Flying From Myrtle Beach, SC to Atlanta, GA: What Travelers to Atlanta Need to Know
If you’re planning a trip from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to Atlanta, Georgia, you’ll almost always be flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Whether you live in Atlanta and are returning home, or you’re visiting the city after some time on the South Carolina coast, this guide walks you through how these flights work and what to expect once you land in Atlanta.
Key Facts About Flights From Myrtle Beach to Atlanta
Typical route:
- Departure airport: Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
- Arrival airport: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
What travelers usually experience:
- Nonstop options: Many itineraries include direct flights between MYR and ATL, especially on major domestic carriers.
- Flight time: Nonstop flights are often about 1–1.5 hours in the air, making this a quick hop to Atlanta.
- Connections: Some tickets may route you through another hub if nonstop options are limited on your travel date or time.
Because ATL is a major hub, a large share of passengers on this route are either:
- Coming home to Atlanta,
- Visiting Atlanta as the final destination, or
- Connecting to another domestic or international flight.
Understanding Your Arrival in Atlanta (ATL)
Terminals and Concourses
All commercial flights from Myrtle Beach to Atlanta arrive at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, located at:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320
Key layout points to know:
- Domestic flights (like MYR → ATL) typically use the Domestic Terminal and concourses T, A, B, C, D, or E.
- Concourses are connected by the Plane Train, an underground people-mover that runs frequently.
- If Atlanta is your final stop, you’ll:
- Deplane at your assigned concourse
- Follow signs to Baggage Claim
- Proceed to Ground Transportation (for MARTA, rideshare, taxis, shuttles, or rental cars)
✈️ Tip: If you’re being picked up by friends or family, they’ll usually meet you at the North or South Terminal passenger pickup areas, depending on your airline.
Flight Options and What to Expect on the Route
Types of Flights
You may see:
- Nonstop flights: The fastest way to go from Myrtle Beach to Atlanta.
- One-stop flights: Sometimes used in off-peak seasons or if you’re on a smaller carrier or special fare.
Most locals and frequent visitors prefer nonstop flights to avoid weather-related or connection delays, especially if they’re planning time-sensitive activities in Atlanta (meetings, events, same-day connections, etc.).
Typical Airline Experience
While specific services vary by carrier, travelers on this route often encounter:
- Single-cabin or two-cabin aircraft (economy, and sometimes first/business).
- Limited snack offerings on shorter flights.
- Basic carry-on and personal item allowances, subject to each airline’s rules and fare type.
✅ Good to know for Atlanta-bound travelers:
Because ATL is such a busy hub, gate changes and minor delays are not unusual. Keep an eye on the airport’s flight information displays after you land if you’re connecting, or on your airline’s app before you leave Myrtle Beach.
Best Time to Fly From Myrtle Beach to Atlanta (From an Atlanta Perspective)
When ATL Is Busiest
Knowing when Atlanta’s airport and roads are crowded can help you pick smarter flight times:
- Peak airport times in Atlanta often include:
- Early morning (around 6–9 a.m.)
- Late afternoon and early evening (around 4–7 p.m.)
- Rush hour on Atlanta roads:
- Weekday mornings: roughly 7–9:30 a.m.
- Weekday evenings: roughly 4–7 p.m.
If you’re flying into Atlanta and then driving into the city (Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, etc.), you may want to avoid arrivals right in the middle of rush hour, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Atlanta traffic.
Seasonal Considerations
From the Atlanta side:
- Summer and school breaks bring more leisure travelers returning from the beach, so flights from Myrtle Beach to Atlanta can be busier.
- Holiday periods (Thanksgiving, winter holidays, spring break) often see higher fares and fuller flights both into and out of ATL.
Planning ahead and being flexible with flight times can help you find more comfortable schedules and sometimes better pricing.
Costs, Baggage, and Booking Tips
Ticket Pricing Patterns
While prices change frequently, travelers between Myrtle Beach and Atlanta often notice:
- Higher fares close to departure or on popular weekend times.
- More budget-friendly options on weekdays or midday flights when demand is lower.
- Additional fees for:
- Checked baggage
- Seat selection
- Earlier boarding or flexible changes, depending on airline and fare
If you live in Atlanta and are returning from Myrtle Beach, consider:
- Booking round trip from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach and back in one purchase, which can sometimes be more cost-effective than two one-way tickets.
