Traveling from Atlanta to New Jersey: Routes, Options, and What to Know

Planning a trip from Atlanta to New Jersey can feel a little overwhelming at first. You’re crossing several states, you have multiple airport and train options, and “New Jersey” can mean very different destinations: the Jersey Shore, Newark and the New York City area, or cities like Trenton and Camden closer to Philadelphia.

This guide is tailored for Atlanta residents, visitors, and anyone starting in the Atlanta area who needs clear, practical guidance on getting to New Jersey—by plane, car, bus, or train—with details that matter when you’re leaving from metro Atlanta.

Big Picture: Your Main Options from Atlanta to New Jersey

From Atlanta, most people use one of four main travel options:

• Flying (fastest and usually most convenient)
• Driving (most flexibility)
• Bus (budget‑friendly, slower)
• Train (possible with connections, more scenic and relaxed)

Which is best depends on:

• Where in New Jersey you’re going (Newark? Jersey City? the Shore? South Jersey?)
• Your budget
• How much time you have
• Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or on business

Flying from Atlanta to New Jersey

For most people in Atlanta, flying is the easiest way to get to New Jersey.

Main Airports You’ll Use

Starting in Atlanta, your primary departure airport is:

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

From there, the most common New Jersey–area arrival airports are:

• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – in Newark, New Jersey
  • Best for: North Jersey, New York City, Jersey City, Hoboken, the Meadowlands, and parts of the Jersey Shore.
• Other airports sometimes used for parts of New Jersey:
  • LaGuardia (LGA) in New York – can work for North Jersey but means crossing into New York first.
  • John F. Kennedy (JFK) in New York – similar to LGA, more transit options but farther from New Jersey.
  • Philadelphia International (PHL) – useful if you’re headed to South Jersey (Camden, Cherry Hill, Atlantic County, etc.).

If your destination is clearly in northern New Jersey, ATL → EWR is typically the most direct and convenient.

Flight Time and Typical Experience

• Flight time ATL → EWR: around 2 to 2.5 hours in the air.
• Plan for additional:
  • 1–2 hours at ATL for security and boarding.
  • 30–90 minutes after landing for taxiing, baggage claim, and reaching your final destination.

From many Atlanta neighborhoods (Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, Sandy Springs), getting to ATL usually takes 20–45 minutes by car depending on traffic.

Getting to ATL from Around Atlanta

Common ways Atlanta travelers get to Hartsfield‑Jackson:

• MARTA Rail
  • The Red and Gold lines go directly to the Airport Station, located inside the Domestic Terminal (near baggage claim).
  • From Downtown or Midtown: usually 15–25 minutes on the train.
• Rideshare or taxi
  • Widely used from areas like Buckhead, West Midtown, East Atlanta, and surrounding suburbs.
• Driving and parking
  • ATL has on-site long‑term parking plus multiple off‑airport lots with shuttle service.

For early morning flights to New Jersey, many Atlanta travelers prefer MARTA or rideshare to avoid parking stress and traffic.

From Newark Airport to New Jersey Destinations

When you land at EWR, you have multiple ways to reach your final stop in New Jersey:

• AirTrain Newark + NJ Transit
  • AirTrain connects terminals to Newark Liberty International Airport Station.
  • From there, NJ Transit trains run to:
    • Newark Penn Station
    • Secaucus Junction
    • New York Penn Station (if you’re staying just across the river from NJ)
  • Good if you’re heading to Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken, or Manhattan.
• Rideshare or taxi
  • Convenient for destinations like Hoboken, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Bayonne, or hotels near Newark.
• Rental car
  • Helpful if you’re continuing to the Jersey Shore, suburban North/Central Jersey, or more rural areas.

If you’re used to Atlanta’s MARTA, NJ Transit and local buses will feel a bit different, but the general idea is similar—rail plus local connections.

Driving from Atlanta to New Jersey

If you prefer full control of your schedule, need to carry more luggage, or are traveling with family or pets, driving from Atlanta to New Jersey can make sense.

