Flights from Atlanta to Memphis: A Practical Guide for ATL Travelers

Flying from Atlanta to Memphis is a quick hop that can still feel confusing if you’re juggling airlines, timing, and airport logistics. Whether you live in metro Atlanta, you’re visiting and flying out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), or you’re planning future trips, this guide breaks down what you need to know.

Overview: What to Expect on an Atlanta–Memphis Flight

The Atlanta to Memphis route is a short, frequent flight that connects two major Southern cities.

Key basics:

• Departure airport: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Arrival airport: Memphis International Airport (MEM)
• Typical nonstop flight time: About 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes in the air
• Time zone: Both cities are usually on Central Time during standard time, but Atlanta may follow Eastern Time, so double-check your itinerary
• Main trip types: Business travel, weekend getaways, family visits, and connecting international trips

For most Atlanta residents, the biggest decisions are when to fly, which airline to choose, and how to get to and from ATL efficiently.

Airlines and Types of Flights from Atlanta to Memphis

Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights

On this route, you’ll commonly see:

• Nonstop flights – The fastest and most convenient option; you board in Atlanta and land in Memphis without changing planes.
• One-stop flights – Often connect through another hub if nonstop options or times don’t fit your schedule. These can take several hours longer.

For most Atlanta-area travelers, nonstop is preferred due to the short distance and the convenience of flying straight to Memphis International Airport (MEM).

Typical Flight Experience

For a standard economy ticket between Atlanta and Memphis, you can generally expect:

• Single-aisle aircraft
• Basic economy, main cabin, and sometimes comfort/extra legroom options
• Limited or no free meals (snacks are more common on short flights)
• Carry-on and checked bag fees that depend on fare type

Because the flight is short, many Atlanta travelers pack light with just a personal item or carry-on to avoid waiting at baggage claim in Memphis.

Best Time of Day and Year to Fly from Atlanta to Memphis

Time of Day

For Atlanta travelers, flight timing can matter more than distance:

• Early morning flights

  • Often less impacted by same-day delays.
  • Can mean lighter traffic on the way to ATL (especially if you’re coming from suburbs like Marietta, Decatur, or Fayetteville).

• Midday flights

  • Convenient if you’re already in the city or coming by MARTA.
  • Useful for same-day business or medical appointments in Memphis.

• Evening flights

  • Helpful for weekend trips after work or school.
  • Can be busy on Fridays, especially for leisure travel.

Time of Year

The Atlanta–Memphis corridor is active year-round, but you may see higher demand during:

• Spring and fall – Popular for events, college visits, and milder weather.
• Summer travel season – Families, festivals, and vacations.
• Major holidays – Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and long weekends.

If you have flexibility, many Atlanta travelers look for midweek flights (Tuesday–Thursday), which sometimes offer more favorable options than popular weekends.

Getting to Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL) from Around Atlanta

Because almost all Atlanta-to-Memphis flights depart from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, planning your ground transportation is just as important as the ticket itself.

Driving to ATL

Main address:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

If you’re driving from:

• Downtown Atlanta / Midtown: usually 15–30 minutes in light traffic via I‑75/85 South.
• Buckhead / Brookhaven: plan for 30–45 minutes or more, depending on traffic on GA‑400 and I‑85.
• Suburbs (e.g., Alpharetta, Marietta, Lawrenceville, McDonough): 45–75 minutes or more; build in extra time for rush hours.

📝 Tip: For an Atlanta–Memphis flight, many locals aim to arrive at ATL 2 hours before departure for domestic travel, more if they’re checking bags or traveling at peak times.

Parking Options at ATL

Common choices for Atlanta residents:

• Domestic Terminal Parking Garages – Closer but generally higher daily rates.
• Economy and Park-Ride Lots – Often a better value for multi-day trips.
• Off-site private lots and shuttles – Located around the airport area, often used for weekend or longer trips.

If you’re taking a short weekend flight to Memphis, a park-ride or economy lot often balances cost and convenience for many Atlanta travelers.

MARTA to Hartsfield–Jackson

MARTA is a popular option if you’re staying in-town (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near a rail station):

• Rail Station: Airport Station
• Lines: Both the Red and Gold lines travel directly to the Airport.
• The station connects inside the airport near the Domestic Terminal, so you skip road traffic and parking entirely.

For visitors staying near Peachtree Center, Midtown, or Buckhead hotels, taking MARTA to catch your Memphis flight is often straightforward and budget-friendly.

Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare services and taxis are widely used by Atlanta travelers:

• Pick-up/drop-off: Domestic Terminal near Departures or designated rideshare zones.
• Convenient if you don’t want to deal with parking or are traveling from areas not well-served by MARTA (e.g., parts of Cobb, Gwinnett, or South Fulton).

