Flying from Atlanta, GA to Myrtle Beach: What You Need to Know

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a quick beach escape, flights from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach can save you hours on the road. Whether you live in the metro area, are visiting Atlanta and want to add a beach side-trip, or are comparing flying vs. driving, this guide walks you through how the route works from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR).

Overview: Atlanta to Myrtle Beach by Air

The Atlanta–Myrtle Beach flight is a short hop along the Southeast coast.

  • Typical flight time: About 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes in the air
  • Airports:
    • Departure: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
    • Arrival: Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
  • Distance: Roughly 300–350 miles by air route
  • Travel style: Popular for weekend beach trips, golf getaways, and family vacations

From Atlanta, this is usually a nonstop flight when available, often operated seasonally, with some schedules heavier in spring and summer when Myrtle Beach tourism peaks.

Airlines and Flight Options from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach

Airlines and schedules can change, but Atlanta travelers can usually expect one of these patterns:

1. Nonstop flights (most convenient)

From ATL, there are often nonstop flights to Myrtle Beach (MYR) during busier travel seasons. These tend to:

  • Run more frequently in spring and summer
  • Be popular on Fridays and Sundays for weekend trips
  • Sell out earlier for holiday weekends and school breaks

If you want to maximize your beach time, search specifically for “nonstop” or “direct” flights and be flexible on your departure times. Early-morning or late-evening options may be less crowded.

2. One-stop connections

When nonstop options are limited or off-season, you may find one-stop flights from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach, often connecting through another East Coast or Southern hub.

Common patterns include:

  • Short connection (under 2 hours) through another regional airport
  • Total travel time often in the 3–5 hour range including layover

These can sometimes be cheaper than nonstop, but you’ll spend more time in airports.

When to Fly: Best Times for Atlanta to Myrtle Beach Trips

Because Myrtle Beach is a seasonal destination, timing matters for Atlanta travelers.

Peak season (late spring through early fall)

  • Best for: Beach weather, family vacations, group trips
  • What to expect:
    • More frequent flights from ATL to MYR
    • Higher fares, especially around Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day
    • Busier airports, longer lines at ATL security checkpoints

If you’re leaving from Atlanta during these months, consider:

  • Booking 4–8 weeks in advance for weekend trips
  • Flying midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) for better prices and smaller crowds
  • Departing early in the day to reduce risk of delays from afternoon storms

Shoulder and off-season (late fall through winter)

  • Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, golfers, quieter beaches
  • What to expect:
    • Fewer nonstop flights from Atlanta
    • More one-stop options
    • Often lower fares, but less flexibility on times and days

For fall and winter, if you live in Atlanta and can be flexible with dates, you may find more affordable options and less crowded flights.

Flying vs. Driving from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach

If you’re based in or visiting Atlanta, you might be torn between flying or driving.

Approximate comparison

OptionTime from AtlantaNotes for Atlanta Travelers
Flying ATL → MYR~1–1.5 hours in the air; typically 3–5 hours total door-to-doorFastest overall; good for weekend trips or short getaways
DrivingAround 5.5–6.5 hours one way, depending on traffic and routeMore flexible; no airport lines; can bring more luggage, coolers, beach gear

Factors to consider if you’re in Atlanta:

  • Traffic in Atlanta:
    Leaving for ATL during rush hours (morning 7–9 a.m., afternoon 4–7 p.m.) can easily add 30–60 minutes to your airport commute.
  • Parking vs. rideshare:
    Long-term parking at ATL vs. Uber/Lyft/taxi from Atlanta neighborhoods (Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, etc.) can change your total cost.
  • Length of trip:
    • Weekend trip (2–3 days): Flying usually makes more sense.
    • Week or longer: Driving can be more economical for families.

Getting to Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL) from Around Atlanta

No matter where you’re staying in the metro area, plan backwards from your flight time to avoid a stressful rush.

MARTA to the airport

For many Atlanta travelers, MARTA is the simplest option:

  • Airport Station: Located directly inside the airport at the Domestic Terminal
  • Lines: Both Red and Gold lines run to the Airport Station
  • Key stops for visitors and locals:
    • Midtown Station (near Midtown hotels and offices)
    • Five Points Station (downtown)
    • Buckhead, Lenox, Brookhaven/Oglethorpe, and Doraville on the Red/Gold lines

If you’re staying in Midtown, Downtown, or near a MARTA station, taking the train avoids Atlanta traffic and airport parking fees.

🔹 Tip for ATL travelers:
Give yourself at least 30–40 minutes on MARTA from central Atlanta to reach the airport, plus 90 minutes or more before your flight departure for check-in and security (longer during peak summer and holidays).

