How Far Is Atlanta From Myrtle Beach? Your Guide From the City to the Coast

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and dreaming of a beach getaway, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is one of the closest and most popular ocean destinations on the East Coast. Understanding how far Atlanta is from Myrtle Beach—and the best ways to get there—can help you plan everything from a long weekend to a full vacation.

How Far Is It From Atlanta to Myrtle Beach?

In simple terms:

• Driving distance: About 360–380 miles
• Driving time: Typically 5.5 to 6.5 hours, depending on traffic and route
• Flight distance (straight line): About 300 miles
• Typical flight time (nonstop): Around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes in the air (not counting airport time)

Because most Atlanta residents like having a car at the beach, driving is the most common way to get from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach. Flying can be faster overall if you plan carefully, but total travel time often depends on how long you spend at the airport and whether you need a rental car.

Best Driving Routes From Atlanta to Myrtle Beach

Main Highway Route (Most Common)

The most direct, highway-heavy route from Downtown Atlanta to Myrtle Beach usually goes like this:

1. I‑20 East out of Atlanta toward Augusta
2. Connect to I‑520 (around Augusta)
3. Transition to US‑1 / US‑378 / US‑501 heading toward Conway and Myrtle Beach

Approximate details:

• Distance: ~370 miles
• Time: ~6 hours in light to moderate traffic
• Driving style: Mostly interstate and major highways, with some rural stretches

This route works well if you’re starting from central Atlanta areas like:

• Downtown / Midtown / Old Fourth Ward
• Westside / Castleberry Hill
• East Atlanta / Decatur-adjacent neighborhoods

Alternate Route via I‑75 and US‑301

Some drivers prefer a slightly different route to avoid certain congested spots or to break up the trip:

1. I‑75 South from Atlanta
2. Connect to I‑16 East
3. Head into South Carolina via US‑301 / US‑501 toward Conway, then Myrtle Beach

This route can be similar in distance and time, but sometimes feels less stressful if you want to avoid certain sections of I‑20.

How Long Will the Drive Actually Take?

While navigation apps may say about 6 hours, your real-world time depends on:

• Departure time from Atlanta:

  • Leaving before 7:00 a.m. on weekdays can help you avoid the heaviest rush hour.
  • Friday afternoons from Atlanta, especially from 3:00–7:00 p.m., are typically slower.

• Traffic hot spots:

  • Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) and I‑20 near the city
  • The Augusta area during peak times
  • Seasonal traffic closer to Myrtle Beach in spring and summer

• Stops:

  • Expect at least one longer stop for gas and food.
  • A single 30–45 minute stop usually pushes a 5.5–6 hour estimate closer to 6.5–7 hours.

Quick Comparison: Travel Options From Atlanta to Myrtle Beach

Here’s a simple overview for planning:

Driving From Popular Atlanta Neighborhoods

The starting point within Atlanta affects how long you’ll be on the road.

Approximate drive times to Myrtle Beach in normal traffic:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta: 6–6.5 hours
• Buckhead: 6–6.75 hours (extra time getting to/from interstates)
• East Atlanta / Decatur: 5.75–6.25 hours (easy I‑20 access)
• Sandy Springs / Dunwoody: 6.25–6.75 hours
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport area: 5.75–6.25 hours

These are realistic ranges assuming one or two brief stops.

Best Times for Atlanta Drivers to Leave for Myrtle Beach

To make the most of your beach time, timing your departure from Atlanta matters.

Best departure windows (most of the year):

• Weekday early morning:
  • Leave between 5:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. to avoid peak rush hour on the Downtown Connector and I‑20.
• Weekend mornings:
  • For Saturday or Sunday trips, 7:00–9:00 a.m. usually offers smoother traffic leaving the city.

Times to be cautious:

• Friday afternoon/evening (3:00–7:00 p.m.):
  • Often slow across I‑285 and I‑20 eastbound.
• Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day):
  • Expect heavier traffic both leaving Atlanta and approaching Myrtle Beach.

Gas, Food, and Rest Stops on the Way From Atlanta

On a 6-hour drive, you’ll likely want at least one decent stop. Common break points for Atlantans include:

• Augusta, GA area: Roughly halfway, good for:
  • Gas and quick food
  • A short stretch break
• Aiken, SC / Lexington, SC and nearby towns:
  • Smaller towns with fuel, convenience stores, and fast-food options.

