Traveling From Atlanta to NYC: Your Complete Guide From Georgia to the Big Apple

Planning a trip from Atlanta to New York City (NYC)? Whether you live in metro Atlanta, are flying through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), or visiting the city and want to add NYC to your itinerary, there are several practical ways to make the trip.

This guide walks through flights, trains, buses, and driving from Atlanta to NYC, with timing, costs, and local tips tailored specifically to Atlanta travelers.

Main Ways to Get From Atlanta to New York City

Most common options from Atlanta to NYC:

1. Flying (fastest and usually easiest)
2. Taking the train (Amtrak)
3. Riding a bus (budget-friendly)
4. Driving (most flexible, but long)

Here’s a quick overview:

*Does not include check-in, traffic, or layover time.

Flying From Atlanta to NYC

For most Atlanta-area travelers, flying is the go-to choice.

Where You’ll Depart in Atlanta

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Serves metro Atlanta and the region, with MARTA rail and multiple parking options.

You can reach ATL by:

• MARTA (Red or Gold line to “Airport” station – directly inside the Domestic Terminal)
• Rideshare or taxi
• Long-term parking or off-airport parking shuttles

Where You’ll Land in New York City

Major NYC-area airports commonly served from Atlanta:

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – Queens; good for subway/airtrain access to Brooklyn & Manhattan
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – Queens; closer to Manhattan, often popular for business travel
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – New Jersey; trains connect to Manhattan (New York Penn Station)

Flight time is typically around two to two and a half hours, but plan extra time for:

• Security screening at ATL
• Boarding and deplaning
• Ground transportation into Manhattan, Brooklyn, or other NYC boroughs

Tips for Atlanta Flyers ✈️

• Arrive early: ATL is busy. Many travelers plan 2 hours before departure for domestic flights.
• Use MARTA if possible: It often avoids I-85 and I-75 traffic, especially during rush hour.
• Know your NYC airport: Your ground transportation cost and time can vary a lot depending on whether you’re landing at JFK, LGA, or EWR.

Taking the Train: Atlanta to NYC by Amtrak

If you prefer to avoid flying or driving, Amtrak offers a rail route from Atlanta to New York City.

Atlanta’s Amtrak Station

Peachtree Station (Atlanta Amtrak)

• Address: 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Located in the Brookwood area between Midtown and Buckhead
• Limited parking; many passengers use rideshare, taxi, or MARTA bus connections

Route & Timing

The typical service between Atlanta and NYC is via a long-distance train line that:

• Runs once daily in each direction, not like a commuter schedule
• Takes roughly 18–20+ hours from Atlanta to New York Penn Station (NYP) in Manhattan
• Often travels overnight for one leg of the journey

This option works best if you:

• Enjoy scenic travel and a slower pace
• Want to avoid airport procedures and security lines
• Don’t mind a much longer trip time

What to Expect

• Seating ranges from coach seats to sleeping accommodations (on some routes, with higher cost).
• Food is typically available on board (snack car or dining options, depending on service).
• Because it’s a single daily train, flexibility is limited; planning ahead is important.

Bus From Atlanta to NYC

Buses are often the most budget-friendly way to go from Atlanta to New York, but they take time.

Departing From Atlanta

Long-distance buses typically use central Atlanta locations, such as:

• Downtown or near Five Points
• Midtown or other major transit-accessible hubs

Specific terminals or pick-up points can vary by company, so always check the exact address when you book. Many Atlanta residents use rideshare, local bus, or MARTA rail to get to these locations.

Typical Travel Time & Experience

• Travel time is usually 14–18+ hours, depending on:

  • Route (direct vs. connections)
  • Traffic and overnight timing
  • Number of stops along the way

• Many buses offer:

  • Reclining seats
  • Restroom on board
  • Power outlets and Wi‑Fi on some coaches

When a Bus Makes Sense

A bus from Atlanta to NYC can be a good choice if you:

• Are keeping costs low, especially as a student or budget traveler
• Don’t want to drive yourself
• Don’t mind long overnight travel and shared space

Driving From Atlanta to New York City

If you’d rather be in complete control of your schedule, driving from Atlanta to NYC is possible in a long day or over one or two nights.

