Traveling From NYC to Atlanta: Your Practical Guide for Getting In and Around the City

If you’re planning a trip from New York City to Atlanta—or you’re an Atlanta local coordinating travel between the two cities—there are several convenient options. This guide covers how to get from NYC to Atlanta, what to expect when you arrive, and how to smoothly connect from your arrival point to neighborhoods around the Atlanta metro area.

Main Ways to Get from NYC to Atlanta

Most travelers going from New York City to Atlanta use one of four main options:

1. Flying (fastest and usually easiest)
2. Driving (flexible, road-trip style)
3. Train (Amtrak)
4. Bus (typically budget-friendly)

Each option affects not just how you travel between NYC and Atlanta, but also where you arrive in Atlanta and how you’ll get to your final destination in the city.

Flying from New York City to Atlanta

Flying is the most common way to travel from NYC to Atlanta, especially for business trips, weekend visits, and family travel.

Airports Serving the NYC–Atlanta Route

From the New York City area, flights to Atlanta typically depart from:

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Most nonstop flights land at:

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

ATL is Atlanta’s main commercial airport and a major hub, so nonstop flights between NYC and Atlanta are frequent and usually under 3 hours in the air.

What to Expect When You Land in Atlanta

When you land at ATL, you’ll arrive either at:

• The Domestic Terminal (North or South), or
• The International Terminal (Concourse F) if your itinerary is routed that way.

From there, you’ll likely use the Plane Train (airport’s internal train) to get between concourses and the main terminal.

Getting from Atlanta’s Airport to the City

If you’re arriving from NYC and heading into Atlanta proper, you have several options:

1. MARTA (Train)

MARTA is Atlanta’s primary rail transit system.

• Airport Station is located inside the Domestic Terminal (at the end of the baggage claim area).
• Trains run on the Red and Gold lines directly from the airport.

Common destinations from the airport:

• Downtown Atlanta (Five Points, Peachtree Center, Georgia State stations)
• Midtown (Midtown and Arts Center stations)
• Buckhead (Lindbergh Center, Buckhead, Lenox)
• Doraville and North Springs on the outer ends of the lines

MARTA is often the most predictable and budget-friendly way to get from ATL to central Atlanta areas.

2. Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare pickup at ATL is well-organized but specific:

• For most app-based rides, follow signs for “Rideshare” from baggage claim in the Domestic Terminal.
• Taxis line up at designated taxi stands near the terminal exits.

These are useful if you’re headed to neighborhoods not directly served by MARTA, such as more residential areas of:

• East Atlanta
• Westside/Upper Westside
• Parts of Decatur not near a MARTA station
• Suburbs around I-285 (Perimeter), Gwinnett, Cobb, Clayton, Fayette, etc.

3. Rental Cars

If your trip involves moving around the wider metro area, a rental car can be practical.

Atlanta’s rental car center is:

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

You reach it via the SkyTrain, an elevated train that connects the airport to the RCC. This is useful if your NYC-to-Atlanta trip includes:

• Visiting multiple suburbs
• Driving to nearby cities (Athens, Macon, Chattanooga, Birmingham)
• Late-night arrivals when transit options are more limited

Driving from NYC to Atlanta

Some people prefer to drive from New York City to Atlanta, especially if moving, traveling with pets, or making a road trip out of it.

General Driving Route

The most common route:

• Take I‑95 South from the NYC region toward Washington, D.C.
• Connect to I‑85 South through the Carolinas into Georgia and into Atlanta.

Depending on traffic, stops, and exact starting point, the trip usually takes around 13–16 hours of driving time.

Where You’ll Arrive in Atlanta by Car

Driving gives you flexibility. You’ll likely approach the city on:

• I‑85 (northeast or southwest of the city)
• I‑75 (north or south)
• I‑20 (east or west, depending on side routes)

From there, you can choose your destination directly:

• Downtown via exits toward Courtland St, Williams St, or Spring St
• Midtown via 10th St/14th St/17th St exits
• Buckhead and north suburbs via GA‑400 off I‑85 or I‑285
• Westside, East Atlanta, Decatur, and other intown neighborhoods via surface streets and local connectors

Driving can be ideal if you’re relocating from NYC to Atlanta, since you can transport household items, luggage, and pets without coordinating separate shipments.

Taking the Train: Amtrak from NYC to Atlanta

If you prefer not to fly or drive, Amtrak service between NYC and Atlanta is another option.

