Atlanta to Las Vegas: How to Plan Your Trip from the A to the Strip

Heading from Atlanta to Las Vegas—whether for a weekend getaway, a convention, or a big event—comes with a lot of practical questions: What’s the best way to get there from Atlanta? How long does it take? What should you budget? How do you handle time zones, airports, and transportation on both ends?

This guide walks you through everything from flights out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport to road trips from Atlanta to Las Vegas, plus tips that are especially useful if you live in or are staying in Atlanta.

Main Ways to Travel from Atlanta to Las Vegas

Most people traveling from Atlanta to Las Vegas choose one of three options:

1. Flying (fastest and most common)
2. Driving (for road-trip lovers or movers)
3. Combination trips (for example, flying partway and driving through national parks in the West)

Here’s a quick comparison to get oriented:

Flying from Atlanta to Las Vegas

For most travelers, flying is the best option from Atlanta to Las Vegas in terms of time and convenience.

Atlanta and Las Vegas Airports You’ll Use

• Departure:

  • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Serves essentially all major domestic airlines.

• Arrival:

  • Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) (formerly McCarran)
  • Located just a few miles from the Las Vegas Strip.

If you’re staying in-town in Atlanta, MARTA access to ATL makes the trip easy from Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, and some surrounding areas.

Nonstop Flights from ATL to Las Vegas

From Atlanta, nonstop flights to Las Vegas are typically available on major carriers. These flights:

• Usually take about 4 to 4.5 hours in the air.
• Operate multiple days each week, often every day, depending on season and airline.
• Leave from ATL’s domestic terminals.

For an Atlanta-based traveler, a nonstop flight is usually the best mix of:

• Predictable travel time
• Fewer chances of delay or missed connections
• Less travel fatigue if you’re heading right into events or meetings in Las Vegas

💡 Tip for Atlanta flyers: If you’re flying out early on a weekday, plan for I‑75/I‑85 downtown connector and I‑285 traffic adding extra time to your airport trip, especially during morning rush hours.

Connecting Flights (When Nonstops Don’t Fit)

Sometimes the cheapest or only option may be a connecting flight—especially if:

• You’re booking last minute
• You’re traveling on off-peak days or seasons
• You’re using points or miles with limited award space

Common connection hubs from Atlanta might include cities like Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, Houston, or Chicago, depending on airline.

When comparing connecting flights:

• Check total travel time, not just departure and arrival times.
• Pay attention to layover length—too short may be stressful, too long may eat up your day.
• For winter trips, consider whether your layover is in a snow-prone city, which can affect delays.

Flight Time, Time Zones, and Jet Lag

• Atlanta is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET).
• Las Vegas is in the Pacific Time Zone (PT).
• Las Vegas is 3 hours behind Atlanta.

So, if you leave Atlanta at 8:00 a.m. ET and your flight is about 4.5 hours, you’ll land around 9:30–9:45 a.m. PT in Las Vegas—same “morning” calendar day with three hours gained.

On the return, it flips:

• An afternoon or evening flight out of Las Vegas can have you landing late at night or around midnight in Atlanta.
• This matters if you have to work in Atlanta the next morning or pick up kids, pets, or a car from long-term parking.

Getting to Hartsfield–Jackson from Around Atlanta

How you get to ATL from your part of Metro Atlanta can change your total travel experience.

MARTA to the Airport

If you’re staying or living near MARTA rail:

• Take the Red or Gold Line southbound to Airport Station.
• Airport Station is inside the Domestic Terminal (North and South).
• From Midtown or Downtown Atlanta, the ride is often around 20–30 minutes.

MARTA is especially convenient if you’re:

• Staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near Perimeter Center
• Trying to avoid parking costs at ATL
• Traveling with lighter luggage

Driving and Parking at ATL

If you’re coming from the suburbs—Marietta, Sandy Springs, Decatur, Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, McDonough, or beyond—you may prefer to drive.

Common options:

• Airport-owned parking
  • Long-term lots, economy lots, and decks near the terminals
• Off-airport private parking
  • Often includes shuttle service to the terminals
• Drop-off and pick-up
  • Use the Domestic and International terminal curbsides or the Cell Phone Lot if you’re picking someone up.

Plan more buffer time if you’re:

• Coming via I‑285 on the south or west side
• Traveling during morning (6:30–9:30 a.m.) or afternoon (3:30–7:00 p.m.) rush

What Atlanta Travelers Should Budget for the Trip

Costs vary a lot based on season, events, and how far in advance you book, but there are some common categories to keep in mind.

Typical Cost Categories from Atlanta to Las Vegas

• Airfare
  • Can fluctuate around holidays, major conventions, and big sporting events.
  • Weekday flights or red-eyes sometimes cost less.
• Baggage fees
  • Many basic fares from Atlanta will charge for checked bags; factor this in.
• Airport costs in Atlanta
  • Parking, rideshare, MARTA fares, and airport food.
• Las Vegas transportation
  • Rideshare, taxis, shuttles, or rental cars from LAS.
• Hotel/resort stays
  • Big conferences and weekends can push prices up quickly.
  • Some hotels charge resort fees, which are due locally at check-in or checkout.

Atlanta travelers often underestimate how much transportation on both ends and resort fees in Las Vegas add to the total cost. Build in a cushion so the final bill isn’t a surprise.

Driving from Atlanta to Las Vegas

If you prefer a road trip or are moving from Atlanta to Las Vegas, driving is possible but requires real planning.