Approximate Distance and Time

From central Atlanta to:

• Newark / North Jersey: about 850–900 miles
• Trenton / Central Jersey: roughly 800–850 miles
• Camden / South Jersey (near Philadelphia): around 750–800 miles

Depending on traffic and stops, most Atlanta drivers plan on:

• 12–14 hours of driving one way
• Many people split the trip with an overnight stop in North Carolina or Virginia, especially when traveling with kids.

Typical Driving Route from Atlanta

A common, straightforward route from Atlanta to North or Central New Jersey:

1. Take I‑85 North out of Atlanta.
2. Continue on I‑85 into the Carolinas.
3. Connect to I‑77 North (typically near Charlotte area).
4. Merge onto I‑81 North in Virginia (more inland, scenic route).
5. Transition onto I‑78 East or I‑80 East toward New Jersey, depending on your final destination.

Some travelers choose I‑95 for a more coastal route, but it can be:

• More congested, especially near Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and around the New York metro area.
• More stressful if you’re not comfortable with heavy interstate traffic.

For many Atlanta drivers, the I‑77/I‑81 corridor feels a bit calmer and more scenic, though distances and times are similar.

Tolls and Driving Considerations

As you approach New Jersey and the Northeast, expect:

• Toll roads and bridges (especially near NYC and North Jersey).
• Options to use electronic tolls (E‑ZPass) or pay by mail in many areas.

If you only drive occasionally in the Northeast, you may not need an E‑ZPass, but:

• Keep some payment method ready for tolls.
• Watch for signage near bridges and major corridors.

From an Atlanta perspective, traffic in New Jersey and the NYC region can feel denser and more aggressive than on I‑285 or the Downtown Connector. Build in extra time and avoid arrival during weekday rush hours if possible.

Taking a Bus from Atlanta to New Jersey

For Atlanta travelers watching costs, intercity bus service can be one of the most affordable ways to get to New Jersey, though it’s usually the slowest.

What the Trip Is Like

• Travel time: often 16–20 hours or more, depending on route and connections.
• Stops and transfers:
  • Many routes go from Atlanta to Washington, D.C. or New York City, then transfer to another bus heading into Newark or other New Jersey cities.
• Departure points in Atlanta:
  • Most intercity buses leave from locations near Downtown or just outside the city core. Exact locations vary by company.

Pros and Cons for Atlanta Travelers

Advantages:

• Typically cheaper than flying, especially if you book early.
• No need to drive long distances or worry about parking.
• A good option if you don’t want to fly or don’t have a car.

Trade-offs:

• Long travel time compared to Atlanta flights.
• Limited ability to move around, especially on overnight trips.
• May involve waiting at connection points in unfamiliar cities.

This option is most attractive if budget is top priority and you’re comfortable with long bus rides.

Train Travel from Atlanta to New Jersey

Atlanta does have long‑distance Amtrak services, and you can reach New Jersey by rail, but you should be prepared for an overnight or extended day of travel.

Starting from Atlanta’s Amtrak Station

• Atlanta Amtrak Station (Peachtree Station)
  1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

This small station serves long‑distance routes. It’s not like a major hub station, so plan ahead:

• The station is located in Buckhead, just north of Midtown.
• Many Atlantans reach it via rideshare, local bus, or by being dropped off.

Typical Train Route Toward New Jersey

A common approach involves:

1. Taking a long‑distance train from Atlanta heading north (often to Washington, D.C.).
2. Transferring to a corridor train (like a Northeast service) that continues to:
   • Newark, NJ
   • Trenton, NJ
   • Other New Jersey stops along the Northeast Corridor.

Because long‑distance trains can run overnight and may experience delays, this option works best if:

• You enjoy rail travel as part of the experience, or
• You’d like to avoid flying for personal or practical reasons.

What Atlanta Travelers Should Expect

• Total travel time: commonly well over 18 hours, depending on connections.
• Comfort: more room to move around than a bus or plane, and you can upgrade to a sleeper on some segments.
• Scheduling: you’ll need to match long‑distance train times leaving Atlanta with Northeast Corridor schedules.

This is generally better for leisure travel than tight business schedules.

Comparing Your Options from Atlanta to New Jersey

Below is a simplified comparison to help Atlanta travelers quickly weigh main choices:

*Times are broad ranges and can vary with traffic, weather, connection quality, and time of day.

