How Far Is It from Memphis to Atlanta? Your Complete Distance and Travel Guide

If you live in Atlanta, are planning a trip from Memphis to Atlanta, or just want to understand the travel distance and options between the two cities, it helps to know more than just the miles. Here’s a clear breakdown of how far Memphis is from Atlanta, plus how long it takes to get here, the best routes, and what to expect by car, bus, train, or plane.

How Far Is Memphis from Atlanta?

The distance between Memphis, Tennessee and Atlanta, Georgia depends on how you travel and which parts of each city you’re measuring from.

Driving distance

From Downtown Memphis to Downtown Atlanta:

• Approximate driving distance:380–400 miles
• Typical drive time:5.5 to 6.5 hours in normal conditions

Most drivers use Interstate 22 and Interstate 20 or Interstate 240 / US-78 as the main route. Atlanta traffic, especially around I-285 and through Downtown (I-75/85 connector), can add time during rush hours.

Straight-line (flight) distance

If you measure “as the crow flies” between the two cities:

• Straight-line distance: around 330–340 miles

This is why the flight time is significantly shorter than the drive time, even though airport procedures add to the total trip.

Main Ways to Travel Between Memphis and Atlanta

1. Driving from Memphis to Atlanta

Driving is the most flexible option, especially if you’re based in Atlanta and planning a round trip.

Typical route from Memphis to Atlanta:

1. Leave Downtown Memphis via I-240 or I-40.
2. Connect to US-78 / I-22 East toward Birmingham, Alabama.
3. Near Birmingham, connect to I-20 East toward Atlanta.
4. Enter the Atlanta area via I-20, then continue to:
   • Downtown (connect to I-75/85),
   • Midtown, or
   • I-285 for suburbs like Sandy Springs, Decatur, or College Park.

Approximate driving times to common Atlanta areas from Memphis (in good conditions):

When traffic matters most in Atlanta:

• Morning rush: roughly 7:00–9:30 a.m.
• Evening rush: roughly 4:00–7:00 p.m.

If you’re coming into Atlanta, it’s often easier to plan arrival outside rush hour to avoid heavy congestion on I-20, the Downtown Connector, and I-285.

Pros of driving:

• Door-to-door convenience
• Flexible departure time
• Ideal if you need a car in Atlanta or Memphis

Considerations:

• Tolls are minimal on the main Memphis–Atlanta route, but parking in central Atlanta (Downtown, Midtown, near major attractions) can be costly.
• Weather (especially heavy rain or storms) can slow the drive in North Georgia and parts of Alabama.

2. Flying from Memphis to Atlanta

If you’re heading to or from Atlanta by air, almost all commercial flights will use Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

Key distance and timing details:

• Flight distance: around 330–340 miles
• Typical nonstop flight time: about 1 to 1.5 hours in the air
• Total travel time (including airport processes): often 3–5 hours depending on:
  • Security lines
  • Boarding
  • Baggage claim
  • Transit to/from the airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):

• Location: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• General airport info (main switchboard): (800) 897-1910 (widely listed for airport assistance)

Getting from ATL into Atlanta:

Once you land in Atlanta, you can reach the city quickly:

• MARTA Rail:
  • The Airport Station is inside the Domestic Terminal.
  • Approx. 15–25 minutes to Downtown or Midtown on the Red or Gold lines.
• Rideshare and taxis:
  • Dedicated pick-up areas at the Domestic and International terminals.
  • Travel time to Downtown is typically 15–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Rental cars:
  • Rental Car Center is at 2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy, College Park, GA 30337, connected by the SkyTrain from the Domestic Terminal.

Pros of flying:

• Short time in the air
• Multiple daily flight options between Memphis and Atlanta
• Convenient if you’re connecting through Atlanta to other destinations

Considerations:

• You’ll still need local transportation in Atlanta, especially if you’re staying outside MARTA’s rail coverage.
• Security and boarding times add to the total duration.

