Traveling From Washington, DC to Atlanta: A Practical Guide for Atlanta-Focused Travelers

If you’re planning a trip from Washington, DC to Atlanta, you’re looking at one of the most common travel corridors on the East Coast. Whether you’re an Atlantan heading up to DC or a visitor returning to Atlanta from the capital, it helps to know your options, what to expect when you arrive, and how travel between the two cities fits into daily life here.

This guide walks through the major ways to get from DC to Atlanta—by plane, train, bus, or car—and what that means specifically once you’re on the ground in Atlanta, Georgia.

DC to Atlanta at a Glance

Here’s a quick overview of your main travel choices:

Times can vary with traffic, weather, and exact departure points in the Washington metropolitan area.

Flying From DC to Atlanta

For most people traveling between DC and Atlanta, flying is the default choice—especially for business travelers, weekend trips, and anyone on a schedule.

DC Airports That Serve Atlanta

Flights from the Washington, DC region to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) typically depart from:

• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) – Closest to downtown DC, very popular for quick business trips to Atlanta.
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – Major international hub in Virginia; often used for connections but also has direct Atlanta flights.
• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) – North of DC; sometimes offers competitive fares to ATL.

Most flights are nonstop and take around 1.5 to 2 hours in the air.

Arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

When flying DC to Atlanta, you almost always land at ATL, just south of downtown:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320

This airport is one of the busiest in the world and is the main gateway for travelers heading into the city or onto other parts of Georgia and the Southeast.

Getting From ATL Into Atlanta

Once you land in Atlanta from DC, you have several options to reach neighborhoods like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, and beyond:

1. MARTA Rail (Recommended for Many Travelers)
ATL is directly connected to the MARTA rail system via the Airport Station, located inside the Domestic Terminal.

• Follow signs for “Ground Transportation” and “MARTA”.
• The Red and Gold Lines both serve the Airport.
• Popular MARTA stops for visitors and residents:
  • Five Points – Downtown Atlanta transit hub
  • Peachtree Center – Hotels, offices, and attractions downtown
  • Midtown – Arts Center, restaurants, tech and office hubs
  • Buckhead – Shops, office towers, hotels
• MARTA is usually the most predictable way to avoid traffic, especially during Atlanta rush hours.

2. Rideshare, Taxi, and Shuttles
If you’re heading to neighborhoods not easily served by MARTA, rideshares and taxis are widely available:

• Pick-up zones are clearly marked at ATL’s Domestic and International terminals.
• Common destinations from ATL:
  • Downtown Atlanta – Roughly 15–25 minutes in light traffic.
  • Midtown – Roughly 20–30 minutes.
  • Buckhead – About 25–35 minutes.
  • Perimeter Center / Dunwoody – 30–45 minutes, traffic-dependent.

3. Rental Cars
If your DC-to-Atlanta trip involves heading out to suburbs (like Marietta, Roswell, or Peachtree City) or North Georgia, a rental car may be useful.

• Rental car agencies operate at the Rental Car Center (RCC):
  • Reach it via the SkyTrain from the Domestic Terminal.
• Factor in typical Atlanta driving conditions—I-75, I-85, and the Downtown Connector can be heavily congested at peak hours.

Taking the Train: Amtrak From DC to Atlanta

If you prefer not to fly or drive, there is a direct Amtrak train that connects DC and Atlanta.

The Amtrak Crescent Route

The Amtrak Crescent line runs from New York to New Orleans, passing through Washington, DC and Atlanta.

• Travel time DC → Atlanta is often around 13–15 hours.
• It’s usually an overnight journey, which some travelers use as a hybrid transport-plus-lodging option.

You’d typically board at:

• Washington Union Station (WAS) in DC

And arrive at:

• Amtrak Peachtree Station
  1688 Peachtree St NW
  Atlanta, GA 30309

What to Expect at Peachtree Station in Atlanta

Peachtree Station is a small station in Midtown/North Atlanta, not a large transit hub.

From there, getting into the city:

• Bus and MARTA Connections
  While Peachtree Station doesn’t sit directly on a MARTA rail stop, you can:
  • Take local bus routes to reach MARTA rail stations such as Arts Center or Midtown.
  • Use rideshare options directly from the station for a quick hop to major areas.
• Nearby neighborhoods include Midtown, Buckhead, and West Midtown, all a short drive away.

Travelers who live in or are staying near Peachtree Street, Midtown, Buckhead, or Atlantic Station may find the train especially convenient.

Taking a Bus From DC to Atlanta

Several intercity bus companies operate routes between the Washington, DC region and the Atlanta metro area. This is often the most budget-friendly option.

Typical DC Departure Points

Buses may depart from locations such as:

• Near Union Station in DC
• Other designated bus stops or stations in the metro DC area (exact locations depend on the provider)

Common Atlanta Arrival Areas

Depending on the carrier, buses from DC might arrive in or near:

• Downtown Atlanta – Often near major streets or bus hubs
• Midtown or near Midtown – Useful for central Atlanta stays
• Doraville / Chamblee area – In north metro Atlanta, with access to the MARTA Gold Line

If your bus arrives in Doraville or Chamblee, you can:

• Take MARTA rail south into:
  • Brookhaven/Oglethorpe, Lenox (Buckhead), Arts Center (Midtown), Peachtree Center and Five Points (Downtown), and more.

