Flying From Memphis, TN to Atlanta, GA: What Travelers to and from Atlanta Should Know

If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit here, or are returning home from Tennessee, the route for flights from Memphis, TN to Atlanta, GA is one of the most convenient ways to connect the Mid‑South with metro Atlanta. This guide walks you through how the route works, what to expect at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), and how to plan your trip smoothly on both ends.

Key Facts About Flights From Memphis to Atlanta

For travelers heading into Atlanta from Memphis:

• Departure airport: Memphis International Airport (MEM)
• Arrival airport: Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Typical flight time: Around 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes in the air
• Distance: Roughly 330–340 miles
• Time zone difference: Memphis is Central Time; Atlanta is Eastern Time (Atlanta is one hour ahead)

Because this is a short, high‑demand business and leisure route, there are often multiple daily flights, especially during peak travel days. Schedules change throughout the year, so always confirm current times when booking.

Why This Route Matters for People in Atlanta

If you are based in Atlanta, flights from Memphis to Atlanta affect you in a few important ways:

• They bring visitors, family, and business partners directly into ATL, often on morning and evening flights.
• They provide a key feeder route into Atlanta’s large network of domestic and international connections.
• If you’re returning to Atlanta from Memphis, this route is typically faster and more predictable than driving along I‑22/I‑20, especially for weekend or business trips.

For Atlanta residents, this route is often used to:

• Visit friends or students at the University of Memphis or nearby colleges
• Attend conferences, concerts, and sporting events in Memphis
• Connect from Atlanta to other destinations via Memphis (if combining flight + drive)

Understanding ATL: Your Arrival Hub from Memphis

Most travelers flying Memphis to Atlanta arrive at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), one of the world’s busiest airports and the primary gateway to the city and the region.

Basic ATL Layout for Arrivals

When your flight lands from Memphis:

1. You’ll arrive at a concourse (A–F or T).
   • Domestic flights from Memphis normally use the domestic terminal side of ATL.
2. If Atlanta is your final destination:
   • Follow the “Baggage Claim” signs.
   • Take the Plane Train (underground airport train) to the Domestic Terminal / Baggage Claim station if needed.
3. If you’re connecting onward from Atlanta:
   • Follow the “Connecting Flights” signs and check the monitors for your next gate.

Address for ATL (useful for pickups and directions):
Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main airport information: (800) 897‑1910 (automated info line, often listed publicly)

Typical Schedule Patterns: When Flights Run

While exact schedules change, Memphis–Atlanta flights often follow these patterns:

• Morning flights: Useful for business travelers and same‑day connections in Atlanta.
• Midday flights: Helpful for more relaxed travel or when connecting to afternoon departures.
• Evening flights: Popular for day‑trip returns and weekend travelers heading back to Atlanta.

From the Atlanta side, this means:

• Expect early morning arrivals from Memphis that feed into Atlanta’s peak morning departure bank.
• Evening arrivals from Memphis may coincide with heavy traffic around the airport, especially weekday rush hour on I‑75/I‑85 and I‑285.

Because Atlanta is one hour ahead, a flight leaving Memphis at, for example, 3:00 p.m. Central, might land in Atlanta around 5:30 p.m. Eastern including the time change.

Flying Into Atlanta: Ground Transportation Options From ATL

Once you land in Atlanta from Memphis, you have several ways to get into the city or surrounding suburbs.

1. MARTA (Train) 🚆

MARTA is one of the most convenient options if you’re heading into the city center.

• Station: Airport Station (attached to the Domestic Terminal, North side)
• Lines: Usually the Red and Gold lines
• Common destinations:
  • Downtown Atlanta (Five Points, Peachtree Center)
  • Midtown (Arts Center, Midtown stations)
  • Buckhead (Lenox, Buckhead stations)

If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying near downtown or Midtown, taking MARTA from your Memphis–Atlanta flight is often faster than driving at rush hour.

