Your Guide From Atlanta to St. Louis: Routes, Travel Times, and Smart Tips

Planning a trip from Atlanta to St. Louis and want to understand your options from an Atlanta point of view? Whether you live in the metro area, are flying through Hartsfield-Jackson, or road-tripping from the city, this guide walks through the main ways to get from Atlanta, Georgia to St. Louis, Missouri—and what you should know before you go.

How Far Is It From Atlanta to St. Louis?

From the center of Atlanta to downtown St. Louis, it’s roughly:

• By road: about 475–525 miles, depending on your exact start and end points
• Typical driving time: around 7.5–8.5 hours in good conditions
• By air: nonstop flight time is usually around 1.5–2 hours

The route is a straight shot northwest from Atlanta, crossing Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois or straight through Tennessee and Kentucky into Missouri depending on the highway chosen.

Main Ways to Travel From Atlanta to St. Louis

For most people starting in Atlanta, you’ll choose between:

1. Flying from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
2. Driving via interstate highways
3. Taking a bus
4. Combining train and bus (since there’s no single direct Atlanta–St. Louis train line)

Each option has pros and cons depending on your budget, time, and comfort.

Flying From Atlanta to St. Louis

Where You’ll Depart in Atlanta

Almost all commercial flights from Atlanta to St. Louis depart from:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Serves the entire Atlanta metro area and is the main hub for flights to the Midwest.

If you’re already in the city, MARTA’s Red and Gold rail lines go directly to the airport, which can be easier than driving and parking, especially during rush hour.

What to Expect From the Flight

• Nonstop flights: Common on major airlines, roughly 1.5–2 hours in the air
• Total airport time: When you factor in security, boarding, and possible delays, plan for 4–5 hours door-to-door if you live in-town Atlanta; more if you’re driving in from the suburbs.
• Time zone: St. Louis is in Central Time, one hour behind Atlanta (Eastern Time), so you’ll gain an hour when you arrive.

Flying is usually the fastest option in terms of travel time, especially if you:

• Are starting near Midtown, Downtown, or the airport area
• Have a tight schedule (business meetings, events, or connections)
• Prefer to avoid long drives through multiple states

Getting to ATL From Around Atlanta

From different parts of metro Atlanta:

• Intown (Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead):
  • MARTA train or rideshare are usually simplest.
• North Atlanta/Suburbs (Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta):
  • Driving via GA-400 or I-75/I-85 is common; allow extra time for traffic, especially rush hours.
• East/West/South Metro Areas (Decatur, Stone Mountain, Marietta, Fayetteville, etc.):
  • Consider MARTA + short rideshare if you want to avoid parking costs; otherwise plan your drive to avoid peak congestion.

📝 Tip: For early morning flights from ATL to St. Louis, Atlanta travelers often aim to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours early, especially during busy travel seasons.

Driving From Atlanta to St. Louis

If you prefer control over your schedule or want to explore along the way, driving from Atlanta to St. Louis can be a pleasant one-day road trip.

Main Driving Routes

Two common routes from the Atlanta area:

1. I-75 / I-24 / I-64 Route (Popular, Scenic in Parts)

A frequently used route:

• Start on I-75 North from Atlanta
• Connect to I-24 West near Chattanooga, TN
• Then take I-64 / I-57 / I-55 (or related combinations) toward St. Louis, depending on your GPS directions

Typical drive time: about 7.5–8.5 hours in light traffic, not counting longer stops.

2. I-20 / I-55 Route (Alternative)

Less common, but some drivers use:

• I-20 West from Atlanta (toward Birmingham)
• Then north on interstates connecting to I-55 North heading toward St. Louis

This can be longer and may not save time, but some drivers choose it based on preference or weather conditions.

Starting From Different Parts of Atlanta

• From Downtown/Midtown:
  • Get on I-75/85 North, then follow signage toward Chattanooga and beyond.
• From North Atlanta (Marietta, Kennesaw, etc.):
  • Join I-75 North directly, which can be more convenient than going through central Atlanta.
• From East or South Atlanta:
  • You may route through the Downtown Connector (I-75/85) or use bypass routes like I-285 to join I-75 North.

Fuel, Food, and Rest Stops

On routes from Atlanta to St. Louis, you’ll pass through or near cities like:

• Chattanooga, TN
• Nashville, TN (depending on route)
• Various towns in Kentucky and southern Illinois or southeastern Missouri

These areas typically offer:

• Plenty of gas stations
• Chain and local restaurants
• Rest areas along major interstates

📝 Tip: Atlanta drivers often plan one longer stop around the halfway point to break up the drive, especially if traveling with kids or pets.

