If you’re planning a trip from Memphis to Atlanta, the flight is one of the quickest ways to get into or back home to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Understanding typical flight times, schedules, and what to expect when you land in Atlanta can help you plan everything from rideshares to meetings and connections.
On a nonstop flight from Memphis (MEM) to Atlanta (ATL), you can usually expect:
Most travelers experience the total “airport to airport” time as around an hour and a half.
Flights between Memphis International Airport (MEM) and Atlanta’s Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL) are a popular regional route, so you’ll usually see:
Schedules can shift seasonally and by day of the week, so always double‑check current departure times when planning local transportation or meetings in Atlanta.
Most travelers between Memphis and Atlanta use nonstop flights, which are:
Occasionally, you’ll see connecting options that route through another city. These can:
If you’re based in Atlanta or flying into ATL to connect somewhere else, a nonstop MEM–ATL flight almost always makes the most sense for timing and convenience.
Memphis and Atlanta are both in the Eastern Time Zone? Not quite.
This means:
For Atlanta-based travelers:
Hartsfield–Jackson is one of the world’s busiest airports, but it’s designed for quick regional trips like Memphis–Atlanta.
From wheels down to reaching the curb, you might expect:
Overall, you should usually allow 45–60 minutes from landing to:
| Step | Typical Time Range (Nonstop) |
|---|---|
| In‑air MEM → ATL | 1:00–1:15 hours |
| Gate‑to‑gate MEM → ATL | 1:20–1:40 hours |
| Taxi to gate + deplane at ATL | 10–30 minutes |
| Baggage claim at ATL | 10–25 minutes |
| Walk/train to MARTA or pickup | 10–20 minutes |
| Plan from scheduled landing to curb | 45–60 minutes in most cases |
Use these as general planning ranges, not guarantees. Weather and airport congestion can extend times.
If you’re using the Memphis–Atlanta flight as a connection point:
Minimum connection time at ATL for domestic-to-domestic flights is often relatively tight, but for comfort:
Even though Atlanta’s Plane Train moves quickly, longer connections give you more buffer for delays and time to navigate concourses.
Once you’ve landed from Memphis, you’ll likely need a plan to get from ATL into Atlanta or the suburbs.
For many Atlanta trips, MARTA is the simplest way into the city:
💡 Timing tip: From ATL to Downtown or Midtown by MARTA usually takes 20–30 minutes once you’re on the train.
If you’re headed to neighborhoods not served as well by MARTA (like some parts of West Midtown, East Atlanta, or outer suburbs):
Travel time by car from ATL:
Give yourself extra time during weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.).
Even though the flight itself is short, you’ll still want a buffer at Memphis International Airport (MEM), especially if you’re connecting in Atlanta.
General guidelines:
If your Atlanta connection is time‑sensitive—for example, you’re catching an international flight out of ATL—err on the side of more time in Memphis, not less.
Even on a short route like Memphis to Atlanta, a few variables can affect your total travel time:
For Atlantans needing to be somewhere at a specific time—like a work event, a show at Fox Theatre, or a reservation in Midtown—build in a cushion in case your flight runs late.
If you live in Atlanta, Memphis can be a quick getaway or work destination:
When planning evening commitments back in Atlanta, such as dinner in Inman Park or a meeting near Peachtree Center, consider:
To make the Memphis to Atlanta flight smoother:
By keeping the short flight time, time zone shift, and busy ATL airport layout in mind, you can plan a Memphis to Atlanta trip that fits smoothly into your schedule in and around Atlanta.
