Flying from Atlanta to Memphis: How to Find the Best Flights

If you’re in Atlanta and planning a trip to Memphis, the Atlanta–Memphis flight route is one of the quickest and most straightforward ways to travel between the two Southern cities. Whether you’re heading out for business, music and BBQ, or to visit family, it helps to understand how Atlanta–Memphis flights work from a local perspective.

Overview: Atlanta to Memphis by Air

The main route is from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Memphis International Airport (MEM).

• Flight time: Usually about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes in the air
• Distance: Roughly 330–340 miles
• Time zone: Both cities are in the Central Time Zone for arrivals (Atlanta departs on Eastern Time, Memphis arrives on Central Time), so the clock may appear to “go back” one hour when you land.

For most travelers in Atlanta, flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Memphis compared with driving (often 6 hours or more depending on traffic).

Airlines and Typical Flight Options

Most nonstop Atlanta–Memphis flights operate from ATL to MEM on major domestic carriers. Schedules and airlines can change, but you will typically see:

• Nonstop flights throughout the day on large domestic airlines
• Connecting flights, often through hubs like Dallas, Houston, or Charlotte, if nonstop options are limited at your preferred time

When you search for flights from Atlanta to Memphis, you’ll usually find:

• Morning departures: Helpful if you need to be in Memphis by mid-day for meetings or events
• Afternoon and evening flights: Common choices for leaving after work or after a day in Atlanta

To keep things flexible, many Atlanta travelers:

• Compare nonstop vs. 1-stop options
• Check total travel time (including layovers) rather than just departure time
• Look carefully at arrival times in Central Time so they don’t confuse arrival with Eastern Time

Best Times to Book Atlanta–Memphis Flights

From Atlanta, this route is popular but short, so prices and availability can shift based on:

• Day of the week:
  • Weekdays often have strong business travel demand.
  • Fridays and Sundays can be busier and sometimes more expensive due to weekend trips.
• Seasonality:
  • Spring and fall often see more leisure travel for festivals, sports, and nicer weather.
  • Certain holidays and big event weekends in either city can affect pricing and availability.
• Time of day:
  • Early morning and late afternoon flights can be popular with business travelers.
  • Midday flights sometimes see more variation in prices.

To improve your odds of a good fare from Atlanta:

• 🕐 Book early for peak travel periods (spring break, major holidays, big Memphis events).
• 🎯 Be flexible with dates and times if your schedule allows.
• ✈️ Compare basic economy vs. standard economy carefully (basic fares can be cheaper but more restrictive).

Using Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, you’ll almost certainly depart from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world’s busiest airports.

Where ATL Is and How to Get There

Address:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

Common ways to get to ATL from around Atlanta:

• MARTA (Public Transit):
  • The MARTA Airport Station is located inside the Domestic Terminal (North & South).
  • You can take the Red or Gold line directly to the airport from many parts of the city, including Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead.
• Rideshare and taxi:
  • Designated pickup and drop-off zones at both Domestic and International terminals.
• Driving and parking:
  • ATL offers economy, daily, hourly, and park-ride lots.
  • If you’re parking for several days for a Memphis trip, many travelers choose economy or long-term parking to save on costs.

Domestic Terminal Tips for Atlanta–Memphis Flights

Most Atlanta–Memphis flights will depart from the Domestic Terminal:

• North and South Terminals feed into concourses via the Plane Train subway.
• Your concourse (A, B, C, or others) will depend on your airline and departure gate.

Helpful tips for local travelers:

• ⏰ Plan to arrive at ATL at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight if you’re checking a bag, more during very busy periods and holidays.
• 🎫 Have your boarding pass ready for security (mobile or paper).
• 🧳 Check baggage rules ahead of time, especially on basic economy fares.

Arriving in Memphis: What Atlanta Travelers Should Expect

Memphis International Airport (MEM) is much smaller and simpler to navigate than ATL, which many Atlanta travelers appreciate.

