SkySouth departs from Burlington-Alamance Regional Airport (KBUY), three miles southwest of Burlington's downtown. There are no commercial terminals, no TSA checkpoints, and no baggage carousels. You arrive at the FBO at 3441 North Aviation Dr, Burlington, NC 27215 and you are airborne inside 20 minutes.
Atlanta arrival is at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK/KPDK), the preferred private aviation gateway for the north side of the city. PDK puts you 12 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta and closer to Buckhead, Midtown, the Perimeter, and Doraville than Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) in most traffic conditions. General aviation operations at PDK are governed by the Federal Aviation Administration.
The distance from KBUY to KPDK is approximately 430 nautical miles. At cruise speed, the Citation CJ3 covers this in around 85 minutes. The Citation CJ1 takes slightly longer at roughly 95 minutes. Neither aircraft requires a fuel stop on this route.
Why Fly Private
Door-to-door in under 3.5 hours
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic. Every commercial route from the Triad region connects through it, which means connection risk, congestion, and an arrival experience that puts you in a terminal miles from your actual destination. DeKalb-Peachtree (PDK) is a completely different operation.
Commercial (via CLT or RDU)
6+ hrs
Typical door-to-door
Drive to CLT or RDU
1.5+ hr
TSA security & gate wait
1.5 hr
Flight to ATL
~1 hr
Deplane, baggage claim
45 min
Ground transport from ATL
45+ min
SkySouth Private Charter
~3 hrs
Typical door-to-door
Drive to KBUY Burlington
15-30 min
Arrive at FBO, board
15 min
Direct flight KBUY to PDK
~85 min
Ground transport from PDK
20-35 min
No connection. No layover.
0
Time Comparison
SkySouth Private Charter
~3 hrs
3 hrs
Commercial via CLT / RDU
6+ hrs
6+ hrs
Driving (Burlington to ATL)
~7.5 hrs
7.5 hrs
Commercial time estimates include drive to hub, TSA, typical connection, baggage, and ground transport at ATL. Drive time is one-way. Private time includes drive to KBUY and ground transport from PDK.
Our Fleet
Two aircraft built for this route
The Burlington to Atlanta route covers roughly 430 nautical miles. Both the Citation CJ1 and Citation CJ3 handle it without a fuel stop. Your choice comes down to group size, cabin preference, and budget.
Citation CJ1
Light Jet
415 mphTop speed
1,200 nmMax range
4-5Passengers
41,000 ftService ceiling
Premium leather executive seating with recline
Stowable tables for work or dining
Refreshment center, beverage and snack storage
Power outlets, reading lights, air vents
Compact lavatory onboard
57 cu ft baggage capacity
From $2,900 / flight hr on this route
Most Popular
Citation CJ3
Light Jet (Flagship)
480 mphTop speed
1,500 nmMax range
6-7Passengers
45,000 ftService ceiling
New leather interior and paint completed January 2026
Premium seats with sliding, rotating, and recline
Significantly larger cabin than CJ1
Stowable tables, refreshment center
Power outlets, reading lights, air vents
Full lavatory, 57 cu ft baggage
From $3,500 / flight hr on this route
Hourly rates are starting rates. Final quote depends on date, passenger count, aircraft availability, and any additional services. All quotes from SkySouth are personalized and transparent.
Use this tool to get a rough sense of what a Burlington to Atlanta private charter might cost. For a personalized quote, call our 24/7 dispatch line or submit a quote request.
Burlington to Atlanta Cost Estimator
Estimates only. Contact SkySouth for an exact quote.
Citation CJ1 (from $2,900/hr)
Citation CJ3 (from $3,500/hr)
One way
Round trip
Estimated Flight Time (one way)
~1 hr 25 min
Billed Hours (per leg)
1.5 hrs
Legs
1 (one way)
Estimated Starting Cost
$4,350
Estimates based on starting hourly rates and approximate flight time. Actual pricing depends on fuel surcharges, date, specific aircraft, and any additional services. Contact SkySouth for an accurate quote.
Atlanta is one of the most important business hubs in the Southeast. The Triad region has deep trade and supply chain ties to Georgia. Here is who typically books this route and why.
Business executives and teams
A morning departure from Burlington puts your group at PDK by 9 AM for a full day of Atlanta meetings, with a same-day return possible. No hotel, no missed evening. A team of four or five pays one charter rate rather than five separate last-minute business fares.
Triad-area companies with Atlanta clients
Businesses in Greensboro, Burlington, Durham, and Chapel Hill with clients in Atlanta's Midtown, Buckhead, or Perimeter districts can do a meaningful same-day trip that would be borderline impossible through ATL.
Medical transport
SkySouth has operated medical flights for hospitals and surgical teams since 2003. Atlanta has several of the top medical centers in the South, including Emory University Hospital and Piedmont Atlanta. Our 24/7 dispatch and direct routing make this corridor viable for time-sensitive patient transfers and organ transport. Learn more about our medical flight services.
Sports and events
State Farm Arena (Atlanta Hawks), Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United), and Truist Park (Atlanta Braves) are all accessible from PDK in 25 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. Fly in for a game or event and return the same night.
Real estate and investment travel
Atlanta remains one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in the US. Private charter lets buyers, developers, and advisors run a same-day site inspection and be home for dinner.
Vacation and leisure
A group of six or seven can charter the CJ3, split the cost, and arrive at Hartsfield or PDK without navigating commercial Atlanta. PDK is also considerably less stressful as an entry point for first-time Atlanta visitors.
Atlanta Destinations
Where you go once you land
DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK) is 12 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta. Here are common destinations and approximate drive times from PDK in normal traffic.
Buckhead
Business & Luxury
~20 min from PDK. Atlanta's financial and luxury retail district.
