RDU to Atlanta: How to Get From Raleigh–Durham to ATL Smoothly

Traveling from RDU (Raleigh–Durham International Airport) to Atlanta, Georgia is a very common route, whether you’re coming for business downtown, a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or to visit family in the metro area. This guide explains how to get from RDU to Atlanta, what to expect when you land at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), and how to navigate the city once you arrive.

Overview: Your Main Options From RDU to Atlanta

Most people traveling from RDU to Atlanta choose one of three main options:

1. Nonstop flight from RDU to ATL
2. Driving from Raleigh–Durham to Atlanta
3. Bus or mixed transit (less common, often slower)

Here’s a quick comparison:

For most travelers who live in Atlanta or are visiting Atlanta, a flight from RDU to ATL is the most time-efficient and connects directly to the city’s main transportation systems.

Flying From RDU to Atlanta (ATL)

Booking and Airlines

The RDU → ATL route is a major one, and nonstop flights are frequently available throughout the day. Typical features of this route:

• Short flight time: Around 1.5 hours in the air
• Multiple daily departures: Good for morning, midday, and evening travel
• Common route type: Often used as a connection to other domestic and international destinations through Atlanta

When planning, think about:

• Early morning flights if you want a full day in Atlanta
• Late evening flights if you’re returning home after work or an event
• Checking both RDU and ATL time zones (both are Eastern, so no time change)

What to Expect Landing at ATL

You’ll arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which is one of the busiest airports in the world and a major hub for the Southeast. Most RDU–ATL flights arrive at:

• Domestic terminals (North or South)
• Concourses A, B, C, or T via the Plane Train (airport train system)

Once you land, follow signs for:

• Baggage Claim (if you checked bags)
• Ground Transportation for MARTA, rideshare, shuttles, and rental cars

Getting From ATL Airport Into Atlanta

The biggest question for many travelers isn’t just how to fly RDU to Atlanta—it’s how to get from ATL to where you’re staying: Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, the suburbs, or beyond.

1. MARTA (Train) – Easiest Budget-Friendly Option

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) runs a rail station directly inside the airport, making it one of the simplest ways into the city.

• Airport MARTA Station: Located at the Airport’s Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim and Ground Transportation.
• Line: The Red and Gold lines serve the airport.
• Key stops for visitors and locals:
  • Garnett, Five Points, Peachtree Center – for Downtown Atlanta
  • Civic Center, North Avenue, Midtown Arts Center – for Midtown
  • Lindbergh Center, Lenox, Buckhead – for Buckhead area
• Payment: You’ll need a Breeze Card or Breeze ticket, which can be purchased at the station kiosks.

MARTA is especially useful if you:

• Are staying at a Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead hotel
• Don’t want to rent a car
• Want to avoid traffic and parking costs

2. Rideshare and Taxis

If you prefer a door-to-door ride:

• Rideshare services pick up at designated areas in the Domestic Terminal Ground Transportation Center.
• Taxis are also available in the same area, organized in a queue.

Approximate ride times (depending on traffic):

• Downtown Atlanta: 15–25 minutes
• Midtown: 20–30 minutes
• Buckhead: 25–40 minutes
• Perimeter Center / Sandy Springs: 30–45 minutes

Traffic can be heavier during:

• Weekday rush hours (around 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.)
• Major events and games in Downtown/Midtown

3. Rental Cars

If you plan to explore the Atlanta metro area—suburbs, Stone Mountain, or nearby cities—renting a car can be practical.

• The ATL Rental Car Center is located off-site but fully connected to the airport via the SkyTrain (an automated people mover).
• Follow signs in the Domestic Terminal for Rental Cars / SkyTrain.
• The Rental Car Center houses multiple major agencies under one roof.

Keep in mind:

• Parking in Downtown and Midtown usually costs extra.
• Atlanta’s interstates (I-75, I-85, I-20, I-285) can be congested, especially at peak times.
• If you’re staying in a transit-friendly area (Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead) and only plan local trips, you might not need a car the whole time.

