Flying From Atlanta to Myrtle Beach: How to Plan Your Trip Easily

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and want a quick beach getaway, flights from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach are one of the fastest ways to get from the city to the sand. This route is especially popular with Atlantans looking for long-weekend trips, golf vacations, or family-friendly beach time without a long drive.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to finding, booking, and navigating flights from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR).

Overview: Atlanta to Myrtle Beach by Air

Flying from ATL to MYR is typically a short, nonstop regional route when available, often taking around 1 to 1.5 hours of flight time. When nonstop service is limited or seasonal, you may find one-stop itineraries through major hubs.

From an Atlanta traveler’s perspective, this route is ideal if:

• You want to avoid the 5–6 hour drive to Myrtle Beach.
• You’re planning a short trip and want to maximize beach time.
• You prefer flying out of a major airport with many services, like ATL.

Typical Flight Options

Actual airlines and schedules change, but in general you’ll see:

• Nonstop flights (seasonal or limited days)
  Often offered during spring and summer when Myrtle Beach travel is busiest.
• One-stop flights
  Common routings may connect through major hubs such as Charlotte, Washington, or other East Coast cities, depending on the carrier.

Because Myrtle Beach is a leisure destination, flight frequency can vary by season. You’ll see more options in warmer months and around school breaks.

Where You’ll Fly From in Atlanta: ATL Basics

All commercial flights from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach depart from:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main Info Line: (800) 897‑1910

ATL is large but relatively easy to navigate once you understand the layout.

Terminals and Concourses

• Domestic flights (including to Myrtle Beach) use:
  • Domestic Terminal North and South
  • Concourses T, A, B, C, D (and sometimes E)
• You’ll access concourses via:
  • The Plane Train (underground people-mover)
  • Walkable tunnels with moving walkways

Your airline determines whether you check in at North or South Terminal, so double-check your reservation before heading to the airport.

Getting to ATL from Around Atlanta

From an Atlanta resident or visitor’s perspective, these are common ways to reach ATL:

• MARTA rail
  Take the Red or Gold line to Airport Station, located inside the Domestic Terminal.
• Rideshare and taxis
  Pick-up and drop-off areas are signed and separated for domestic and international sides.
• Driving and parking
  Options include Hourly, Daily, Economy, and Park-Ride lots.
  For multi-day trips to Myrtle Beach, many travelers choose Economy or off-site private parking.

What to Expect From the Flight: Time, Distance, and Comfort

While actual details vary by airline and day, a typical ATL–MYR flight looks like this:

Because the flight is short, basic economy or standard economy seats are usually sufficient for most travelers, especially if you’re packing lightly for a weekend.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Time to Fly From Atlanta

For travelers based in Atlanta, Myrtle Beach acts as a seasonal beach market:

• Peak season: Late spring through early fall
  • More frequent flights
  • Higher demand (and often higher prices)
  • Popular with families, golfers, and group trips
• Shoulder seasons (early spring, late fall)
  • Some nonstop or one-stop options
  • Often quieter and sometimes more budget-friendly
• Winter
  • Fewer flights
  • More likely to see one-stop itineraries rather than nonstops

If you have flexibility:

• Book several weeks in advance for peak summer weekends.
• Consider midweek flights (Tuesday–Thursday), which are often less busy than Fridays and Sundays.

Booking Tips for Atlanta–Myrtle Beach Flights

For someone flying out of Atlanta, booking smartly can save both money and time.

1. Compare Nonstop vs. One-Stop

• Nonstop flights
  • Shortest total travel time
  • Often preferred for families or short trips
  • May cost more in peak season
• One-stop flights
  • More schedule choices
  • Sometimes cheaper, but add layover time
  • Good if nonstop options don’t match your preferred times

Decide if saving an hour or two is worth a higher fare, especially if you’re just going for a quick weekend.

2. Check Multiple Dates and Times

Airfares from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach can shift based on:

• Day of the week (weekends often cost more)
• Time of day (early morning or late-night can be cheaper)
• Holiday or school break periods

If you live in Atlanta and have flexible timing, it often helps to:

• Look at “whole month” views in flight search tools.
• Consider flying out on a Thursday and returning Monday instead of Friday–Sunday.

