Route guide
Cheap Flights from Atlanta to Houston: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 690 mi
- Typical flight time
- 1 h 45 min – 2 h 45 min
- Airports
- 1 × 2
- Time difference
- 1 h behind

This page covers the practical side of flying between Atlanta and Houston: which airports to compare, how long the trip takes, and when it is busy. It works for either direction. For a price on your dates, ask a specialist.
Quick answer: Atlanta to Houston is about 690 miles (1,110 km) and a typical flight takes 1 h 45 min to 2 h 45 min. Houston is 1 hour behind Atlanta. Atlanta has 1 airport to compare and Houston has 2.
Airport pairs to compare
Atlanta's airport is one of the busiest in the world and acts as a major connecting hub for the Southeast. Houston has two main airports: Bush Intercontinental to the north and Hobby to the southeast. Hobby is closer to downtown.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| ATL to IAH | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International | George Bush Intercontinental |
| ATL to HOU | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International | William P. Hobby |
About the airports
- ATL · Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
One of the world's busiest airports and a major connecting hub, with a rail line to downtown and midtown. - IAH · George Bush Intercontinental
The larger airport, north of the city, with a wide range of domestic and international flights. - HOU · William P. Hobby
Closer to downtown and a good option for domestic trips.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Atlanta: Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines
- At Houston: United Airlines, Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines has a base at both ends, which can make nonstop service more likely. Schedules change, so a specialist confirms what actually operates on your dates.
When to go and what to expect
Atlanta
Spring and fall are mild. Summers are hot and humid with frequent afternoon storms.
Houston
Fall through spring is the most comfortable period. Summers are hot and humid, and hurricane season runs June through November.
Hurricane season runs from June through November, so check fare rules for changes if you travel in that window.
How long is Atlanta to Houston?
At about 690 miles, Atlanta to Houston is a short-to-medium flight. Fares on routes this length are sensitive to the day of the week and the time of day, so check a few departure times before you settle.
Time zones and timing
Houston is 1 hour behind Atlanta, so you land at a local time 1 hour earlier than departure time plus flight time would suggest. Plan your arrival day around local time at the destination.
Getting between the airport and town
Atlanta: MARTA rail runs from the airport terminal to downtown and midtown, which is often faster than road traffic at peak hours.
Houston: Rental cars and ride-hail are the most common choices. Distances are large, so check where your hotel is before choosing an airport.
Planning ground transport too? See our car rental guide.
Good to know
- Check every airport pairing when you compare fares. Schedules and airline options can differ between them.
- Because it is such a large connecting point, give yourself more time between flights here. The terminals are linked by an underground train.
- Compare both airports when you look at fares, and keep weather in mind if you travel in late summer.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Flying Houston to Atlanta?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Atlanta or all flights from Houston.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Atlanta from Houston?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 690 miles (1,110 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Atlanta to Houston?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 1 h 45 min to 2 h 45 min in the air, depending on winds, the aircraft and the airports. Connecting itineraries take longer, and nonstop availability depends on the airline and dates.
Which airports can I use?
At Atlanta: ATL (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International). At Houston: IAH (George Bush Intercontinental), HOU (William P. Hobby). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
Houston is 1 hour behind Atlanta.
When is the best time to fly from Atlanta to Houston?
In Atlanta: Spring and fall are mild. Summers are hot and humid with frequent afternoon storms. In Houston: Fall through spring is the most comfortable period. Summers are hot and humid, and hurricane season runs June through November.Hurricane season runs from June through November, so check fare rules for changes if you travel in that window. Fares are usually highest in the busy periods described for each city, so flexible dates can help.
Which airlines should I compare for Atlanta to Houston?
Airlines with a major base at either end include Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. A specialist compares them with other carriers on your dates, since schedules and availability change.
Do you show fares on this page?
No. Fares change constantly, so we do not publish prices that might be out of date. A specialist checks live availability and confirms the full total, including taxes and bags, before you pay.
Route details updated October 18, 2026.