How Far Is Myrtle Beach From Atlanta? Your Practical Travel Guide From Georgia to the Coast

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and dreaming of a beach getaway, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is one of the closest major oceanfront destinations on the East Coast. Knowing how far Myrtle Beach is from Atlanta—and what the trip is really like—helps you plan your drive, flight, or bus ride with fewer surprises.

How Far Is Myrtle Beach From Atlanta?

From downtown Atlanta to central Myrtle Beach, it’s approximately:

• Distance by road:360–380 miles (depending on route)
• Typical driving time:5.5 to 6.5 hours in normal traffic
• Direct flight distance (air line distance): about 300 miles

Because Atlanta is a major transportation hub, you have several realistic options for getting from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach: driving, flying, and limited bus service, often with connections.

Driving From Atlanta to Myrtle Beach

For most Atlanta residents and visitors, driving is the most straightforward way to reach Myrtle Beach.

Main Driving Routes

There are two common routes Atlanta drivers use:

1. Via I‑20 East and I‑95 North

   • Approx. 375–390 miles
   • Time: Around 6 to 6.5 hours without long stops
   • General path:
     • Leave Atlanta on I‑20 East
     • Connect to I‑95 North in South Carolina
     • Then cut over on state highways (often via US‑501 or SC routes) into Myrtle Beach

2. Via US‑78 / GA‑Highways Through Augusta

   • Similar overall distance
   • Sometimes used to avoid interstate congestion
   • Can be slower because of slower roads, traffic lights, and small towns

Most Atlanta drivers prefer the I‑20 / I‑95 route for predictability and easier navigation.

Typical Atlanta Departure Points

Where you start in the Atlanta area affects drive time:

• From Downtown Atlanta / Five Points: assume the standard 5.5–6.5 hours
• From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): add 15–30 minutes if you’re picking up a rental car
• From northern suburbs (Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta): sometimes 15–30 minutes less than driving from the south side, depending on traffic
• From south metro (Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Henry County): plan on a bit longer to reach I‑20 and clear Atlanta traffic

Best Time of Day to Drive From Atlanta

Atlanta traffic patterns matter more than the actual distance:

• Weekday mornings (6:30–9:30 a.m.): Heavy traffic on the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85), I‑20, and I‑285. If you can, leave after rush hour or very early.
• Weekday evenings (3:30–7:00 p.m.): Outbound traffic toward the suburbs and loop can slow you down leaving the city.
• Friday afternoons/evenings: Very busy, especially in summer and holiday weekends. Expect delays getting out of the Atlanta metro.
• Early morning departures (5:00–6:00 a.m.) are popular for Atlanta-to-Myrtle-Beach drives because they let you:
  • Beat the heaviest city traffic
  • Reach Myrtle Beach by early afternoon

How Long Will It Really Take?

Here’s a simple snapshot of typical driving expectations from Atlanta:

If you’re traveling with kids or a larger group from Atlanta, it’s common to plan one longer stop (lunch, bathroom, gas) plus a quick break to stretch.

Flying From Atlanta to Myrtle Beach

From Atlanta, flying can be faster door-to-door, especially if you’re already near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

Flight Distance and Time

• Air distance: about 300 miles
• Flight time (in the air): usually 1 to 1.5 hours
• Total travel time (door-to-door from central Atlanta): typically 3–5 hours, when you include:
  • Driving to ATL
  • Security and boarding time
  • The flight itself
  • Transport from Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) to your hotel

Because Atlanta is a major airline hub, there may be seasonal and year-round options to MYR. Some itineraries may include connections depending on airline and timing.

Airports Relevant to Atlanta Travelers

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Location: South of downtown Atlanta, off I‑85
• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• As one of the busiest airports in the world, it offers:
  • Multiple daily flights on major airlines
  • Rental cars, rideshare pickup, and MARTA access from across metro Atlanta

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)

• Located just southwest of central Myrtle Beach
• Once you land, you’re usually 10–20 minutes from most beach hotels by car or shuttle.

When Flying Makes Sense From Atlanta

Flying is more appealing if:

• You’re short on time and want to maximize beach hours
• You dislike long drives or have small children who don’t travel well in the car
• You’re already at or near ATL (for example, on a layover in Atlanta and adding a beach side trip)

However, for families or groups leaving from homes in the Atlanta metro, driving is often cheaper, especially when you factor in airfare for multiple people and ground transportation at both ends.

