Atlanta to London: How to Plan Your Trip From ATL to the U.K.

Traveling from Atlanta to London is one of the most common international trips out of the city. Whether you live in metro Atlanta, are here on business, or connecting through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), it helps to understand your options, what to expect, and how to prepare.

This guide walks you through flights, airports, timing, documents, money, and Atlanta-specific tips to make the journey smoother.

Key Things to Know When Flying Atlanta to London

Quick overview for Atlanta travelers:

Choosing Your Airport in Atlanta

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Almost all Atlanta to London trips start at ATL, located just south of downtown:

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Main terminals: Domestic and International (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal, Concourse F)
• MARTA access: Airport Station at the end of the Red and Gold Lines

For international flights to London, you’ll typically:

• Depart from the International Terminal (Concourse F) or sometimes Concourse E
• Check in at your airline’s international counters
• Clear security at the international side (or come via the Plane Train from domestic)

If you’re coming from Buckhead, Midtown, or Downtown, MARTA is often the simplest option: ride the Red or Gold line straight to Airport Station, then follow signs to your terminal.

If you’re driving, allow extra time for:

• International Terminal parking (separate from domestic)
• Airport traffic, especially during morning and evening rush hours on I-75, I-85, and I-285

Picking a London Airport: Heathrow vs. Gatwick

Where you land in London can affect your onward travel into the city or other parts of the U.K.

London Heathrow (LHR)

Heathrow is the most common destination for nonstop flights from Atlanta.

Pros:

• Major hub with many flight options
• Strong connections to other U.K. and European cities
• Good public transport into central London

Cons:

• Can be busy with long immigration lines
• Navigation can feel overwhelming if it’s your first time in Europe

London Gatwick (LGW)

You may also find itineraries from Atlanta that connect somewhere and land at Gatwick.

Pros:

• Slightly smaller and sometimes easier to navigate
• Direct train connections to central London

Cons:

• Fewer long-haul options than Heathrow
• Fewer onward flight choices within the U.K.

When searching flights from Atlanta, you’ll often get a choice between LHR and LGW on connecting routes. If your final destination is central London, either can work; the best choice usually depends on airfare and schedule.

Direct vs. Connecting Flights From Atlanta to London

Nonstop Flights From ATL to London

From Atlanta, there are usually nonstop options to London Heathrow, operated by major carriers. These are popular with:

• Business travelers based in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and Perimeter
• Families who prefer fewer connections
• Anyone who wants the simplest itinerary

Advantages of nonstop flights:

• Shortest total travel time
• Less chance of missed connections
• Easier with checked luggage and kids

Connecting Flights from Atlanta

If nonstop schedules or prices don’t work, you can connect through:

• Another U.S. hub (e.g., New York, Boston, Chicago)
• A European hub (e.g., Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt)

Why Atlanta travelers sometimes choose connections:

• Lower fares on certain dates or seasons
• More flexibility in departure times
• Ability to add a stopover in another city

If you’re connecting through another U.S. city, remember that international flights often depart from different terminals, so plan a decent layover buffer.

When to Fly: Best Times From Atlanta to London

Time of Day

Most Atlanta–London flights are overnight (red-eye) from ATL to LHR:

• Depart Atlanta in the evening
• Arrive in London in the morning local time

From an Atlanta perspective, this can be helpful:

• You work a partial day in Atlanta
• Sleep on the plane (as much as possible)
• Start your London day mid-morning

The return flight usually leaves London mid-morning or afternoon and arrives back in Atlanta the same day, due to the time difference.

Time of Year

From Atlanta, people frequently travel to London:

• Spring and fall: Popular for milder weather and often more comfortable sightseeing
• Summer: Peak season, higher demand, and more families flying out of Atlanta schools’ vacation periods
• Winter: Can have lower fares, but shorter days and cooler, damp weather in London

If you’re tied to Atlanta Public Schools or metro-area school calendars, expect busier flights during spring break, summer vacation, and Thanksgiving/Christmas periods.

Travel Time and Time Difference

Flight Duration

A nonstop Atlanta to London flight typically takes:

• Around 8–9 hours eastbound (ATL → LHR)
• Around 9–10 hours westbound (LHR → ATL), due to winds

With connections, total travel time can range from about 10 to 16 hours, depending on your layover.

Time Zone Difference

London operates on:

• Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in winter
• British Summer Time (BST) in summer

Atlanta is on:

• Eastern Standard Time (EST) or
• Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

Most of the year, London is 5 hours ahead of Atlanta. That means:

• 3:00 pm in Atlanta = 8:00 pm in London
• Your overnight flight may have you arriving early morning London time while your body feels like the middle of the night Atlanta time

🕒 Tip for Atlantans: Start adjusting a day or two before you leave—go to bed and wake up slightly earlier, especially if you have important meetings soon after landing in London.

Documents and Entry Requirements for Atlanta to London

If you’re leaving from Atlanta, you’ll go through exit procedures at ATL and immigration in London.

Passport

For U.S. citizens flying from Atlanta to London:

• A valid U.S. passport is required
• It’s generally recommended that your passport be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, depending on guidelines in effect

Local Atlanta services that can help:

• Atlanta Passport Agency

  • 230 Peachtree St NW, Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Typically serves urgent or emergency cases by appointment

• Local post offices around metro Atlanta (such as those in Decatur, Sandy Springs, Marietta, and College Park) often accept passport applications and renewals by mail.

