Road Trip from Atlanta to Washington DC
The epic road trip from Atlanta to Washington, D.C., is a real adventure that is guaranteed to be memorable if you’re looking for a daring tour across America featuring some of the best cities it has to offer, as well as historic attractions, gorgeous nature walks, and vibrant art scenes.
It will take about 10 hours to drive the 630 miles from Atlanta to Washington, DC, along with Stone Mountain Park, Falls Park, Monongahela, and Nantahala National Forests, major attractions include Richmond, Charlotte, Asheville, Greensboro, and Roanoke.
Additionally, there is much to see on this amazing journey, including beautiful views along the renowned Blue Ridge Parkway and gorgeous national forests. We’ve compiled a list of the main attractions, overnight stays along the way, and the best times to do this amazing trip so you can get the most out of your vacation.
Additionally, there is much to see on this amazing journey, including beautiful views along the renowned Blue Ridge Parkway and gorgeous national forests. We’ve compiled a list of the main attractions, overnight stays along the way, and the best times to do this amazing trip so you can get the most out of your vacation.
How long will the road trip take from Atlanta to Washington, DC?
| Route | Distance | Travel Time |
| The Direct Route | 640 miles | 10 hours |
| Blue Ridge Parkway Road | 780 miles | 11 hours 20 min |
Without stopping along the way, the fastest route from Atlanta to Washington, DC, is 640 miles long and takes 10 hours to reach the end.
A more scenic route is 780 miles long and will take approximately 11 hours and 20 minutes, including the famous Blue Ridge Parkway diversion, before reaching Washington, DC.
We suggest splitting the journey into two or four days due to the distance and the excellent potential for thrilling diversions on both routes. Giving yourself more time to finish the trip will allow you to make a few enjoyable overnight stays along the way.
The best route for a road trip between Atlanta to Washington DC
There are two choices when it comes to driving from Atlanta to Washington, DC. If you are short on time, the fastest and most straight route is an excellent option. The other option, albeit shorter, is robust and includes stops at Charlotte and Stone Mountain Park.
For an alternative, why not take the Blue Ridge Parkway Route if time is not a concern? This route includes some breathtaking scenery, such as Asheville and numerous well-known national forests, even if it follows some of the identical roads as above.
There are many attractions to stop and visit on both routes, regardless of which one you choose. There is always the option to take one route to Washington, DC, and then take the other one back.
How to drive from Atlanta to Washington DC
Our suggestions for the top road trip routes between Atlanta and Washington, DC, appear on the map above. For comprehensive descriptions of both routes, hotels on each, and the top things to do along the route, continue reading.
The Direct Route
From Atlanta, you may reach Interstate 85 by the simplest direct route. Before heading north via the towns of Lavonia, Piedmont, and Spartanburg, make a quick stop at Stone Mountain Park.
From here, you may proceed north on the highway until you reach Charlotte, North Carolina, or take a diversion to see the Francis Marion & Sumter National Forests. As this is your first major city, it would be wise to take a break and take in all of the city’s amazing attractions.
Following your visit, you will continue north on I-85, passing a few more notable areas before reaching Greensboro, another city that deserves a longer stop.
After that, continue east on Interstate 40 before returning to Interstate 85 just outside of Hillsborough near Durham. Proceed north to Petersburg, where you’ll connect to Interstate 95 north, which will take you to Richmond, Virginia.
Out of the city, keep driving along I-95 and north along the Potomac River. To get to Washington, DC, drive a short distance along Interstate 395 and follow directions.
Best places to visit en route from Atlanta to Washington, DC
The journey from Atlanta to Washington, DC is most enjoyable over a few days due to its length and the lovely deviations you will likely want to take along the way.
Among the many wonderful locations along the route, you should be on the lookout for the following
Stay with Greensboro’s elite athletes
If you’re traveling on a schedule, Greensboro, North Carolina, is a fantastic place to stop. If you’re split up your vacation over a few days, this city is a great place to stay because it’s less than six hours away from Atlanta
Great hiking trails may be found nearby, and the area is well-known for the number of sports facilities, educational opportunities, and rich history. The International Civil Rights Museum and the Greensboro Science Center are just a couple of the attractions.
A stay at Hotel Denim is a perfect way to take advantage of all the wonderful nearby attractions. This unique and fashionable hotel is hard to match, plus it’s close to excellent places for food and shop.
If you want to go out, this stylish hotel is conveniently located near popular attractions, such as the Greensboro Science Center, which is only a short drive away.
A lovely visit to Roanoke
In the event that you have decided to take the Blue Ridge Parkway Route, Roanoke, Virginia, is an excellent halfway point. This city is the perfect place to stop and take in the beauty because it is situated between Asheville and Washington DC.
