Atlanta to New York: How to Travel, Compare, and Choose What Works Best for You

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city and thinking about a trip to New York, you’re definitely not alone. The Atlanta–New York connection is one of the busiest travel corridors in the country, and people make the trip for business, family visits, tourism, and relocations.

This guide walks through the main ways to get from Atlanta to New York, what to expect with each option, how long it takes, what it typically feels like in practice, and a few tips that are especially useful if you’re starting out in Atlanta, Georgia.

Key Ways to Get from Atlanta to New York

Most Atlanta travelers use one of four main options:

• Flying (Atlanta Hartsfield–Jackson to New York–area airports)
• Driving (I-85 / I-95 corridor)
• Bus (intercity coach lines)
• Train (Amtrak from Atlanta to New York)

Here’s a quick comparison to help you orient yourself:

*Times vary with traffic, weather, and exact route.

Flying from Atlanta to New York

Main Atlanta and New York Airports

If you’re flying, you’ll almost always depart from:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Major hub with many daily nonstop flights to New York.

Most Atlanta–New York flights land at one of these New York–area airports:

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – Queens
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – Queens
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – Newark, NJ (often grouped as “NYC area”)

What to Expect When Flying ATL → NYC

Time:

• Flight time is typically around 2 to 2.5 hours.
• Once you factor in airport arrival, security, boarding, potential delays, and ground transport in New York, plan for 4–6+ hours door-to-door if you’re starting within metro Atlanta.

Getting to ATL from around Atlanta:

From in-town Atlanta (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead):

• MARTA rail is often the simplest:
  • Take the Red or Gold Line to the Airport Station, which drops you directly in the Domestic Terminal.
  • Good choice if you want to avoid parking fees and highway traffic.

From suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Sandy Springs, Decatur, College Park, Alpharetta):

• I-75, I-85, and I-285 all connect toward the airport.
• Many people use:
  • Airport park-and-ride lots
  • Rideshare or taxi
  • Local shuttles serving hotels and park-and-fly services near ATL

Pros of flying from Atlanta:

• Fastest way to get from Atlanta to New York.
• Lots of departure times, especially from early morning to late evening.
• Works well if you just need to pop up to New York for a short trip.

Considerations:

• Airport security and check-in lines at ATL can be busy, especially during holidays, major events, and Monday mornings.
• Weather in either Atlanta or New York can affect on-time performance, particularly in winter and hurricane seasons.
• Ground transportation in New York (subways, taxis, rideshare) adds time and cost, depending on where you’re staying.

Driving from Atlanta to New York

If you prefer having your own vehicle, are moving items, or enjoy road trips, driving from Atlanta to New York is very doable in one long day or two easier days.

Typical Route from Atlanta

Most drivers from Atlanta to New York take a variation of:

1. I-85 North from Atlanta toward South Carolina.
2. Connect to I-95 North, which continues all the way up the East Coast.
3. Continue through North Carolina, Virginia, Washington D.C. area, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, then into the New York area.

Time and Distance

• The trip is roughly 850–900 miles, depending on your exact starting point in Atlanta and destination in New York.
• Many Atlanta drivers report 12–15 hours of driving time in realistic conditions, with some variation based on:
  • Traffic (especially near Charlotte, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and New York City)
  • Construction or detours
  • Driving speed and length of rest breaks

Atlanta-Specific Driving Tips

• Leaving very early in the morning (before major rush hour on the Downtown Connector) helps you clear Atlanta traffic faster.
• If you live in Gwinnett, Cobb, or North Fulton, consider how you’ll connect to I-85 or I-75 to begin; I-285 can be congested during peak times.
• Think about where you’ll park in New York. Parking there is more limited and expensive than in Atlanta, and many Atlanta drivers choose to:
  • Park in New Jersey and take public transit into Manhattan, or
  • Park at a hotel with a garage if staying outside the city center.

Pros of driving from Atlanta:

• Flexibility with timing, rest stops, and side trips.
• Good for families or small groups to split driving.
• Useful if you need to bring more luggage or personal items than airlines easily allow.

Considerations:

• Long day on the road; fatigue is a real factor.
• Tolls become more common as you approach the Northeast.
• Weather (especially winter storms) can affect I-95 and routes through the Mid-Atlantic and New York region.

Taking a Bus from Atlanta to New York

Several intercity bus companies operate routes between Atlanta and New York City, often with stops in other cities along the way. This can be a budget-conscious way to travel if you’re flexible on schedule and comfort.

Where Buses Typically Depart in Atlanta

Bus departure points can change over time, but common locations include:

• Downtown or near Midtown transportation hubs
• Designated bus terminals or curbside pickup spots in central Atlanta

When planning a trip, Atlanta riders usually:

• Check exact departure and arrival addresses carefully—Atlanta bus stops are sometimes in different parts of the city depending on the company and route.
• Consider how they’ll get to the stop:
  • MARTA rail or bus
  • Rideshare or taxi
  • Parking, if the stop provides it (not all do)

Time and Experience

• Travel time is usually around 14–18 hours, depending on route, stops, and traffic.
• Buses may operate overnight, which some Atlanta travelers like because it saves on a hotel night.