Distance and Driving Time

• The route from Atlanta, GA to Las Vegas, NV is roughly 1,900–2,000 miles, depending on highways chosen.
• That usually translates to:
  • About 28–32 hours of actual drive time
  • Realistically 3–4 days of driving for most people, with overnight stops

Common interstate routes may take you through states like Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, before you reach Nevada.

When Driving Might Make Sense from Atlanta

• You’re relocating and need to move belongings or pets.
• You want a multi-day road trip with sightseeing along the way.
• You’re staying in the Las Vegas area long-term and want your own car there.

Atlanta residents often time departures to:

• Avoid heavy congestion on the Downtown Connector (I‑75/I‑85) and I‑20 when leaving town.
• Clear metro Atlanta early on the first day to get several hours of uninterrupted highway driving.

Road-Trip Planning Tips for Atlantans

• Get your vehicle checked in advance at a trusted local shop in Atlanta or your suburb.
• Pack a paper map or offline navigation, especially if you’ll pass through remote areas in the West.
• Plan overnight stops in cities with decent lodging and services for safety and comfort.
• Be aware of weather changes—you might leave humid Atlanta and encounter desert heat, elevation, or storms closer to the Southwest.

Time Zone and Schedule Planning

Going from Atlanta (ET) to Las Vegas (PT) means adjusting by three hours.

How This Affects Atlanta Travelers

• Morning meetings in Las Vegas may feel like early afternoon to your body clock—often easier on the way there.
• On the way back, a late-night Vegas departure can become an early-morning arrival in Atlanta, especially if you take red-eye options.
• If you work in Metro Atlanta (Downtown, Perimeter, Cumberland, etc.), think about:
  • Whether you need to take the morning after your return off
  • How a midnight or 1:00 a.m. ATL arrival will affect your commute and rest

A common strategy is to:

• Fly Atlanta to Las Vegas earlier in the day, so you arrive with usable time.
• Fly back to Atlanta midday from Las Vegas, to avoid extremely late arrivals.

Traveling from Different Parts of Metro Atlanta

Your starting point in the Atlanta area can shape your best choices.

If You’re in the City (Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Buckhead)

• MARTA is often the most reliable way to reach ATL.
• Rideshare and taxis are also widely available.
• You may not need a car at all for this trip if you:
  • Take MARTA to ATL
  • Use rideshare or taxis in Las Vegas

If You’re in the Northern Suburbs (Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Duluth)

• Expect a longer drive to ATL, especially during peak commute hours.
• Many people:
  • Drive and park at ATL for multi-day trips, or
  • Use rideshare for convenience, especially for shorter stays.

If You’re in the Eastern or Southern Suburbs (Decatur, Stone Mountain, Stockbridge, McDonough, Fayetteville)

• Plan for I‑20, I‑75, or I‑285 traffic, depending on your route.
• For early flights, consider:
  • Leaving extra early, or
  • Choosing flights that depart mid-morning or midday to reduce stress.

What to Pack and Plan For (Atlanta Perspective)

Even though you’re flying from a major city, a few Atlanta-specific habits can help your Las Vegas trip go more smoothly.

Documents and Essentials

• Valid government-issued ID (for domestic flights)
• Boarding passes (digital or printed)
• Any work materials if you’re attending a convention or trade show
• Medications and personal essentials in your carry-on

Weather and Clothing

• Atlanta’s weather can be humid and unpredictable, while Las Vegas is typically dry and often hot.
• Pack layers:
  • Light clothing for outdoors in Las Vegas
  • A sweater or light jacket for air-conditioned casinos, conference centers, and planes
• If you leave Atlanta in cool or rainy weather, remember Las Vegas may feel completely different the same day.

Money and Payments

• Both Atlanta and Las Vegas are very card-friendly, but:
  • Have some cash handy for tips, smaller vendors, or emergencies.
• If you’re using a local Atlanta bank or credit union card, consider:
  • Alerting the bank that you’re traveling out-of-state, especially for longer stays.

Special Situations: Conventions, Events, and Group Travel

Many Atlanta residents travel to Las Vegas for:

• Conventions and trade shows
• Major sporting events
• Concerts, festivals, or large group gatherings

Planning Ahead from Atlanta

• Book flights and hotels early, especially if you’re attending well-known events.
• Coordinate with colleagues or friends in Metro Atlanta on:
  • Shared rides to ATL
  • Meeting points at the airport (such as near well-known food courts or terminal landmarks)
• Make sure everyone understands time zone differences, especially for:
  • Remote work commitments from hotel rooms
  • Virtual meetings with teams still in Eastern Time back in Atlanta

Practical Next Steps for Atlanta-to-Las Vegas Travelers

If you’re in Atlanta and ready to plan:

1. Decide your mode of travel

   • Flying for speed and simplicity.
   • Driving if you’re moving or want a multi-day road trip.

2. Check flights from ATL to LAS

   • Compare nonstop vs. connecting options.
   • Look at departure times that fit your drive or MARTA ride to the airport.

3. Plan your ground transportation in Atlanta

   • Choose between MARTA, rideshare, taxi, or parking.
   • Add buffer time for typical Atlanta traffic patterns.

4. Account for the 3-hour time difference

   • Adjust your arrival and return plans so you’re not exhausted heading back into Atlanta life.

5. Set a realistic budget

   • Include airfare or gas, parking or MARTA, Vegas lodging and resort fees, food, and local transport.

With a bit of upfront planning that takes Atlanta’s traffic, airport layout, and time zone differences into account, traveling from Atlanta to Las Vegas can be straightforward and surprisingly smooth.