Raleigh NC to Atlanta drive: Distance, time & best stop

The best road trip stops on the Raleigh NC to Atlanta drive are Greensboro NC, Charlotte NC and Greenville SC. The distance from Raleigh NC to Atlanta by car is 407 miles with a 6h13m driving time.

Planning a Raleigh NC to Atlanta road trip itinerary

The Raleigh NC to Atlanta drive connects the capital of North Carolina to the capital of Georgia.

Raleigh NC offers a series of high quality museums. The North Carolina Museum of History, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and North Carolina Museum of Art are the three big-hitters. Meanwhile, the Mordecai Historic Park is where you’ll find Raleigh’s oldest house and the William B Umstead State Park is the top spot for outdoorsy pursuits.

Top Raleigh activities include trolley pub tours and ghost tours.

For Raleigh accommodation, the Marriott is the prime address downtown and the Store is a gorgeous guesthouse.

Atlanta played a massive part in the Civil Rights movement, and a black history and civil rights tour is pretty much a must-do.

For more Atlanta experiences, try a sightseeing trolley tour for orientation and overview. Or a guided bike ride to get a better feel for the neighbourhoods.

Other Atlanta favourites include the World of Coca Cola, Midtown food and cocktail tours and multi-brewery beer tours.

Raleigh NC to Atlanta distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Raleigh NC to Atlanta is 407 miles. You can expect a driving time of around six hours and 13 minutes. The quickest route is along the I-85 and I-40. The best road trip stops on the Raleigh NC to Atlanta drive are Greensboro NC, Charlotte NC and Greenville SC.

Best stops between Raleigh NC and Atlanta: Greensboro NC

Greensboro NC has a handful of strong cultural attractions. The first port of call should be the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, which houses the original FW Woolworth’s lunch counter. This was where four college freshmen staged a sit-in at the whites-only venue – a key moment of non-violent direct action in the Civil Rights struggle.

There are more backstories at the Greensboro History Museum, and the Guildford Courthouse National Military Park focuses on a Revolutionary War turning point.

Raleigh NC to Atlanta drive: Charlotte NC

Charlotte is the biggest city in North Carolina. Major attractions include the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the thrill-packed Carowinds amusement park and the Billy Graham Library. Another popular option is the Sea Life aquarium.

For top Charlotte activities, try historical city tours by golf cart, Segway tours through the Uptown neighbourhood and after dark ghost tours.

Raleigh NC to Atlanta road trip attractions: Greenville SC

Greenville SC is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US. It strikes a nice balance between outdoorsiness, culture and decadence. Falls Park on the Reedy brings cascades near the city center. The Upcountry History Museum covers regional history. And the Roper Mountain Science Center has a planetarium, dinosaur adventure trail, butterfly garden and a living history farm.

Enjoyable Greenville experiences include craft cocktail tours, Segway adventures, paranormal walking tours and dessert-themed foodie tours.

Great Greenville accommodation choices include the spacious SpringHill Suites and the charming Pettigru Place Bed and Breakfast.