Pros of taking a bus from Atlanta:

• Usually lower cost than flying.
• You don’t have to drive or deal with parking in New York.
• Some buses offer Wi‑Fi, power outlets, and reclining seats, which can make the long trip more manageable.

Considerations:

• Less personal space than a car; comfort level depends on the bus and how full it is.
• Travel time is longer than flying and often similar or longer than driving.
• Schedule changes or delays can happen, especially in heavy traffic corridors.

Taking the Train: Amtrak from Atlanta to New York

If you want to avoid both driving and flying, Amtrak runs train service between Atlanta and New York City.

Atlanta’s Amtrak Station

• Amtrak Peachtree Station
  • Address: 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Located in Midtown Atlanta, near Brookwood.
  • Smaller and simpler than Hartsfield–Jackson, but with limited daily departures.

You can reach the station by:

• Car or rideshare via Peachtree Street or nearby arteries
• Nearby MARTA bus routes (note that MARTA rail does not directly stop at the Amtrak station, so you may transfer from rail to bus or rideshare)

Route and Timing

• The typical train route connects Atlanta to New York via multiple cities along the East Coast.
• Travel time is often in the 18–20+ hour range, depending on the exact service and schedule.

Pros of the train from Atlanta:

• More legroom and the ability to walk around compared to a bus or plane.
• Option to book sleeping accommodations on some services for longer trips.
• Many Atlanta travelers find train travel more relaxed and scenic.

Considerations:

• Longer travel time than flying or driving.
• Schedules are limited, so you need to plan around the specific departure and arrival times.
• Peachtree Station is smaller, so services like food options are more limited than at ATL.

Choosing the Best Option for Your Situation

If you’re in Atlanta and deciding how to get to New York, think about:

1. Time vs. Cost

• If you need to be in New York as quickly as possible, flying is usually the best choice.
• If you want to spend less, buses often offer some of the most budget-friendly options, followed by carefully planned driving (depending on gas and tolls).

2. Comfort and Preferences

• If you dislike flying or crowded airports, driving or Amtrak from Midtown might feel more comfortable.
• If you prefer to sleep while you travel, an overnight bus or a train with a sleeping option can be appealing.

3. Where You’re Starting in Atlanta

• Close to a MARTA station? Flying from ATL can be especially simple, since MARTA runs directly to the airport.
• Living in outer suburbs or neighboring counties? Weigh the time it takes to reach the airport, Amtrak station, or bus terminal. Sometimes driving your own car partway, then switching to transit near Atlanta or New York, can balance convenience and cost.

4. What You’re Bringing

• Lots of luggage, small furniture, or personal items? Driving from Atlanta gives you the most flexibility.
• If you’re traveling light, flying or taking the bus may be much easier.

Practical Planning Tips for Atlanta Travelers

Here are a few Atlanta-specific pointers to make your Atlanta–New York trip smoother:

• Build in Atlanta traffic time. Whether you’re going to ATL, Peachtree Station, or a bus terminal, account for rush hours on I‑75/85, I‑285, and major surface streets like Peachtree Street and Northside Drive.
• Check local events. Major events in Atlanta (sports, concerts, conventions) can affect highway congestion and airport crowds, especially on weekends.
• Think about your return to Atlanta. If you land back at ATL late at night, plan in advance how you’ll get back home—MARTA runs late but not all night, and some bus routes end earlier.
• Plan for weather differences. Atlanta’s climate is generally milder than New York’s, especially in winter. If you leave Atlanta in light layers, expect colder conditions when you arrive in New York for much of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions from Atlanta Residents

How long is the flight from Atlanta to New York?
The in‑air flight time is usually around 2 to 2.5 hours, but you’ll want to plan 4–6+ hours total when you include getting to ATL, security, boarding, and travel from the New York airport to your final destination.

Is it realistic to drive from Atlanta to New York in one day?
Many Atlanta drivers do it in one long day, in the 12–15 hour range. Others prefer to break it into two days, staying overnight along I‑85 or I‑95 in states like North Carolina or Virginia.

What’s the easiest option if I live near MARTA in Atlanta?
For many in-town residents, MARTA to Hartsfield–Jackson and then a nonstop flight is the simplest, especially if you’re comfortable navigating large airports.

Can I take a train directly from Atlanta to New York?
Yes. Amtrak offers service from Amtrak Peachtree Station in Midtown Atlanta to New York City, but schedules are limited and travel time is significantly longer than flying.

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia, you have multiple realistic paths to get to New York—each with its own trade-offs in time, comfort, and cost. Once you decide what matters most for your situation, you can pick the route that fits your schedule, budget, and travel style.