Traveling From Atlanta to NOLA: Your Complete Guide to Getting From Atlanta to New Orleans

Planning a trip from Atlanta to NOLA (New Orleans, Louisiana) is a classic Southern getaway. Whether you live in Atlanta, you’re visiting the city and adding New Orleans to your itinerary, or you’re just trying to understand your travel options, this guide breaks down how to get from Atlanta to New Orleans in a clear, practical way.

Below you’ll find the main travel options, typical travel times, costs to expect, and Atlanta-specific tips so you can choose the route that fits your schedule and budget.

Quick Overview: Atlanta to New Orleans at a Glance

Distance:

• By road: about 470–500 miles (depending on your exact starting point in metro Atlanta)

Typical travel times:

Flying From Atlanta to New Orleans

If you’re in Atlanta, the fastest and often simplest way to get to NOLA is by plane.

Where You’ll Depart in Atlanta

You’ll almost always fly out of:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Location: South of downtown Atlanta, off I-75/I-85
• MARTA: Airport Station on the Red/Gold line (directly inside the terminal)

From most neighborhoods in Atlanta, it’s usually easiest to reach ATL by:

• MARTA train (avoid traffic and parking costs)
• Rideshare or taxi
• Driving and parking at on-site or nearby lots

Arrival in New Orleans

You’ll land at:

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

• Located in Kenner, west of downtown New Orleans

From MSY to downtown New Orleans, many travelers use rideshare, taxis, rental cars, or airport shuttles.

Flight Time & What to Expect

• Flight time: Around 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes in the air
• Door-to-door time from Atlanta: Plan for 3–4 hours total, including:
  • Travel from your Atlanta home/hotel to ATL
  • Security and boarding
  • Flight time
  • Getting from MSY into New Orleans proper

When Flying Makes Sense From Atlanta

Flying is usually best if:

• You’re doing a weekend trip from Atlanta to NOLA
• You want maximum time in New Orleans and minimal time on the road
• You’re fine with airport-style travel and security lines

Tip: If you’re staying in central Atlanta (Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or near a MARTA Red/Gold line station), rail access to the airport makes flying especially convenient.

Driving From Atlanta to New Orleans

If you prefer flexibility, road trips, or you’re traveling with family or friends, driving from Atlanta to New Orleans is a popular choice.

Main Driving Route From Atlanta

Most drivers use a combination of I-85, I-65, and I-10. A common route from central Atlanta:

1. Take I-85 South from Atlanta toward Montgomery
2. Merge onto I-65 South in Montgomery
3. Near Mobile, merge onto I-10 West toward New Orleans

Depending on your starting neighborhood in Atlanta (e.g., Decatur, Sandy Springs, East Point), your initial connector roads might differ, but you’ll generally feed into I-85 South.

Driving Time & Distance

• Approx. distance: Around 470–500 miles
• Typical drive time:6.5 to 8 hours, depending on:
  • Atlanta departure time (rush hour around downtown or the Perimeter/I-285 can add a lot)
  • Traffic near Montgomery, Mobile, and on I-10
  • Number of stops (gas, food, rest breaks)

To minimize traffic leaving Atlanta, many locals try to:

• Leave after morning rush (after 9:30 a.m.) or
• Get an early start before 6:30 a.m. on weekdays

Pros and Cons of Driving From Atlanta

Pros:

• Full flexibility: Leave when you want, stop where you want
• No airport security or baggage limits
• Convenient if you’ll need a car in New Orleans or are visiting areas outside downtown

Cons:

• Long day of driving, especially solo
• Weather and traffic can slow you down
• You’ll have to consider parking in New Orleans, especially in the French Quarter or CBD

Road Trip Stops Between Atlanta and New Orleans

From Atlanta, many drivers like to break up the trip with stops such as:

• Montgomery, AL: Historical downtown and landmarks
• Mobile, AL: Quick food or scenic detour near the bay
• Short breaks at rest areas along I-65 and I-10

If you’re leaving from Atlanta with kids or a group, planning rest stops every couple of hours can make the trip feel more manageable.

Bus Travel: Atlanta to New Orleans by Intercity Bus

If you don’t want to fly and don’t have a car, taking a bus from Atlanta to New Orleans can be a budget-friendly option.