Midtown Atlanta
Business & Culture
~25 min from PDK. Major corporate offices, Georgia Tech, arts district.
Downtown Atlanta
Business & Sports
~30 min from PDK. State Farm Arena, CNN Center, Georgia Aquarium.
Perimeter Center
Corporate Corridor
~15 min from PDK. Major suburban office parks, Fortune 500 offices.
Doraville / Norcross
Industrial & Tech
~10-15 min from PDK. Manufacturing, logistics, and tech corridors.
Truist Park
Sports / Events
~20 min from PDK. Home of the Atlanta Braves, The Battery dining district.
Emory University
Medical / Education
~10 min from PDK. Emory Hospital, CDC headquarters, Rollins School of Public Health.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Sports / Events
~30 min from PDK. Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United FC, major concerts.
Hartsfield Connections
Onward Travel
~40-50 min from PDK. Use SkySouth to avoid ATL entirely, or connect onward.
The Airports
KBUY and KPDK: built for private aviation
Both airports on this route serve general aviation, not commercial airlines. That separation is the operational advantage most travelers do not fully appreciate until they experience it.
KBUY
Burlington-Alamance Regional Airport
Burlington, NC
Elevation616 ft MSL
Primary Runway6,400 ft
ClassificationGeneral Aviation (NPIAS)
TSA ScreeningNone required
FBO Address3441 N. Aviation Dr
FBO HoursM-F 7am-7pm / W-E 8am-6pm
Classified as a general aviation facility under the FAA National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). SkySouth's FBO includes a crew lounge, rest facilities, and courtesy vehicles.
KPDK
DeKalb-Peachtree Airport
Atlanta, GA (Chamblee)
Elevation1,003 ft MSL
Primary Runway6,001 ft
ClassificationGeneral Aviation (Reliever)
Operations24 hrs / 7 days
Distance to Buckhead~12 miles
Distance to Downtown~14 miles
PDK is a federally designated reliever airport under the FAA system, designed specifically to offload traffic from Hartsfield-Jackson. It has multiple FBO operators, direct highway access, and significantly less congestion than ATL.
Common Questions
Everything you need to know
How long is the flight from Burlington, NC to Atlanta?+
The direct flight from Burlington-Alamance Regional (KBUY) to DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (KPDK) takes approximately 85 minutes on the Citation CJ3 at cruise speed. The Citation CJ1 runs slightly longer at roughly 95 minutes due to its lower top speed of 415 mph versus the CJ3's 480 mph. Total door-to-door time with SkySouth is typically around 2.5 to 3 hours including the short drive to KBUY and ground transport from PDK into Atlanta.
What Atlanta airport does SkySouth use?+
SkySouth typically routes to Atlanta through DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK / KPDK), a federally designated reliever airport 12 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta. PDK operates 24 hours a day, has multiple FBO facilities, and offers significantly less congestion and faster ground access to Buckhead, Midtown, Perimeter, and Doraville than Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL). Alternate arrival airports such as Fulton County Airport (FTY) may also be available depending on your destination within the Atlanta metro. Contact dispatch for details.
How much does it cost to charter a private jet from Burlington to Atlanta?+
Starting rates on the Citation CJ1 are $2,900 per flight hour, and on the Citation CJ3, rates start at $3,500 per flight hour. A one-way trip from Burlington to Atlanta runs approximately 1.5 billed flight hours, putting starting estimates around $4,350 to $5,250 one way depending on aircraft. A round trip starts around $8,700 to $10,500 before fuel surcharges and any additional services. Every quote from SkySouth is personalized. Call (336) 639-2151 or submit a quote request for an exact number.
How many passengers can fly on this route?+
The Citation CJ1 comfortably seats 4 to 5 passengers. The Citation CJ3 seats 6 to 7 passengers, with a significantly larger club-style cabin featuring sliding and rotating leather seats with additional legroom. Both aircraft have onboard lavatories, power outlets, and refreshment centers. If you have a larger group, contact SkySouth to discuss aircraft and scheduling options.
Can I book a same-day or last-minute flight?+
SkySouth operates a 24/7 charter dispatch line at (336) 639-2151. Same-day availability depends on aircraft scheduling and crew availability. For time-sensitive needs including medical transport, call dispatch directly. For business and leisure travel, booking ahead ensures aircraft availability on your preferred date and time.
Does SkySouth serve the Greensboro and Raleigh areas too?+
Yes. SkySouth serves the broader Triad and Triangle regions. Travelers departing from Greensboro, Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill can arrange charter pickup from KBUY or discuss alternate departure airports. Contact dispatch to discuss routing from your specific location.
What is the departure experience like from Burlington (KBUY)?+
Burlington-Alamance Regional Airport is a general aviation facility with no commercial terminal and no TSA security screening. SkySouth passengers arrive at the FBO at 3441 North Aviation Dr, Burlington, NC 27215. You can typically be airborne within 15 to 20 minutes of arrival. The SkySouth FBO includes a crew lounge, refreshments, rest facilities, and courtesy vehicles for crew layovers. FBO hours are Monday through Friday 7 AM to 7 PM and weekends 8 AM to 6 PM, with after-hours service available by request.
Does SkySouth offer medical transport to Atlanta?+
Yes. SkySouth has a dedicated medical flight operation and has served hospitals, surgical teams, and patients across the Eastern US since 2003. The Burlington to Atlanta route is well within range of both aircraft and can accommodate time-sensitive medical missions including organ transport and patient transfers, with 24/7 dispatch coordination at (336) 639-2151. Atlanta's Emory University Hospital and other major medical centers are accessible from PDK in approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
Explore More
More routes and services
SkySouth serves the full Triad region and flies direct to destinations across the Eastern US, Caribbean, and beyond.