Driving and parking at ATL

If you’re driving from Atlanta suburbs such as Marietta, Sandy Springs, Stone Mountain, or Fayetteville:

  • Allow extra time for I-75/I-85 traffic near downtown
  • Consider using Park-Ride lots or long-term parking around ATL
  • Check which terminal you need:
    • Most domestic flights, including those to Myrtle Beach, operate from the Domestic Terminal (North or South)
    • The International Terminal (Concourse F) is separate and has its own entrance off I-75

What to Expect at Atlanta Airport (ATL) for a Myrtle Beach Flight

Hartsfield–Jackson is one of the busiest airports in the world, and that affects how you plan your Myrtle Beach trip.

Security and check-in timing

From an Atlanta departure:

  • Aim to arrive 90 minutes to 2 hours before a domestic flight to Myrtle Beach
  • During holidays or major Atlanta events (sporting events, conventions, festivals), allow even more time
  • Use the main TSA security checkpoints at the Domestic Terminal, or check if your airline operates curbside check-in to speed things up

If you live in Atlanta and fly frequently, TSA PreCheck or CLEAR (where available) can significantly reduce your wait at ATL.

Terminals and concourses

Domestic flights from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach usually depart from one of the main domestic concourses (T, A, B, C, D, or E).

From security:

  • Take the Plane Train to your assigned concourse
  • Watch monitors or your airline’s app for gate changes, which are common at busy times

Arriving in Myrtle Beach (MYR) from Atlanta

Once you land at Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), the airport is relatively small and easy to navigate, especially compared to ATL.

Ground transportation at MYR

From MYR, you can typically choose:

  • Rental cars: Useful if you’re staying at resorts or golf courses a bit farther from the main beach
  • Taxis and rideshares: Convenient for direct trips to hotels in the Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Surfside areas
  • Hotel shuttles: Some larger resorts may offer pre-arranged shuttle service; Atlanta visitors should confirm this with their hotel in advance

Because MYR is smaller, getting out of the airport and onto the road usually takes less time than it does at ATL.

How Far in Advance Atlanta Travelers Should Book

From Atlanta, your booking strategy can depend on season, flexibility, and weekend vs. weekday travel.

General guidelines

  • Peak beach season (late spring–summer):
    • Book 4–8 weeks in advance for nonstop flights ATL → MYR
    • Consider midweek departures for better pricing
  • Off-season (late fall–winter):
    • You may find reasonable fares 2–4 weeks out
    • Watch for limited nonstop availability; one-stop itineraries may dominate

If you live or stay in Atlanta and can fly from Monday to Thursday, you often have more flexibility and better fares than typical Friday–Sunday beach travelers.

Packing and Planning Tips for Atlanta-to-Myrtle Beach Flights

Bag strategy for short trips

If you’re doing a quick weekend escape from Atlanta:

  • Try to travel with carry-on only to skip baggage claim at MYR
  • Pack layered clothing; weather can shift quickly along the coast
  • Consider a small personal item with beach essentials (swimwear, flip-flops, sunscreen) so you can head straight out after landing

Weather considerations for Atlanta departures

Atlanta weather can affect your flight:

  • Summer thunderstorms in the Atlanta area can cause delays, especially in the afternoon and evening
  • When possible, choose morning flights from ATL to reduce the chance of weather-related disruptions

If you’re connecting through Atlanta on your way to Myrtle Beach from somewhere else, leaving generous layover time can help if storms roll through.

Using Atlanta as a Hub to Reach Myrtle Beach

If you’re visiting Atlanta from another city and want to add Myrtle Beach to your trip:

  • Look for multi-city or open-jaw bookings, such as:
    • Fly into ATL, spend a few days in the city
    • Fly ATL → MYR, then MYR → home
  • Consider staying near a MARTA station in Atlanta if you won’t have a car; it simplifies the trip to ATL for your Myrtle Beach flight
  • Check baggage policies if you’re using different airlines into ATL and out to MYR; plan for extra time to re-check bags if needed

This can be a smart way to combine an Atlanta city experience with a Myrtle Beach beach stay in one itinerary.

Practical Checklist for Atlanta Travelers Flying to Myrtle Beach

Use this quick list if you’re based in or staying around Atlanta:

  1. Confirm airport: You’ll be flying from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR).
  2. Decide nonstop vs. connection:
    • Prefer nonstop for speed and convenience
    • Consider one-stop if you’re flexible and price-sensitive
  3. Choose travel dates wisely:
    • Midweek often offers better value
    • Plan further ahead for summer and major holidays
  4. Plan your route to ATL:
    • MARTA if staying near central Atlanta
    • Driving or rideshare if coming from suburbs or areas not near a rail station
  5. Arrive early:
    • 90–120 minutes before departure for domestic flights from Atlanta
  6. Pack for efficiency:
    • Carry-on only if possible for short beach trips
    • Keep beach essentials handy so you can start your vacation quickly after landing at MYR

With a bit of planning around Atlanta’s traffic, airport layout, and seasonal demand, flying from Atlanta, GA to Myrtle Beach can be a straightforward and time-saving way to swap city life for sand and surf.