New York, United States → Atlanta, United States · ✈ 2h · 🚗 19h 30min
648 nautical miles · Time difference: -1h behind · Direction: southwest
The distance from New York to Atlanta is 1,200 km (746 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 2h.
The straight-line distance from New York, United States to Atlanta, United States is approximately 1,200 kilometers (746 miles or 648 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Atlanta is located southwest of New York. New York is in North America, in the Northeast region of United States, while Atlanta is in North America, in South, United States. Both cities are in North America.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 1,200 km | ~2h | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~1,560 km | ~19h 30min | Long journey, consider stops |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~1,440 km | ~12h | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from New York to Atlanta. For 1,200 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 1,560 km, fuel costs for driving from New York to Atlanta are approximately $125–$234 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
New York sits at 40.7128°N, 74.0060°W, while Atlanta is located at 33.7490°N, 84.3880°W. The initial compass bearing from New York to Atlanta is 233° (SW), so a great-circle flight path leaves New York heading roughly SW. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 6.96° and the longitude difference is 10.38°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between New York and Atlanta is approximately 37.3442°N, 79.4377°W. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 600 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Atlanta is roughly 1 hour behind New York. When it is 09:00 in New York, it is approximately 08:00 in Atlanta. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
New York is a major city in United States with a population of approximately 8,336,817. Located in the Northeast region, it is an important hub in North America. As one of the largest cities in United States, New York is a major international gateway with extensive air connections and multiple airports.
→ See all distances from New York
Atlanta is a notable city in United States with a population of approximately 498,715. Situated in the South region, it serves as a key destination in North America. Atlanta is a popular destination in the South region of United States, known for its unique character and attractions.
→ See all distances from Atlanta
1,200 km is a long-distance route that typically requires air travel. This is comparable to spanning a large continent. For context, London to Dubai is about 5,500 km.
At 1,200 km, the New York-Atlanta route is about 3.0% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 2h.
See how the New York to Atlanta distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from New York to Atlanta is approximately 1,200 kilometers (746 miles, 648 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 2h, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 19h 30min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Atlanta is approximately -1h behind compared to New York.
The estimated road distance is approximately 1,560 km, which is about 30% longer than the 1,200 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: May 30, 2026.