Flying Between Memphis and Atlanta: How to Find the Best Flights

If you’re planning a trip between Memphis, Tennessee and Atlanta, Georgia, you have one of the easiest city-to-city air routes in the Southeast. Whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or you’re connecting through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), there are several practical details that can help you pick the best Memphis–Atlanta flight for your schedule and budget.

Overview: Memphis–Atlanta Flights at a Glance

The route between Memphis International Airport (MEM) and Atlanta (ATL) is a busy, short-haul flight served by multiple daily departures. For Atlanta-based travelers, this route is often used for:

• Quick business trips to Memphis
• Weekend getaways or visits with family and friends
• Connecting flights from Memphis through Atlanta to other U.S. and international destinations

Here’s a simple look at what to expect:

Because ATL is a major hub, flights between Memphis and Atlanta are usually frequent and relatively easy to book, especially on weekdays.

Which Airport You’ll Use in Atlanta

For commercial flights between Memphis and Atlanta, you’ll be using:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Located about 10 miles south of Downtown Atlanta
• Accessible via MARTA (airport station), ride-share, taxis, and major highways (I‑75, I‑85)

There are smaller airports around metro Atlanta (like Cobb County International Airport–McCollum Field or DeKalb–Peachtree Airport), but Memphis–Atlanta flights for typical travelers almost always use ATL.

Getting to ATL from Around Atlanta

From inside the city and nearby suburbs, typical options include:

• MARTA Rail:

  • Take the Red or Gold line to Airport Station (inside the Domestic Terminal).
  • Useful if you’re staying near Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or North Springs corridor.

• Driving & Parking:

  • On-site parking options: Economy, Park-Ride lots, Daily and Hourly parking.
  • Off-site private parking operators often provide shuttles to the terminals.

• Ride-share & Taxi:

  • Designated pick-up areas are signed at both the Domestic and International terminals.
  • A common option if you’re in neighborhoods like Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, Decatur, Smyrna, or Sandy Springs.

Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights Between Memphis and Atlanta

Most travelers between Memphis and Atlanta prefer nonstop flights. On this route:

• Nonstop flights typically take around an hour, not counting boarding and taxi time.
• Connecting flights (for example, routing through another city) exist but usually don’t make sense unless:
  • You’re using a specific rewards ticket or voucher
  • You’re intentionally stopping in another city
  • Schedule or price for nonstop options don’t work for your dates

For most Atlanta travelers, nonstop Memphis–Atlanta flights are the most practical choice.

Typical Flight Times and Best Times to Fly

Usual Memphis–Atlanta Flight Duration

Plan on:

• Gate-to-gate: about 60–75 minutes
• Total airport time:
  • Add 90–120 minutes before departure for check-in, security, and boarding
  • More during peak hours or busy holiday periods

When Flights Are Often Available

While exact schedules change, this route commonly has:

• Morning departures good for same-day meetings or events
• Afternoon flights for more relaxed travel starts
• Evening flights that work well if you’re finishing a workday in either city first

If you’re based in Atlanta, booking the earliest morning flight out to Memphis and an evening return can make a day trip realistic.

Finding the Best Fares from Atlanta to Memphis

Fares on Atlanta–Memphis flights shift based on demand, day of the week, and how far in advance you book. Some general patterns travelers often notice:

• Midweek flights (Tuesday–Thursday) can sometimes be more affordable than Fridays and Sundays.
• Early-morning or late-night departures may be cheaper than midday peak times.
• Booking ahead—often a few weeks out for standard trips—tends to offer more options and better prices than last-minute buys.

Tips for Atlanta-Based Travelers Booking This Route

• Be flexible with time of day: If your schedule allows, compare early morning vs. mid-afternoon departures.
• Check both directions together: Sometimes a round trip between Atlanta and Memphis prices better than two separate one-way tickets.
• Watch major events: Big events in either city—festivals, sports games, conventions—can raise prices and reduce availability on specific days.

What to Expect at Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL) for a Memphis Flight

Since this is a domestic route, your journey will use the Domestic Terminal and one of the concourses A, B, C, D, or T, depending on airline and gate assignment.

Check-In and Security

At ATL:

• Domestic check-in is in the North and South terminals, both connected to the same concourses via the Plane Train.
• Plan to arrive:
  • At least 90 minutes early for domestic flights in non-peak times
  • 2 hours or more during holidays, Monday mornings, Friday afternoons, or other busy periods

If you use TSA PreCheck or similar programs, ATL has dedicated lanes, which some travelers find helpful on popular routes like Memphis–Atlanta.

