Chicago (ORD) to Atlanta (ATL) is about 610 miles and typically takes 1 h 45 min by air. Airlines with hubs at both ends are the likeliest to offer nonstops; otherwise expect a connection. Call (800) 490-3234 for live fares.
ORD to ATL at a glance
| Route | Chicago (ORD) to Atlanta (ATL) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 610 miles / 980 km |
| Typical flight time | 1 h 45 min (estimate) |
| Time difference | 1 hours ahead |
| Route type | Domestic (U.S.) |
| Airlines with hubs here | American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines |
About the Chicago to Atlanta route
Chicago to Atlanta covers about 610 miles, a mid-length domestic trip that most airlines can serve nonstop or with one easy connection.
Flight time and distance
A typical flight takes about 1 h 45 min gate to gate, with a realistic range of 1 h 30 min to 2 h 15 min depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 610 miles (980 km), not a published schedule.
Atlanta is 1 hour ahead of Chicago on standard time, so the arrival time on your ticket will look different from the flight duration.
Among the 200 routes in our guides, ORD to ATL is longer than about 13% of them.
For comparison, Chicago to Washington, D.C. (ORD to DCA) is about 610 miles, so Atlanta is about the same distance out from ORD.
The airports
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare is a dual hub for United and American and one of the busiest airports in the world by flight volume, with nonstops to most major U.S. cities and a long list of international destinations. Full ORD guide.
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.
Other airports are worth a look: around Chicago, Midway (MDW). Comparing them can change the price or the travel time to your final destination.
Airlines on this route
No single carrier we cover has hubs at both ORD and ATL. American Airlines (at ORD), Delta Air Lines (at ATL), and United Airlines (at ORD) each operate a large network at one end, so many itineraries on this route connect rather than fly nonstop.
Nonstop availability on any route can shift from one season to the next, so treat this as a guide to who is likely to serve the market, not a timetable.
Common connection points
A one-stop trip would most naturally connect through a hub such as American Airlines via Charlotte (CLT), which adds about 220 miles (36% beyond the direct distance) or Delta Air Lines via Detroit (DTW), which adds about 220 miles (37% 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 ATL, afternoon thunderstorms in summer can ripple through Delta's schedule; build in buffer on tight connections. At ORD, winter storms and summer thunderstorms are the main triggers for delays; connecting through O'Hare in January deserves extra buffer.
Ground transport
Getting to and from ORD
The CTA Blue Line runs 24 hours into downtown Chicago in about 45 minutes.
Getting to and from ATL
MARTA rail runs from the terminal to downtown and Midtown, and the Plane Train moves passengers between concourses.
Booking tips
Fares on routes with strong business demand rarely drop sharply at the last minute. Book once your dates are firm and review the 24-hour rule in case plans change.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Chicago to Atlanta?
A typical ORD to ATL flight takes about 1 h 45 min, with a likely range of 1 h 30 min to 2 h 15 min. Actual time depends on wind, routing, aircraft and whether you connect.
How far is Atlanta from Chicago by air?
The great-circle distance between ORD and ATL is about 610 miles (980 km).
Which airlines fly from Chicago to Atlanta?
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines have a major presence at ORD or ATL, and service varies by season. Ask us to check current nonstop and connecting options.
What is the time difference between Chicago and Atlanta?
Atlanta is 1 hour ahead of Chicago on standard time. Daylight saving time can change the gap for part of the year.
Are there other airports near Chicago?
Yes. Nearby alternatives include Midway (MDW). Comparing them can change both fare and travel time.
When is the best time to book ORD to ATL?
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 Chicago (ORD)
- Anchorage to ChicagoANC to ORD
- Austin to ChicagoAUS to ORD
- Chicago to BostonORD to BOS
- Chicago to ClevelandORD to CLE
- Chicago to DallasORD to DFW
- Chicago to DenverORD to DEN
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
Last reviewed October 22, 2026. FlighTicketHub provides general information; confirm details with the airline before you travel.