Choosing the Best Option Based on Your New Jersey Destination

Because New Jersey stretches from very close to New York City down toward Philadelphia, your ideal route from Atlanta changes depending on where you’re going.

North Jersey (Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken, Paterson, etc.)

For North Jersey destinations, from Atlanta you’ll usually find flying to be the most straightforward:

• Fly ATL → Newark Liberty (EWR)
  • Then use NJ Transit, rideshare, or taxi to reach:
    • Newark neighborhoods
    • Jersey City and Hoboken (often via NJ Transit or PATH)
    • Nearby suburbs like Belleville, Kearny, or Union

Driving from Atlanta is possible but long. Use this if:

• You’re staying longer‑term.
• You need a car in North Jersey (for business, extended visits, or frequent side trips).

Central New Jersey (New Brunswick, Trenton, Princeton, etc.)

For Central Jersey destinations:

• Option 1: Fly ATL → EWR, then:
  • Take NJ Transit’s Northeast Corridor trains south to:
    • New Brunswick
    • Princeton Junction
    • Trenton
• Option 2: Fly ATL → PHL (Philadelphia), then:
  • Drive or take regional transit over the river into New Jersey, depending on where you’re staying.

Atlanta travelers often choose their arrival airport based on which family, university, or job site they’re visiting in Central Jersey.

South Jersey (Camden, Cherry Hill, Atlantic City Region, etc.)

For South Jersey, the best options often shift slightly:

• Fly ATL → Philadelphia International (PHL)
  • PHL is just across the river; from there, drive or use local transit to:
    • Camden
    • Cherry Hill
    • Other nearby suburbs
• For destinations like Atlantic City, you might:
  • Fly into PHL or EWR, then drive or take regional rail/bus.

Driving from Atlanta is still possible and somewhat shorter than going all the way to North Jersey, but still a full‑day commitment.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Heading to New Jersey

A few Atlanta‑specific planning points can make the trip smoother:

1. Plan Around Atlanta Traffic

• ATL airport access:
  • Morning and late‑afternoon weekday traffic on interstates like I‑75/85 and I‑285 can be heavy.
  • Add extra time if you’re coming from northern suburbs (Alpharetta, Roswell, Marietta) during rush hours.
• For a morning flight to New Jersey, many people in Atlanta either:
  • Leave home very early, or
  • Stay closer to the airport the night before if coming from farther suburbs.

2. Think About Weather Differences

• Atlanta’s winters are typically milder than New Jersey’s.
• If you’re traveling from Atlanta to New Jersey in late fall, winter, or early spring:
  • Be prepared for colder temperatures, possible snow or ice, and heavier outerwear needs.
  • If you’re driving, ensure your tires and wipers are in good condition before leaving Atlanta; conditions can change as you move north.

3. Consider Local Transit in Both Places

• In Atlanta, MARTA will mainly help you get to:
  • Hartsfield‑Jackson Airport
  • Some central neighborhoods and park‑and‑ride lots
• In New Jersey, your local transit options may shift to:
  • NJ Transit trains and buses
  • PATH trains (for Jersey City, Hoboken into Manhattan)
  • Regional rail if you’re near Philadelphia or New York City

If you’re used to driving everywhere in metro Atlanta, it can be a useful change to rely on trains and buses in dense parts of New Jersey and nearby cities.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

• Fastest and most common route:
  Fly from Hartsfield‑Jackson (ATL) to Newark Liberty (EWR) for North/Central New Jersey, or to PHL for South Jersey.
• Driving Atlanta to New Jersey is realistic but long (plan on a full day or an overnight stop), ideal if you need your own vehicle at your destination.
• Bus and train options are available for those avoiding flying or prioritizing budget, but expect long travel times and connections.
• Your specific destination in New Jersey (North, Central, South) should shape whether you land in EWR, PHL, or another nearby airport, or which driving route you pick.

By anchoring your plans around where you’re starting in Atlanta, how quickly you need to arrive, and where in New Jersey you’re headed, you can choose the route that keeps your trip as smooth and predictable as possible.