Atlanta (ATL) to Seattle (SEA) is about 2,180 miles and typically takes 4 h 55 min by air. Some carriers have hubs at both ends, which makes frequent nonstops more likely. Call (800) 490-3234 for live fares.
ATL to SEA at a glance
| Route | Atlanta (ATL) to Seattle (SEA) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 2,180 miles / 3,500 km |
| Typical flight time | 4 h 55 min (estimate) |
| Time difference | 3 hours behind |
| Route type | Domestic (U.S.) |
| Airlines with hubs here | Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines |
About the Atlanta to Seattle route
Atlanta to Seattle is a cross-country style flight of about 2,180 miles, long enough that cabin choice, seat selection and time-zone planning all matter. It is a route many travelers book well in advance.
Flight time and distance
A typical flight takes about 4 h 55 min gate to gate, with a realistic range of 4 h 35 min to 5 h 20 min depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 2,180 miles (3,500 km), not a published schedule. Flights heading west usually take noticeably longer than flights heading east because of prevailing winds aloft, so the return flight can differ by 30 minutes or more.
Seattle is 3 hours behind Atlanta on standard time, so the arrival time on your ticket will look different from the flight duration.
Among the 200 routes in our guides, ATL to SEA is longer than about 71% of them.
For comparison, Atlanta to Los Angeles (ATL to LAX) is about 1,940 miles, so Seattle is a bit farther out from ATL.
The airports
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Hartsfield-Jackson is Delta's largest hub and has long ranked as the busiest passenger airport in the world. Full ATL guide.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Sea-Tac is Alaska Airlines' home hub and a growing Delta gateway to Asia, which makes it a useful connecting point for Alaska, Hawaii and Pacific routes. Full SEA guide.
Other airports are worth a look: around Seattle, Portland (PDX). Comparing them can change the price or the travel time to your final destination.
Airlines on this route
Delta Air Lines has a hub at both ends, so it is the most likely to offer frequent nonstop service and easy rebooking on this route.
Alaska Airlines also has a major presence at one of the two airports.
Schedules change by season, and a nonstop that exists in summer may not operate in winter. Confirm the current options before you plan around a specific flight.
Common connection points
If you choose a one-stop itinerary, likely routings include Delta Air Lines via Salt Lake City (SLC), which adds about 100 miles (4% beyond the direct distance) or Alaska Airlines via San Francisco (SFO), which adds about 640 miles (29% beyond the direct distance). Choose the connection with the best weather odds for your travel month and leave a comfortable layover; our layover guide explains how much time is realistic.
Best time to fly
Timing matters here. At SEA, july through September has the clearest weather and the heaviest demand, including cruise-season traffic to Alaska. At ATL, afternoon thunderstorms in summer can ripple through Delta's schedule; build in buffer on tight connections.
Ground transport
Getting to and from ATL
MARTA rail runs from the terminal to downtown and Midtown, and the Plane Train moves passengers between concourses.
Getting to and from SEA
Link light rail runs from the terminal to downtown Seattle in roughly 40 minutes without road traffic.
Booking tips
Business-heavy routes like ATL to SEA often have the most frequencies on weekday mornings and evenings. If you need flexibility, a standard fare that allows changes is often worth the difference. See Basic Economy vs Main Cabin.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Seattle?
A typical ATL to SEA flight takes about 4 h 55 min, with a likely range of 4 h 35 min to 5 h 20 min. Actual time depends on wind, routing, aircraft and whether you connect.
How far is Seattle from Atlanta by air?
The great-circle distance between ATL and SEA is about 2,180 miles (3,500 km).
Which airlines fly from Atlanta to Seattle?
Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines have a major presence at ATL or SEA, and service varies by season. Ask us to check current nonstop and connecting options.
What is the time difference between Atlanta and Seattle?
Seattle is 3 hours behind Atlanta on standard time. Daylight saving time can change the gap for part of the year.
Are there other airports near Seattle?
Yes. Nearby alternatives include Portland (PDX). Comparing them can change both fare and travel time.
When is the best time to book ATL to SEA?
Domestic fares are often competitive one to three months ahead, while international trips benefit from more lead time. Compare several dates, since fares are priced flight by flight.
Explore related routes
More flights involving Atlanta (ATL)
- Atlanta to BostonATL to BOS
- Atlanta to DallasATL to DFW
- Atlanta to DenverATL to DEN
- Atlanta to LondonATL to LHR
- Atlanta to MiamiATL to MIA
- Atlanta to MinneapolisATL to MSP
More flights involving Seattle (SEA)
- Austin to SeattleAUS to SEA
- Boston to SeattleBOS to SEA
- Detroit to SeattleDTW to SEA
- Dubai to SeattleDXB to SEA
- Houston to SeattleIAH to SEA
- London to SeattleLHR to SEA
Last reviewed October 22, 2026. FlighTicketHub provides general information; confirm details with the airline before you travel.