3. Bus and Coach Options

For travelers watching their budget, intercity buses between Memphis and Atlanta can be an option.

Typical bus details:

• Distance traveled: similar to driving (around 380–400 miles).
• Travel time: often 7–9 hours, depending on route, traffic, and stops.

Common bus arrival points in Atlanta often include locations near Downtown or central transit hubs. From there, you can connect to:

• MARTA Rail (for travel to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and the airport)
• MARTA Bus (for neighborhoods not directly on the rail line)
• Local rideshare or taxi services

Pros of bus travel:

• Generally more affordable than flying
• No need to drive yourself
• Flexible for travelers without cars

Considerations:

• Longer travel time than driving or flying
• Limited onboard amenities compared to driving your own car
• Departure and arrival times may not match your ideal schedule

4. Train Travel: Memphis to Atlanta

There is no direct, fast passenger train that runs straight from Memphis to Atlanta in a simple, high-frequency route. For most residents or visitors in Atlanta, train travel is usually not the primary choice for this specific trip because:

• Connections may require significant detours or transfers.
• Total travel time is usually much longer than driving, bus, or flying.

If you’re interested in rail travel for the experience, you would typically need to plan a more complex, multi-part route rather than a simple point-to-point trip.

Choosing the Best Way to Travel Between Memphis and Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta and planning a trip to Memphis (or coming into Atlanta from Memphis), your choice usually comes down to time, cost, and convenience.

When driving makes sense

Driving is often the best option if:

• You prefer flexible timing and can leave early or late to avoid traffic.
• You plan to stay in Memphis or explore areas around Atlanta where having a car is helpful.
• You’re traveling with family or a group and want to split the cost of fuel and parking.

When flying makes sense

Flying is usually better if:

• You want the shortest in-transit time between cities.
• You’re comfortable with navigating ATL, one of the busiest airports in the world.
• You’re connecting through Atlanta to other destinations and Memphis is just one leg of your journey.

When bus travel makes sense

A bus can be the right choice if:

• You’re looking for a lower-cost option and aren’t in a rush.
• You don’t want to drive or deal with parking in either city.
• You’re comfortable with longer travel times and scheduled departure windows.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers

If you’re planning a trip between Memphis and Atlanta, here are a few local-focused tips:

• Plan around Atlanta traffic:
  Try to schedule Memphis-to-Atlanta drives so that you arrive before 3:00 p.m. or after 7:00 p.m. on weekdays to reduce time in congestion.

• Use MARTA from the airport:
  If your final destination is Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near major attractions, riding MARTA from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport can be faster and cheaper than renting a car or taking a rideshare in heavy traffic.

• Consider where you’re staying in Atlanta:

  • If you’re in Downtown or Midtown, you can often rely on MARTA, walking, and short rideshares.
  • If you’re staying in suburban areas like Cobb County, North Fulton, or Gwinnett, having a car is often much more convenient.

• Factor in time zone differences:
  Both Memphis and Atlanta are typically in the Central (Memphis) and Eastern (Atlanta) time zones, respectively. When traveling from Memphis to Atlanta, you effectively lose one hour on the clock when you cross into Georgia. This matters if you have:

  • Event tickets
  • Hotel check-in times
  • Business meetings or appointments

Quick Reference: Memphis to Atlanta Distance and Time

• Driving distance: about 380–400 miles
• Typical drive time:5.5–6.5 hours, plus any traffic delays
• Flight distance: about 330–340 miles
• Typical nonstop flight time: about 1–1.5 hours in the air
• Time zone note: Memphis (Central Time) → Atlanta (Eastern Time): +1 hour when you arrive in Atlanta

Understanding how far Memphis is from Atlanta—and how long each travel option takes—helps you choose the route that fits your schedule, budget, and comfort level. Whether you’re an Atlanta local heading west or a visitor making your way into the city, you can expect the trip between these two Southern hubs to be manageable in a single day by car, bus, or plane.