Buses are a good choice if you:

• Want to keep costs low
• Don’t mind a longer trip (often 12–15 hours)
• Plan to use public transit or rideshare once you’re in Atlanta

Driving From DC to Atlanta

Driving from Washington, DC to Atlanta is a classic East Coast road trip. It offers maximum flexibility if you live in Atlanta or plan to rent a car.

Basic Route Overview

Most drivers use a variation of this route:

• Take I-95 South from DC area
• Connect to I-85 South (often near the Charlotte, NC region)
• Continue on I-85 South directly into Atlanta

The drive is typically around 9–11 hours of road time, depending on:

• Departure point in the DC metro area
• Traffic in corridors like Northern Virginia, Charlotte, and the approach to Atlanta
• Number of breaks for food, fuel, and rest

If you’re returning home to Atlanta from DC, driving gets you directly back to your specific neighborhood without the extra step of airport or train transfers.

Entering Atlanta by Car

As you approach the city, you’ll usually hit one of the major interstates:

• I-85 – Enters from the northeast, merges with I-75 through downtown (the Downtown Connector).
• I-75 – Connects to northwest and south metro Atlanta.
• I-20 – East–west corridor that can intersect with your route depending on your final destination.
• I-285 (“The Perimeter”) – Beltway around Atlanta; used to reach suburbs and bypass downtown.

For in-town neighborhoods like Downtown, Midtown, and Old Fourth Ward, you’ll likely use:

• I-85 / I-75 Downtown Connector
• Exits such as 10th/14th Street, 17th Street, Courtland Street, or Andrew Young International Blvd

Because Atlanta traffic can be intense, many locals try to time their DC-to-Atlanta arrival outside of:

• Morning rush: roughly 7:00–9:30 a.m.
• Evening rush: roughly 4:00–7:00 p.m.

What Atlanta Travelers Typically Consider When Choosing DC–Atlanta Transport

If you live in Atlanta and are planning a trip to DC—or you’re in DC trying to decide how to get back to Atlanta—these are the main trade-offs locals often weigh:

1. Time vs. Convenience

• Flying is usually fastest door-to-door if you live near or can easily reach ATL or a MARTA station.
• Driving provides the most control over timing and luggage, but can be tiring.
• Train or bus can be attractive if you don’t want to drive, prefer to work or rest in transit, or are avoiding air travel.

2. Ground Transportation in Atlanta

Your final address in Atlanta matters:

• Staying or living near MARTA rail (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur)?
  • Flying into ATL + MARTA or taking the bus/train to a central location can be smooth.
• Living in car-dependent suburbs (Cobb County, much of Gwinnett, Fayette, Henry, Cherokee)?
  • Flying or taking a bus/train usually means adding a ride by car, rideshare, or park-and-ride lots.

3. Budget

• Bus is typically the lowest-cost option.
• Train can be moderate, with pricing that varies by booking timing and seat type.
• Flights range widely—residents often watch for fare sales between DC and Atlanta, which is a popular route.
• Driving costs (fuel, tolls, wear and tear, parking in DC or Atlanta) can add up but might still be competitive, especially for families.

Navigating Atlanta Once You’ve Arrived From DC

Whether you fly, drive, train, or bus from DC, you’ll eventually be moving around Atlanta itself. Useful local tools and hubs include:

MARTA Rail & Bus

• MARTA Headquarters (administrative, not a ticket office for walk-in visitors, but useful as a reference):
  2424 Piedmont Rd NE
  Atlanta, GA 30324

Key notes:

• Rail Lines:
  • Red/Gold: North–South (Airport to Buckhead/Sandy Springs/Doraville)
  • Blue/Green: East–West (Hamilton E. Holmes to Indian Creek)
• Good for:
  • Commuting into Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur
  • Reaching popular stations like Airport, Peachtree Center, Arts Center, Lenox

Atlanta Visitor Information

If you’re coming from DC to visit Atlanta, you can find in-person guidance at:

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB)
  One place travelers sometimes use as a reference point is the ACVB’s presence near Downtown/Convention areas, which can point you toward visitor information and neighborhood guidance. Exact walk-in info centers may change, but hotel front desks and downtown visitor-oriented spots commonly reference ACVB materials.

For local neighborhood specifics—from Virginia-Highland and Inman Park to West Midtown and the BeltLine—many visitors combine MARTA + walking/rideshare once they’re in Atlanta.

Tips for Making the DC to Atlanta Trip Smoother

A few Atlanta-focused pointers that regularly help travelers on this route:

• Use MARTA where it makes sense 🧳
  If your hotel, office, or home is reasonably close to a MARTA station, combining flight to ATL + MARTA can often be faster than sitting in freeway traffic.

• Plan around Atlanta rush hours 🚗
  Whether you’re driving in from DC or landing at ATL, aim to hit the city core midday, late evening, or weekend when possible.

• Check arrival neighborhoods before booking bus/train
  Make sure the Atlanta arrival point (Downtown, Doraville, etc.) makes sense relative to where you’re staying or living. This avoids long, last-minute rideshare trips across town.

• Factor in luggage and group size
  For families or groups returning from DC to Atlanta, driving or renting a van/SUV may be more convenient than juggling multiple tickets and transfers.

Travel between Washington, DC and Atlanta is deeply woven into life here—many Atlantans make the trip regularly for government work, business, school, or family. Whether you choose plane, train, bus, or car, understanding how each option plugs into Atlanta’s airports, roads, and transit helps you arrive with less stress and a clear plan for getting where you need to go.