Route guide
Cheap Flights from Atlanta to New Orleans: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 420 mi
- Typical flight time
- 1 h – 2 h
- Airports
- 1 × 1
- Time difference
- 1 h behind
This page covers the practical side of flying between Atlanta and New Orleans: 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 New Orleans is about 420 miles (680 km) and a typical flight takes 1 h to 2 h. New Orleans is 1 hour behind Atlanta. Atlanta has 1 airport to compare and New Orleans has 1.
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. New Orleans' airport lies west of the city, roughly 15 miles from the French Quarter.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| ATL to MSY | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International |
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. - MSY · Louis Armstrong New Orleans International
About 15 miles west of the French Quarter.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Atlanta: Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines
Airlines with a base at one end often connect through their hub. A specialist can compare nonstop and connecting options 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.
New Orleans
February through May and the fall are popular. Mardi Gras dates change each year, usually falling in February or March. Summers are hot, and hurricane season runs June to 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 New Orleans?
At about 420 miles, Atlanta to New Orleans is a short hop. On a route this short the trip to the airport, security and boarding can take as long as the flight itself, so compare total door-to-door time and pick the airport that is easiest for you to reach, not only the cheapest fare.
Time zones and timing
New Orleans 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.
New Orleans: Shuttles, taxis and ride-hail run between the airport and downtown.
Planning ground transport too? See our car rental guide.
Good to know
- Because it is such a large connecting point, give yourself more time between flights here. The terminals are linked by an underground train.
- Festivals such as Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest raise demand sharply, so book earlier if your trip overlaps with them.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Flying New Orleans to Atlanta?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Atlanta or all flights from New Orleans.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Atlanta from New Orleans?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 420 miles (680 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Atlanta to New Orleans?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 1 h to 2 h 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 New Orleans: MSY (Louis Armstrong New Orleans International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
New Orleans is 1 hour behind Atlanta.
When is the best time to fly from Atlanta to New Orleans?
In Atlanta: Spring and fall are mild. Summers are hot and humid with frequent afternoon storms. In New Orleans: February through May and the fall are popular. Mardi Gras dates change each year, usually falling in February or March. Summers are hot, and hurricane season runs June to 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 New Orleans?
Airlines with a major base at either end include Delta Air Lines and Southwest 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.