Traveling From Atlanta to Orlando: Your Complete How-To Guide

Planning a trip from Atlanta to Orlando is one of the most common getaways for Atlanta residents and visitors. Whether you are heading to Orlando for theme parks, business, family, or a quick warm-weather escape, there are several realistic ways to travel from Atlanta, Georgia—each with its own costs, timing, and logistics.

This guide focuses on what someone in Atlanta needs to know: routes, airports, driving tips, buses, trains, and practical details to make the trip smoother.

How Far Is It From Atlanta to Orlando?

From downtown Atlanta to downtown Orlando, it’s roughly:

• Distance by road: about 440–460 miles, depending on your route
• Driving time: usually 6.5–7.5 hours in normal traffic, more with stops or congestion
• Flight time (in the air): about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes

You’ll be traveling mostly south and slightly east, going from Georgia into Florida.

Main Ways to Travel From Atlanta to Orlando

Most Atlanta travelers use one of four main options:

1. Driving (personal car or rental)
2. Flying from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
3. Taking a bus
4. Combining train + local transport (less direct, but possible)

Here’s a quick comparison from an Atlanta perspective:

Driving From Atlanta to Orlando

For many people who live in the Atlanta metro area, driving is the most straightforward way to get to Orlando, especially for theme park trips with kids or groups.

Common Driving Routes

The most direct and common route from Atlanta to Orlando is:

• I-75 South from Atlanta toward Macon and Valdosta
• Cross into Florida, then continue on I-75 South
• Connect to the Florida Turnpike toward Orlando
• Continue on to the Orlando area (connect to I-4 or local roads depending on your destination)

Alternate option (often useful if you are starting on the east side of Atlanta or want to avoid some I-75 congestion):

• I-75 South from Atlanta
• I-16 East near Macon toward Savannah
• Then south on US-301 or other routes that eventually connect toward the Orlando area

Most Atlanta drivers stick with I-75 + Florida Turnpike because it’s usually faster and more straightforward.

Typical Driving Time From Atlanta

• Non-stop: around 6.5–7 hours in light traffic
• Realistic with stops (food, gas, restroom, stretch breaks):7–9 hours

Factors that can slow you down:

• Heavy traffic leaving Atlanta, especially on I-75/85 through downtown or around the I-285 perimeter
• Weekend or holiday travel, when many Atlanta families head south
• Road construction, usually posted on Georgia and Florida DOT sites
• Weather, especially heavy rain or storms in certain seasons

What Atlanta Drivers Usually Do Before a Long Trip

People in Atlanta often:

• Top off gas before leaving the metro area to avoid higher prices in some stretches
• Check traffic conditions along I-75 (particularly near Macon and Valdosta)
• Make sure their vehicle is ready:
  • Tires inflated and in good condition
  • Oil level checked
  • Coolant and windshield washer fluid topped off

If you need quick service before you go, there are many national and local auto shops in Atlanta, especially along major corridors like Peachtree Street, Ponce de Leon Avenue, and near major interstates such as I-285 and I-20.

Tolls and Costs When Driving

From Atlanta to the Florida state line, I-75 in Georgia does not have tolls. Once in Florida, you are likely to encounter:

• Florida Turnpike tolls
• Possible tolls on Orlando-area expressways, depending on where you exit

To make the drive smoother:

• Consider a SunPass or similar compatible toll transponder if you travel to Florida often
• Otherwise, be prepared with a credit/debit card or accepted payment method at toll points (cashless tolling is common in Florida)

Typical costs for Atlanta–Orlando driving include:

• Gas: depends on vehicle and fuel prices
• Tolls: modest but can add up if you use multiple Orlando-area toll roads
• Food/rest stops: many travelers plan one or two meal breaks

Flying From Atlanta to Orlando

If you’re starting in or near Atlanta, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is usually your main departure point.

Key Airports for This Route

In Atlanta:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Location: Around 10 miles south of downtown Atlanta
  • Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Accessible via MARTA (Red/Gold lines to Airport Station), rideshare, taxi, and shuttles

In Orlando:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO) – main commercial airport serving central Orlando
• Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) – smaller airport northeast of Orlando (you may see some flights here, but most Atlanta travelers use MCO)

Flight Time and Total Travel Time

• In-air time between ATL and MCO is usually about 1 hour 15–30 minutes
• Door-to-door from Atlanta home/hotel to Orlando hotel often runs 3–5 hours, accounting for:
  • Transit or driving to ATL
  • Check-in and security (often plan 1.5–2 hours before departure)
  • Boarding and flight time
  • Taxiing and deplaning in Orlando
  • Getting baggage and ground transportation to your final destination

For many Atlanta residents, flying makes the most sense if:

• You’re going for a short weekend or business trip
• You want to avoid an all-day drive
• You’re comfortable with airfare and possible luggage fees

Getting to ATL From Around Atlanta

Common ways for people in Atlanta to get to Hartsfield-Jackson:

• MARTA Rail

  • Take the Red or Gold line to Airport Station
  • The station is directly inside the domestic terminal
  • Useful if you’re staying near Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or anywhere close to a MARTA station

• Rideshare / Taxi

  • Widely available throughout the Atlanta metro area
  • Plan extra time during rush hour

• Driving and Parking

  • On-airport parking garages and economy lots near ATL
  • Many off-airport parking lots around Camp Creek Parkway and surrounding areas, often with shuttles to ATL

Taking a Bus From Atlanta to Orlando

Buses can be a cost-conscious way to travel from Atlanta to Orlando, especially for those without a car or those looking to avoid driving.