Terminal Navigation

Once checked in:

1. Pass through security at the Domestic Terminal.
2. Take the Plane Train or walk through the underground walkway to your assigned concourse.
3. Look for your Memphis flight on the overhead monitors and at the gate.

Concourse highlights that matter for this route:

• Concourse T: Closest to the Domestic Terminal; often convenient if your flight uses it.
• Concourses A & B: Among the busiest, with many food, coffee, and quick-service options between flights.

For Atlanta residents familiar with the airport, this route is often one of the least stressful because the short flight means less connecting-pressure than long-haul itineraries.

What to Expect at Memphis International Airport (MEM)

On the Memphis side:

Memphis International Airport (MEM)

• Address: 2491 Winchester Rd, Memphis, TN 38116
• Single primary terminal layout, relatively easy to navigate

If you’re departing Memphis to Atlanta:

• Plan similar timing to ATL: arrive 1.5–2 hours early for domestic flights.
• Security and walking distances are often shorter than at ATL, which some Atlanta travelers appreciate on the return trip.

Transportation options at MEM typically include:

• Rental cars on or near airport grounds
• Taxis and ride-shares
• Hotel and private shuttles for certain properties

This makes it fairly straightforward to travel from Memphis neighborhoods or downtown back to the airport for your return to Atlanta.

Baggage, Seating, and Onboard Experience

Since the Memphis–Atlanta flight is short, a few planning choices can make your trip smoother:

Baggage Tips for This Route

• Carry-on only often works well; many Atlanta travelers skip checked bags for quick Memphis trips.
• If you do check luggage:
  • Build in extra time at ATL baggage claim on your return, especially before rush-hour drives back into the city.
  • Consider where you’re heading in Atlanta afterward (Downtown, Midtown, suburbs) and factor in possible traffic.

Seat Selection and Comfort

Given the flight length:

• Extra legroom seats can be nice but are usually not essential for most travelers on this short hop.
• Aisle seats can help frequent flyers get off the plane faster, which may matter if you’re connecting to another flight in Atlanta.
• Window seats are popular for those who want a quick view of the Mississippi River region or the Atlanta skyline.

Using Atlanta as a Connection Point from Memphis

Many travelers fly Memphis → Atlanta specifically to connect to other flights. From ATL, you can reach:

• Most major U.S. cities
• Many Caribbean, European, and other international destinations

If you’re connecting in Atlanta:

• Leave at least 60–90 minutes between your scheduled arrival from Memphis and your next domestic departure.
• For international connections, more time is often helpful because of the additional procedures at the International Terminal (Concourse F).

If you live in Atlanta and are planning a trip that starts in Memphis—perhaps visiting family then continuing abroad—consider:

• One itinerary that includes both the Memphis–Atlanta leg and your onward flights. This can simplify baggage handling and rebooking if something changes.

Ground Transportation in Atlanta After Your Memphis Flight

When you arrive back in Atlanta from Memphis, your onward commute depends on where you’re staying or living.

Common Options Leaving ATL

• MARTA Rail:

  • From Airport Station, you can ride directly to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and beyond.
  • Convenient if your destination is near MARTA stops such as Peachtree Center, Arts Center, or Lenox.

• Ride-share / Taxi:

  • Follow airport signs for app-based ride pick-ups or taxis.
  • Often chosen for neighborhoods not well-served by MARTA, like Westside, East Atlanta, or outer suburbs.

• Car Rental:

  • The Rental Car Center (RCC) is connected to the airport via the ATL SkyTrain.
  • A good option if you’re heading to farther suburbs such as Alpharetta, Kennesaw, McDonough, or Peachtree City.

Planning this part of your trip ahead of time can make your Memphis–Atlanta flight feel more seamless, especially during busy travel seasons.

Practical Planning Checklist for Memphis–Atlanta Flights

To simplify your planning, use this quick checklist tailored to travelers using Atlanta as a starting point, destination, or connection hub:

• ✅ Confirm airports: ATL ↔ MEM (both are main commercial airports for this route)
• ✅ Choose nonstop when possible to keep total travel time short
• ✅ Arrive 1.5–2 hours early for domestic departures, especially at ATL
• ✅ Consider carry-on only for quick trips to Memphis and back
• ✅ Check flight times against Atlanta traffic patterns if you’re driving to/from the airport
• ✅ Plan ground transport in both cities (MARTA, ride-share, rental car) ahead of time
• ✅ Allow extra time for connections in Atlanta if MEM–ATL is just your first leg

By understanding how Memphis–Atlanta flights work from an Atlanta perspective—airport layout, timing, ground transport, and typical flight options—you can make this short regional route feel almost as simple as a long commute across town.