Visas

Many short-term visitors from the U.S. traveling to London for tourism or business do not need a traditional visa for short stays, but requirements can change. Before you leave Atlanta:

• Check what’s currently required for your nationality
• Review any electronic authorization or pre-registration rules that may apply

At the Airport in Atlanta

At ATL:

• Check in at the airline counter or use self-service kiosks
• Show passport and any required travel documents at check-in
• Go through TSA security and then to your gate

In busy travel seasons, Atlanta security lines can back up, so build in extra time, especially at the International Terminal.

Packing Tips for Atlanta to London

What to Pack From Atlanta’s Climate to London’s Weather

Atlanta’s weather is typically warmer and more humid than London’s. For example:

• Leaving hot, humid Atlanta summer for London may feel cooler, especially evenings
• Winter in London is usually cold and damp, but not typically as cold as some northern U.S. cities

Consider packing:

• Layers: Lightweight shirts, a sweater, and a packable jacket
• Water-resistant outerwear: London is known for drizzle and showers
• Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll likely use public transport and walk more than in car-oriented Atlanta

Cabin Essentials for the Long Flight

From Atlanta to London, the long overnight flight makes basic comfort items helpful:

• Neck pillow and light blanket or large scarf
• Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones
• Eye mask
• Refillable water bottle (emptied before security, refilled after)
• Basic toiletries in a quart-size bag (toothbrush, face wipes, lip balm)

Getting to the Airport Within Atlanta

Using MARTA

For many Atlanta residents and visitors staying in-town, MARTA can be the easiest way to reach ATL:

• Red and Gold Lines run directly to Airport Station, which is attached to the Domestic Terminal
• From Domestic, follow signs to the Plane Train and ride to Concourse E or F for international departures, or take the shuttle to the International Terminal

If you’re staying near:

• Downtown Atlanta: Use Peachtree Center Station or Five Points Station
• Midtown: Midtown Station or Arts Center Station
• Buckhead: Buckhead Station, then Red Line to Airport

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving from other parts of metro Atlanta (Alpharetta, Marietta, Stone Mountain, Fayetteville, etc.):

• Allow extra time for traffic on I-285, I-20, I-75, and I-85
• Consider rush hours and any major events around Downtown Atlanta that might impact your route

Parking options around ATL include:

• International Terminal Parking decks (closest to Concourse F)
• Economy and park-ride lots
• Off-airport private parking lots with shuttles

If someone is dropping you off, use the Departures level of the International Terminal if your flight leaves from there; it can be quieter than the Domestic side during peak U.S. flight times.

Money, Phones, and Practicalities for Atlantans in London

Currency and Payments

In London, the currency is the British pound (GBP).

From Atlanta, you have a few options:

• Use ATMs in London to withdraw local currency
• Use major credit cards or debit cards with international capability

Many Atlanta travelers find:

• Card payments are widely accepted in London, including contactless tap-to-pay
• Some U.S. banks and credit unions based around metro Atlanta can advise on foreign transaction fees and travel notifications before you depart

Phones and Data

Before leaving Atlanta, check with your mobile provider about:

• International roaming plans for the U.K.
• Temporary data packages for London
• Unlocking your phone if you want to buy a local SIM on arrival

You can also enable Wi‑Fi calling while still in Atlanta and test it, so you’re ready to use hotel or café Wi‑Fi in London if needed.

Special Considerations for Atlanta-Based Travelers

Traveling With Kids From Atlanta to London

Families from Atlanta often travel to London for school breaks. For smoother travel:

• Bring familiar snacks from home; airport prices at ATL and in London can add up
• Pack a small change of clothes in carry-ons in case of spills or delays
• Take advantage of children’s entertainment options on long-haul flights—many international routes offer seatback screens

If you’re departing from Atlanta suburbs, factor in extra driving time with kids, especially if using car seats that need to be checked.

Business Travelers From Atlanta

For those flying from Downtown’s business district, Midtown tech offices, or Perimeter Center:

• Consider evening nonstop flights: you can work a full day in Atlanta, then head to the airport
• Use airport lounges (where available) for Wi‑Fi and a quieter environment to work before boarding
• Plan for jet lag: if you have important meetings in London, try to arrive at least a day before to adjust from Atlanta time

Returning From London to Atlanta

When you fly back London to Atlanta:

• You’ll go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at ATL
• After landing, you’ll collect checked baggage, clear customs, and then either exit to the arrivals area or re-check bags if connecting

If you’re heading on to other parts of Georgia (Savannah, Macon, Augusta, Columbus, etc.), consider:

• Domestic connections from ATL to regional airports
• Rental cars directly from Hartsfield-Jackson’s Rental Car Center (accessible by SkyTrain)

Traveling from Atlanta to London is straightforward once you know your options from Hartsfield-Jackson, understand the time difference, and prepare your documents and logistics. With thoughtful planning tailored to Atlanta’s transport, traffic, and airport layout, you can make the overnight trip to London as smooth and predictable as possible.