When Driving Makes Sense for Atlantans

Driving may be a better fit if you:

• Are traveling with family or a group
• Want to control your schedule or avoid airport security and lines
• Need a car in St. Louis for several days
• Are trying to save on airfare by sharing fuel and parking costs

Taking a Bus From Atlanta to St. Louis

Long-distance buses run between Atlanta and St. Louis, usually with at least one transfer.

Typical Bus Experience for Atlanta Travelers

• Departure locations:
  • Major bus lines often use stations in or near Downtown Atlanta.
• Travel time:
  • Often 10–14+ hours, depending on route and layovers.
• Comfort level:
  • Basic seating, rest stops along the way; some services may offer Wi‑Fi or power outlets.

For Atlanta residents or visitors without a car, the bus can be a budget-friendly choice, but it’s slower than flying or driving.

📝 Tip: If you’re staying in Downtown or Midtown Atlanta, you can often reach bus stations using MARTA or short rideshare trips instead of driving and paying for parking.

Train + Bus Options From Atlanta to St. Louis

There isn’t a single, direct passenger train that runs straight from Atlanta to St. Louis. However, some travelers combine:

• Amtrak service from Atlanta (via Peachtree Station)
• With bus connections in another city where train lines or bus corridors continue to St. Louis

This can create a multi-leg journey that may:

• Take significantly longer than flying or driving
• Appeal to those who prefer train travel and don’t mind extra connections

Atlanta’s Amtrak Station

If you decide to explore mixed train/bus travel, departures from Atlanta use:

Amtrak Peachtree Station

• 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Located in the Buckhead/Midtown area along Peachtree Street

Reaching the station:

• By car: via Peachtree Street NW; limited parking, so plan ahead
• By MARTA bus or short rideshare: commonly used by in-town travelers

Comparing Your Options: Time, Cost, and Convenience

Below is a simplified comparison from an Atlanta-based perspective. Actual prices and times vary, but this gives a sense of what to expect.

Atlanta-Specific Planning Tips

1. Plan Around Local Traffic

Atlanta is known for rush-hour congestion, especially:

• I-75/85 (Downtown Connector)
• I-285 (Perimeter)
• GA-400 and major surface streets like Peachtree Street

If you’re driving north out of Atlanta toward St. Louis, many locals aim to:

• Leave after morning rush hour (around 9:30–10:00 AM)
• Or depart very early to clear the city before traffic builds

If you’re flying, consider:

• Extra time getting to the airport from anywhere outside the inner city
• Potential delays at airport security during holidays and weekends

2. Consider Where You’re Staying in Atlanta

Your starting point within metro Atlanta changes what makes sense:

• Staying Downtown or near the Airport:
  • Flying is often the easiest; MARTA or hotel shuttles simplify airport access.
• Living in North Fulton or Cobb County (e.g., Roswell, Alpharetta, Marietta):
  • Driving may feel more natural, especially if you’d need to drive to the airport anyway.
• Staying car-free in Midtown or Inman Park:
  • MARTA to the airport or bus station can be very convenient, especially for shorter trips.

3. Factor in Parking vs. Ground Transport

From an Atlanta perspective:

• Airport parking:
  • Long-term parking at Hartsfield-Jackson adds to your cost but is convenient if you live far from a MARTA station.
• Driving all the way:
  • You’ll need to plan for parking in St. Louis, especially if you’re staying downtown.
• Bus/train:
  • Can reduce both parking and driving stress; you’ll use local transit or rideshares in St. Louis instead.

When Each Option Makes the Most Sense

For someone starting in or around Atlanta:

• Choose flying if:

  • You want the fastest overall trip
  • You’re okay with airport logistics and want to maximize time in St. Louis

• Choose driving if:

  • You prefer flexibility, scenic stops, or traveling with family or friends
  • You live closer to the northern suburbs, making the highway more convenient than ATL

• Choose bus or train+bus if:

  • You’re prioritizing budget over speed
  • You’re comfortable with longer ride times and possible transfers

From an Atlanta traveler’s standpoint, the Atlanta to St. Louis journey is straightforward, with clear choices based on your time, budget, and comfort. Once you decide how you want to travel—by plane, car, or bus—you can fine-tune the details around Atlanta’s traffic patterns, your starting neighborhood, and how quickly you need to arrive in St. Louis.