Columbus to Atlanta is 448 miles (720 km), a flight of about 1 hour 30 minutes.
The right side wins at both ends of this flight. Over the mid-flight cruise portion through Kentucky and Tennessee, the right side also faces generally west toward the Cumberland Plateau edge and Tennessee River valley terrain, offering more topographic interest than the flatter eastern perspective.
Flight Path
The flight crosses southern Ohio farmland, then enters Kentucky over the Cincinnati metro area, transitions across the rolling Kentucky Bluegrass region, crosses the Tennessee border near the Cumberland Plateau where terrain becomes noticeably more rugged with ridgelines and valleys, then descends over the heavily forested hills of northern Georgia before the Atlanta basin opens up
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CMH
RIGHTCMH typically departs south on runway 28L/10R or uses runways oriented east-west. On a southbound departure toward Atlanta, the right (west) side gives you a clear view back over downtown Columbus and the Scioto River as you climb out. The left side faces east toward less distinctive suburban terrain.
Landing at ATL
RIGHTATL's primary arrival from the north typically uses runways 26L/26R or 28, meaning the aircraft approaches from the northeast. On this heading, the right side faces northwest and gives you a view of the Atlanta skyline, Buckhead, and Stone Mountain to the east as you descend. The left side looks south toward less distinctive suburban sprawl.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Port Columbus International (CMH) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Columbus to Atlanta. The right side wins at both ends of this flight. Over the mid-flight cruise portion through Kentucky and Tennessee, the right side also faces generally west toward the Cumberland Plateau edge and Tennessee River valley terrain, offering more topographic interest than the flatter eastern perspective.
What can I see during takeoff from Port Columbus International in Columbus?
During takeoff from Port Columbus International (CMH), sit on the Right side for the best views. CMH typically departs south on runway 28L/10R or uses runways oriented east-west. On a southbound departure toward Atlanta, the right (west) side gives you a clear view back over downtown Columbus and the Scioto River as you climb out. The left side faces east toward less distinctive suburban terrain. Notable sights include: Downtown Columbus skyline, Scioto River winding south through the city, Rickenbacker area to the southeast, broad Ohio farmland grid patterns.
What can I see when landing at The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International in Atlanta?
When landing at The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL), sit on the Right side for the best views. ATL's primary arrival from the north typically uses runways 26L/26R or 28, meaning the aircraft approaches from the northeast. On this heading, the right side faces northwest and gives you a view of the Atlanta skyline, Buckhead, and Stone Mountain to the east as you descend. The left side looks south toward less distinctive suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Atlanta downtown skyline, Stone Mountain visible to the east as a distinctive granite dome, Chattahoochee River corridor, Hartsfield-Jackson airport complex itself on final approach.
How long is the flight from Columbus to Atlanta?
The flight from Port Columbus International (CMH) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 448 miles (720 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Columbus to Atlanta flight path pass over?
The flight crosses southern Ohio farmland, then enters Kentucky over the Cincinnati metro area, transitions across the rolling Kentucky Bluegrass region, crosses the Tennessee border near the Cumberland Plateau where terrain becomes noticeably more rugged with ridgelines and valleys, then descends over the heavily forested hills of northern Georgia before the Atlanta basin opens up