How Far Is Memphis From Atlanta? A Practical Guide for Atlanta Travelers

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and thinking about a trip to Memphis, Tennessee, the distance is close enough for a weekend getaway but far enough that you’ll want to plan your route. Here’s exactly how far Memphis is from Atlanta, and what that means whether you’re driving, flying, or taking a bus.

The Basic Answer: Distance From Atlanta to Memphis

From downtown Atlanta to downtown Memphis:

• Driving distance: about 380–400 miles (via I‑20 W and I‑22 or I‑75 N/I‑24 W/I‑40 W)
• Flying distance (straight line): about 330 miles
• Typical nonstop flight time: around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
• Typical driving time: about 5.5 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and route

For most people in Atlanta, Memphis is a same-day trip by car or a quick hop by plane.

Driving From Atlanta to Memphis

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, driving is the most flexible and cost-effective way to get from Atlanta to Memphis—especially if you’re traveling with family, friends, or planning to explore beyond downtown Memphis.

Main Driving Routes

You have two primary options from Atlanta:

1. I‑20 W to I‑22 (Birmingham Route)

   • Approx. distance: ~390 miles
   • Approx. time: 6–7 hours in normal conditions
   • Typical path:
     • Start in downtown Atlanta
     • Take I‑20 West toward Birmingham, AL
     • Near Birmingham, connect to I‑22 West toward Memphis
   • This route is straightforward and often preferred for its simplicity and steady highway driving.

2. I‑75 N / I‑24 W / I‑40 W (Chattanooga/Nashville Route)

   • Approx. distance: ~400+ miles
   • Approx. time: 6–7+ hours
   • Typical path:
     • Take I‑75 North from Atlanta
     • Connect to I‑24 West through Chattanooga and toward Nashville
     • Continue on I‑40 West to Memphis
   • This route can be more scenic and may make sense if you want to combine stops in Chattanooga or Nashville.

Driving Time vs. Traffic

Your starting point in Atlanta can affect your total drive:

• From Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport: times are similar to starting from downtown, since the airport is close to I‑75 and I‑285.
• From north metro Atlanta (e.g., Sandy Springs, Roswell): the I‑75 / I‑24 / I‑40 route may feel more natural.
• From west or southwest Atlanta (e.g., Douglasville, Fairburn): the I‑20 / I‑22 route is usually fastest.

🕒 When to leave Atlanta for the smoothest drive:

• Try to avoid weekday rush hours (7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.), especially getting out of the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) and I‑285 interchanges.
• Weekend mornings often provide the most predictable drive times.

Flying From Atlanta to Memphis

If you’re short on time or prefer to avoid a long drive, flying from Atlanta to Memphis is very straightforward.

Distance and Flight Time

• Air distance (Atlanta to Memphis): about 330 miles
• Typical nonstop flight time: about 1–1.25 hours in the air

From Atlanta, almost all commercial flights to Memphis depart from:

Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main info line: (800) 897‑1910 (general airport information)

You’ll land at:

Memphis International Airport (MEM)
2491 Winchester Rd
Memphis, TN 38116

While the flight itself is short, remember to factor in:

• Travel to ATL from your home, hotel, or office
• Security screening and wait times
• Boarding and deplaning time
• Possible time in the terminal if you arrive early

Door‑to‑door, many Atlanta travelers find that flying takes around 3–4 hours total, compared with 6–7 hours of driving.

Bus and Other Ground Options

If you don’t want to fly or drive yourself, you can also consider intercity buses:

• Bus companies often operate routes between Atlanta and Memphis, usually with one or more stops (commonly in Birmingham or other regional cities).
• Travel times by bus are typically longer than driving—often in the 7–10 hour range, depending on the schedule and route.

Most long-distance buses in Atlanta use or pass near major transit points such as:

• Downtown Atlanta (near Five Points area)
• Areas with access to MARTA rail or bus, which can help you get to the departure station without driving

If you use this option, plan for:

• Extra waiting and boarding time
• Possible layovers in other cities
• Limited flexibility on departure and arrival times compared to driving

Comparing Travel Options From Atlanta to Memphis

Here is a simple overview to help you choose the best way to go from Atlanta to Memphis:

How the Distance Feels From an Atlanta Perspective

From an Atlanta point of view, Memphis is a mid-range regional trip:

• It’s farther than nearby regional cities like Birmingham, Chattanooga, or Greenville, which are typically 2–3 hours away by car.
• It’s shorter than driving to New Orleans, Miami, or Washington, DC, which often take 7+ hours.
• Many Atlanta travelers see Memphis as a comfortable weekend destination—close enough to leave in the morning and arrive by mid‑afternoon.

If you’re planning a Friday–Sunday getaway from Atlanta, the distance to Memphis works very well whether you:

• Drive after work on Friday, or
• Fly out Friday afternoon and return Sunday evening.

Planning Tips for Atlanta Travelers

Here are a few practical tips to make the Atlanta to Memphis distance work in your favor:

1. Consider Where You Are in Metro Atlanta

Your starting location can shift the trip by 30–60 minutes or more:

• Southside / Near the airport (College Park, East Point, Hapeville):
  • Easy access to I‑285 and I‑85/I‑75, plus quick access to ATL for flights.
• Westside (Douglasville, Lithia Springs):
  • You’re already close to I‑20 West, shaving time off the drive to Birmingham and beyond.
• Northside (Marietta, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta):
  • Make sure to account for travel through or around the Perimeter (I‑285), especially during rush hour.

2. Account for Time Zone Differences

Atlanta is in the Eastern Time Zone, while Memphis is in the Central Time Zone.

• When you travel from Atlanta to Memphis, you gain one hour.
• When returning from Memphis to Atlanta, you lose one hour.

This matters when planning:

• Meeting times
• Check-in/check-out for hotels
• Flight departures and arrivals, particularly evening flights
• Same-day return trips by car

3. Coordinate With Local Transit in Atlanta

If you’re leaving your car at home or at a hotel and heading to the airport or bus departure point, MARTA can help you close the gap:

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
2424 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Customer information: (404) 848‑5000

• The Airport Station on the Red/Gold MARTA lines takes you directly into Hartsfield‑Jackson International Airport, which is ideal if you’re flying to Memphis.
• Several downtown MARTA stations (such as Five Points, Peachtree Center, Garnett) are close to areas where intercity buses commonly operate.

Using MARTA can help you avoid parking costs and downtown traffic when starting your trip.

Is Memphis “Far” From Atlanta?

In everyday terms, Memphis is:

• Not a quick day trip from Atlanta if you plan to drive both ways the same day, but
• Very manageable as a:
  • Weekend road trip
  • Overnight business or leisure trip by plane
  • Regional journey combined with stops in Birmingham, Nashville, or Chattanooga

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, the distance from Atlanta to Memphis is close enough that you can choose between a single half-day drive or a short flight, depending on your schedule, budget, and preferences.

Once you know it’s roughly 380–400 miles by road and about 1 hour of flight time, you can choose the option that matches how you like to travel from Atlanta.