San Diego to Atlanta is a road trip that many people have taken, and for good reason. Along the way, you’ll see some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, including vast deserts, rolling hills, and sprawling forests. But before you hit the road, it’s important to plan ahead to make the most of your journey. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about driving from San Diego to Atlanta, including the distance, drive hours, best-driving route, and more.
Hertz
J.D. Power ranks Hertz as the best car rental company in North America, and for good reason. Their focus on customer satisfaction means you’ll have a great time renting from them – from start to finish.
Enterprise
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations all over the world, so they’re bound to have one close by. Plus, they offer a wide selection of cars – from economy to luxury – so you can find the perfect ride for your trip.
Fox Rent-A-Car
Fox Rent-A-Car is the perfect solution for budget-minded travelers. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank.
* With Expedia member prices, you could save 10% or more right now on thousands of cars.
San Diego to Atlanta Drive
Driving from San Diego to Atlanta takes approximately 31 hours, assuming that you take the most direct route. The fastest way to get from San Diego to Atlanta is to take I-10 E and I-20 E, which will take you through cities like Phoenix, Tucson, El Paso, and Dallas.
How far is San Diego from Atlanta by plane?
The flight distance from San Diego to Atlanta is 1888 miles. The flight time from San Diego to Atlanta is approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes. If you’re looking to save some time on your road trip, consider taking a flight instead.
There are several airlines that offer non-stop flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), including Delta, American, Southwest, and Spirit. Be sure to check the schedule in advance and book your tickets early to get the best deals.
San Diego to Atlanta Drive – Rent A Car In San Diego
Here are some rental car companies you can rent a car from in San Diego:
- Alamo: starts at $80 per day
- Avis: starts at $82 per day
- Budget: starts at $78 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $75 per day
- Hertz: starts at $82 per day
- National: starts at $88 per day
Gas prices will also vary depending on where you fill up, but you can expect to spend around $100 for a full tank. This is based on an average of $3.90 per gallon, and a standard car that holds 25 gallons of gas.
You can expect to pay anywhere between $540 to $690 for a one-way trip (including car rental and gas). If you’re accounting for a full family of four with luggage, it’s cheaper to rent a car and drive than it is to fly.
San Diego to Atlanta – Driving Stops Along The Way
Here are some stops you can make along the way:
- White Sands National Park, New Mexico
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
- Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
- Stone Mountain Park, Georgia
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
White Sands National Park is located in southern New Mexico and is known for its white gypsum sand dunes that stretch for miles. It’s a great place to stop and explore, especially if you have kids with you. The park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a visitor center where you can learn about the park’s history and geology.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in west Texas and is home to the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak. The park offers hiking trails, camping areas,
and stunning views of the Chihuahuan Desert. You can take a guided tour or explore on your own, and don’t forget to visit the McKittrick Canyon Trail for some of the best fall foliage in the area.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in southeastern New Mexico and is famous for its underground caves and formations. You can take a guided tour or explore on your own, and don’t miss the Bat Flight Program at sunset, where thousands of bats fly out of the caves for their nightly feeding.
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Hot Springs National Park is located in central Arkansas and is famous for its natural hot springs. You can take a bath in the historic bathhouses or take a hike through the surrounding forests. Be sure to also visit the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center to learn about the history of the park.
Stone Mountain Park, Georgia
Stone Mountain Park is located in the suburbs of Atlanta and is famous for its massive granite mountain that features the largest bas-relief sculpture in the world. The park offers hiking trails, camping areas, and a variety of family-friendly attractions, including a ropes course and a train ride around the mountain.
San Diego to Atlanta Drive – Best Route
If you’re looking to take a scenic route, consider taking the following:
San Diego to Phoenix via I-8 E and I-10 E
Phoenix to Tucson via I-10 E
Traveling from San Diego to Phoenix via I-8 E and I-10 E is a popular road trip that offers plenty of opportunities to explore the beauty of the American Southwest. This route takes you through the stunning landscapes of Southern California and Arizona, passing through several cities, towns, and natural attractions along the way. While the journey can be completed in just under 6 hours, there are plenty of interesting stops to make, such as the Imperial Sand Dunes, the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, and the Picacho Peak State Park. Whether you’re embarking on a solo adventure or a family road trip, traveling from San Diego to Phoenix via I-8 E and I-10 E is sure to be a memorable experience.
Tucson to El Paso via I-10 E
Driving from Tucson to El Paso takes approximately 4 hours if you take the most direct route along I-10 E. Along the way, you’ll pass through cities like Benson, Willcox, and Lordsburg. There are also several interesting stops you can make along the way, such as the Chiricahua National Monument and the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. When planning your trip, be sure to factor in gas prices, as they can vary depending on where you fill up.
El Paso to Dallas via I-20 E
Driving from El Paso to Dallas takes approximately 10 hours, assuming that you take the most direct route via I-20 E. This route will take you through the cities of Midland and Abilene.
While there are not many major tourist attractions along the way, there are several small towns and scenic areas worth exploring. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you hit the road, as the route can be affected by extreme heat or severe storms.
If you need to stop for food or gas, there are several exits with gas stations and fast food restaurants along the route. However, it’s always a good idea to fill up your gas tank and pack some snacks and water before you leave, especially if you plan on driving through the night.
Overall, the drive from El Paso to Dallas can be a long but enjoyable journey with plenty of opportunities to take in the unique landscapes and small-town charm of Texas.
Dallas to Atlanta via I-20 E
Driving from San Diego to Atlanta takes approximately 32 hours, assuming that you take the most direct route via I-10 E and I-20 E. The flight time from San Diego to Atlanta is approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes. Several rental car companies are available in San Diego, and gas prices will vary depending on where you fill up. Along the way, you can make stops at White Sands National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Hot Springs National Park, and Stone Mountain Park.
This route will take you through some of the most stunning scenery in the Southwest and the South, including the Sonoran Desert, the Chihuahuan Desert, and the rolling hills of Texas. Be sure to plan your stops along the way to make the most of your journey.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, driving from San Diego to Atlanta is a long but rewarding journey that will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Whether you’re looking to take the most direct route or a scenic one, be sure to plan ahead and make the most of your trip.