Traveling From Atlanta to RDU: Your Practical Guide From the ATL

Planning a trip from Atlanta to RDU (Raleigh–Durham International Airport)? Whether you live in metro Atlanta, are flying out after a visit, or are comparing travel options, the Atlanta–RDU route is a common one for business, college visits, and quick North Carolina getaways.

This guide focuses on what Atlanta-based travelers need to know: flight options, driving routes, bus and train possibilities, timing, cost considerations, and practical tips that start right here in Atlanta, Georgia.

Atlanta to RDU at a Glance

Quick overview for Atlanta travelers:

Actual time depends on traffic, connections, and time of day.

Option 1: Flying From Atlanta to RDU

Where You’ll Depart in Atlanta

Most travelers going from Atlanta to RDU will depart from:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

ATL is on the south side of the city and can be reached by:

• MARTA rail – Take the Red or Gold Line to Airport Station, located inside the Domestic Terminal.
• Rideshare/taxi – Commonly used from Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, and the suburbs.
• Driving and parking – Multiple parking decks and Park & Ride lots serve both domestic and international terminals.

Airlines and Flight Basics

The Atlanta–RDU route is a short-haul domestic flight, often served by major carriers that operate hubs or high-frequency service out of ATL. You’ll typically find:

• Nonstop flights most days of the week
• Flight time usually around 1.5 hours in the air
• Multiple departures across morning, afternoon, and evening, depending on the day and season

Because Atlanta is a major hub, this route is often used as a connection to or from other destinations. If you’re starting and ending in Atlanta and Raleigh–Durham, nonstop is usually the most time-efficient option.

Atlanta Airport Tips for RDU-Bound Travelers

• Plan for security time: ATL is busy. Many travelers aim to arrive 2 hours before a domestic flight, especially during weekday mornings, Sunday evenings, and holidays.
• Know your terminal: Most RDU flights depart from domestic concourses (A, B, C, D, T). Check your airline and gate ahead of time.
• MARTA vs driving:
  • If you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, MARTA can be faster than driving in rush hour.
  • If you live in the suburbs (Gwinnett, Cobb, North Fulton, South Fulton, etc.), driving or park-and-ride services may be more practical.
• Bags and connections: If you’re connecting through ATL from another city on your way to RDU, follow connection signs carefully—ATL is large, but well-signed.

Option 2: Driving From Atlanta to RDU

If you prefer the flexibility of your own schedule, want to save on airfare, or are traveling with family or pets, driving from Atlanta to RDU is a realistic option.

Main Driving Route: Atlanta to Raleigh–Durham

The most common route from Atlanta to the Raleigh–Durham area uses I‑85 North:

1. Leave Atlanta heading northeast on I‑85 N (from the Downtown Connector, I‑75/85).
2. Continue on I‑85 N through:
   • Gainesville/Braselton area (via I‑985 split if needed for side trips)
   • into South Carolina (Greenville, Spartanburg areas)
   • into North Carolina (Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham area).
3. Near Durham, follow signs for RDU Airport or your destination city (Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill), typically via I‑540, NC‑147, or other regional highways.

Approximate drive time:

• Around 6 to 7 hours without long stops
• Time varies with Atlanta traffic, Charlotte traffic, and weather

Where You’ll Start in Metro Atlanta

Common Atlanta-area starting points and their rough add-on time to the core route:

• Downtown / Midtown / Georgia Tech: Right on the connector, typically fastest onto I‑85 N.
• Buckhead / Brookhaven: Add about 15–30 minutes, depending on local traffic.
• Sandy Springs / Dunwoody / Perimeter Center: Add 20–40 minutes.
• Cobb County (Marietta, Smyrna): You may need to cross through or around Atlanta to reach I‑85 N; add 30–60 minutes at busy times.
• Southside (College Park, East Point, Fayetteville): Often you’ll head through or around the city toward I‑85 N; add 20–45 minutes depending on route and time of day.

Driving Tips Specifically for Atlanta Residents

• ⏰ Avoid worst rush hours:
  • Morning inbound: 7:00–9:00 a.m.
  • Afternoon outbound: 4:00–7:00 p.m.
    Leaving very early (before 6:30 a.m.) or late morning can significantly reduce time getting out of Atlanta.
• 🛑 Watch for bottlenecks:
  • Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) near Midtown and Downtown.
  • I‑85 N around Spaghetti Junction (I‑285).
• 🅿️ If you’re renting a car:
  • Major rental companies operate at ATL’s Rental Car Center, reached by the free SkyTrain from the airport terminals.
  • Some in-town neighborhood rental locations in Midtown, Buckhead, and Decatur can save you from driving to the airport first.
• 🌧️ Weather awareness: Heavy rain in Georgia and the Carolinas can slow traffic—factor in extra time during stormy periods.

Option 3: Bus From Atlanta to RDU / Raleigh–Durham Area

If you don’t want to drive and want to avoid the cost of flying, intercity bus service can connect Atlanta to the Raleigh–Durham region.

