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Chicago, IL, USA to Atlanta, IL, USA from $28: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Chicago, United States
to
Atlanta, United States

How to Get from Chicago to Atlanta: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$28 - DriveBest price
225.3 kmDistance
2h 37m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chicago to Atlanta with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
2h  58m
Estimated price
$42-136
Recommended
route map
Distance: 225.3 km
Duration: 2h 37m

See more options

Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
2h  37m
Estimated price
$28-45
Company
Greyhound
Bus
Average Duration
5h  7m
Estimated price
$88-148
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  45m
Estimated price
$92-261
Company
various
Taxi
Average Duration
3h  34m
Estimated price
$212-435
Company
various
Taxi
Average Duration
3h  57m
Estimated price
$222-325
Company
American Airlines
Plane
Average Duration
3h  13m
Estimated price
$252-460
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
4h  2m
Estimated price
$266-395

Traveling From Chicago to Atlanta

The journey from Chicago to Atlanta offers you a transition from the bustling skyscrapers and deep-dish pizza of the Windy City to the vibrant Southern charm and rich history of the Peach State capital.

Best Neighbourhoods in Atlanta

Atlanta boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Midtown
• Vibrant arts scene with numerous galleries and theaters.
• Home to Piedmont Park, perfect for outdoor activities.
Buckhead
• Upscale shopping and dining experiences abound.
• Historic homes and beautiful architecture line the streets.
Old Fourth Ward
• Renowned for the Atlanta BeltLine and its walkability.
• Features unique street art and a buzzing food scene.

Best Times To Visit Atlanta's Attractions

Timing your visits can elevate your experience at Atlanta's top spots.

Georgia Aquarium
Visiting on weekdays during the morning keeps crowds to a minimum.
World of Coca-Cola
Late afternoons or early evenings are less busy, allowing for a relaxed tour.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Spring mornings offer stunning blooms and fewer visitors for a peaceful stroll.

Atlanta Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Atlanta experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters, making spring and fall the best times to visit. Weather conditions can greatly impact your travel plans, so being prepared for occasional rain and temperature swings enhances your overall experience.

Dining Recommendation

In Atlanta, don’t miss out on sampling some classic Southern fried chicken at Mary Mac's Tea Room, which contrasts with Chicago's hearty deep-dish pizza. The warm, welcoming atmosphere and local flavors found in this iconic restaurant provide a taste of Southern hospitality that sets it apart from the Windy City's dining scene.

Chicago - Atlanta operators

Explore transport companies operating between Chicago and Atlanta, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Chicago Union Station to Lincoln Amtrak Station

Average Duration
2h 44m
Estimated price
$6-95
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Chicago Bus Station to Bloomington

Average Duration
4h 40m
Estimated price
$23-65
Plane Show flights
Website
aa.com

Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Bloomington

Average Duration
59m
Estimated price
$260-400

Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Peoria

Average Duration
1h 6m
Estimated price
$85-390

Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Springfield

Average Duration
1h 2m
Estimated price
$100-290

Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Champaign

Average Duration
1h 2m
Estimated price
$250-490
Website
united.com

Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Peoria

Average Duration
1h 7m
Estimated price
$100-410

Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Decatur

Average Duration
1h 7m
Estimated price
$110-220
all-pages.other Show other routes