Roanoke is well-known for the Mill Mountain Star, the second-largest light artificial star in the world. Other famous attractions in Roanoke include the Taubman Museum of Art, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Mill Mountain Zoo.
Located in southwest Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s also a really attractive site to stay and explore the surrounding area, which includes the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.
The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center-Curio Collection by Hilton is among the greatest hotels in this region of Virginia. The Civic Center and the Science Museum of Western Virginia Hopkins Planetarium are both easily accessible on the walk from this modern and stylish hotel.
The hotel itself has a welcoming outdoor pool, several on-site food options, and is situated in a serene and scenic area. A Salt Foot Oasis and massages are also offered to visitors, which may be just what you need after an exhausting day of hiking or exploration.
The Hotel Roanoke will not let you down with its spacious parking, beautiful outdoor terrace for a few drinks, and roomy and comfortable rooms.
Road trip locations from Atlanta and Washington DC
Any route you choose will take you by stunning monuments, woodlands, fascinating cities, and charming towns on your way from Atlanta to Washington, DC.
Here are a few of the top places to see if you’re limited on time:
The Direct Route
1-North Carolina’s Charlotte: The NASCAR Hall of Fame is located in Charlotte, North Carolina’s commercial center. a place where you may participate in interactive displays and see the most memorable moments in the history of autos.
2-Carowinds: A trip to Carowinds will provide you with the adrenaline rush you’ve been craving, whether you’re a kid or an adult. This place will keep you busy before you proceed to your next destination because it has a lot of roller coasters and delicious food to eat
3-Greensboro, North Carolina: Greensboro will be the place to relax and fully enjoy the comforts of road trip culture in addition to being the halfway point between Atlanta and your final location.
4-Richmond: Among the oldest cities in America is Richmond. As a result, every structure you enter has a story around every corner. Learn about Virginia’s ancient capital’s past by visiting the Museum of Civil History.
5-North Carolina Zoo: The 500-acre North Carolina Zoo is home to more than 1,800 animals representing more than 250 species. Without a sure, this is the best place to go when you need some time alone with nature away from the hustle and bustle of tourists.
6-Falls Park, Greenville:There are numerous walking trails in this park that will reward you with breathtaking waterfall views and an abundance of beautiful vegetation. Even the famous Liberty Bridge offers a breathtaking overview of Falls Park’s scenic beauty.
7-North Carolina, Museum of Art: The excellent collection in this museum spans 5,000 years. You will not only witness lasting works of art, but you will also learn about the fascinating histories that inspired them.
8-Shenandoah National Park: This Virginia national park is a wonderful diversion; find fantastic camping areas, breathtaking scenery, mountain streams, and star nights. If you want to visit Old Rag Mountain, you need an Old Rag Day-Use Ticket.
Best time for a road trip from Atlanta to Washington DC
Since every season has something unique to offer, you may schedule a trip from Atlanta to Washington, DC, at any time of year. However, your preferences for the places you want to see along the journey will suggest the ideal time to travel.
While you may believe that summer is the ideal season, traveling at this time might be uncomfortable due to the high temperatures, especially in Washington, DC. You may find yourself rushing to the museums to stay cool due to the large crowds and normal temperatures reaching up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
On the other hand, the city is attractive in the winter because of the fresh snow and the celebrations of Christmas and New Year. You can stay away from visitors during this period. Temperatures can still reach 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but they are milder than in the north.
If you’re not interested in ice skating in the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of the Art, March and June would be a great time to visit. You will schedule your visit around the famous Cherry Blossom season, which begins in late March, despite the possibility of uncertain weather.
Two more great festivals to plan your vacation around are the highly anticipated Something in the Water music event and the After Dark Sightseeing Tour, which shows you Washington, DC’s breathtaking sights at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Washington DC from Atlanta?
The distance from Washington, DC to Atlanta is approximately 600 miles (970 kilometers) by road. The drive typically takes around 9 to 10 hours, depending on traffic.
What city is halfway between Atlanta and Washington DC?
The city halfway between Atlanta and Washington, DC is Greensboro, North Carolina. It’s located roughly 400 miles from each city.
What are the best places to stop between Atlanta and Washington DC?
Some great stops between Atlanta and Washington, DC include Greenville, SC, for its charming downtown, and Charlotte, NC, known for its museums and historic sites. Also, consider stopping in Richmond, VA, to explore Civil War history.
Is Washington DC more expensive than Atlanta?
Yes, Washington, DC is generally more expensive than Atlanta, particularly in terms of housing, dining, and overall cost of living. DC’s cost of living is about 30% higher than Atlanta’s on average.
What is the best time to visit Washington DC?
The best time to visit Washington, DC is during the spring (April to June) when the cherry blossoms are in bloom and the weather is mild. Fall (September to November) is also ideal, with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists.
For more detail on visiting Washington DC kindly visit http://www.washington.org