NYC to Atlanta by Train

Typically, the Amtrak Crescent route connects:

• New York Penn Station (NYP) to
• Atlanta Peachtree Station (ATL)

In Atlanta, the station is:

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

This station sits in the Brookwood area, between Midtown and Buckhead, just north of central Atlanta.

Getting Around After Arriving by Train

From Peachtree Station, getting to your final destination usually involves:

• Rideshare or taxi from the station entrance on Peachtree St NW
• Connecting to MARTA via:
  • A short trip to Arts Center Station or Midtown Station by car/bus, then MARTA trains
• Short drives to:
  • Midtown (south on Peachtree)
  • Buckhead (north on Peachtree)
  • Downtown (via Peachtree, I‑75/85, or surface streets)

Train travel is slower than flying but can feel more relaxed, with the ability to move around on board.

Taking a Bus from NYC to Atlanta

Long-distance bus service between New York City and Atlanta is common and usually one of the most cost-conscious options.

Typical arrival spots in or near Atlanta include:

• Downtown or Midtown-adjacent locations, depending on the company
• Sometimes stops along major corridors near I‑75/85

Because bus companies may adjust exact pickup and drop-off locations, always confirm your arrival address before your trip so you can plan local transportation.

Connecting Within Atlanta After a Bus Trip

From your Atlanta bus drop-off point, you can usually connect by:

• MARTA rail if the location is near a station (e.g., Five Points, Civic Center, North Avenue, Peachtree Center)
• Local bus routes (MARTA buses) serving intown neighborhoods and nearby suburbs
• Rideshare for door-to-door service

This is helpful if you’re staying in popular visitor areas like:

• Downtown Atlanta (near the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, State Farm Arena)
• Midtown (near Piedmont Park, the Fox Theatre, the High Museum of Art)
• Buckhead (shopping and business districts)

NYC to Atlanta: Travel Option Comparison at a Glance

Below is a simple comparison focused on what matters once you’re actually in Atlanta.

Choosing the Best Option for Your NYC–Atlanta Trip

Your choice depends on why you’re making the NYC to Atlanta trip and how long you’ll stay:

• Short business or weekend trip
  • Flying into ATL + MARTA or rideshare is usually the most efficient.
• Extended stay or relocation from NYC to Atlanta
  • Driving lets you bring belongings and gives immediate car access in the metro area.
• Comfort-focused, not in a rush
  • Train can be more relaxed, with an easy arrival near Midtown/Buckhead.
• Budget-sensitive travel
  • Bus often has the lowest upfront cost, especially when booked in advance.

Local Tips for NYC Travelers Coming Into Atlanta

A few Atlanta-specific pointers:

• Traffic rhythms: Atlanta interstates (I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, I‑285, GA‑400) can be heavily congested during morning and afternoon rush hours. If you’re driving in from NYC or picking up a rental car, try to time arrival to avoid peak periods.
• Walkability varies: Downtown and Midtown are more walkable; many other neighborhoods and suburbs are car-dependent, so plan transportation based on where you’re staying.
• Transit-friendly areas: If you prefer not to drive after coming from NYC, look for lodging near MARTA rail stations in:
  • Downtown (Five Points, Peachtree Center)
  • Midtown (Midtown, Arts Center)
  • Buckhead (Buckhead, Lenox, Lindbergh Center)
• Airport familiarity: If you’re used to NYC’s big airports, Hartsfield–Jackson will feel similarly large but generally straightforward to navigate with clear signage for MARTA, baggage, and rideshare.

Key Takeaways for NYC to Atlanta Travelers

• Fastest option: Fly NYC → ATL, then use MARTA, rideshare, or rental cars to reach your final destination in Atlanta.
• Most flexible for long stays or moves:Drive from NYC to Atlanta via I‑95 and I‑85 and enter directly into your chosen neighborhood.
• Relaxed alternative: The Amtrak Crescent brings you from New York Penn Station to Peachtree Station near Midtown/Buckhead.
• Budget-conscious: Long-distance buses can be the lowest-cost option, with arrival locations that connect to MARTA and rideshare.

For anyone living in Atlanta, visiting, or relocating here from New York City, understanding these options helps you match your NYC–Atlanta travel plan to your schedule, budget, and comfort level—and arrive ready to navigate the city with confidence.