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

At the Airport

When you land:

• Shorter walks from gate to baggage claim compared to ATL
• Typically straightforward signage to baggage claim, ground transportation, and rental cars
• Because Memphis is in the Central Time Zone, your arrival time will usually be one hour behind Atlanta time

Getting From MEM Into Memphis

From MEM, common transportation options into the city include:

• Rental cars: Popular choice if you’re exploring different neighborhoods, Graceland, or venturing beyond downtown
• Taxis and rideshare: Pickup zones are marked outside the terminal
• Hotel shuttles: Some hotels near the airport or downtown may offer shuttle service; it’s wise to check with your hotel in advance

Typical Costs and Budget Tips for Atlanta–Memphis Flights

Exact prices change frequently, but there are common patterns on this short route:

• Nonstop flights can sometimes cost a bit more than connecting options but save significant time.
• Basic economy is usually cheaper but often limited in:
  • Seat selection
  • Ticket changes
  • Baggage options

Budget-friendly tips from an Atlanta perspective:

1. Check alternate times of day – a mid-morning or midday departure might be less expensive than the busiest early-morning flights.
2. Avoid last-minute bookings if possible – flights booked right before departure often cost more.
3. Compare departure days – shifting your trip from Friday–Sunday to a midweek pattern might reduce costs, depending on demand.

When Driving vs. Flying Makes Sense

For people in Atlanta, it can be tempting to consider driving to Memphis instead of flying.

Rough comparison:

Flying often makes more sense if:

• You’re on a tight schedule
• You’re only staying a short time in Memphis
• You prefer to avoid long highway drives

Driving can make sense if:

• You’re traveling with several people and want to share costs
• You plan to make stops along the way in Alabama or Mississippi
• You have large or unusual items that are difficult or expensive to check as baggage

What Atlanta Travelers Should Pack and Plan For

Because the flight is short, the biggest factors for an Atlanta–Memphis trip tend to be weather and activities at your destination:

• Seasonal clothing:
  • Atlanta and Memphis have similar climates—hot summers, mild winters—but Memphis can sometimes feel a bit cooler or windier.
• Event-related items:
  • If you’re heading to Beale Street, Graceland, festivals, or sports events, pack comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate layers.
• Carry-on essentials for a short flight:
  • Phone, charger, headphones
  • Any must-have medications or personal items
  • A light jacket or layer, in case the plane is cool

Because the flight is so short, many Atlanta travelers try to travel with only a carry-on to skip baggage claim in Memphis and save time on both ends.

Using Atlanta as a Connection Point to Memphis

If you’re visiting Atlanta from somewhere else and then heading on to Memphis:

• Schedule enough layover time at ATL to move between concourses
• Keep your connecting gate handy on your boarding pass or airline app
• If your inbound flight arrives at the International Terminal (Concourse F), you may need extra time for customs and security before reaching your Memphis gate in the domestic concourses

Many travelers intentionally build in a longer layover at ATL so they can:

• Eat at one of the airport’s Atlanta-based or Southern-style restaurants
• Avoid rushing between concourses, especially during busy times

Practical Contacts and Local Resources

For most Atlanta–Memphis trips, you won’t need to contact the airport directly, but if you do:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – General Info

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• General information phone numbers are usually listed on the airport’s official website.

Memphis International Airport (MEM) – General Info

• Address: 2491 Winchester Rd, Memphis, TN 38116

For public transit to ATL:

• MARTA Customer Service
  • Main public-facing information is available through MARTA’s official customer service lines and website.
  • Stations in Atlanta that connect directly to the Airport Station include Peachtree Center, Five Points, Midtown, Arts Center, Lindbergh Center, Buckhead, and others on the Red and Gold lines.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta–Memphis Flights

• ATL to MEM is a short, frequent, and practical route for Atlanta residents and visitors.
• Most travelers choose nonstop flights for convenience and speed, with about 1.25 hours in the air.
• Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL) offers extensive daily options; using MARTA can simplify getting to the airport from many Atlanta neighborhoods.
• Always double-check time zones, baggage rules, and ticket restrictions before you book.
• For many people in Atlanta, flying is the most efficient way to get to Memphis, especially for short visits or business trips.