Distance & Typical Route

From central Atlanta (for example, near Downtown or Midtown) to Manhattan:

• Rough distance: 800–900 miles, depending on your exact starting and ending points
• Common routes often follow:
  • I‑85 North out of Atlanta
  • Connecting to I‑95 North toward the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast
  • Into the New York City region via bridges, tunnels, or approach highways

Travel time is generally around 12–14 hours of driving, not counting:

• Meal stops
• Fuel stops
• Traffic delays around major cities like Charlotte, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and NYC itself

Atlanta-Based Tips for a Road Trip 🚗

• Leave early: Exiting Atlanta before morning rush (especially on I‑75/85 through Downtown) helps.
• Plan fuel and food breaks: Especially if traveling with kids or pets.
• Watch for tolls: Approaching NYC often includes toll roads, bridges, and tunnels.
• Parking in NYC: Parking garages can be expensive; some Atlanta drivers park at outlying New Jersey or New York suburbs and take transit into Manhattan.

This option works best if you:

• Are comfortable with long-distance interstate driving
• Want to visit other East Coast cities along the way
• Need flexibility for luggage, moving, or extended stays

Choosing the Best Option From Atlanta to NYC

Your ideal way to go from Atlanta to New York City depends on your priorities:

If You Value Speed

• Choose:Flying from ATL to JFK/LGA/EWR
• Good for: Weekend trips, short business travel, or tight schedules

If You Want a Unique Travel Experience

• Choose:Amtrak from Peachtree Station to New York Penn Station
• Good for: Rail enthusiasts, scenic travel, and those who prefer to avoid flying

If You’re Focused on Budget

• Choose:Bus from Atlanta to NYC
• Good for: Students, solo travelers, or those stretching their travel funds

If You Prefer Full Flexibility

• Choose:Driving from metro Atlanta to NYC
• Good for: Families, road-trip lovers, moving trips, or travelers with lots of luggage

Atlanta Logistics: Getting to Your Departure Point

No matter how you go from Atlanta to NYC, local transportation is key.

Using MARTA

For many residents and visitors, MARTA is the simplest way to reach your starting point:

• To ATL Airport:

  • Take the Red or Gold line to the Airport station.
  • The station is directly inside the Domestic Terminal.

• To Central Bus Pick-Up Areas:

  • Many bus departures are near Downtown or Midtown, reachable via MARTA rail to stations like Five Points, Peachtree Center, or North Avenue, then short walks or transfers.

• To Peachtree Station (Amtrak):

  • MARTA does not go directly into the station; riders may:
    • Take rail to Arts Center Station or Midtown Station, then:
      • Use a connecting bus route, or
      • Use rideshare/taxi for the final stretch north on Peachtree Street

Rideshare, Taxi, and Drop-Off

• Many Atlanta travelers use rideshare or taxi to:
  • ATL Airport
  • Peachtree Station (Amtrak)
  • Downtown/Midtown bus departure locations

This can be convenient if you have luggage, are traveling late at night, or are coming from suburbs like Marietta, Decatur, Sandy Springs, or College Park.

What Someone in Atlanta Should Consider Before Booking

When planning your Atlanta-to-NYC trip, think through:

• Your schedule:

  • How much time can you spend in transit versus in New York?

• Your budget:

  • Are you prioritizing the cheapest fare or the shortest trip?

• Your comfort level:

  • Okay with red-eye or overnight travel?
  • Prefer your own space (car) vs. shared (bus/train/plane)?

• Your location in metro Atlanta:

  • Closer to the airport, to Midtown, or to the northern suburbs?
  • That might tilt you toward one departure mode over another.

By weighing these factors—with the realities of Atlanta traffic, MARTA access, and your own schedule—you can pick the flight, train, bus, or drive that makes the most sense for your trip from Atlanta to New York City.