning flight

When Weather Is a Concern

Both Atlanta and New York can experience weather-related delays:

• Atlanta: Thunderstorms are common, especially in warmer months
• New York: Snow, ice, and wind can affect operations in colder months

To minimize disruptions:

• Book earlier flights in the day when possible
• Keep important items (medications, documents, a change of clothes) in your carry-on
• Keep an eye on both ATL and JFK weather patterns the day before travel

Key Takeaways for Atlanta-to-JFK Travelers

• Start your trip at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
• Use MARTA when possible to avoid Atlanta highway traffic and parking stress.
• Choose a nonstop flight from ATL to JFK when available for the most straightforward trip.
• On arrival at JFK, use the AirTrain to connect to the New York City subway, Long Island Rail Road, taxis, or rideshares.
• Build in extra time around rush hours and potential weather delays, especially if you’re connecting through Atlanta on the same day.

With a bit of planning from an Atlanta-centered viewpoint, getting from Atlanta to JFK can be a fairly smooth, predictable trip.