Traveling From DFW to Atlanta: Practical Guide for Atlanta Visitors and Locals

If you’re planning a trip from DFW (Dallas–Fort Worth) to Atlanta, Georgia, you’re likely comparing flight options, ground transportation, and what to expect when you land at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Whether you live in Atlanta and are returning home, or you’re visiting Atlanta from the Dallas–Fort Worth area, understanding the full DFW to Atlanta journey helps you plan smarter and avoid surprises.

This guide walks through how to get from DFW to Atlanta, how to navigate Atlanta once you arrive, and what to know about local transportation and logistics.

Key Ways to Travel From DFW to Atlanta

Most travelers going from DFW to Atlanta use air travel, but you can also reach Atlanta by car or bus/train combinations. Here’s how they compare.

Flying From DFW to Atlanta (Most Common)

The DFW–ATL route is one of the busier domestic connections in the U.S., with flights landing throughout the day at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Typical flight basics:

• Route: Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) to Atlanta (ATL)
• Average nonstop flight time: About 2 to 2.5 hours in the air
• Time zone change: Dallas–Fort Worth is in Central Time; Atlanta is in Eastern Time (Atlanta is one hour ahead)
• Airlines: Multiple major airlines generally operate this route with nonstop and connecting options

Because Atlanta’s airport is a major hub, travelers often:

• Connect through Atlanta on their way to other cities
• End their trip in Atlanta and continue by car, rideshare, MARTA, or shuttle to neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, Downtown, or the suburbs

Arriving in Atlanta: What to Expect at Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL)

Once you fly from DFW to Atlanta, you’ll land at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, located just south of the city.

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

Domestic vs. International Arrival

A flight from DFW to Atlanta is usually a domestic flight, so you’ll arrive in one of the domestic concourses (A, B, C, D, E, or T), and then:

• Take The Plane Train (airport underground train) or walk to Baggage Claim
• Exit at the Domestic Terminal – North or South depending on your airline

If DFW–Atlanta is part of a longer international trip, your connection in Atlanta might involve:

• Clearing immigration and customs (if Atlanta is your first U.S. stop)
• Re-checking luggage at ATL if your bags are not checked through
• Going back through security to your connecting flight

Getting From Atlanta Airport to the City

Once you’ve completed the DFW to Atlanta flight, the next step is getting from ATL to your final destination in or around the city.

Here are the main options:

1. MARTA Train (Fast and Budget-Friendly)

Atlanta’s rail system, MARTA, connects directly to the airport.

• Airport MARTA Station: Located inside the Domestic Terminal, at the western end of the Airport baggage claim area
• Lines:Red and Gold lines
• Typical destinations from ATL via MARTA:
  • Downtown Atlanta: Peachtree Center, Five Points
  • Midtown: Midtown and Arts Center stations
  • Buckhead & North: Buckhead, Medical Center, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs
  • North Springs / Doraville: On the northern ends of the Red and Gold lines

This is often the best choice if:

• You’re staying near a MARTA station (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead hotels)
• You prefer to avoid Atlanta traffic or parking
• You’re traveling light (backpack or carry-on)

2. Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) and taxis are widely used for DFW-to-Atlanta travelers once they land at ATL.

• Follow signs in the airport for “Rideshare” or “Ground Transportation / Taxis”
• The rideshare pickup area is typically in a designated zone outside the terminal, with clear signage

This option can be more convenient if:

• You’re traveling with family or a group
• You have multiple bags or bulky luggage
• You’re heading to addresses not easily served by MARTA, such as many suburbs (e.g., Smyrna, Marietta, Stone Mountain, Fayetteville)

3. Rental Cars

If you’re planning to explore Atlanta and surrounding areas, renting a car can make sense.

ATL Rental Car Center (RCC)
2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy
College Park, GA 30337

• Reach the RCC by taking the SkyTrain from the airport
• Major national rental car brands are housed in this consolidated facility

Driving is common if you need to get from your DFW–Atlanta flight to:

• Suburban locations (e.g., Alpharetta, Roswell, Peachtree City, Lawrenceville)
• Business parks, film studios, distribution centers, or outlying campuses

Be aware:

• Atlanta has heavy rush-hour traffic, especially on I-75, I-85, I-285, and GA-400
• Many intown neighborhoods have limited free parking; hotel and garage fees can add up

4. Hotel and Private Shuttles

Some hotels in and around the airport area offer free shuttles. A few conference centers and university campuses also operate pre-arranged shuttles.

Common steps:

• Confirm shuttle details with your hotel or organization before your DFW-Atlanta trip
• Look for “Hotel Shuttle” pickup signs at the airport ground transportation area

Driving From DFW to Atlanta

While flying is fastest, some travelers prefer to drive from the Dallas–Fort Worth area to Atlanta—for example, when relocating, moving students, or hauling personal items.

