How Far Is Myrtle Beach From Atlanta? Your Practical Travel Guide
If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and thinking about a beach escape, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is one of the closest Atlantic Ocean options. Understanding how far Myrtle Beach is from Atlanta—and the best ways to get there—can help you plan a smooth trip.
Distance From Atlanta to Myrtle Beach
The distance depends on your exact starting point in Atlanta and your route, but for most travelers:
- Driving distance: about 360–380 miles
- Typical drive time: around 6 to 7 hours in normal traffic
- Straight-line (“as the crow flies”) distance: roughly 300 miles
Most people in metro Atlanta start from somewhere near Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or the airport area (Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport), and the numbers above fit well for those locations.
Common Driving Routes
The two main approaches are:
- I-20 East → I-95 North → U.S. 501 East (via Florence, SC)
- I-20 East → U.S. 378 or U.S. 76 East (via Columbia, SC), then U.S. 501 or SC-22 to Myrtle Beach
Both typically land in that 6–7 hour window, depending on:
- Time of day (rush hour leaving Atlanta can add 30–60 minutes)
- Season (summer beach traffic near Myrtle Beach often slows things)
- Construction zones in South Carolina
Quick Reference: Atlanta to Myrtle Beach Travel Overview
| Travel Option | Approx. Time | Typical Distance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving (car) | 6–7 hours | 360–380 miles | Flexibility, families, bringing beach gear |
| Bus (with transfers) | 8–10+ hours | Similar to driving | Budget travelers, no car needed |
| Flight (indirect) | 3–6+ hours travel time door-to-door | ~300 air miles | Faster trips if you catch good connections |
Times are estimates and can vary with traffic, airline schedules, and layovers.
Driving From Atlanta to Myrtle Beach
For most people in Atlanta, driving is the most straightforward way to get to Myrtle Beach.
Typical Route From the Atlanta Core
Starting from somewhere like Downtown Atlanta (near the Georgia State Capitol or Centennial Olympic Park):
- Get onto I-20 East toward Augusta.
- Stay on I-20 East through Augusta into South Carolina.
- Near Florence or Columbia, connect to:
- I-95 North, then
- U.S. 501 East into Myrtle Beach,
or - U.S. 378 / U.S. 76 / SC-22 depending on navigation guidance and traffic.
This keeps you on major highways most of the way, which many Atlanta drivers prefer for long trips.
Leaving From Different Parts of Metro Atlanta
- Northside (Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody):
You’ll likely head I-285 or local routes down to connect with I-20 East. Add 15–30 minutes. - Westside (West Midtown, Smyrna, Mableton):
Easy access to I-20 East. Total time often closer to the lower end of the 6–7 hour range. - Southside (East Point, College Park, Forest Park):
You may connect from I-285 or local routes, but your distance to I-20 is fairly short. - Far suburbs (Marietta, Lawrenceville, McDonough, etc.):
Expect some extra time just getting to I-20 or crossing the city if you hit rush hour.
When to Leave Atlanta
To avoid heavy traffic:
- 🕗 Weekdays: Try to leave before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:30 a.m., and avoid the 4:00–7:00 p.m. peak.
- 🕘 Fridays: Can be especially slow leaving the city if you’re heading out for a weekend beach trip.
- ⛱️ Summer weekends: Expect extra congestion both leaving Atlanta and arriving near Myrtle Beach.
Rest Stops and Breaks
If you travel with kids, older adults, or anyone who needs frequent breaks, plan for:
- A rest stop every 1.5–2.5 hours, especially along I-20 and I-95.
- Food and fuel in larger towns like Augusta, GA and Florence, SC, where services are more plentiful.
Flying From Atlanta to Myrtle Beach
There is no long nonstop international-style route; however, there are often seasonal or limited nonstop flights between Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), plus connecting options.