- Checking whether your return time into Atlanta works with MARTA or planned pickup arrangements.
Baggage Tips for ATL Arrivals
- Bags from Myrtle Beach flights arrive at the Domestic Baggage Claim area.
- Check the monitors in baggage claim to find your carousel number.
- If your bag is delayed or missing, look for your airline’s baggage service office off the baggage claim hall.
Getting From ATL Airport Into Atlanta
Once you land from Myrtle Beach, you’ll need to get into the city or on to your next destination. Atlanta offers several options:
1. MARTA (Rail)
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) runs a rail line directly from the airport to many parts of Atlanta.
- Airport Station: Located inside the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim and Ground Transportation.
- Main line: The Red and Gold lines serve:
- Downtown (Five Points, Peachtree Center)
- Midtown (Midtown, Arts Center)
- Buckhead (Lenox, Buckhead Station)
- North Springs/Doraville and other stops
MARTA Contact (General Info):
MARTA Headquarters
2424 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Customer Information: 404-848-5000
MARTA is often the fastest and most predictable option for getting from ATL into central Atlanta, especially during rush hour.
2. Rideshare and Taxi
- Rideshare pickups (such as app-based services) are typically located in designated areas of the Domestic Terminal Ground Transportation Center.
- Taxis are lined up outside the baggage claim area, with posted flat rates or metered fares for travel into designated zones in the city.
For visitors staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, these options can be convenient if you have luggage or arrive late at night when rail service is less frequent.
3. Rental Cars
If you plan to explore the broader Atlanta region or suburbs after flying in from Myrtle Beach, a rental car may make sense.
- Rental Car Center (RCC): Accessible from the airport via the SkyTrain, an automated people-mover.
- The RCC hosts multiple major rental agencies under one roof.
Rental Car Center Address:
2200 Rental Car Center Parkway
College Park, GA 30337
From there, you can access major roads such as I-85, I-75, and I-285 to reach neighborhoods across the metro Atlanta area.
Connecting in Atlanta to Other Destinations
Many travelers flying from Myrtle Beach to Atlanta use ATL as a connection point to other cities.
If you’re connecting:
- Stay behind security. Follow signs for “Connecting Flights” rather than Baggage Claim.
- Check your new gate and concourse on the airport monitors or your airline’s app.
- Use the Plane Train to move between concourses quickly.
Time needed for connections in Atlanta can vary, but many airlines schedule layovers of at least 45–60 minutes for domestic-to-domestic connections. If your flight from Myrtle Beach is delayed, gate agents in Atlanta can guide you on rebooking or alternate options.
Accessibility and Special Assistance in Atlanta
If you need extra help when arriving in Atlanta (mobility assistance, accessible transportation, or guidance for travelers with disabilities), ATL and MARTA have established support systems:
- ATL Assistance: Wheelchair and mobility assistance is usually requested through your airline when booking or before departure from Myrtle Beach.
- MARTA Accessibility:
- All rail stations and most buses are designed with accessibility features, including elevators and designated spaces.
For detailed accessibility information in the Atlanta area, you can also check with City of Atlanta public information lines or directly with MARTA at 404-848-5000.
Quick Reference: Myrtle Beach → Atlanta Flight Basics
| Topic | What Atlanta Travelers Should Know |
|---|---|
| Main route | Myrtle Beach International (MYR) → Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL) |
| Typical flight duration | About 1–1.5 hours of flight time (nonstop) |
| Arrival area at ATL | Domestic Terminal, concourses T–E, with access to Baggage Claim |
| Ground transport into Atlanta | MARTA rail, taxis, rideshare, rental cars |
| Best for beating traffic | Avoid peak Atlanta rush hour arrivals if driving into the city |
| Good option for city access | MARTA for Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead |
| Common travel purpose | ATL as final destination or connection hub |
If you’re coming from Myrtle Beach to Atlanta, planning around when you arrive, how you’ll leave ATL, and where you’re headed in the metro area will make your trip smoother. With a short flight and a major, well-connected airport, this route is a practical way to access everything Atlanta has to offer—from Downtown attractions and Midtown arts venues to Buckhead shopping and the wider metro region.
