Houston to Atlanta is 688 miles (1,108 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
Both sides cross mostly flat Gulf Coast and Piedmont terrain with no major mountains, but the right side edges ahead thanks to skyline views of both Houston at departure and Atlanta at arrival, plus a distant look at Stone Mountain.
Flight Path
Pine forests and river deltas of eastern Louisiana, the Mississippi River near Natchez, rolling hardwood hills of Mississippi and Alabama, and the Alabama River valley before the terrain rises gently into Georgia's Piedmont region.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAH
RIGHTDeparting IAH eastbound, the right side gives a brief look at Houston's skyline and the sprawling suburbs toward Galveston Bay before the plane levels off over flat pine forest. The left side mostly shows featureless farmland north of the city.
Landing at ATL
RIGHTOn approach into ATL from the west, the right side offers a clear view of downtown Atlanta's skyline and the forested hills of north Georgia, including a distant view of Stone Mountain's granite dome. The left side mostly faces open countryside with no major landmarks.
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 George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Atlanta. Both sides cross mostly flat Gulf Coast and Piedmont terrain with no major mountains, but the right side edges ahead thanks to skyline views of both Houston at departure and Atlanta at arrival, plus a distant look at Stone Mountain.
What can I see during takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
During takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing IAH eastbound, the right side gives a brief look at Houston's skyline and the sprawling suburbs toward Galveston Bay before the plane levels off over flat pine forest. The left side mostly shows featureless farmland north of the city. Notable sights include: Houston downtown skyline, Galveston Bay glimpse, Houston Ship Channel industrial complex.
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. On approach into ATL from the west, the right side offers a clear view of downtown Atlanta's skyline and the forested hills of north Georgia, including a distant view of Stone Mountain's granite dome. The left side mostly faces open countryside with no major landmarks. Notable sights include: Atlanta downtown skyline, Stone Mountain granite dome, Chattahoochee River, forested Piedmont hills.
How long is the flight from Houston to Atlanta?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 688 miles (1,108 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Houston to Atlanta flight path pass over?
Pine forests and river deltas of eastern Louisiana, the Mississippi River near Natchez, rolling hardwood hills of Mississippi and Alabama, and the Alabama River valley before the terrain rises gently into Georgia's Piedmont region.