Flying From Atlanta to Memphis: A Practical Guide for ATL Travelers ✈️

If you’re planning flights from Atlanta to Memphis, you’re in a great spot. Atlanta is one of the easiest cities in the country from which to reach Memphis by air, thanks to the size and connectivity of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

Whether you live in the metro area, are visiting Atlanta and flying out, or just want to understand how this route works, this guide walks you through everything from airlines and timing to airport tips that are specifically relevant to Atlanta-based travelers.

Overview: The Atlanta–Memphis Flight Route

Flying from Atlanta, Georgia (ATL) to Memphis, Tennessee (MEM) is a short, straightforward trip.

• Average flight time: about 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes in the air
• Distance: roughly 330–350 miles
• Typical route: non-stop flights are common, with many options throughout the day

For most Atlanta travelers, this route is used for:

• Quick business trips to Memphis
• Weekend getaways to enjoy music, food, and history
• Connecting flights that route through Memphis onward to other cities

Because ATL is such a major hub, you can often find multiple time options daily, which makes planning around work, events, or family visits much easier.

Key Details at a Glance

Here’s a simple summary to help you plan your Atlanta to Memphis flight:

Note: Atlanta is in the Eastern Time Zone, while Memphis is in Central Time. When you fly from Atlanta to Memphis, the local time in Memphis is one hour earlier, which can work in your favor for morning arrivals.

Choosing Flights From Atlanta to Memphis

Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights

Most travelers from Atlanta prefer nonstop flights to Memphis because the flight is short and simple. However, you may occasionally see connecting options if:

• You’re using loyalty points with a carrier that doesn’t offer nonstop service
• You’re booking at a very busy time and nonstops are full
• You’re continuing beyond Memphis and your itinerary is bundled

For most Atlanta-based travelers, a nonstop Atlanta–Memphis flight is usually the most practical choice.

Typical Flight Times From ATL

You can usually find flights:

• Early morning (good for same-day business in Memphis)
• Midday (nice for more relaxed travel)
• Late afternoon/evening (popular for after-work departures)

If you’re traveling from suburb areas like Marietta, Alpharetta, or Peachtree City, remember to factor in Atlanta traffic during rush hours when choosing your departure time.

Using Atlanta’s Airport (ATL): Local Tips

All flights from Atlanta to Memphis depart from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
General information: Many travelers rely on the airport’s main phone and information desks, as well as clearly marked signs throughout the domestic terminal.

Reaching ATL From Around Metro Atlanta

Depending on where you’re coming from, these are common ways Atlanta travelers get to the airport:

• MARTA Rail:

  • Take MARTA’s Red or Gold line to the Airport Station, located inside the domestic terminal.
  • This is especially convenient if you’re coming from Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or the Perimeter area.

• Driving & Parking:

  • Main access is via I-85 and I-285.
  • Parking options include Domestic Terminal parking decks, Park-Ride lots, and various private park-and-ride services around College Park and the surrounding area.

• Rideshare & Taxis:

  • Designated rideshare pick-up zones are clearly signed at the domestic terminal.
  • If you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, or near the airport, rideshare can be a straightforward choice, especially during off-peak traffic times.

Domestic Terminal & Check-In

Flights from Atlanta to Memphis are domestic, so you’ll use the Domestic Terminal at ATL:

• North Terminal (T-North) and South Terminal (T-South) handle different airline check-in counters.
• Once checked in and through security, you’ll use the plane train (automated people mover) to reach your departure concourse if needed.

Plan to arrive at ATL:

• At least 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight, especially if:
  • You’re checking a bag
  • You’re not familiar with the airport
  • You’re traveling during busy times (early weekday mornings, Sunday evenings, holidays)

Memphis International Airport (MEM): What to Expect When You Land

Your flight from Atlanta will arrive at:

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

MEM is significantly smaller and simpler to navigate than ATL, which many Atlanta travelers find refreshing after leaving such a large hub.

At MEM you’ll typically find:

• Single main terminal layout, easy to walk
• Car rental center, shuttle or walk depending on setup at the time
• Taxi and rideshare pick-up areas near the baggage claim exit
• Clear ground transportation signs directing you toward downtown Memphis

Because flights from Atlanta are short, bags often arrive relatively quickly, though it can vary by time of day.

