Flying From Atlanta, GA to Myrtle Beach, SC: What You Need to Know

Planning a beach getaway from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach is a common move for Atlanta residents looking for a quick escape to the South Carolina coast. Whether you live in the metro area, are visiting Atlanta and flying out of here, or just comparing travel options, it helps to understand how flights on this route actually work.

This guide breaks down flight options, airports, schedules, pricing tips, and alternatives specifically from an Atlanta perspective.

Is There a Nonstop Flight From Atlanta to Myrtle Beach?

Between Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), nonstop service is often seasonal or limited, not guaranteed year-round.

On this route, travelers commonly find:

• Nonstop flights in peak seasons (spring and summer, and sometimes around holidays)
• No nonstop flights in off-peak months, with most options requiring a connection
• Fluctuating schedules year to year based on demand

Because schedules change, the most reliable approach from Atlanta is to:

• Check major airlines that have a hub at ATL (for example, large legacy carriers that dominate Hartsfield–Jackson)
• Look for nonstop filters when searching
• Be prepared that, outside peak months, you may see 1-stop flights only

If you’re planning a spring break, summer vacation, or weekend beach trip, start searching early; nonstop options—if available that season—tend to sell out quickly.

Atlanta’s Departure Airport: What to Expect at ATL

Nearly all commercial flights from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach depart from:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main phone (airport information): (800) 897-1910

For someone living in or near Atlanta, ATL is usually:

• The most convenient starting point
• The best-connected airport for Myrtle Beach flights
• The easiest to reach by transit, rideshare, or highway

Getting to ATL From Around Metro Atlanta

Common options:

• MARTA rail:

  • Take the Red or Gold Line to the Airport Station, located inside the Domestic Terminal.
  • Good option if you’re coming from Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead and want to avoid parking.

• Driving and parking:

  • On-site Domestic and International parking garages
  • Economy and park-and-ride lots usually cost less per day.
  • Private off-airport parking lots near College Park and Hapeville are another budget-friendly option.

• Rideshare and taxis:

  • Dedicated rideshare pick-up zones for app-based services.
  • Metered taxis from across the city; more economical if you’re relatively close to the airport or sharing the ride.

For early morning departures, leave extra time for I‑75/I‑85 traffic and security lines, especially during holidays, school breaks, and major events in Atlanta.

Flight Time and Typical Routes

The nonstop flight time from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach—when available—is usually around:

• 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes in the air

If nonstop is not available for your date:

• Expect 1-stop itineraries with connections typically in:
  • Another southeastern or mid-Atlantic city
  • A larger hub operated by your airline

In those cases, total travel time often ranges from:

• 3 to 6 hours, door-to-door, depending on layover length

When comparing options, look closely at:

• Total travel time, not just the number of stops
• Connection airports – some hubs are more prone to delays due to weather
• Layover length – too short can be stressful; too long wastes your day

When to Fly: Best Times for Atlanta–Myrtle Beach Trips

Your experience on this route will depend heavily on season and timing.

Peak Travel Seasons

From an Atlanta standpoint, expect higher demand for Myrtle Beach flights:

• Spring Break (March–April)
  Atlanta families and college students frequently head east to the coast.
• Summer (May–August)
  Prime beach season; flights and hotels often more expensive.
• Holiday weekends
  Memorial Day, Labor Day, and sometimes early fall breaks for metro Atlanta school systems.

During these times:

• Book earlier for the best selection, especially if you want a morning nonstop.
• Consider midweek flights (Tuesday–Thursday), which may offer better availability and potentially lower fares than Fridays and Sundays.

Off-Peak Months

In late fall and winter:

• Flight frequency may be reduced
• Nonstop options are less common or may not be available
• Prices can sometimes be more favorable, especially on weekdays

If you live in Atlanta and have flexibility, you may find better value by planning your beach trips outside of school and holiday peaks.

How Much Do Flights From Atlanta to Myrtle Beach Cost?