Other from Decatur to Atlanta

Average Duration
1h 8m
Estimated price
$120-150

Chicago to Atlanta: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Chicago and Atlanta offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Chicago to Atlanta, covering a distance of 252.7 km in just 2 hours and 37 minutes. 💰 Budget-friendly options abound for travelers looking to make the drive from Chicago to Atlanta, with car travel costs typically ranging from $28 to $45.
Average price
$28 - $45
🚆 Traveling by train from Chicago to Atlanta takes approximately 2 hours and 58 minutes, offering a convenient and efficient mode of transportation. 🎟️ The prices for train tickets between Chicago and Atlanta can vary, ranging from $42 to $136, providing options for different budgets and preferences. 🛤️ For travelers opting for a route with transfers, the journey from Chicago to Atlanta via Louisville spans 16 hours, covering a distance of 1115.3 km with a total of 2 bus steps, making it a longer but potentially scenic adventure.
Useful tips for train travellers
• When traveling on Amtrak's Crescent service from Chicago to Atlanta, you can enjoy onboard catering services that offer a selection of meals and beverages. In Economy Class, food can be purchased from the Café Car, which provides sandwiches, snacks, and beverages. If you choose First Class, you'll benefit from complimentary meals served in the Dining Car, featuring a more extensive menu and table service.
• Amtrak offers several seating options on its Crescent route, including Business Class and First Class. Business Class provides extra legroom and wider seats compared to Economy. First Class offers more luxurious cabin features, including meal service and complimentary drinks. Make sure to book your seats early to secure the desired class, especially during busy travel seasons.
• The primary operator for this route is Amtrak. You can book tickets and find additional information about the services on their official website: amtrak.com While traveling, check local transport schedules in Atlanta through the MARTA website for public transit options: itsmarta.com Upon arriving at Atlanta's Peach Tree station, note that there is a luggage storage facility available for a fee, and restrooms are located in the station; however, showers are not typically accessible here. To get to the city center quickly, utilize the MARTA train service by boarding the 'Red' or 'Gold' line at Five Points station, which is directly connected to the Amtrak arrival station.
🛫 The quickest way to travel from Chicago to Atlanta is by taking a direct flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Bloomington Airport, which only takes 57 minutes. 💰 The prices for flights between Atlanta and Chicago range from $252 to $460, providing flexibility for budget-conscious travelers to choose the option that best fits their travel needs.
Departure Point
Chicago O'Hare Airport
Arrival Point
Bloomington Airport
🚌 Traveling from Chicago to Atlanta by bus takes approximately 5 hours and 7 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from $88 to $148. 🚏 Route options vary in duration and transfers—whether you prefer a 16-hour journey with a single transfer or a longer 21-hour trip with multiple stops, there are choices to suit your preferences.
Useful tips for bus travellers
Consider booking your bus ticket in advance through Greyhound or Megabus to secure the best prices, as fares can range from $88 to $148 depending on the time and day of travel. Visit Greyhound and Megabus for schedules.
When transferring in Nashville, pay close attention to the terminal information and platform announcements as it can be a busy hub; you'll be switching from your Greyhound bus to another bus, so allow sufficient time to navigate through the station.
Upon arriving at the Atlanta Bus Station, be prepared for a bustling environment and look for signs leading you to MARTA, Atlanta's public transit system; using MARTA can help you easily reach various parts of the city, including downtown attractions.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Chicago to Atlanta.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Chicago and Atlanta is 225 km by road and 252 km by car. The typical travel times are 2h 58m by train, 3h 43m by taking a flight to Peoria and then driving, and 3h 11m by plane. If traveling from Atlanta to Chicago, it takes around 2h 37m by car and 5h 7m by bus.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Chicago to Atlanta is driving. It takes approximately 2 hours and 37 minutes to drive the 252 km road distance between the two cities. The cost of gas and tolls is estimated to be around $28-$45, making it an affordable choice compared to other modes of transportation.
The prices for a train ticket from Chicago to Atlanta range from $42 to $136, depending on the class and type of service chosen. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket from Atlanta to Chicago vary between $88 and $148, depending on the bus company and the time of travel.
To get from Chicago to Atlanta without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 253 km. This route usually takes around 2 hours and 37 minutes by car. The cost of driving from Chicago to Atlanta varies but can range from $28 to $45, depending on factors such as fuel prices and toll fees.
To travel from Chicago to Atlanta without a car, the best option is to take a train, which takes approximately 2 hours and 58 minutes. Ticket prices for the train range from $40 to $140. Another alternative is taking a bus, which takes around 5 hours and 7 minutes and costs between $85 and $150. Flying is also possible, with a travel time of 3 hours and 11 minutes, and ticket prices ranging from $250 to $460.
The flight from Chicago to Atlanta typically takes around 55 minutes on a direct flight. However, the prices for flights between the two cities can vary from $252 to $460.
There are several options for accommodation near Atlanta. You can choose from seven or more hotels in the area, with prices starting at $44. Some popular hotel options include XYZ Hotel, ABC Inn, and DEF Motel.