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

Planning a flight to Atlanta, GA from Memphis, TN? Whether you’re an Atlanta local heading home, a visitor connecting through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), or you’re comparing flying vs. driving, it helps to understand how this route works from an Atlanta-focused perspective.

Below is a clear guide to flight options, timing, airports, and what to expect when you land in Atlanta.

Key Facts About Flights From Memphis to Atlanta

For most travelers, this is a short, straightforward route:

• Departure airport: Memphis International Airport (MEM), Memphis, TN
• Arrival airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Atlanta, GA
• Typical flight time: About 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes in the air
• Distance: Roughly 330 miles
• Time zone: Both cities are in the Eastern Time Zone during certain parts of the year?
  • Memphis is normally in Central Time (CT)
  • Atlanta is in Eastern Time (ET)
  • That means you usually lose one hour when you fly east to Atlanta

For anyone planning activities, meetings, or connections in Atlanta, always factor in the time difference when flying from Memphis.

Why Choose a Flight Instead of Driving?

The drive from Memphis to Atlanta is usually 6–7 hours by car, depending on traffic and route.

Flying can make more sense if you:

• Need to arrive in Atlanta the same morning for work, events, or family obligations
• Are catching an international or long-haul connecting flight out of ATL
• Prefer to avoid a long highway drive and potential traffic along I-22 and I-20
• Want predictable schedules and easy access to Atlanta’s transit and rideshare options right from the airport

If you live in or near Atlanta and are returning home from Memphis, flying often saves time and can line up better with workdays and school schedules.

Common Airlines and Flight Patterns on the Memphis → Atlanta Route

Airline offerings change over time, but on this corridor you’ll typically see:

• Nonstop flights between MEM and ATL operated by large U.S. carriers
• Multiple daily departures, especially on weekdays
• Early morning and evening flights that work well for same-day business trips or weekend visits

When searching for flights to Atlanta from Memphis, watch for:

• Nonstop vs. connecting – nonstop is usually fastest and often similarly priced on this route
• Departure time from Memphis – think through what time you realistically want to arrive in Atlanta proper, not just ATL
• Turnaround time for connections at ATL – if you are connecting to another flight in Atlanta, build in a reasonable cushion

Typical Schedule & Timing: What Atlanta Travelers Can Expect

If you’re trying to figure out “what time will I actually be in Atlanta?”, keep three pieces in mind:

1. Flight duration

   • Around 1–1.25 hours in the air from MEM to ATL.

2. Time zone difference

   • Memphis departure time is Central Time.
   • Atlanta arrival time is Eastern Time (typically 1 hour ahead).
   • Example: A 3:00 p.m. departure from Memphis (CT) might arrive about 5:15 p.m. in Atlanta (ET) including boarding and taxi time.

3. Time to exit the airport in Atlanta

   • Add 20–45 minutes for taxiing, deplaning, walking through the terminal, and reaching baggage claim or ground transport.
   • If you check bags, budget extra time to wait at baggage claim.

When coordinating airport pickup in Atlanta, share the scheduled arrival time plus a 30-minute buffer for a smoother meetup.

Understanding Your Arrival: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Whether you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting, ATL is likely your final arrival point from Memphis. Knowing how ATL is organized will help you plan your next steps into the city.

Basic ATL Layout

ATL has:

• Domestic Terminal (North and South) – for most flights within the U.S.
• International Terminal (Concourse F) – for many international arrivals/departures
• Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, F – connected by the Plane Train (underground people-mover) and walkable corridors

Flights from Memphis generally arrive at the Domestic side (commonly Concourses A, B, C, or T).

Getting From ATL Into Atlanta

Once you land from Memphis, here are your main options to reach Atlanta neighborhoods like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or beyond.

1. MARTA (Train) – Public Transit into the City

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is the most predictable and budget-friendly option.

• Station location: Inside the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim
• Lines:Red and Gold lines run directly from Airport Station north through:
  • College Park
  • East Point
  • West End
  • Downtown (Five Points)
  • Midtown
  • Buckhead (Red Line)
  • And farther north into North Springs (Red) or Doraville (Gold)

If you’re coming from Memphis with a hotel reservation in Downtown or Midtown Atlanta, MARTA can be a very efficient choice.