Prices vary, but for Atlanta-origin travelers, common patterns include:

• Higher fares around:

  • School breaks (Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett calendars)
  • Holiday weekends
  • Last-minute bookings, especially out of ATL, a major hub

• Potentially lower fares when:

  • Flying midweek
  • Booking several weeks in advance
  • Being flexible with your departure time (midday or late evening)

To manage costs from Atlanta:

• Compare morning vs. afternoon vs. evening flights
• Check nearby dates (a day earlier or later can change price significantly)
• Consider whether a 1-stop flight is worth the savings vs. a nonstop, if both are available

Sample Travel Options From Atlanta to Myrtle Beach

Below is a simplified overview of what Atlanta-based travelers typically see. Specific airlines and times vary, but this gives you a sense of the trade-offs:

Use this as a framework when you search flights out of ATL so you can weigh cost vs. convenience.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers on This Route

1. Give Yourself Enough Time at Hartsfield–Jackson

Because ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world, aim for:

• Domestic flights:
  • Arrive at least 2 hours before departure, more during peak travel periods.
• If driving from areas like Alpharetta, Marietta, or Peachtree City, factor in:
  • Rush-hour congestion
  • Time to park, ride the shuttle (if using park-and-ride), and get through security

2. Choose the Right Terminal and Check-In Area

Most flights Atlanta–Myrtle Beach will depart from the Domestic Terminal at ATL.

• Verify your airline’s check-in counter (North or South Terminal).
• Consider online check-in to speed things up.
• Use TSA PreCheck, if you have it, to shorten security lines—this is especially helpful at ATL.

For information on security and checkpoints:

• TSA at Hartsfield–Jackson
  Main customer service: (866) 289-9673 (general TSA info line)

3. Packing and Beach Gear From Atlanta

If you’re leaving from home in Atlanta, it’s easier to plan:

• Check your airline’s rules for:
  • Checked bags vs. carry-on sizes
  • Sports equipment (e.g., golf clubs, fishing gear)
• Consider buying inexpensive beach items (chairs, umbrellas, coolers) upon arrival in Myrtle Beach rather than flying them from Atlanta; this can:
  • Reduce baggage fees
  • Make airport navigation easier at ATL

Ground Transportation at Myrtle Beach for Atlanta Visitors

Once you land at Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR):

• Rental cars:
  Popular option if you’re coming from Atlanta and want to explore multiple beaches or golf courses. Rental counters are usually located near baggage claim.
• Taxis and rideshare:
  Available at designated pick-up areas outside the terminal.
• Hotel shuttles:
  Some Myrtle Beach resorts offer shuttles; confirm with your hotel before you leave Atlanta.

Since many Atlantans are used to driving, a rental car often feels the most familiar and flexible option, especially if you’re staying along the Grand Strand.

Should You Fly or Drive From Atlanta to Myrtle Beach?

From Atlanta, the drive to Myrtle Beach is often compared to flying, and many locals weigh both options.

Driving Overview

Approximate driving details from Atlanta:

• Distance: About 350–380 miles, depending on your route
• Driving time: Typically 6 to 7 hours, without major delays

Common routes use a combination of:

• I‑20 eastbound
• US and state highways through Georgia and South Carolina

Pros of Driving From Atlanta

• No airport security or check-in
• Easier to bring coolers, chairs, umbrellas, and family gear
• Can be more affordable for families or groups
• Flexible departure times, especially useful with Atlanta traffic

Pros of Flying From Atlanta

• Much shorter time in motion if you get a nonstop or short 1-stop
• More relaxing if you don’t enjoy long highway drives
• Helpful for short weekend trips, when every hour matters

A typical Atlanta traveler might:

• Drive when traveling with a family, lots of beach gear, or staying a week or more.
• Fly for solo/couples’ trips, weekend getaways, or when they can secure a quick nonstop at a good price.

How Atlanta Visitors Can Use This Route

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want to include Myrtle Beach in your trip:

• You can fly into ATL, spend a few days in the city, then:
  • Take a direct or 1-stop flight onward to Myrtle Beach, or
  • Drive from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach as a road trip segment

This allows you to combine:

• City experiences in Atlanta (museums, sports, dining)
• With a beach vacation in Myrtle Beach

When booking, consider multi-city tickets (e.g., “Home City → ATL → MYR → Home City”), which sometimes simplify the itinerary.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta–Myrtle Beach Flights

• Airport: You’ll almost always depart from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
• Flight length: Nonstop flights, when available, are about 1–1.25 hours in the air; 1-stop itineraries usually take 3–5 hours total.
• Nonstop availability: Often seasonal or limited; check peak travel periods first.
• Best booking strategy for Atlantans:
  • Look early for spring and summer trips.
  • Consider midweek departures to manage cost.
  • Compare nonstop vs. 1-stop options carefully.
• Alternative: Driving from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach (about 6–7 hours) may be more practical for families, long stays, or heavy beach gear.

With a clear sense of timing, airports, and travel trade-offs, someone in Atlanta can choose the flight—or drive—that fits their schedule, budget, and style of beach vacation.