MARTA Headquarters / Info Center (for reference):
2424 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Customer service (commonly listed): (404) 848‑5000

2. Rideshare and Taxis 🚗

At ATL, you’ll find:

• Rideshare pickups (for app‑based services) in designated areas at both Domestic and International terminals
• Taxi stands near the ground transportation areas

These are commonly used if you’re:

• Heading to neighborhoods not directly near MARTA, such as parts of West Midtown, East Atlanta, or many suburbs
• Traveling late at night or with large luggage from your Memphis flight

3. Rental Cars

If you’re visiting Atlanta from Memphis and plan to explore around the metro area or beyond:

• Follow signs to the Rental Car Center (RCC)
• Accessed via the SkyTrain from the Domestic Terminal
• From there you can drive to:
  • Downtown Atlanta (typically 15–25 minutes, traffic permitting)
  • Perimeter / Sandy Springs area
  • Other regional destinations like Athens, Macon, or North Georgia

Planning Your Trip From Memphis to Atlanta: Timing Tips

Whether you’re an Atlantan heading home or a visitor flying in, timing around this short route matters.

Booking and Check‑In

• For this short domestic route, travelers commonly:
  • Arrive at MEM about 1.5–2 hours before departure, especially during busy periods.
  • Use online check‑in and mobile boarding passes to save time.
• Flying to Atlanta in the morning can help avoid afternoon thunderstorms that are common in the Southeast during warmer months.

Watching the Time Zone

Remember: Atlanta is in Eastern Time, Memphis is in Central Time.

• When planning airport pickups in Atlanta, base times on Eastern Time.
• If you’re an Atlantan flying to Memphis for the day, you “gain” an hour going west and “lose” an hour returning east.

What to Expect on the Flight Itself

Flights from Memphis, TN to Atlanta, GA are:

• Short-haul domestic flights, often on single‑aisle jets
• Typically offer:
  • Basic carry‑on and personal item policies (check your specific airline’s rules)
  • Limited onboard services due to the short flight time (snacks and beverages may be offered, but the service can be brief)

For many Atlanta‑based travelers, this flight feels like a “shuttle” route—quick, straightforward, and highly optimized for connections.

Navigating ATL for Connecting Flights After Memphis

If Atlanta is not your final destination and you’re connecting onward:

• Check your connecting gate on airport monitors or your airline’s app as soon as you land.
• Use the Plane Train to move quickly between concourses:
  • T (closest to domestic check‑in)
  • A, B, C, D, E (domestic and some international)
  • F (international terminal)

Many itineraries use a Memphis → Atlanta → Final Destination structure. If you’re planning from Atlanta, you might help friends or family:

• Understand they may have tight connections at ATL
• Arrange pickup if Atlanta becomes their unexpected final stop due to delays or missed connections

Common Reasons Atlantans Fly This Route

People based in metro Atlanta frequently use the Atlanta–Memphis route (in both directions) for:

• Business trips between corporate offices or regional operations
• Weekends to Memphis to enjoy live music, food, and cultural sites
• Family visits, especially if relatives live in west Tennessee, northern Mississippi, or eastern Arkansas
• College and university visits, such as to the University of Memphis or nearby schools

Understanding how arrivals from Memphis feed into Atlanta’s transportation network helps you plan:

• Airport pickups at ATL for friends coming from Memphis
• Shared rides or carpools from the airport to neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Decatur, or Smyrna
• Train or bus connections from downtown Atlanta to other Georgia destinations

Quick Reference: Memphis–Atlanta Flight Essentials

Local Tips for Atlanta‑Bound Travelers

For those landing in Atlanta from Memphis:

• 🕒 Avoid peak road traffic where possible: weekday late afternoons and early evenings on I‑75/I‑85 can be slow.
• 🚆 Consider MARTA if you’re staying near downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead—often simpler than renting a car.
• 🧳 If friends or family are picking you up:
  • Have them use the Cell Phone Lot near ATL and text when you’re at the curb.
  • Be clear whether you’re coming out of the North or South terminal (most domestic flights use these areas).

If you’re an Atlantan planning a trip to Memphis and back, build in a bit of buffer time for:

• Afternoon summer thunderstorms that can affect schedules across the Southeast
• Busy holiday periods when both MEM and ATL can be more crowded than usual

By understanding how flights from Memphis, TN to Atlanta, GA fit into Atlanta’s airport layout, time zones, and transportation network, you can plan smoother trips—whether you call Atlanta home, are arriving here for the first time, or you’re helping friends and family navigate their way into the city.