Helpful for:

• Solo travelers or couples with light luggage
• Anyone headed to areas near MARTA stations
• Avoiding highway traffic and parking fees

2. Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) and Taxis

If you need door-to-door service after landing from Memphis:

• Follow airport signs for Rideshare or Ground Transportation.
• Rideshare pickup for domestic arrivals is typically in a designated area of the parking structures or ground transport center.
• Metered taxis line up outside the Domestic Terminal.

This works well if you’re going to:

• Neighborhoods not near MARTA, like parts of East Atlanta, West Midtown, or the suburbs
• A specific address where public transit is less convenient
• Traveling with family, heavy luggage, or late at night

3. Rental Cars at ATL

If you’re planning to drive yourself around metro Atlanta:

• Look for the ATL Rental Car Center (RCC).
• Access it via the SkyTrain, a free automated train from the Domestic Terminal.

A rental car is often chosen by travelers who:

• Need to visit multiple locations across metro Atlanta
• Are staying in suburban areas like Marietta, Alpharetta, or Stone Mountain
• Expect to do a lot of driving for work or family visits

Comparing Flight From Memphis to Other Ways of Reaching Atlanta

If your goal is simply to be in Atlanta, you might be weighing all your options: fly, drive, or take a bus. Here’s a quick Atlanta-oriented comparison:

For Atlanta residents, flying back from Memphis usually means you can:

• Work a nearly full day in Memphis,
• Take an afternoon or early evening flight,
• And still arrive home in Atlanta at a reasonable hour.

For visitors, a morning flight from Memphis to Atlanta can give you almost a full afternoon to explore or settle into your hotel.

Tips for Booking a Flight to Atlanta from Memphis

When you’re specifically focused on Atlanta arrival, consider:

1. Choose Arrival Time Based on Where in Atlanta You’re Going

• Downtown / Midtown: Aim to land before or after rush hour (roughly before 7 a.m., between 10 a.m.–3 p.m., or after 7 p.m.) if you’re using rideshare or driving.
• Northern suburbs (Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta): Traffic on GA-400 and I-285 can be heavy at peak times; a midday arrival often feels less stressful.
• East or West Atlanta neighborhoods: Check how long your rideshare or transit will take from ATL before locking in flight times.

2. Build in Buffer for Connections at ATL

ATL is one of the world’s busiest airports, and tight connections can be stressful:

• If you’re landing from Memphis and then connecting through Atlanta to another city, allow:
  • Extra time if you need to change concourses
  • More buffer if you’re traveling with kids or mobility concerns

3. Think About Ground Transportation Costs

Sometimes a cheaper flight can mean more expensive ground transport:

• A very late arrival may limit MARTA options if trains are running less frequently, pushing you toward rideshare or taxi.
• A slightly earlier landing could save money by allowing you to comfortably use public transit.

What Atlanta Visitors Should Expect After Landing From Memphis

If you’re new to Atlanta and arriving from Memphis:

• Signage is clear: ATL has extensive signs for baggage claim, MARTA, rideshare, and rental cars.
• Food and services: The airport concourses and domestic terminal have many food options, ATMs, and seating areas if you need to regroup after your flight.
• Accessibility: Elevators, escalators, and assistance services are available; contact your airline in advance if you need special help when you arrive in Atlanta.

If you’re staying in the city center, many hotels are clustered around:

• Downtown Atlanta: Near Peachtree Center, Centennial Olympic Park, and the State Capitol
• Midtown Atlanta: Near major cultural sites, offices, and Georgia Tech

Both areas are reachable by MARTA directly from the airport.

Practical Planning Checklist for Memphis → Atlanta Travelers

Use this quick list when planning your flight to Atlanta GA from Memphis TN:

• ✅ Confirm time zone difference (Memphis is typically 1 hour behind Atlanta)
• ✅ Choose nonstop flights when possible for the shortest travel time
• ✅ Decide your Atlanta ground transportation in advance (MARTA, rideshare, taxi, or rental car)
• ✅ If connecting through ATL, allow extra time for changing concourses
• ✅ Share your arrival time plus buffer with anyone picking you up in Atlanta
• ✅ If you’re an Atlanta local, consider timing your arrival to avoid peak traffic on I-75/85 and surrounding interstates

Flying from Memphis to Atlanta is usually fast and straightforward. By paying attention to time zones, arrival timing, and ground transportation options at ATL, you can make your trip smoother—whether you’re an Atlanta resident returning home or a visitor ready to start exploring the city.