Flying to the A: Your Guide to Plane Tickets from New York to Atlanta

Planning a trip from New York to Atlanta—or helping friends and family fly in to see you in Atlanta? This route is one of the busiest in the country, which is good news: it usually means frequent flights, plenty of airlines, and a wide range of ticket prices.

This guide breaks down how flights from New York to Atlanta work, what to expect when you land at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), and how to find plane tickets that fit your schedule and budget.

Key Things to Know About Flights from New York to Atlanta

For anyone living in Atlanta, visiting Atlanta, or coordinating travel to the city, here are the basics:

• Flight time: Typically about 2 to 2.5 hours in the air (nonstop).
• Major New York–area airports serving ATL:
  • JFK (John F. Kennedy International Airport)
  • LGA (LaGuardia Airport)
  • EWR (Newark Liberty International Airport) in nearby New Jersey
• Atlanta airport: Almost all commercial flights on this route arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the main airport for the city and region.
• Nonstop vs. connecting: Nonstop flights are widely available; connections are usually only chosen for price or loyalty-program reasons.
• Typical travelers: Business travelers, families visiting relatives in metro Atlanta, students at Atlanta-area universities, and visitors headed for conventions, concerts, and sports events.

Because ATL is a major hub, New York–Atlanta trips usually offer multiple departures throughout the day, making it relatively easy to match arrival times with check-in at Atlanta hotels, events downtown, or meetings in Midtown or Buckhead.

Choosing Which New York Airport to Fly From

If you’re based in Atlanta and planning a round trip—or helping someone choose flights to come see you—knowing the difference between the New York airports helps you compare options.

JFK to Atlanta

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is a major international hub. For Atlanta-bound travelers, JFK flights are useful if:

• You’re connecting from or to an international flight.
• You want a wider range of airlines or fare types.
• You don’t mind a longer commute from parts of New York City to the airport.

JFK flights to ATL are often competitive on price, especially when booked in advance, but JFK can involve longer check-in and security times, so travelers flying back to Atlanta should allow extra time.

LaGuardia (LGA) to Atlanta

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is often the most convenient for Manhattan and parts of Queens/Brooklyn. For Atlanta travelers, LGA can be a good option when:

• You want shorter flight times gate-to-gate compared with JFK/EWR.
• You’re traveling for business and need easy access to and from Midtown or downtown Manhattan.
• You prefer a smaller airport footprint and shorter walking distances inside the terminal.

Many people flying home to Atlanta after a quick New York business trip prefer LaGuardia because of its closer proximity to Manhattan.

Newark (EWR) to Atlanta

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), across the river in New Jersey, is useful if:

• You’re staying in New Jersey, or in parts of New York where access to Newark is easier.
• You’re comparing fares and see significantly better prices or times than JFK/LGA.
• You’re using a specific airline that has more flights from EWR.

For Atlanta travelers, Newark can be particularly handy if you’re visiting north or central New Jersey and then heading straight home.

Types of Plane Tickets from New York to Atlanta

When you search for plane tickets from New York to Atlanta, you’ll usually see several fare types. Knowing the differences can help you choose what makes sense for an Atlanta-based trip.

Common Fare Categories

• Basic economy

  • Usually the cheapest, but with the most restrictions.
  • Changes often not allowed or come with fees.
  • Limited or no seat choice before check-in.
  • Bags often cost extra, especially checked bags.
  • Works best for short trips with light luggage.

• Standard/main economy

  • More flexible than basic economy.
  • Often allows changes with a fee or fare difference.
  • More options for seat selection.
  • A good balance for most casual travelers or family visits.

• Premium economy / extra legroom

  • Similar to economy but with more space and sometimes earlier boarding.
  • Can feel more comfortable on busier flights between New York and Atlanta, especially during peak times.

• Business / first class

  • Priority check-in and boarding.
  • Wider seats, more legroom, and often additional perks.
  • Popular with business travelers shuttling between New York and Atlanta or those wanting a more relaxed trip.

How to Find Good Fares from New York to Atlanta

Because this is a high-traffic route, prices can swing quickly. Here are practical tips, especially relevant if you’re in Atlanta and scheduling trips or planning visits:

1. Be Flexible with Airports and Times

• Check fares from all three New York–area airports (JFK, LGA, EWR).
• Early-morning and late-night flights can sometimes be cheaper.
• Midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) can be less expensive than peak Fridays and Sundays, which are busy days for Atlanta business and leisure travelers.

2. Watch Atlanta’s Event Calendar

Major events in Atlanta can affect prices on inbound flights from New York, such as:

• Big games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena
• Major conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center
• Festivals and large concerts

If you’re helping family or friends fly from New York to Atlanta for big events, booking earlier can help avoid price spikes.

3. Consider Bags and Extras

Fares that look low can increase when you add:

• Checked bags
• Seat selection
• Priority boarding

If you know your Atlanta-based travelers tend to bring back extra luggage (for example, after shopping in New York), check whether a slightly higher fare tier that includes a bag is cheaper overall than basic economy plus baggage fees.

