Route guide
Cheap Flights from Chicago to Atlanta: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 610 mi
- Typical flight time
- 1 h 30 min – 2 h 30 min
- Airports
- 2 × 1
- Time difference
- 1 h ahead
This page covers the practical side of flying between Chicago and Atlanta: 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: Chicago to Atlanta is about 610 miles (980 km) and a typical flight takes 1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min. Atlanta is 1 hour ahead of Chicago. Chicago has 2 airports to compare and Atlanta has 1.
Airport pairs to compare
Chicago has two main airports: O'Hare handles hub and long-haul traffic, while Midway is smaller and closer to the city center. Atlanta's airport is one of the busiest in the world and acts as a major connecting hub for the Southeast.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| ORD to ATL | O'Hare International | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International |
| MDW to ATL | Midway International | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International |
About the airports
- ORD · O'Hare International
A major hub for connecting traffic and long-haul flights, with a direct train to downtown. - MDW · Midway International
Closer to downtown and served by its own train line, with a focus on shorter domestic routes. - 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.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Chicago: United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines
- At Atlanta: Delta Air Lines, 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
Chicago
Late spring through early fall is the most pleasant stretch. Winter brings snow and cold that can cause delays.
Atlanta
Spring and fall are mild. Summers are hot and humid with frequent afternoon storms.
How long is Chicago to Atlanta?
At about 610 miles, Chicago to Atlanta 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
Atlanta is 1 hour ahead of Chicago, so you land at a local time 1 hour later than departure time plus flight time would suggest. Plan your arrival day around local time at the destination.
Getting between the airport and town
Chicago: CTA trains run from both airports to the city center, which is usually the most predictable option at busy times.
Atlanta: MARTA rail runs from the airport terminal to downtown and midtown, which is often faster than road traffic at peak hours.
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.
- Winter weather is the main source of disruption. Build in extra buffer for connections between November and March.
- Because it is such a large connecting point, give yourself more time between flights here. The terminals are linked by an underground train.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Flying Atlanta to Chicago?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Chicago or all flights from Atlanta.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Chicago from Atlanta?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 610 miles (980 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Chicago to Atlanta?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 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 Chicago: ORD (O'Hare International), MDW (Midway International). At Atlanta: ATL (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
Atlanta is 1 hour ahead of Chicago.
When is the best time to fly from Chicago to Atlanta?
In Chicago: Late spring through early fall is the most pleasant stretch. Winter brings snow and cold that can cause delays. In Atlanta: Spring and fall are mild. Summers are hot and humid with frequent afternoon storms. Fares are usually highest in the busy periods described for each city, so flexible dates can help.
Which airlines should I compare for Chicago to Atlanta?
Airlines with a major base at either end include United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines. 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.