When to Book: Timing Tips for Atlanta Travelers

Booking Window

For flights from Atlanta to Memphis, many travelers find reasonable options by:

• Looking a few weeks to a couple of months in advance for normal travel periods
• Searching earlier (often 6–8 weeks or more) around major holidays, big events, or college move-in weekends

Consider Atlanta-Specific Factors

When you’re planning dates and times, keep in mind:

• Atlanta traffic patterns:
  • Morning rush: roughly 6:30–9:00 a.m., especially on I-75/85 through Downtown and I-285
  • Evening rush: roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.
• Local events:
  • Major events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Georgia World Congress Center, or large conventions can affect traffic and rideshare availability.

If you need to be in Memphis at a specific time (for a meeting, concert, or event), choose an earlier flight from Atlanta than you think you need to allow for traffic or security delays.

Baggage, Security, and ID: What Atlanta Flyers Should Know

Security at ATL

At Hartsfield-Jackson, security lines can be long during peak periods, but they’re generally well organized. Domestic travelers must have:

• A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport
• Any additional documentation if you’re traveling with children under special circumstances (for example, unaccompanied minors – details depend on the airline)

Atlanta travelers often use:

• The Main Security Checkpoint in the domestic terminal
• PreCheck lanes if enrolled in trusted traveler programs where available

Baggage Considerations

For the short Atlanta–Memphis route:

• A carry-on and personal item are often enough for quick trips
• For longer stays, you can check luggage, but factor in:
  • Extra time at ATL for bag drop
  • Time at MEM for bag pickup

If you’re coming from outside central Atlanta, consider how traffic and parking will affect how early you need to leave for the airport when you’re checking bags.

Ground Transportation on Both Ends

Getting to ATL

From popular Atlanta areas:

• Downtown/Midtown:

  • MARTA is often the fastest option, avoiding freeway congestion.
  • Rideshare is simple but can be slower in heavy traffic.

• North Metro (Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta):

  • Many travelers drive and use long-term parking or private park-and-ride lots.
  • MARTA to the airport is an option if you can access a Red or Gold line station and don’t mind a connection.

• South Metro (College Park, East Point, Fayetteville, Peachtree City):

  • Shorter drive times to ATL; rideshare and taxis are very common from this area.

From MEM Into Memphis

Once you land in Memphis:

• Taxis and rideshare services are available at designated pick-up areas near baggage claim.
• Car rentals are convenient for exploring more of the region, especially if you’re traveling beyond the downtown core.

For Atlanta-based business travelers, having a consistent plan (for example, the same rental company each trip) can help streamline repeat journeys between Atlanta and Memphis.

Tips to Make the Atlanta–Memphis Flight Smoother

Here are some simple, Atlanta-focused tips to keep the trip easy:

• Plan extra time for ATL traffic.
  If you live in or near the city, assume major routes like I‑75/85 through Downtown and I‑285 interchanges may slow you down, especially during rush hours or after big events.

• Use MARTA if you’re near a station.
  Travelers staying around Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Doraville, or Chamblee often find the train more predictable than driving to ATL.

• Take advantage of the time change.
  When flying from Atlanta to Memphis, you “gain” an hour on the clock because Memphis is an hour behind Atlanta. That can help you schedule earlier meetings or maximize your day.

• Keep essentials in your carry-on.
  Because the flight is short, you may not need much, but it’s wise to keep:

  • Medications
  • Travel documents and ID
  • A light jacket or sweater (planes can be cool)

• Check your terminal and gate before leaving home.
  ATL is large, and gates can change. Knowing which concourse you’re headed to (A, B, C, etc.) can reduce stress once you’re through security.

Who This Route Works Best For in Atlanta

Flying from Atlanta to Memphis works especially well for:

• Business travelers based in Atlanta who need same-day in-and-out meetings in Memphis
• Students and families with ties to schools or relatives in Tennessee and the Mid-South
• Music and food lovers planning a quick trip from Atlanta to explore Beale Street, BBQ, and Memphis cultural landmarks
• Connecting travelers from Atlanta’s suburbs who find it easier to route through ATL to Memphis than to drive

If you’re in the Atlanta metro area and considering whether to fly or drive, the flight is often preferred when:

• You want to avoid long stretches of highway driving
• Time is limited and you want to be in Memphis in a couple of hours door-to-door (traffic depending)
• You’re already planning to be near ATL, such as if you work Downtown or have meetings nearby before departure

By understanding how flights from Atlanta to Memphis work specifically from an Atlanta traveler’s perspective—timing, airport navigation, local transit, and time zones—you can choose flight times and ground transportation that fit your schedule and avoid unnecessary stress on travel day.