Typical Flight Experience: New York to Atlanta

Flight Duration

Nonstop flights usually last around 2 to 2.5 hours. With boarding, taxiing, and deplaning, you can expect about 3–4 hours total from gate departure in New York to exiting the terminal in Atlanta.

Time Zones

New York and Atlanta are both in the Eastern Time Zone, so there’s no time difference to worry about. This makes it easier to plan same-day activities in Atlanta after landing—whether that’s heading directly to work downtown or meeting friends somewhere like Ponce City Market or Atlantic Station.

Arriving in Atlanta: What to Expect at ATL

Almost all New York–Atlanta flights arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

Address:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main information line: 1-800-897-1910 (commonly published general info number)

Terminals and Concourses

• ATL has a Domestic Terminal (North and South) and an International Terminal (Concourse F).
• Flights from New York typically arrive at the Domestic Terminal.
• Concourses are connected by the Plane Train, an underground automated train system.

If you’re picking someone up who is flying in from New York:

• Most New York–Atlanta flights will arrive at Domestic North or Domestic South baggage claim, depending on the airline.
• Check the flight number and airline to confirm the exact baggage area when the plane lands.

Getting from ATL into Atlanta

Once you (or your visitors) land from New York, you’ll need to get into the city or metro area.

MARTA (Public Transit)

For many travelers, especially those staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, MARTA is a straightforward option.

• Station: Airport MARTA Station is directly connected to the Domestic Terminal (near baggage claim).
• You can take the Red or Gold line northbound to reach:
  • Downtown Atlanta (Five Points, Peachtree Center)
  • Midtown (Midtown Station, Arts Center)
  • Buckhead and further north (Lenox, Brookhaven/Oglethorpe, etc. on the Red line)

MARTA can be especially convenient for Atlanta-based travelers returning home from New York who don’t want to deal with airport parking.

Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshares (such as app-based services) and taxis are available:

• For domestic arrivals, follow signs for Rideshare / Ground Transportation.
• Pricing will vary depending on time of day and destination; common Atlanta drop-off areas include:
  • Downtown (State Capitol, Peachtree Center)
  • Midtown (Tech Square, Piedmont Park area)
  • Buckhead (Lenox Square, Buckhead Village)
  • Surrounding suburbs in Fulton, DeKalb, and Clayton counties

Rental Cars

If you or your visitors plan to explore the greater Atlanta region—such as Stone Mountain, Marietta, or further into Georgia—renting a car may make sense.

• ATL’s Rental Car Center (RCC) is accessible via the SkyTrain from the airport.
• From there, you can drive directly onto major highways like I‑85, I‑75, and I‑285, which circle and cross the Atlanta metro area.

Best Times of Year to Fly from New York to Atlanta

From an Atlanta-focused perspective, timing your flight can impact both price and crowds.

Busier (Often Higher-Priced) Times

Expect higher demand for flights from New York to Atlanta around:

• Spring break and major holiday periods
• Thanksgiving (lots of family travel into Atlanta)
• Christmas/New Year’s
• Major Atlanta events and sports seasons

If you know you’ll be hosting friends or relatives in Atlanta from New York during these times, encourage them to book earlier.

Potentially Quieter Times

Depending on the year, slightly lower fares may appear:

• In mid-winter (excluding holidays) for non-event weeks
• During less busy months for tourism and conventions

For Atlanta residents planning leisure trips to New York, these quieter times can mean better deals in both directions.

Quick Comparison: Main New York–Atlanta Flight Options

Here’s a simple reference to help you think about what works best for an Atlanta-focused trip:

Use this to help friends and family flying into Atlanta pick the airport that matches where they’re staying in New York and how they prefer to travel.

Tips for Atlanta Residents Flying to and from New York

If you’re based in Atlanta and making this trip regularly:

• Plan around ATL traffic: Hartsfield-Jackson is on the south side of the city. Morning and evening commutes along I‑75/I‑85 can add 20–40 minutes.
• Consider MARTA for early or late flights: It avoids parking costs and rush-hour stress.
• Allow extra time returning from New York: New York airports can be more congested, especially during peak times or in bad weather.
• Think about return timing to ATL: Landing late at night may mean lighter traffic, but fewer transit options beyond MARTA and rideshare.

Helping Visitors Navigate Atlanta After Landing

If you’re hosting someone flying in from New York:

• Send them your exact address along with recommended routes from ATL (MARTA stops, nearest stations, or preferred highway exits).
• If they’re staying in a hotel downtown or in Midtown, note that many properties are easily reachable via MARTA from the airport.
• For outlying suburbs (Alpharetta, Marietta, Decatur, etc.), it can be helpful to outline:
  • Best highways from ATL
  • Usual traffic times to avoid
  • Whether you’ll pick them up or they should use rideshare

This makes the New York–Atlanta trip smoother, especially for visitors who have never navigated Atlanta’s interstates or transit system.

Travel between New York and Atlanta is frequent, fast, and usually straightforward. By understanding your airport choices, ticket types, and what happens once you land at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you can make the trip efficient whether you’re an Atlanta local heading north—or welcoming someone from New York to the city.