3. Factor in Total Travel Cost

When deciding between flying and driving from Atlanta:

• Consider:
  • Airfare vs. gas and parking
  • Baggage fees (if you’re bringing golf clubs or checked bags)
  • Ground transport in Myrtle Beach (rental car, Uber/Lyft, taxis)
• For shorter beach trips, flying from ATL can be attractive if:
  • You find a reasonably priced nonstop
  • You value extra time at the destination more than savings on driving

Airport Experience at ATL: Before You Fly

Since ATL is likely your home or starting airport, a smooth experience there sets the tone for your whole trip.

Security and Check-In Timing

For a domestic flight from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach:

• Aim to arrive at ATL 1.5–2 hours before departure, especially:
  • On Friday afternoons
  • During summer and holiday travel periods
• Use:
  • Online check-in when possible
  • TSA PreCheck, if you’re enrolled, to speed up security

📝 Tip: If you’re new to ATL, allow extra time to navigate between parking, check-in, and security. Lines can be long at peak times, even for short flights.

Food and Amenities at ATL

If you’re heading from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach for vacation, you may want to start unwinding at the airport:

• Dining: National chains plus local options across concourses T–D.
• Shops: Convenience stores, bookstores, and travel essentials.
• Lounges: If your ticket or credit card includes lounge access, ATL has several in domestic concourses.

Arriving in Myrtle Beach: What Atlanta Travelers Should Know

You’ll land at:

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
1100 Jetport Rd
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

MYR is much smaller and simpler than ATL, which many Atlanta travelers appreciate after navigating a big hub.

Getting from MYR to Your Hotel or Rental

From MYR, you can typically reach most beach areas within 15–30 minutes, depending on traffic and location.

Common options:

• Rental cars
  • On-site rental counters in or near the terminal.
  • Useful if you’re planning to explore multiple beaches or golf courses.
• Rideshare (when available)
  • Pick-up zones are usually signed outside the terminal.
• Taxis and shuttles
  • Taxi stands and, in some cases, pre-booked hotel shuttles.

If you’re from Atlanta and used to MARTA, note that Myrtle Beach does not have rail transit, so expect to rely on cars, shuttles, or taxis.

Packing and Baggage Tips for ATL–MYR Flights

Because this is a short domestic trip, most Atlanta travelers keep baggage light:

• Carry-on only if possible:
  • Avoids baggage claim at MYR
  • Reduces risk of delays or missing luggage
• Check baggage if:
  • Traveling with golf clubs or bulky beach gear
  • Staying longer or traveling with kids

If you’re bringing sports equipment (like golf clubs), review:

• Airline baggage policies for oversize or special items
• Fees and packing requirements (e.g., hard cases or padding)

🧴 Liquids reminder: Standard TSA 3-1-1 rule applies leaving ATL, just like any other domestic flight.

When Flying Might Beat Driving (and When It Might Not)

From Atlanta, driving to Myrtle Beach typically takes around 5–6 hours, depending on traffic and route. Whether flying makes sense depends on your priorities.

Flying Is Often Worth It If:

• You’re on a tight schedule (like a 2–3 day weekend).
• You dislike long drives or have kids who travel better by air.
• You find a reasonably priced nonstop flight at a convenient time.

Driving May Make More Sense If:

• You’re traveling with a large family or group and want to save on multiple airfares.
• You plan to bring lots of beach gear, coolers, or bikes.
• You prefer to avoid airports and don’t mind the road trip.

Many Atlantans end up using both options over different trips—driving for longer stays and flying for quick getaways.

Accessibility and Special Assistance From Atlanta

If you or someone in your group needs extra support:

• At ATL
  • Wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and priority boarding are available.
  • You can request help through your airline or at check-in counters.
• At MYR
  • Smaller airport size can make connections between gates, baggage claim, and exits easier.

If you live in Atlanta and travel frequently, you may also consider TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to make repeated trips to Myrtle Beach and other destinations smoother.

Practical Next Steps for Atlanta Travelers

To move from idea to booked trip:

1. Decide your dates
   • Consider Atlanta school calendars, holidays, and big local events that might affect airfare.
2. Search flights from ATL to MYR
   • Compare nonstop vs. one-stop options, and check different times of day.
3. Plan airport transport in Atlanta
   • Choose between MARTA, rideshare, or parking at ATL.
4. Arrange ground transport in Myrtle Beach
   • Book a rental car or confirm rideshare/taxi availability for your arrival time.
5. Check weather and packing needs
   • Myrtle Beach weather is often similar to Atlanta’s, but coastal breezes can be cooler in shoulder seasons.

With a bit of planning from your base in Atlanta, flying to Myrtle Beach can turn a regular weekend into a relaxed beach escape with minimal travel stress.