💡 Tip: If you’re driving with kids from Atlanta suburbs, consider a quick bathroom and snack stop before you hit I‑20, so you can stay on the road longer before your first main break.

Flying From Atlanta to Myrtle Beach

If you prefer to skip the long drive, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) offers flights to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), depending on the season and airline schedules.

Flight Distance and Time

• Air distance: About 300 miles
• Typical nonstop flight time: Around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes in the air

However, your door-to-door time from an Atlanta home or hotel to your Myrtle Beach lodging usually looks more like:

1. Time to get to ATL from Atlanta area: 20–60 minutes (or more during rush hour)
2. Airport arrival before flight: Commonly 1.5–2 hours ahead for domestic flights
3. Flight itself: ~1–1.25 hours
4. Deplaning, baggage claim, and transport from MYR: 30–60 minutes

In total, 3.5–5 hours is reasonable in many cases—often faster than driving, especially for shorter beach trips.

Getting to and From Atlanta’s Airport

Since most trips from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach by air start at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, it helps to know your access options.

Public Transit to ATL

If you’re staying anywhere near the MARTA rail:

• Take the MARTA Gold or Red Line to Airport Station, which goes directly into the domestic terminal.

Useful for:

• Visitors staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or Perimeter Center.
• Atlanta residents who want to avoid paying for long-term parking.

Driving and Parking at ATL

If you’re driving yourself:

• On-site parking: Options include Domestic and International parking decks, economy lots, and park-ride lots.
• Off-airport parking: Private lots near the airport often provide shuttle service.

Travelers from suburbs like Marietta, Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, or Fayetteville often choose to drive to ATL, park, and fly.

Ground Transportation in Myrtle Beach After You Arrive

If you fly from Atlanta:

• Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is only a short drive from the main beach area.
• Rental cars, taxis, and ride-hailing services are commonly used.
• If you want more freedom to explore, especially if you’re used to driving in Atlanta, renting a car is often the most comfortable option.

Bus and Other Options From Atlanta to Myrtle Beach

In some cases, you may find bus service from Atlanta to the Myrtle Beach area via national carriers.

Typical considerations:

• Longer travel time: Often 8–11+ hours, including stops and transfers.
• Lower cost: Can be more budget-friendly than flying.
• Less flexibility: Fixed departure and arrival times.

This option may appeal to travelers who:

• Prefer not to drive long distances.
• Are comfortable with longer travel in exchange for savings.

How Far Is Myrtle Beach From Atlanta Compared to Other Nearby Beaches?

For Atlantans, it can help to understand how Myrtle Beach compares to other popular coastal spots in terms of distance:

• Tybee Island / Savannah area: ~250–270 miles, often about 4–4.5 hours by car
• Hilton Head Island: ~280–300 miles, often about 4.5–5 hours
• Panama City Beach (Florida): ~300–320 miles, usually 5–5.5 hours
• Myrtle Beach: ~360–380 miles, generally 5.5–6.5 hours

So, Myrtle Beach is not the closest beach to Atlanta, but it’s one of the most built-up and entertainment-focused options, which appeals to many Atlanta families and groups.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Heading to Myrtle Beach

To make the distance from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach feel shorter and smoother:

• Plan your route in advance:
  • Decide whether you’ll go via I‑20 or an alternate path, and check for any major construction or closures.
• Account for Atlanta traffic:
  • If you live inside the Perimeter (I‑285), plan a departure time that avoids the worst rush hours.
• Budget for toll-free driving:
  • The main routes between Atlanta and Myrtle Beach are typically toll-free, which makes driving more predictable cost-wise.
• Pack for a long, but manageable drive:
  • Snacks, water, and a small cooler can cut down on frequent stops.
  • Entertainment for kids can make a 6-hour drive much easier.

Summary: Distance and Travel Time at a Glance

• Driving distance: About 360–380 miles from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach
• Driving time: Generally 5.5–6.5 hours, not counting long stops
• Flying distance: Around 300 miles
• Nonstop flight time: About 1–1.25 hours in the air, with 3.5–5 hours door-to-door for most Atlanta travelers

Whether you’re a local Atlantan planning a beach road trip or a visitor in Atlanta considering a side trip to the coast, Myrtle Beach is well within a day’s reach—by car or by plane—with plenty of flexibility to match your schedule and travel style.