Driving From RDU to Atlanta

If you’re considering driving instead of flying from Raleigh–Durham to Atlanta:

Route Basics

• Distance is roughly 400–450 miles, depending on your starting point and exact path.
• Most drivers use a combination of:
  • I-40 West
  • I-85 South
  • Then connecting to Atlanta via I-85 into the city

Typical driving time:

• Around 6–7 hours, not including stops
• Longer during peak traffic in or out of either metro area

Pros and Cons for Atlanta Travelers

Pros:

• Flexible schedule – leave when you want
• Easier to transport bulky items, pets, or multiple people
• No airport security lines or boarding times

Cons:

• Longer total travel time than flying
• Fatigue from driving, especially solo
• Atlanta traffic once you arrive, plus potential parking costs

If you’re an Atlanta resident driving back from Raleigh–Durham, consider planning your arrival to avoid weekday evening rush on I-285 and I-85 around the city.

Bus or Alternative Ground Travel

A smaller number of travelers choose bus service or multi-segment ground options between the Raleigh–Durham area and Atlanta. These usually involve:

• A long-distance bus company from Raleigh or Durham to Atlanta
• Arrival at a bus station in or near Downtown Atlanta

Typical elements:

• Travel time: Often 9 hours or more
• May require a transfer in another city
• On arrival in Atlanta, you may be dropped near Downtown, where you can connect to MARTA rail or bus, taxis, or rideshare to reach your final destination.

This can be a workable choice for budget-focused travelers who are less concerned about the longer journey time.

Navigating Atlanta Once You Arrive

Whether you flew from RDU, drove, or came by bus, understanding basic Atlanta transportation will help you move around the city efficiently.

Key Areas You Might Be Headed To

• Downtown Atlanta – Georgia State Capitol, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, major convention hotels.
• Midtown – Arts Center, Fox Theatre, Georgia Tech, many restaurants and offices.
• Buckhead – Upscale shopping, business districts, many hotels and residential neighborhoods.
• Perimeter / Sandy Springs / Dunwoody – Offices, Perimeter Mall area, northern suburbs.
• Decatur / East Atlanta areas – More residential and neighborhood-focused.

Using MARTA in the City

For many visitors, MARTA is especially useful:

• North-South (Red/Gold) lines connect the Airport to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and beyond.
• East-West (Blue/Green) lines connect areas like Decatur, Inman Park/Reynoldstown, and West Lake.

Highlights:

• Five Points Station: Central hub where lines intersect; good for transfers.
• Peachtree Center Station: Short walk to many Downtown hotels and attractions.
• Arts Center & Midtown Stations: Key access points for Midtown’s arts, dining, and hotels.

Using MARTA reduces the hassle of:

• Finding and paying for parking
• Dealing with downtown traffic during events or rush hour

Driving Around Atlanta

If you’re driving after arriving from RDU:

• Expect multi-lane interstates and frequent merges, especially on:
  • I-75 / I-85 (the Downtown Connector)
  • I-285 (the Perimeter), which circles the city
• Many attractions and neighborhoods are near interstate exits, but local streets can be busy at peak times.

Parking options include:

• Garage and lot parking near major attractions (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead)
• Street parking in many neighborhoods, though time limits and meters are common

Always check signage for parking restrictions and potential towing zones.

Practical Tips for RDU to Atlanta Travelers

Here are a few Atlanta-focused tips to make your RDU to ATL trip smoother:

• Plan connections from ATL in advance: Decide whether you’ll use MARTA, rideshare, taxi, or a rental car before landing so you can head straight there.
• If you’re staying Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, MARTA is often the easiest first choice from the airport.
• Allow extra time during rush hours: If you land around morning or late afternoon, your ride into the city can take longer.
• If you have an early morning flight out of ATL back to RDU, consider staying near the airport or along a MARTA line for a simpler trip to the terminal.
• For big events (football games, concerts, conventions), both ATL airport and central Atlanta can be busier than usual—build a time cushion into your plans.

Helpful Local Contacts and Locations

If you need official or local support once you arrive in Atlanta:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

  • 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Main airport information is available inside each terminal at staffed information desks.

• MARTA Headquarters (Office & Customer Service Center)

  • 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
  • Breeze Cards and fare information are also available at MARTA rail stations.

• City of Atlanta Information Desk (City Hall)

  • Atlanta City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Useful if you need general city service direction once you’re in town.

Traveling from RDU to Atlanta is straightforward, and once you land at ATL, you have multiple reliable ways to reach your destination—by train, rideshare, taxi, or rental car. With a bit of planning around where you’re staying and how you like to travel, you can move from your plane seat to your spot in Atlanta with minimal hassle.