Flying From Memphis to Atlanta: What Travelers to Atlanta Need to Know

If you’re planning a flight from Memphis to Atlanta, chances are Atlanta is either your final destination or an important connection hub. Because Atlanta is home to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)—one of the busiest airports in the world—this short route from Memphis is an important part of the city’s travel ecosystem.

Whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or are connecting here on your way somewhere else, understanding how Memphis → Atlanta flights work will help you plan smoother arrivals, connections, and ground transportation in and around Atlanta.

Key Facts About Flights From Memphis to Atlanta

Most commercial flights from Memphis International Airport (MEM) arrive at ATL. Here’s a high-level snapshot to orient you:

Because Atlanta is a major hub, travelers on this route often:

• Fly Memphis → Atlanta to reach Atlanta-area neighborhoods, suburbs, or nearby cities.
• Use Atlanta as a connection point to reach the Southeast, East Coast, West Coast, or international destinations.

Understanding Your Arrival Airport: ATL

Almost all scheduled commercial flights from Memphis to Atlanta land at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), located at:

ATL sits just south of downtown Atlanta and is directly connected to the city by major highways and MARTA (the local rail and bus system). If you’re flying in from Memphis, this will almost always be your entry point into Atlanta.

Terminals and Concourses You Might Use

ATL is organized into:

• Domestic Terminal North & South
• Concourse T (attached to the domestic terminal)
• Concourses A, B, C, D, and E (domestic and some international)
• Concourse F & International Terminal (for many international flights)

Memphis-to-Atlanta flights typically arrive at one of the domestic concourses (T, A, B, C, or D).

You can move between concourses using:

• The Plane Train (underground automated people mover)
• Walkways connecting concourses if you prefer to walk

For tight connections, the Plane Train is usually the fastest option.

Booking a Memphis → Atlanta Flight With Atlanta in Mind

When you search for flights from Memphis to Atlanta, think about more than just price. Your choices can affect how easily you navigate Atlanta’s airport and city.

Things to Consider While Booking

1. Time of Arrival in Atlanta

   • Morning arrivals can make it easier to catch MARTA, meet business schedules, or check in early for downtown hotels.
   • Evening arrivals might mean heavier traffic on I-75/I-85 and busier rideshare pickup zones.

2. Connection vs. Final Destination

   • If Atlanta is your final stop, choose arrival times that match:
     • Hotel check-in
     • Events, meetings, or game times (e.g., Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena)
   • If Atlanta is your connection point, look for:
     • At least 60–90 minutes connection time if changing concourses
     • More time if you’re connecting to international flights or need to change terminals

3. Checked Baggage vs. Carry-On Only

   • If you’re staying in Atlanta, either is fine; just factor in extra time at baggage claim.
   • If you’re connecting through Atlanta, carrying on luggage can reduce the stress of short layovers.

4. Seat Selection and Comfort

   • Memphis–Atlanta is a short hop, but front-of-cabin seating can help you deplane faster, which matters for:
     • Tight connections
     • Reaching rideshare, MARTA, or baggage claim more quickly

What to Expect During the Flight

Flight Time and Time Change

• Typical air time: Around 1–1.5 hours
• Because Atlanta is in the Eastern Time Zone, you usually lose one hour on the clock flying from Memphis to Atlanta.

For example:

• Depart Memphis at 2:00 p.m. Central
• Land in Atlanta around 4:00 p.m. Eastern, even though you’ve been in the air about 1–1.5 hours

Keep this in mind if you’ve got:

• Dinner reservations in Midtown or Buckhead
• Event tickets for theaters, concerts, or games
• Same-day work meetings in downtown Atlanta

Arriving in Atlanta: Navigating ATL From a Memphis Flight

Once you land in Atlanta from Memphis, you’ll either be staying in the Atlanta area or catching a connecting flight. The steps are different depending on which group you’re in.

If Atlanta Is Your Final Destination

1. Deplane and Follow Signs to the Plane Train

   • Look for signs reading “Baggage Claim” or “Ground Transportation”.
   • If you’re at concourses A–D or T, take the Plane Train toward the Domestic Terminal / Baggage Claim.

2. Pick Up Checked Bags

   • Follow signs to the appropriate baggage claim carousel.
   • Overhead displays will list arriving flights by city (look for “Memphis”).

3. Choose Your Ground Transportation

Your options from ATL are:

• MARTA Rail (Red/Gold Lines)

  • Station: Airport MARTA Station, directly inside the Domestic Terminal at the west end.
  • Good if you’re heading to:
    • Downtown Atlanta (Peachtree Center, Five Points)
    • Midtown (Arts Center, Midtown Station)
    • Portions of Buckhead
  • This is often the most predictable and traffic-free way into the city core.

• Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

  • Domestic rideshare pickup is in a designated staging area near the North and South terminals.
  • Follow the airport signs for “Rideshare / App-Based Ride Services”.
  • Useful for:
    • Neighborhoods not directly on MARTA (East Atlanta, Decatur, West Midtown, many suburbs)
    • Late-night arrivals when train schedules may be more limited

• Taxi Services

  • Taxis line up at marked stands near the baggage claim exits.
  • Often used for downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead hotels and can offer flat-rate pricing to certain zones.

• Rental Cars

  • All major rental agencies are in the ATL Rental Car Center (RCC) at:

    2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy, College Park, GA 30337

  • Reach it via the SkyTrain, an elevated train from the airport.
  • A rental car makes sense if you’re visiting:
    • Suburbs like Marietta, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Peachtree City
    • Areas with limited transit or rideshare availability

• Hotel & Private Shuttles

  • Some airport-area hotels and private services run courtesy shuttles.
  • Pickup areas are marked near the ground transportation exits; check your reservation details for instructions.

If You’re Connecting Through Atlanta

Atlanta is a major connection point, so many Memphis → Atlanta passengers continue onward.

• Follow “Connecting Flights” signs after deplaning.
• Check the departure boards for your next gate and concourse.
• Use the Plane Train to switch concourses; listen for the announcement of your concourse letter.

Tips for connections:

• 🕒 Aim for 60+ minutes for domestic-to-domestic; more if you’re changing terminals, traveling with mobility needs, or prefer a less rushed connection.
• 🔁 For domestic to international, give yourself at least 90 minutes, especially if you need to re-check bags or change terminals.

Getting From ATL to Popular Atlanta Areas

Once you’ve landed from Memphis, how you get around depends on where you’re staying or visiting in Atlanta.

Downtown Atlanta

Includes areas around:

• Georgia State Capitol
• Centennial Olympic Park
• State Farm Arena
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Good options:

• MARTA rail (Airport → Five Points or Peachtree Center)
• Taxi or rideshare if you have luggage or are traveling as a group

Midtown Atlanta

Home to:

• Georgia Tech
• Piedmont Park
• Fox Theatre
• Many offices and restaurants

Best options:

• MARTA rail (Airport → Midtown or Arts Center stations)
• Rideshare or taxi for door-to-door access

Buckhead

Known for:

• Shopping districts
• Hotels
• Residential neighborhoods

Transport choices:

• MARTA rail to Buckhead, Lenox, or Lindbergh Center
• Rideshares from any of those stations, or directly from the airport

Suburbs and Metro Area

If you’re heading from your Memphis → Atlanta flight to places like Marietta, Smyrna, Decatur, Stone Mountain, or Alpharetta, expect to use:

• Rental cars
• Rideshare
• Occasionally a combination of MARTA + rideshare

Planning Your Schedule Around a Memphis → Atlanta Flight

Because the flight is short but crosses a time zone, timing matters.

For Atlanta Residents Returning From Memphis

If you live in the Atlanta area and are flying back from Memphis:

• Consider rush hour traffic on I-75/I-85 when scheduling your return:
  • Morning: roughly 7–9 a.m.
  • Evening: roughly 4–7 p.m.
• If you land during rush hour and need to reach Downtown or Midtown, MARTA can be more predictable than driving.

For Visitors With Same-Day Plans in Atlanta

If your trip from Memphis is part of a same-day visit to Atlanta:

• For business meetings, try to land at least 2–3 hours before your first commitment to allow for:
  • Deplaning
  • Baggage claim (if needed)
  • Transit or traffic into the city
• For events (games, concerts, theater):
  • Aim to arrive by midday or early afternoon, particularly on weekends or event-heavy evenings.

Airport Services in Atlanta You Might Use After Flying From Memphis

Information and Assistance

At ATL, you’ll find:

• Airport information desks throughout the terminal
• Signage for:
  • Lost & Found
  • Ground transportation
  • Security re-check (if you exit and later re-enter)

If you need general help while at the airport, look for uniformed airport staff or information counters near the main terminal areas.

Security and Re-Entry

If you:

• Collect your bags and leave the secure area, or
• Exit to the public side of the terminal for any reason

You will need to go back through TSA security to board any additional flights. Factor this in if you plan to meet someone in the terminal or leave the airport between flights.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Memphis → Atlanta Trip

A few Atlanta-specific pointers to make your trip easier:

• Check traffic and transit options before you land. Real-time info can help you decide between MARTA, rideshare, or taxi for reaching your destination.
• Use the Plane Train efficiently. It connects all concourses and is designed for quick transfers. Listen carefully for your stop.
• Build in extra time on holidays and major Atlanta event days. Large conventions, sporting events, and concerts can affect both airport crowds and traffic on your way into the city.
• Know your neighborhood. Atlanta is spread out; knowing whether you’re heading to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or a suburb will help you pick the right transportation from ATL.

Flying Memphis to Atlanta is a short hop, but it connects you to one of the most important travel and business hubs in the country. Understanding how ATL operates, and how to move smoothly from the plane to Atlanta’s neighborhoods and suburbs, turns that quick flight into a much easier start to your time in the city.