If you’re planning a road trip from Atlanta to Charlotte, you’re in for a treat. The drive takes you through some of the most scenic areas in the Southeastern United States, including beautiful forests, rolling hills, and picturesque small towns. In this ultimate road trip guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about driving from Atlanta to Charlotte, including the distance, drive hours, stops, and the best driving route to take.
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Fox Rent-A-Car
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Atlanta to Charlotte Drive
The distance from Atlanta to Charlotte is approximately 244.8 miles (393.9 km), and the drive time is approximately 3 hours and 52 minutes. The fastest route to take is via I-85 N, which will take you through several cities and towns, including Greenville and Spartanburg.
Along the way, you’ll also pass through beautiful countryside and lush forests. However, if you’re looking for a more scenic drive with stops along the way, consider taking one of the routes listed below.
How far is Atlanta from Charlotte by plane?
The flight distance is approximately 226 miles (363.7 km) and the flight time is 42 minutes – there are several flights that operate daily between the two cities.
The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, and it offers flights to Charlotte Douglas International Airport as well. You can find flights operated by major airlines such as Delta, American, and United.
Atlanta to Charlotte Drive – Rent A Car In Atlanta
If you’re planning to drive from Atlanta to Charlotte, you’ll need a rental car. Here are some rental car companies to consider renting a car from in Atlanta:
- Alamo: starts at $63 per day
- Avis: starts at $63 per day
- Budget: starts at $53 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $63 per day
- Hertz: starts at $63 per day
- Thrifty: starts at $39 per day
- Dollar: starts at $43 per day
Gas prices will vary depending on where you fill up, but you can expect to spend around $50 for a full tank. This is based on an average of $3.323 per gallon, and a standard car that holds 15 gallons of gas.
You’re expected to pay anywhere between $200 to $250 for a round trip (including car rental and gas). If you’re traveling with a full family of four with luggage, it’s generally cheaper to rent a car and drive than it is to fly.
Atlanta to Charlotte – Driving Stops Along The Way
There are several stops you can make along the way from Atlanta to Charlotte. Here are some of the most interesting ones:
Greenville
Greenville is a charming small town located in South Carolina. It’s famous for its beautiful Falls Park on the Reedy, which features several waterfalls and a picturesque suspension bridge. Other interesting places to visit in Greenville include the Greenville County Museum of Art and the Upcountry History Museum.
Spartanburg
Spartanburg is another interesting town located in South Carolina. It’s home to several historical landmarks, including the Cowpens National Battlefield, where the American Revolution was won. You can also visit the Spartanburg Art Museum and the Spartanburg Science Center.
Kings Mountain National Military Park
If you’re interested in history, be sure to stop by the Kings Mountain National Military Park. This park is dedicated to the Battle of Kings Mountain, which was a pivotal battle in the American Revolution. You can take a guided tour of the park and learn about the battle’s history.
Crowders Mountain State Park
If you’re a nature lover, Crowders Mountain State Park is a must-visit stop on your road trip. The park offers hiking trails, rock climbing, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. There are also picnic areas and campgrounds available if you want to extend your stay.
Charlotte
Finally, you’ll arrive in Charlotte, North Carolina. This vibrant city is known for its museums, including the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. You can also explore the city’s many parks and gardens, or visit the historic Fourth Ward neighborhood.
Best Driving Route from Atlanta to Charlotte
While the fastest route from Atlanta to Charlotte is via I-85 N, there are several alternative routes that offer more scenic drives and interesting stops along the way. Here are three driving routes to consider:
Route 1: I-85 N
Distance: 246 miles Drive time: Approximately 4 hours
This is the fastest and most direct route from Atlanta to Charlotte, taking you through several towns and cities, including Greenville and Spartanburg.
Route 2: GA-400 N and US-19 N
Distance: 278 miles Drive time: Approximately 5 hours
This route takes you through the North Georgia Mountains and offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains. You’ll pass through towns such as Dahlonega and Blairsville before connecting with US-19 N, which will take you to Charlotte.Route 3 – I-85 N and Blue Ridge Parkway
Distance: 326 miles Drive time: Approximately 7 hours
This route takes you through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, offering scenic views and picturesque small towns. You’ll start by taking I-85 N to Asheville, North Carolina, before connecting with the Blue Ridge Parkway, which will take you all the way to Charlotte. This route is longer but offers a truly unforgettable experience.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the road trip from Atlanta to Charlotte offers a perfect opportunity to explore the beautiful Southeastern United States. With a distance of approximately 246 miles and a drive time of around 3 hours and 52 minutes, the drive is not only scenic but also convenient. Along the way, there are several stops you can make, including charming small towns, historical landmarks, and state parks. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply looking for a change of scenery, the Atlanta to Charlotte road trip has something for everyone. So, grab your rental car and hit the road to experience the best of what the Southeastern United States has to offer.
