How Far Is Atlanta From Memphis? Your Practical Travel Guide From Atlanta
If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and thinking about a trip to Memphis, Tennessee, the first thing you probably want to know is: how far is it, and what’s the easiest way to get there?
Here’s a clear, Atlanta-focused breakdown of distance, travel time, and your main options for getting from Atlanta to Memphis.
How Far Is Atlanta From Memphis?
The distance between Atlanta and Memphis depends on how you travel:
By road (driving distance):
- Approx. 380–390 miles
- Typical route: I‑75 N → I‑24 W → I‑40 W
By air (flight distance):
- About 330 miles (nonstop flight) between Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Memphis International Airport (MEM)
In everyday terms, Atlanta to Memphis is usually thought of as a one-day drive or a short nonstop flight.
Driving From Atlanta to Memphis
If you’re already in Atlanta—whether you live in the city, are staying in Midtown, Buckhead, or near the airport—driving to Memphis is a very common option.
How long is the drive from Atlanta to Memphis?
Under normal conditions, you can expect:
- Driving time: around 5.5 to 7 hours
- Distance: roughly 380–390 miles, depending on your exact start point in Atlanta
Your actual time on the road will depend on:
- Atlanta traffic when you leave (rush hour on the Downtown Connector/I‑75/I‑85 can add time)
- Construction or slowdowns along I‑24 and I‑40
- Weather, especially in winter or during heavy rain
Typical driving route from Atlanta
Most drivers use a simple interstate route:
- Leave Atlanta on I‑75 North (often via the Downtown Connector if you’re coming from central neighborhoods)
- Connect to I‑24 West near Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Continue on I‑24 W toward Nashville
- Merge onto I‑40 West toward Memphis
This route keeps you mostly on major highways, which is helpful for rest stops and services.
What Atlanta drivers usually consider
If you’re planning from Atlanta, it’s useful to think about:
Departure timing:
Leaving after morning rush hour or midday can help you avoid the worst congestion on I‑75 and the Perimeter (I‑285).Parking on the Memphis end:
If you’re staying downtown in Memphis or near Beale Street, confirm parking costs at your hotel or rental in advance.Rental vs. personal car:
Visitors staying near Hartsfield‑Jackson or Downtown Atlanta often pick up a rental car from the airport or a nearby neighborhood branch and drive to Memphis, especially if Memphis is just one stop on a longer road trip.
Flying From Atlanta to Memphis
For many Atlanta residents and visitors, flying is the fastest and simplest way to get to Memphis.
Flight distance and time
- Flight distance: about 330 miles
- Nonstop flight time (in the air): usually around 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes
When you include:
- Getting to Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Security and boarding
- Taxiing and deplaning in Memphis
…your door‑to‑door time from a typical Atlanta address to a Memphis hotel is often around 3–5 hours, depending on where you start in Atlanta and how you get to the airport.
Key airports
In Atlanta:
- Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Location: South of downtown, accessible via I‑85, I‑75, and MARTA
- MARTA access: Airport Station at the end of the Red and Gold lines
- Good option if you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or along MARTA rail.
In Memphis:
- Memphis International Airport (MEM)
- Located south of downtown Memphis
- About a 15–20 minute drive from central Memphis in typical traffic
Getting to ATL from around Atlanta
Depending on where you are in the metro area:
MARTA Rail
- If you are near a MARTA station (e.g., Peachtree Center, Midtown, Lindbergh Center, Buckhead, College Park), taking MARTA straight to the Airport Station is often the easiest option.
Driving/Drop‑off
- Domestic Terminal: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
- International Terminal: 2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354
- Allow time for parking shuttles if you use airport parking.
Rideshare/Taxi
- Commonly used from intown neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, West Midtown, and Virginia‑Highland.
Bus and Train Options From Atlanta to Memphis
If you prefer not to drive or fly, there are limited options, but they usually involve connections, not a single direct Atlanta–Memphis line.
Bus from Atlanta to Memphis
Intercity bus services sometimes offer routes between the two cities, but they typically:
- Take longer than driving (often 8–12+ hours, depending on connections)
- May require changing buses in other cities
- Depart from bus hubs in or near Downtown Atlanta
Before choosing a bus option, Atlanta travelers generally compare the time, comfort, and cost against driving or flying, since bus schedules can be more variable.
Train (Amtrak) considerations
There is no direct Amtrak route that simply runs from Atlanta to Memphis without a transfer. Any rail journey between the two usually involves:
- Traveling from Atlanta’s Amtrak station at
1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 - Connecting through another city or using bus/rail combinations
Because of this, most Atlanta‑based travelers heading to Memphis choose car or plane over rail for practicality and time.
Quick Comparison: Main Ways to Travel From Atlanta to Memphis
Below is a simple overview based on typical conditions that Atlanta travelers experience:
| Travel Mode | Approx. Distance | Typical Time (One Way) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving | 380–390 miles | 5.5–7 hours | Flexibility, road trips, multiple stops along the way |
| Flying | ~330 air miles | ~1–1.25 hours in the air (3–5 hours door‑to‑door) | Fast trips, weekend getaways, minimizing time on the road |
| Bus | Varies by route | Roughly 8–12+ hours | Budget travelers who don’t want to drive |
| Train/Combination | Indirect route | Typically long and complex | Niche choice; most Atlanta travelers do not use this option for Memphis |
Tips for Choosing the Best Option From Atlanta
When deciding how to get from Atlanta to Memphis, it helps to think about:
Time vs. flexibility
- Need to maximize your time in Memphis? Flying from ATL is usually fastest.
- Want to stop in Chattanooga or other cities along the way? Driving gives you the most control.
Where you’re starting in Atlanta
- Intown (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead): Easy MARTA access makes flying more convenient.
- Suburbs (Marietta, Sandy Springs, Decatur, Stone Mountain, Fayetteville): Driving straight out of your driveway may be simpler than getting to the airport.
Cost considerations
- Add up gas, potential overnight parking in Memphis, and wear on your car versus airfare and airport transportation.
- For families or groups, a single vehicle from Atlanta is often cost‑effective.
Comfort and accessibility
- If long drives are tiring or uncomfortable, a short flight from Hartsfield‑Jackson may be easier.
- If you prefer your own schedule and space, driving from Atlanta on your own timeline can be more comfortable.
Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers
- Road distance Atlanta → Memphis: about 380–390 miles
- Drive time: usually 5.5–7 hours depending on traffic and stops
- Flight distance: about 330 miles, with around 1–1.25 hours in the air
- Most common options from Atlanta: driving via I‑75 / I‑24 / I‑40 or flying from ATL to MEM
Knowing these distances and typical travel times helps you plan whether Memphis is a day’s drive or a quick hop by plane from your home base or hotel in Atlanta.