EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Time Pressure; Situational Awareness
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Aircraft; Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
During cruise over we noticed an acrid burning smell and immediately detected thin white smoke in the cockpit. We donned the oxygen masks and smoke goggles and the First Officer (FO) began working the checklists. We began a descent and quickly decided to divert to a nearby airport; as it was directly ahead of us. We messaged the company; informed the Flight Attendant and passengers; and requested CFR. As ATC got us down to 9;000 feet fairly quickly; I had some time and thought there might be a closer airport but the smoke had dissipated and we decided it was better to stick with the current plan. We removed our masks to preserve oxygen in case the smoke returned; proceeded to the airport and landed unremarkably.Obviously smoke in the cockpit is a big threat. Just after deciding to go to ZZZ I noticed the flight time was 15 minutes but; because we descended to 9;000 feet it took a good bit longer at 250 KTS. We did discuss going back up to 10;000 feet to accelerate. Instead we used the time to set up the approach and discuss the plan upon arrival with the CFR crew. I did not have good situational awareness as to the distance to the diversion airport.After seeing smoke I think the most important consideration is getting on the ground as quickly as possible. It would have been faster to have an alternate airport in mind from the onset; but I did not at that moment. If the smoke had increased we might have headed to the nearest 5;000 foot runway. We could have decreased the flight time by flying [faster] at 10;000 feet or choosing a closer runway. The FO was well trained and did a good job. The company could disseminate these reports to all maintenance personnel to better avoid such events. Also; Dispatch; upon hearing the event could send suggestions of close alternate airports.
Upon sensing smoke and a burning odor the flight crew of an EMB-145 diverted uneventfully to the nearest suitable airport.