Basic Driving Overview

• Approximate distance: Roughly 780–820 miles, depending on your exact starting point in DFW and your route
• Typical drive time: Around 11–13 hours of driving without long stops

Common routing:

• Major highways often involve parts of I-20 running from Texas through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and into Georgia, heading straight toward Atlanta

When you arrive in the Atlanta area by car from DFW, you’ll usually:

• Enter on I-20 West–East and then connect to:
  • I-285 (the perimeter around the city)
  • Or head directly toward Downtown Atlanta

If you’re unfamiliar with Atlanta:

• Plan your arrival time to avoid weekday rush hours (roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m. and 3:30–7:00 p.m.)
• Use navigation to anticipate congestion on I-285 and major connectors like I-75/85 through Downtown

Bus or Train Options Between DFW and Atlanta

There is no single train that runs directly from DFW to Atlanta, but some travelers combine bus services and rail. This is less common than flying or driving, but it can be an option if:

• You’re avoiding air travel
• You have flexibility with time and schedules

If arriving in Atlanta by long-distance bus or rail, you may end up at:

Atlanta Bus & Train Hubs (Common)

• Greyhound / Intercity Buses (subject to operator and terminal changes)
• Amtrak – Peachtree Station
  1688 Peachtree St NW
  Atlanta, GA 30309

From these locations, you’d still need to use:

• MARTA rail or bus,
• Rideshare, or
• Taxi

to get to your hotel, home, or meeting point in Atlanta.

DFW to Atlanta: Timing, Time Zones, and Jet Lag

Even though this is a domestic route, it’s still helpful to plan around time zones and timing.

Time Zone Difference

• DFW (Dallas–Fort Worth): Central Time (CT)
• Atlanta: Eastern Time (ET)
• Atlanta is one hour ahead of DFW

Example:

• If your flight leaves DFW at 3:00 p.m. CT and the flight time is about 2 hours, you would typically land in Atlanta around 6:00 p.m. ET (because you lose an hour moving east).

Planning Around the Time Change

For Atlanta residents flying home from DFW:

• Keep the time change in mind when planning airport pickup, MARTA connections, or restaurant reservations
• Evening flights may feel later than expected once you land in Atlanta

For visitors heading to Atlanta:

• Treat the time change as a small shift—most travelers adjust easily within a day, especially on a short 2-hour flight

Choosing Where to Stay in Atlanta After a DFW Flight

Where you stay in Atlanta can affect which transportation option is best once you land from DFW.

Popular Areas for DFW-to-Atlanta Travelers

1. Downtown Atlanta
Good for: Conferences, tourism, major attractions

• Near Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium
• Easily reached via MARTA from the airport (Five Points / Peachtree Center stations)

2. Midtown Atlanta
Good for: Arts, dining, central location

• Home to Piedmont Park, High Museum of Art, Fox Theatre, and many restaurants
• Accessible via MARTA (Midtown or Arts Center stations)

3. Buckhead
Good for: Business travel, higher-end shopping and dining

• Known for office towers and upscale malls
• Reachable via MARTA Red Line (Buckhead, Lenox, or Lindbergh Center stations) or rideshare

4. Airport Area (College Park / Hapeville)
Good for: Short stays, early or late departures

• Many hotels offer airport shuttles
• Minimizes commute time if you’re just overnighting between DFW and another destination via Atlanta

Your final stop in the city will shape whether MARTA, rideshare, or a rental car makes the most sense once you land from DFW.

Quick Comparison: DFW to Atlanta Options

Below is a simple overview to help you choose how to travel from DFW to Atlanta, with an Atlanta-based perspective.

Tips for a Smooth DFW-to-Atlanta Trip

A few simple steps can make the DFW–Atlanta leg much easier, especially once you’re in Atlanta:

• Plan your ground transportation before takeoff. Decide if you’ll use MARTA, rideshare, a rental car, or a hotel shuttle in Atlanta.
• Know which terminal you’ll use at ATL. Most DFW–ATL flights arrive at the Domestic Terminal, which is where the MARTA station is located.
• Build in extra time for rush hour. If you’re landing in Atlanta on a weekday late afternoon, expect heavy traffic if you’re using a car or rideshare.
• Check hotel access to MARTA. Many Atlanta hotels near Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead are within walking distance of stations, which can be faster than driving.
• Account for the one-hour time change. Schedule meetings, pickups, and check-ins based on Eastern Time once you’re in Atlanta.

Traveling from DFW to Atlanta is straightforward, but your experience in Atlanta depends heavily on how you plan your arrival and ground transportation. With a clear idea of flight timing, airport logistics, and how to move around the city, you can make the DFW–Atlanta route work smoothly whether you’re coming home to Atlanta, visiting, or connecting onward.