Where Buses Typically Depart in Atlanta

Intercity bus companies usually operate from or near downtown Atlanta. In many cases, you’ll see departures from areas around:

• Downtown Atlanta / Garnett area
• Near MARTA-accessible zones, making it easier to connect from neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, or Decatur

Since bus station locations and operators can change over time, check current schedules and departure points when you book. Many Atlanta residents reach bus departure points via:

• MARTA rail (e.g., Five Points, Garnett, Civic Center, or Peachtree Center stations)
• Rideshare for early-morning or late-night departures

Bus Travel Time

• Typical travel time: Around 8 to 10 hours
  • May include stops in Alabama or Mississippi
  • Travel time can vary due to traffic on I-85, I-65, and I-10

Buses often travel a route similar to the driving route, just at a more regulated pace and with scheduled stops.

Why an Atlanta Resident Might Choose the Bus

• Often one of the cheapest ways to get from Atlanta to NOLA
• No need to drive or pay to park in New Orleans
• Good if you’re comfortable with long bus rides and flexible with your schedule

If you live near a MARTA station, the bus can be especially workable since you don’t need a car to reach the departure point.

Train Options: Atlanta to New Orleans by Rail

Atlanta does not have a direct, frequent passenger train that runs straight to New Orleans in the same way it connects to some other cities. Travel by train is possible, but it often involves connections and a much longer overall travel time.

Atlanta’s Passenger Rail Station

Amtrak Peachtree Station

• Location: 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Near Buckhead/Midtown border, accessible by:
  • Bus connections from MARTA Arts Center Station
  • Rideshare or taxi

What to Expect If You Take the Train

Most rail routes from Atlanta require connecting via another city before reaching New Orleans, which:

• Extends travel time significantly (often 11 hours or more, sometimes involving overnight portions)
• Requires more planning and flexibility with schedules

Trains can appeal to travelers who:

• Prefer scenic, slower travel
• Don’t mind indirect routes and layovers
• Want a different experience than driving or flying

However, for most Atlanta-based travelers, rail is the least straightforward routine option for reaching New Orleans.

Best Option for Different Atlanta Travelers

Choosing the best way from Atlanta to NOLA depends on your priorities:

If You Live in Atlanta and Want a Fast Weekend Trip

• Best:Direct flight from ATL to MSY
• Use MARTA to reach the airport quickly from Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead.
• You gain more time enjoying New Orleans and less time in transit.

If You Want a Scenic Road Trip From Atlanta

• Best:Driving I-85 ➜ I-65 ➜ I-10
• Gives you flexibility to stop in Alabama and along the Gulf Coast region.
• Works well for groups or families splitting gas costs.

If You’re on a Tight Budget

• Best:Intercity bus from downtown Atlanta
• Reach the bus station using MARTA or rideshare.
• Plan for a full day of travel and bring snacks, entertainment, and a travel pillow.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta and Adding NOLA to a Larger Trip

• Decide based on your base in Atlanta:
  • If you’re staying near a MARTA rail line and traveling light, flying is typically easiest.
  • If you’ve rented a car to explore Georgia, driving lets you turn it into a multi-city Southern road trip.

Practical Tips for Atlanta-to-New Orleans Travelers

A few Atlanta-specific details can make your trip smoother:

• Beat Atlanta traffic:

  • Try to avoid leaving by car between 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. on weekdays.
  • If you must drive during those hours, factor in extra time to get past the Downtown Connector (I-75/85) and I-285.

• Use MARTA smartly for flights and buses:

  • Airport Station (Red/Gold lines) for flights at ATL
  • Five Points, Garnett, Arts Center, or Civic Center for bus and rail connections

• Parking considerations:

  • Long-term airport parking is available at Hartsfield–Jackson, as well as private lots around the airport.
  • If you drive all the way to New Orleans, research hotel or garage parking there ahead of time—street parking can be limited in busy neighborhoods.

• Weather awareness:

  • The route from Atlanta to New Orleans passes through areas that can see heavy rain and thunderstorms, especially in warmer months. Build in some cushion time if you’re driving.
  • Summer trips can be very hot and humid in both cities; pack accordingly.

Choosing the Right Atlanta-to-NOLA Plan

For most people in or visiting Atlanta, flying from Hartsfield–Jackson is the quickest and simplest way to reach New Orleans, especially for shorter trips. Driving offers the most flexibility and can be very cost-effective for groups, while buses tend to be the budget pick for solo travelers who don’t mind a longer ride.

By considering your time, budget, comfort with driving, and location within metro Atlanta, you can pick the route that makes the journey from Atlanta to NOLA as enjoyable as the destination itself.