Where Buses Typically Depart in Atlanta

Common departure areas in the Atlanta region include:

• Downtown Atlanta bus stations or curbside locations near major streets
• Locations near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Occasional suburban pick-up spots, depending on provider

Specific pick-up points can change over time, so it’s important to:

• Confirm the exact address when you book
• Arrive early, especially if it’s your first time using that stop

What to Expect From Bus Travel

• Travel time: Often 8–11+ hours, depending on route, transfers, and traffic.
• Comfort level: Many long-distance buses offer:
  • Reclining seats
  • Restrooms on board
  • Basic Wi‑Fi and outlets (availability and performance can vary)
• Scheduling:
  • Some routes are overnight, which can save you a hotel night.
  • Others run during the day with 1 or more transfers.

Bus travel generally works best if:

• Your schedule is flexible
• You’re prioritizing lower costs over speed
• You don’t mind longer travel days

Option 4: Train From Atlanta to the Raleigh–Durham Area

There is no direct high-speed train from Atlanta to RDU, but Amtrak does serve both metro Atlanta and the Raleigh–Durham region, usually involving connections.

Atlanta Train Departure Point

Amtrak – Atlanta (Peachtree) Station
1688 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309

Located in the Brookwood area between Midtown and Buckhead, this station is accessible by:

• Local buses
• Rideshare or taxi
• Short drive from Midtown, Buckhead, and surrounding neighborhoods

What Train Travel Involves on This Route

• Connections: You may need to connect through another city (for example, Charlotte or another major hub) to reach Raleigh or Durham.
• Travel time: Can be 8–12+ hours, depending on schedules and layovers.
• Experience:
  • More space to move around than buses or planes
  • Scenery through Georgia and the Carolinas
  • Better suited for travelers who value the travel experience itself and are not in a hurry

If your end destination is downtown Raleigh or Durham, train travel can be convenient on arrival, since many local transit connections are available near the rail stations.

Understanding RDU From an Atlanta Traveler’s Perspective

When you see “Atlanta to RDU,” the “RDU” stands for:

Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU)
2400 John Brantley Blvd
Morrisville, NC 27560

RDU serves the broader Research Triangle area, including:

• Raleigh
• Durham
• Chapel Hill
• Nearby towns like Cary and Morrisville

Getting Around After You Land at RDU

Once you arrive from Atlanta:

• Rental cars: Major rental companies operate at or near RDU, with shuttle access from terminals.
• Rideshare and taxi: Designated pick-up zones near each terminal.
• Local transit:
  • Regional buses serve Raleigh, Durham, and surrounding communities.
  • Schedules and routes vary; if you’re used to MARTA, expect a more bus-focused system rather than heavy rail.

If you’re visiting colleges like Duke University, UNC–Chapel Hill, or NC State, flying from ATL to RDU is a common way to start your trip.

How to Choose the Best Atlanta-to-RDU Option for You

When deciding how to travel from Atlanta to RDU, consider:

1. Time vs. Money

• Fastest: Nonstop flight from ATL to RDU
• Cheaper (often): Bus or driving, especially if traveling with multiple people and splitting gas costs

2. Where You Are in Atlanta

• If you’re close to MARTA (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead):
  Flying is very convenient—getting to ATL is straightforward.
• If you’re in far suburbs or exurbs (e.g., Cumming, McDonough, Douglasville):
  • The drive time to the airport may be significant.
  • Directly driving toward Raleigh–Durham or using a bus route closer to you may be more appealing.

3. Comfort and Flexibility

• Driving:
  • Maximum flexibility on timing and stops
  • Good if you plan to move around the Triangle once you arrive
• Flying:
  • Minimizes travel time
  • Good for short business trips or weekends
• Bus/Train:
  • Avoid driving entirely
  • Suits travelers comfortable with shared space and longer schedules

Practical Planning Tips for Atlanta Travelers

• Build in buffer time: Atlanta’s traffic and airport crowds can both be unpredictable. Leave earlier than you think you need to, especially if you have a fixed check-in or meeting time in Raleigh–Durham.
• Compare “door-to-door,” not just flight time:
  • Include travel time from your home or hotel in Atlanta to ATL
  • Include time from RDU to your final destination (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, etc.)
• Check parking vs. rideshare costs:
  • For short trips, rideshare from in-town Atlanta to ATL can sometimes be cheaper than several days of parking.
  • For longer trips, airport parking or leaving your car at a suburban park-and-ride may be more economical.
• Watch for late-night arrivals:
  • If your flight from ATL to RDU arrives very late, confirm that rental counters or local transit align with your arrival time.

Traveling from Atlanta to RDU is straightforward once you understand your options. From quick nonstop flights out of Hartsfield–Jackson, to scenic drives up I‑85, to slower but often cheaper bus or train routes, Atlanta travelers can choose the balance of time, cost, and comfort that fits their trip.