What to Expect at ATL for an Atlanta–Memphis Flight

Because ATL is one of the world’s busiest airports, navigating it smoothly can make your short flight much less stressful.

Check-In and Security

For domestic flights to Memphis:

• Check-in: You can usually check in online or via airline apps and go straight to bag-drop if needed.
• Security screening: Allow enough time for lines, especially at peak times:
  • Early weekday mornings
  • Late afternoons and evenings
  • Holidays and school breaks

Travelers who fly this route often choose to:

• Use TSA PreCheck if eligible and frequently departing from ATL.
• Pack in a carry-on to bypass baggage counters when feasible.

Finding Your Gate

Most Atlanta-to-Memphis flights depart from the Domestic Terminal concourses (such as Concourse A, B, C, or D, depending on the airline).

Once through security:

• Use the Plane Train (underground shuttle) to reach your concourse.
• Allow a bit of time for walking between the train and your gate, especially if you’re traveling with kids or mobility challenges.

Arriving in Memphis from Atlanta

After about an hour in the air, you’ll land at:

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

Baggage Claim and Exiting

On arrival:

• Nonstop flights typically arrive into domestic terminals with straightforward access to baggage claim.
• Signage is clear, and the airport is smaller and easier to navigate than ATL, which many Atlanta travelers find refreshing after a long travel day.

Ground Transportation in Memphis

From MEM, you can typically access:

• Rental car facilities near or adjacent to the terminal.
• Taxis and rideshare services at designated areas outside baggage claim.
• Limited public transportation options, depending on your final destination within the Memphis area.

Atlanta-based travelers heading to downtown Memphis, medical centers, or nearby suburbs often find rental cars or rideshares most convenient.

Typical Costs and Ways Atlanta Travelers Save

Prices vary over time, but certain patterns are common on the Atlanta–Memphis route.

What Affects the Price

From an Atlanta perspective, your fare may change based on:

• How early you book – Booking closer to departure can limit your options.
• Day of the week – Weekends, holidays, and Monday mornings/Friday evenings can be in higher demand.
• Flight time – Highly convenient time slots may price higher.
• Baggage and seat choices – Basic fares may be lower but restrict changes and luggage.

Money-Saving Habits Common Among ATL Travelers

Atlanta residents and frequent flyers often:

• Compare morning vs. midday vs. evening flights to find better prices.
• Consider flying light (carry-on only) for short Memphis trips.
• Choose flights that pair well with MARTA schedules to avoid parking costs.
• Look at midweek departures (if flexible) instead of peak weekend times.

Packing and Travel Tips for the Atlanta–Memphis Route

Even though it’s a short flight, a bit of preparation can make the trip smoother.

Packing Tips

• Personal item only: For a quick Memphis trip, many Atlanta travelers use just a backpack or small bag that fits under the seat.
• Layered clothing: Airport and aircraft temperatures can vary; light layers work well for going from Atlanta to Memphis and back.
• ID and essentials: Keep your government-issued ID, phone, chargers, medications, and any valuables in your personal item, not checked baggage.

Day-of-Travel Checklist from Atlanta

Before you leave for Hartsfield–Jackson:

1. Confirm your flight time and terminal in your airline app or email.
2. Check traffic on I‑75/85, I‑285, and main routes to ATL if you’re driving or taking a rideshare.
3. Confirm MARTA schedules if you’re using the Airport Station.
4. Allow buffer time for security, especially if traveling during typical Atlanta rush hours.

Helpful Atlanta-Area Contact Points

While most of your planning can be done online, these official, stable resources are often useful for Atlanta-based travelers:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• General Information:
  • Phone (main information line): (800) 897-1910 (commonly listed for traveler assistance)
  • Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

You can contact the airport information line for:

• Directions to parking and terminals
• General questions about facilities, lost and found, and accessibility services

MARTA (for getting to ATL)

• Customer Information Center:
  • Phone: (404) 848-5000
• Headquarters mailing address:
  • Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
    2424 Piedmont Rd NE
    Atlanta, GA 30324

MARTA’s phone line can help with:

• Route planning to the Airport Station
• Service schedules, accessibility details, and fare questions

Is Flying from Atlanta to Memphis Right for You?

For most people in the Atlanta area, flying to Memphis is:

• Faster than driving, thanks to the short flight time.
• Straightforward, with frequent options from ATL.
• Flexible, with choices in departure times, airlines, and ground transport.

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or are planning a trip that uses Hartsfield–Jackson as your departure point, focusing on:

• Nonstop options,
• Smart timing for traffic and security, and
• Efficient ground transportation (MARTA, rideshare, or parking)

will make your Atlanta-to-Memphis flight smoother from start to finish.

Quick Atlanta–Memphis Flight Snapshot

This is the core of how flights from Atlanta to Memphis work from an Atlanta-based perspective, and it should give you the clarity to plan your next trip with confidence.