Bus Stations in Atlanta

Most intercity bus services operate from areas close to central Atlanta, such as:

• Atlanta bus hubs along Forsyth Street and Garnett Street (near downtown)
• Some services also use stops near Doraville or other MARTA-accessible locations, depending on the company

When you book, always check:

• The exact address of your departure point in Atlanta
• Whether the station is near a MARTA line or bus route for easier access

What to Expect for Bus Travel Time

Bus rides from Atlanta to Orlando typically take:

• Around 8–11 hours, depending on:
  • Routing
  • Number and length of stops
  • Time of day
  • Traffic, especially leaving Atlanta and entering Orlando areas

Buses usually include:

• A reserved seat
• Overhead storage and sometimes under-bus luggage storage
• Limited onboard amenities (varies by company)

For Atlanta residents, buses can be helpful when:

• You don’t want to drive long distances
• You’re traveling alone and want a lower-cost option than flying
• You’re flexible on travel time

Can You Take a Train From Atlanta to Orlando?

There is no direct high-speed train running from Atlanta to Orlando that operates like a simple metro-to-metro ride. However, you may be able to combine train services and/or bus connections if you are specifically interested in rail travel.

Understanding Atlanta’s Passenger Train Situation

Atlanta’s main passenger rail station is:

• Peachtree Station (Atlanta Amtrak Station)
  • Address: 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

From this station, you might:

• Take certain long-distance routes and then connect to services that eventually reach Florida
• Use a combination of train to another city plus bus to Orlando

This option is usually:

• Longer than driving or flying
• Best suited for travelers who specifically enjoy train travel, have flexible schedules, or are combining multiple destinations

Many Atlanta travelers who want a more relaxed trip end up choosing:

• Driving with frequent stops, or
• Flying and then using local Orlando transit and shuttles

Atlanta-to-Orlando Travel: When to Go and What to Expect

Busy Times for Atlanta Travelers Heading South

People in Atlanta often travel to Orlando:

• Spring break periods
• Summer vacation months
• Long holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, etc.)
• Around Thanksgiving and winter holidays

During these times:

• I-75 can become heavily congested, particularly:
  • Leaving Atlanta
  • Approaching Macon
  • Near the Georgia–Florida line
• Flights may be:
  • More crowded
  • Higher in price
  • More likely to sell out of preferred times

If you live in Atlanta and can be flexible, consider:

• Midweek travel (Tuesday–Thursday) for both flying and driving
• Early morning departures from ATL or early starts on I-75 to avoid peak congestion

Tips for Atlanta Families Driving to Orlando Theme Parks

Orlando is a prime destination for Atlanta families visiting major theme parks. Some Atlanta-specific planning strategies include:

• Leave early from Atlanta

  • Many families aim to depart around 5–6 a.m. to get past metro traffic and arrive in Orlando by afternoon

• Plan kid-friendly stops

  • Rest areas along I-75 South in Georgia and Florida often have picnic areas and restrooms
  • Towns like Macon, Tifton, and Valdosta offer easy exits with food options

• Consider splitting the drive

  • Some families from Atlanta stop overnight in Valdosta, GA or Lake City, FL, especially with young children

• Check your route before entering Orlando

  • Know whether you’re heading toward I-4, International Drive, Lake Buena Vista, or another part of the metro area
  • This helps you choose the right exits from the Florida Turnpike and avoid unnecessary detours

Ground Transportation on the Orlando Side

After leaving Atlanta and arriving in Orlando—by car, plane, bus, or mixed route—you’ll need to move around the city.

If You Flew From Atlanta (ATL → MCO)

At Orlando International Airport (MCO), common options include:

• Rental cars (popular for theme park visits and exploring central Florida)
• Rideshares and taxis
• Hotel shuttles, especially for resorts and large hotels
• Local buses for more budget-conscious travelers

Atlantans often choose a rental car if:

• They’re visiting multiple parks or attractions across the Orlando area
• They’re traveling with kids and need flexibility

If You Drove From Atlanta

Having your own car in Orlando makes it easier to:

• Move between theme parks, hotels, and restaurants
• Visit non-park attractions (shopping, smaller attractions, nearby towns)
• Drive to the Atlantic or Gulf Coast beaches as a side trip

Factor in:

• Hotel parking fees, which can vary
• Theme park parking costs
• Potential toll roads around Orlando

Practical Planning Checklist for Atlanta Travelers

Before you leave Atlanta for Orlando, it helps to review a quick checklist:

If you’re driving:

• ✅ Confirm your route (I-75 South, Florida Turnpike, etc.)
• ✅ Check traffic conditions and possible construction
• ✅ Inspect your vehicle (tires, oil, coolant, lights)
• ✅ Bring a payment method for tolls
• ✅ Pack snacks, water, and chargers for the drive

If you’re flying:

• ✅ Verify your flight time and terminal at ATL
• ✅ Plan how you’re getting to the airport (MARTA, rideshare, parking)
• ✅ Allow enough time for security at Hartsfield-Jackson
• ✅ Confirm your transportation from MCO to your hotel or destination

If you’re taking a bus or train combination:

• ✅ Double-check the departure station address in Atlanta
• ✅ Confirm arrival location in Orlando and how you’ll get from there to your final stop
• ✅ Pack essentials in a small carry-on bag for the ride

Traveling from Atlanta to Orlando is a well-worn path, and people in the Atlanta area use every major option—car, plane, bus, and, more rarely, train combinations. Once you decide whether you value speed, cost, or flexibility most, you can choose the route that fits your situation and plan the details around Atlanta’s roads, airport access, and your schedule.