Bus or Other Ground Transportation Options

There may be intercity bus services that connect Atlanta to Myrtle Beach, sometimes with transfers in Columbia or other cities. From the Atlanta side, typical departure points include:

• Downtown Atlanta / Civic Center area
• Atlanta bus stations near MARTA lines

Things to know if you’re considering bus travel from Atlanta:

• You’ll usually transfer at least once
• Travel time is typically longer than driving yourself, often 8–10+ hours depending on connections
• It can be a budget-friendly choice if:
  • You don’t have a car
  • You want to avoid the cost and stress of driving and parking

If you’re already staying in Downtown, Midtown, or near a MARTA station in Atlanta, it’s fairly straightforward to reach bus departure areas using MARTA rail or bus before heading on to Myrtle Beach.

How Atlanta’s Location Affects the Trip

Being in Atlanta, you’re starting from a major highway and airport hub, which shapes your options:

Advantages of Leaving From Atlanta

• Multiple interstate routes: I‑20, I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285 connect you easily to the eastbound path
• Abundant rental car options:
  • ATL airport rental car center
  • Numerous neighborhood rental locations across Atlanta (Buckhead, Midtown, Decatur, Marietta, etc.)
• Flexibility in timing: Early morning or late-night departures are common and generally easy to arrange

Things to Plan Around in Atlanta

• Traffic on I‑285 and the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) can be heavy during peak hours
• Construction zones on I‑20 East or connecting routes can add time
• Parking at ATL, if you fly, needs to be budgeted and reserved when possible, especially on holidays and summer weekends

If you live in the outer suburbs of Atlanta, consider whether it’s faster to:

• Head straight east toward I‑20 from your area, or
• Drive toward ATL first if you’re planning to fly

Cost and Convenience: Driving vs. Flying From Atlanta

The distance from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach is short enough that many people genuinely debate whether to drive or fly.

Driving From Atlanta

Pros:

• You control your own schedule
• No airline bag limits (beyond what fits in your vehicle)
• Often cheaper per person for families and groups
• You already have a car in Myrtle Beach for local travel

Cons:

• 5.5–6.5 hours behind the wheel
• Fatigue, especially if you leave Atlanta after a workday
• You must account for gas, wear and tear, and parking at your hotel or condo

Flying From Atlanta

Pros:

• Fastest way to cover the distance in raw time
• Less physically tiring than driving
• Good option if you’re already at ATL

Cons:

• Airfare cost, especially for multiple travelers
• Airport time and possible delays
• Need for taxis, rideshare, or rental car in Myrtle Beach

For many Atlanta residents, the relatively modest distance often tips the scale toward driving, unless a particularly good airfare or tight schedule makes flying clearly superior.

Weather and Seasonal Considerations for the Trip

The distance between Atlanta and Myrtle Beach doesn’t change, but seasonal conditions can affect how long it takes and how comfortable the journey is.

From Atlanta in Summer

• High heat and humidity in both Atlanta and Myrtle Beach
• Heavier beach traffic on summer weekends and holidays
• More construction and congestion on major interstates, including across Georgia and South Carolina

Tip: From Atlanta, leaving very early in the morning can help you avoid both city traffic and the worst of the mid-day heat.

From Atlanta in Winter or Early Spring

• Generally milder driving conditions than many northern routes
• On rare occasions, winter weather in Atlanta or north Georgia can delay your departure, even if Myrtle Beach is clear
• Fewer tourists in Myrtle Beach, but also fewer seasonal flights

Travel Time vs. Vacation Time: What Atlantans Usually Do

Because Myrtle Beach is roughly a half-day trip by car from Atlanta, many residents plan:

• Long weekends: leaving Thursday evening or Friday morning, returning Sunday
• One-week beach vacations: especially during school breaks
• Short “escape” trips in shoulder seasons (spring and fall), when traffic and crowds are lighter

For visitors already staying in Atlanta, Myrtle Beach can serve as a secondary destination—a short trip after a conference, event, or business visit in the city.

Quick Summary for Atlanta Travelers

Here’s a concise, Atlanta-focused overview of the distance and travel options to Myrtle Beach:

• Road distance: About 360–380 miles from Atlanta
• Drive time: Usually 5.5–6.5 hours in typical conditions
• Air distance: Around 300 miles, roughly 1–1.5 hours of flight time
• Best route by car: Most Atlanta drivers use I‑20 East → I‑95 North → US‑501/SC routes into Myrtle Beach
• Primary Atlanta departure hub for flights:Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Main arrival point in Myrtle Beach:Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) or direct drive into town

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia, Myrtle Beach is close enough for a manageable road trip yet far enough to feel like a genuine change of scenery on the Atlantic coast.