Washington, DC to Atlanta: Your Practical Guide to the Trip and What to Expect in the City

Traveling from Washington, DC to Atlanta, Georgia is a common route for work, family visits, college trips, and vacations. Whether you’re an Atlantan heading up to the nation’s capital or you’re planning a move or a visit from DC to Atlanta, it helps to understand your options, travel times, costs, and what it means once you arrive in metro Atlanta.

This guide focuses on what Atlanta residents, visitors, and newcomers need to know about getting between Washington, DC and Atlanta—and how that trip connects with life on the ground here.

How Far Is Washington, DC from Atlanta?

In practical terms:

• By road: Around 630–650 miles, depending on your exact start and end points
• Typical driving time: About 9.5 to 11 hours with normal traffic and minimal stops
• By air: Flight distance is roughly 540 miles with most nonstop flights around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours

From an Atlanta perspective, Washington, DC is far enough that your choice of car, plane, bus, or train really affects how tiring (and how expensive) the trip feels.

Main Ways to Travel from Washington, DC to Atlanta

1. Flying from DC to Atlanta

For most people headed to or from Atlanta, flying is the fastest and most convenient option.

Common DC Departure Airports

Travelers coming to Atlanta from the DC region typically use:

• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) – Closest to downtown DC
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – Major international hub in Virginia
• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) – North of DC, often used for budget-conscious travelers

Arrival in Atlanta

You’ll almost always land at:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
Main info line: (800) 897-1910

Hartsfield-Jackson is one of the busiest airports in the world and is a major domestic hub. That usually means:

• Multiple daily nonstop flights between DC-area airports and ATL
• A range of departure times morning, afternoon, and evening
• Often competitive pricing because of the high volume of flights

Typical Flight Experience

• Flight time: Around 2 hours in the air
• Total travel time door-to-door: Often 4–6 hours once you factor in transit to the airport, security, possible connection, and getting from the Atlanta airport to your final address

Once you’re in Atlanta, you have several ways to get into the city:

• MARTA train:
  • The Airport Station is inside the domestic terminal.
  • Direct rail access to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and some suburbs.
• Rideshare/taxi:
  • Designated pick-up zones for app-based rides and taxis.
• Rental cars:
  • The Rental Car Center (RCC) is accessible via the SkyTrain from the terminal.

Flying is usually best for:

• Short trips (weekend or quick business travel)
• Anyone on a schedule, such as conferences, interviews, or school visits
• Those who want to avoid long highway driving up and down the East Coast

2. Driving from Washington, DC to Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta and are considering a road trip up to DC (or back home), driving is very doable in a single day.

Core Route

Most drivers follow a version of this corridor:

• I-95 South from Washington, DC (if you’re starting northbound, reverse this)
• Connecting over to I-85 toward Atlanta

In practice, many travelers prefer routes that include:

• I-95 / I-85 combination through Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina
• Or alternate segments using US highways to avoid some congestion

Approximate Driving Details

• Distance: About 630–650 miles
• Time: Around 9.5–11 hours, depending on:
  • DC and Atlanta rush hours
  • Construction zones
  • How often you stop for food, fuel, or rest

For Atlantans, the southern portion of the trip feels familiar once you’re back on I-85. You’ll enter Georgia from South Carolina and ultimately pass northeast of Atlanta, approaching the city via the I-285 Perimeter or directly into the Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85).

Things Atlanta Drivers Should Consider

• Atlanta traffic timing:
  • If you’re arriving back into Atlanta, try to avoid weekday rush hours (~7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.) on the Downtown Connector and I-285.
• Parking at home or hotel:
  • If you’re coming from DC and staying intown (Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead), verify parking availability and cost—especially at apartment complexes, condos, and hotels.
• Peach Pass / tolls:
  • Georgia uses Peach Pass for some express lanes.
  • You can still drive the main lanes without it, but frequent commuters sometimes find it useful on metro Atlanta highways.

Driving is a good fit if you:

• Want flexibility in when you leave and how often you stop
• Are traveling with family, pets, or a lot of luggage
• Plan to use the car around Atlanta’s spread-out metro area once you arrive

3. Bus from Washington, DC to Atlanta

Intercity bus travel can be one of the more affordable ways to get between DC and Atlanta. You won’t usually arrive directly at MARTA rail, but you’ll typically end up in or near Downtown Atlanta or another central area.

What to Expect

• Travel time: Usually 12–15+ hours, depending on route and stops
• Comfort: Varies by company—some include Wi-Fi, charging outlets, and reclining seats
• Flexibility: Often several departures per day or overnight options

Once in Atlanta, common arrival points are often close to:

• Downtown Atlanta / Five Points area
• Surfaces lots or small bus terminals with access to MARTA bus or rail

From there you can:

• Take MARTA rail to neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, or Decatur
• Use rideshare to get deeper into the suburbs (Smyrna, Marietta, Stockbridge, Duluth, etc.)

