How Far Is It From Atlanta to Myrtle Beach? Your Complete Travel Guide

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and dreaming of a quick beach escape, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is one of the most popular options on the East Coast. Understanding how far it is from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach—and the best ways to get there—can help you plan your trip with realistic timing, costs, and expectations.

How Far Is Myrtle Beach From Atlanta?

The distance from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach depends on your route and mode of travel.

Driving Distance and Time

• Approximate driving distance:360–380 miles
• Typical driving time:6 to 7 hours (without long stops)

Most Atlanta travelers use one of these main routes:

1. I-20 East → I-95 North → US-501 East
2. I-20 East → US-378 East → US-501 East (more rural but can be less congested)

The exact distance will vary slightly depending on:

• Where you start in Atlanta (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, the suburbs)
• Traffic conditions on I-20 and I-285
• Construction and seasonal beach traffic near Myrtle Beach

Quick Distance & Time Overview

Driving From Atlanta to Myrtle Beach

For most Atlanta residents and visitors, driving is the simplest and most flexible way to get from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach.

Typical Driving Route From Atlanta

A common route from central Atlanta (near Downtown / Midtown) is:

1. Take I-20 East out of Atlanta.
2. Continue through Augusta, GA toward South Carolina.
3. Connect toward Florence, SC (via I-95 or regional highways).
4. From the Florence area, follow US-501 East directly into Myrtle Beach.

This keeps you mostly on major highways, which is helpful for:

• Consistent speed limits
• Plenty of fuel, food, and rest stop options
• Easier navigation, especially if you’re not familiar with rural backroads

How Traffic in Atlanta Affects Your Trip

Leaving Atlanta can be the slowest part of the drive. Congestion is common on:

• I-285, especially near I-20 and I-75/I-85 interchanges
• Downtown Connector (I-75/85) if you’re coming from Midtown, Downtown, or the airport

To avoid heavy delays:

• 🚗 Try to leave after morning rush (after ~9:30 a.m.) or before evening rush.
• Friday afternoons and holiday weekends are usually the busiest for beach-bound traffic.

If you’re renting a car near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, factor in extra time to pick up your vehicle and get through the I-285 / I-85 corridors.

Flying From Atlanta to Myrtle Beach

If the 6–7 hour drive doesn’t appeal to you, flying from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach is another option, especially for weekend trips.

Flight Distance and Time

• Air distance: roughly 280–300 miles
• Flight time in the air: about 1–1.5 hours
• Total door-to-door time from Atlanta: often 3–5 hours, including:
  • Travel to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Check-in and security
  • Boarding and potential waiting on the tarmac
  • Deplaning and getting from Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) to your lodging

Airport Basics for Atlanta Travelers

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Location: South of Downtown Atlanta, accessible via I-85, I-75, and MARTA
• MARTA access: The Airport Station is at the end of the Red and Gold lines, convenient if you’re staying in areas like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near the Perimeter with MARTA connections.

From MYR to most Myrtle Beach hotels and resorts, the drive is generally 15–30 minutes, depending on beach traffic and your exact destination.

Bus or Shuttle Options From Atlanta

There are often intercity bus services that connect Atlanta to cities in South Carolina, but direct bus routes to Myrtle Beach can be limited or may require one or more transfers, often in cities like Columbia, Florence, or Charlotte.

Typical characteristics of bus travel:

• Travel time: Often 8–11+ hours one way, longer than driving yourself
• Departure points in Atlanta: Commonly near Downtown, sometimes near the Civic Center or other central hubs
• Pros: You don’t have to drive; potentially lower out-of-pocket cost than flying
• Cons: Less flexibility, longer travel times, and less control over stops

For an Atlanta-based traveler, buses may be worth considering if:

• You prefer not to drive long distances
• You’re comfortable with longer travel windows and transfers

Comparing Your Options From Atlanta

Here’s how the main travel choices typically compare for someone starting in or near Atlanta:

1. Driving From Atlanta

Best for: Families, groups, or anyone who wants flexibility and doesn’t mind a 6–7 hour road trip.

Pros:

• Choose your departure time
• Easy to pack beach gear (chairs, umbrellas, coolers)
• No luggage restrictions like on flights
• You’ll have a car in Myrtle Beach for getting around

Cons:

• Long hours behind the wheel
• Traffic getting out of Atlanta and around holiday weekends
• Gas, tolls (if applicable), and potential parking costs

2. Flying From Atlanta (ATL → MYR)

Best for: Short trips, business travelers, or anyone prioritizing speed and minimizing time on the road.

Pros:

• 1–1.5 hour flight time
• Avoid long highway stretches
• Can be efficient for 2–3 day getaways

Cons:

• Must arrive early to the airport
• Baggage and fare structures vary
• Need transportation from MYR to your accommodations (rental car, taxi, shuttle, rideshare)

3. Bus or Combination Travel

Best for: Budget-focused travelers who are flexible with time and schedules.

Pros:

• You don’t have to drive
• Can be cost-effective compared with last-minute flights

Cons:

• Typically the longest total travel time
• May involve multiple transfers
• Limited departure times from Atlanta compared with driving your own car

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Headed to Myrtle Beach

Whether you live in Atlanta or are visiting and using it as a starting point, these tips can help your trip go more smoothly.

Timing Your Trip

• Spring and summer are high-demand seasons; allow extra time for:
  • Traffic leaving Atlanta (especially Fridays)
  • Congestion near Myrtle Beach
• If you have flexibility, consider leaving:
  • Early in the morning on a weekday
  • Later in the evening to bypass peak traffic (as long as you’re comfortable driving at night)

Planning Your Route From Key Atlanta Areas

• From Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:

  • Use the Downtown Connector (I-75/85) to connect to I-20 East.
  • Expect some congestion during rush hours.

• From Buckhead / North Atlanta:

  • Use GA-400, I-85, or surface streets to reach I-285 and then connect to I-20 East.
  • Allow extra time for traffic around I-285 interchanges.

• From Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL):

  • Pick up your rental car near the ATL Rental Car Center (connected via the SkyTrain).
  • Take I-85 North, then connect to I-285 or I-20 East, depending on your preferred route.

What to Expect on the Road

On the drive from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach, you can expect:

• Long stretches of interstate and major highways
• Frequent fuel and food stops around Atlanta, Augusta, Columbia/Florence (if routed that way), and near Myrtle Beach
• More rural stretches in parts of South Carolina where stops are spaced farther apart

🚘 Tip: Top off your tank in or around larger cities (like Augusta or Florence) so you’re not worried about fuel choices in more rural areas.

Is Myrtle Beach a Reasonable Weekend Trip From Atlanta?

Yes—many people in Atlanta treat Myrtle Beach as a long-weekend destination, especially from late spring through early fall.

Typical weekend pattern:

• Leave Atlanta on Friday morning or midday
• Arrive in Myrtle Beach by afternoon or early evening
• Spend two full days on the beach
• Drive or fly back to Atlanta on Sunday evening or Monday

For very short trips (like one full day and one night), flying can help you maximize time on the beach, while for longer stays, driving often makes more sense both financially and logistically.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Driving distance: Around 360–380 miles from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach
• Driving time: Typically 6–7 hours, depending on traffic, route, and stops
• Flying time: About 1–1.5 hours in the air from ATL to MYR, with 3–5 hours total travel time door-to-door
• Bus options: Usually possible but slower, with 8–11+ hours including transfers

If you’re in Atlanta and wondering how far Myrtle Beach is, plan on about a full day’s drive or a short flight. With realistic timing and smart route planning, it’s very manageable as a weekend or extended getaway from the city.