Compare: Chicago→Atlanta (948 km) vs Chicago→Miami (1,917 km). Chicago → Atlanta wins by 969 km (51%). Side-by-side with flight & drive times.
By SnapDistance Team · Updated April 7, 2026
948 km
589 miles · Flight: ~1h 41min · Drive: ~15h 24min
✓ Shorter route
1,917 km
1,191 miles · Flight: ~2h 54min · Drive: ~31h 9min
Difference: 969 km (51%) · Flight time difference: ~1h 13min
Chicago → Atlanta is the shorter route at 948 km, which is 969 km (51%) shorter than Chicago → Miami. You would save approximately 1h 13min in flight time by choosing the shorter route.
| Metric | Chicago → Atlanta | Chicago → Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Distance (km) | 948 | 1,917 |
| Distance (miles) | 589 | 1,191 |
| Flight time | ~1h 41min | ~2h 54min |
| Driving time | ~15h 24min | ~31h 9min |
| Road distance (est.) | ~1,232 km | ~2,492 km |
| Drivable? | Yes | Yes |
| Cross-continental | No | No |
The Chicago to Atlanta route covers 948 km (589 miles), staying within North America. Chicago (population: 2,693,976) is located in Midwest, United States, while Atlanta (population: 498,715) is in South, United States.
The Chicago to Miami route covers 1,917 km (1,191 miles), remaining within North America. Chicago (population: 2,693,976) is in Midwest, United States, and Miami (population: 467,963) is in South, United States.
Flying from Chicago to Atlanta takes approximately 1h 41min, while Chicago to Miami takes 2h 54min. If driving is an option, expect roughly 15h 24min for the first route and 31h 9min for the second.
Since both routes depart from Chicago, this comparison is especially useful for travelers deciding between Atlanta and Miami as a destination.
The 969 km difference between these routes is substantial and will significantly impact travel time and cost.
Both routes are drivable, with road distances of approximately 1,232 km and 2,492 km respectively. For road trips, the shorter route saves roughly 1,260 km of driving.
Atlanta (United States) has a population of 498,715 and is located in the South region of North America. It's a charming destination known for its regional character.
Miami (United States) has a population of 467,963 and is situated in South, North America. This destination offers a more intimate travel experience with unique local culture.
Choose Chicago → Atlanta if minimizing travel distance and flight time is your priority. The 969 km difference means a significant saving in fuel, time, and potentially cost. Choose Chicago → Miami if the destination itself is more important than the journey length.
Atlanta is closer at 948 km, which is 969 km (51%) shorter.
948 km (589 miles). Flight: ~1h 41min.
1,917 km (1,191 miles). Flight: ~2h 54min.
Flying to Atlanta is faster at ~1h 41min, saving about 1h 13min compared to Miami.
All distances on SnapDistance are calculated using the Haversine formula, which determines the great-circle distance between two points on Earth's surface. This gives the shortest possible distance over the globe, which is the measurement used for aviation and navigation. Actual travel distances by road or rail are typically 20-40% longer due to terrain, borders, and infrastructure routing. Flight times assume 800 km/h cruising speed with 30 minutes for takeoff and landing. Driving estimates use 80 km/h average speed with a 30% road distance factor.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 7, 2026.