Bus travel may appeal to:

• Students traveling between DC-area universities and Atlanta schools like Georgia State University or Georgia Tech
• Budget-focused travelers who are comfortable with longer transit times
• People who don’t want to drive but also want to avoid air travel

4. Train from Washington, DC to Atlanta

There is rail service between DC and Atlanta, primarily via Amtrak. For some travelers, this offers a more relaxed, scenic route.

General Rail Experience

• Service: Typically one main long-distance train route that runs through both Washington, DC and Atlanta
• Travel time: Often 13–15+ hours, sometimes overnight
• Onboard: Seats are usually more spacious than buses and planes, with options for food service and sometimes sleeper accommodations on certain routes

Arrival in Atlanta

Intercity passenger trains typically stop near Downtown or Midtown Atlanta, depending on the current station being used. From there you’ll typically:

• Connect by MARTA bus or rail
• Take a rideshare or taxi to your final destination
• Be relatively close to areas like Downtown, Midtown, and Georgia Tech

Rail is attractive to those who:

• Prefer to avoid flying
• Enjoy a slower, more scenic trip
• Like being able to walk around, read, or work during the journey more comfortably than on a bus or plane

Quick Comparison: DC to Atlanta Travel Options

Use the following summary-style table as a rough guide. Actual times and costs vary by date and provider.

Arriving in Atlanta: What You Need to Know

Once your Washington, DC to Atlanta trip is done, the next step is navigating the city itself. Atlanta is large and spread out, and the way you plan to get around can shape which mode of travel makes the most sense.

Getting Around the City

1. MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)
MARTA covers much of the city core and is especially helpful if you end up near:

• Airport Station (ATL Airport)
• Five Points Station (Downtown hub)
• Peachtree Center, Civic Center, North Avenue (Downtown/Midtown)
• Midtown, Arts Center, Buckhead, Lenox (north of Downtown)

MARTA information (general):
Customer Service: (404) 848-5000

MARTA can be particularly convenient if, for example:

• You flew from DC and are staying near Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead
• You are attending events at Georgia World Congress Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or State Farm Arena
• You don’t want to rent a car immediately

2. Driving in Atlanta

If you drove from DC or picked up a rental car:

• Expect heavy traffic on:
  • The Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85)
  • The I-285 Perimeter loop
  • Major spokes like GA-400, I-20, and I-85
• Many neighborhoods—such as parts of West Midtown, East Atlanta, and the suburbs—are easier to reach by car than by rail.

3. Rideshare and Taxi

Rideshare services are widely used across metro Atlanta and often fill the gaps between MARTA coverage and residential or business areas.

For someone arriving from Washington, DC without a car:

• Short stays in-town: Relying on MARTA + rideshare is common and often sufficient
• Longer stays or suburban destinations: A rental car may be more practical

When to Choose Each Option (From an Atlanta-Centered View)

If your home base is Atlanta, your choice of DC–Atlanta travel mode often depends on your schedule, purpose, and where you need to be in both cities.

Fly if you:

• Have limited time off and need to maximize your stay in DC or Atlanta
• Are traveling for business, government meetings, or events with set schedules
• Will be staying near central DC or intown Atlanta where public transit or short rideshare trips work well

Drive if you:

• Prefer to leave and return on your own timetable
• Are traveling with kids, pets, or bulky items
• Need a car to get around suburban Atlanta (Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, McDonough, Douglasville, etc.) right away
• Plan to stop along the way in other states (e.g., Virginia or North Carolina visits)

Take the Bus if you:

• Prioritize low cost over comfort and speed
• Don’t mind a long overnight or full-day trip
• Will be staying near** Downtown Atlanta** or can connect easily from there

Take the Train if you:

• Value a more relaxed, spacious ride
• Don’t mind arriving on a long-distance schedule with fewer daily options
• Like the idea of working, reading, or resting with more room than a bus or plane seat

Practical Tips for DC–Atlanta Travel

Here are some Atlanta-focused pointers to keep your trip smoother:

• Plan your Atlanta arrival time carefully.
  If you can, time your entry into the city to miss evening rush hour—especially if you’re driving or renting a car at ATL.

• Check local events.
  Major events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, or big conventions downtown can affect hotel prices, traffic, and MARTA crowding.

• Think about where you’re staying.

  • Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead: Flying or bus+MARTA often works well.
  • Suburbs: Driving or renting a car is usually more convenient.

• Account for airport size.
  Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is large. If you’re not familiar with it, allow extra time to navigate between terminals, baggage claim, MARTA, and car rentals.

• Have a local navigation plan.
  Use real-time traffic apps once you reach Atlanta—conditions on I-85, I-75, and I-285 can change quickly.

Traveling from Washington, DC to Atlanta gives you several solid options. From fast flights into the world’s busiest airport to steady drives down the East Coast highways, the right choice comes down to your schedule, budget, and how you plan to move around Atlanta once you arrive.