Typical Flight Experience
From an Atlanta traveler’s perspective:
- Flight time in the air: roughly 1 hour (nonstop)
- Door-to-door time: usually 3–6 hours, including:
- Driving to ATL
- Check-in and security
- Possible layover (if nonstop options are limited)
- Ground transportation from MYR to your hotel or rental
When nonstop flights are available and priced reasonably, flying can be comparable in total time to driving, especially if you live close to the airport or can use MARTA.
Getting to the Atlanta Airport
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
From around the city:
- By MARTA:
Take any North–South (Red or Gold) Line to Airport Station, which drops you directly inside the airport domestic terminal. - By car:
Allow extra time for I-75/I-85 traffic, especially during morning and evening rush hours through Downtown and Midtown.
Flying is often more attractive if you:
- Don’t want to drive long distances
- Are only traveling for a short weekend
- Can pack light and avoid long check-in lines
Bus or Shuttle From Atlanta to Myrtle Beach
There is typically no simple, single-seat “Atlanta to Myrtle Beach” local shuttle, but some intercity bus services run routes that can get you there with one or more transfers.
From the perspective of an Atlanta traveler:
- Travel time: usually 8–10+ hours, depending on connections
- Departure points: Often from central locations like near Downtown Atlanta or other major transit-accessible points
- Best for: Travelers without a car who prioritize budget over speed
Because bus routes and schedules can change, many Atlanta residents:
- Start by checking bus departures that serve the Downtown/Midtown area, then
- Plug “Myrtle Beach, SC” as the final destination and review transfer points and total travel time
If you live near MARTA rail, it’s often easier to:
- Take MARTA to Five Points, Peachtree Center, or another central station, then
- Walk or connect to where your intercity bus service departs
How the Trip Feels From an Atlanta Perspective
Comparing Driving vs. Flying
Driving may be better if you:
- Live in suburbs where getting to ATL is already a long drive
- Want to bring coolers, beach chairs, umbrellas, or bikes
- Are traveling as a family or group, making gas costs more economical per person
- Prefer flexibility to stop in towns along the way
Flying may be better if you:
- Live in-town (Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Buckhead) and can reach ATL quickly
- Are going for a short trip and want to maximize time on the beach
- Can catch a nonstop or single-connection flight with reasonable layovers
Time of Year Considerations
From Atlanta’s climate perspective:
- Spring (March–May):
Popular for early beach trips. Roads are usually clear of winter issues but can be busy during spring breaks. - Summer (June–August):
High demand from Atlanta for Myrtle Beach. Expect higher traffic volumes and booked accommodations. - Fall (September–October):
Many Atlantans like this time for fewer crowds and still-warm water. - Winter (November–February):
Quieter season. Driving conditions are usually fine, though rare winter storms can impact portions of I-20.
Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers
A few Atlanta-specific pointers to make the Atlanta to Myrtle Beach trip smoother:
- Plan around I-285 and Downtown Connector traffic.
The combination of I-75/I-85 through Downtown and I-285 can add significant time if you leave during weekday rush hours. - Factor in parking costs and toll-free routes.
Most main routes are toll-free, but consider hotel parking charges in Myrtle Beach if you’re trying to compare driving vs. flying costs. - Check your vehicle before a long drive.
If you live in Atlanta and tend to do mostly short city trips, it may be worth a quick tire and fluid check before a 700–800 mile round trip. - Think about return timing.
Coming back into Atlanta on a Sunday afternoon or evening can mean heavier traffic, especially on approach to the metro area.
Key Takeaways for Atlanta Residents and Visitors
- Myrtle Beach is about 360–380 road miles from Atlanta, usually a 6–7 hour drive.
- The straight-line distance is around 300 miles, which aligns with a roughly 1-hour flight when nonstop options are available.
- From Atlanta, your main practical choices are:
- Drive via I-20 East into South Carolina, then connect to coastal highways.
- Fly from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), often with limited nonstop or connecting routes.
- Take a bus with transfers, which is slower but can work if you don’t want to drive.
For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, Myrtle Beach is a very reachable Atlantic coast destination—close enough for a long weekend, but far enough that smart timing and route planning can make a big difference in how smooth your trip feels.