Atlanta, Georgia to Memphis, Tennessee: Your Complete Travel Guide From ATL

Planning a trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Memphis, Tennessee? Whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city and want to add Memphis to your itinerary, or you’re comparing travel options between the two, this guide walks you through everything you need to know—routes, transportation choices, timing, costs, and practical tips tailored to Atlanta travelers.

How Far Is It From Atlanta to Memphis?

The distance from Atlanta, GA to Memphis, TN depends on how you travel:

• By road (driving): About 380–400 miles, depending on the route
• By air (flight distance): Around 330–340 miles as the crow flies
• Typical driving time: About 6 to 7 hours in light-to-moderate traffic
• Typical flight time: About 1 to 1.5 hours in the air, plus time at the airport

If you’re starting from Downtown Atlanta, Midtown, Buckhead, or the Airport area, the most common options are driving, flying, bus, or train/bus combinations.

Best Ways to Travel From Atlanta to Memphis

1. Driving From Atlanta to Memphis

Driving is popular with Atlanta residents, especially for weekend trips, family visits, or music and food-focused getaways.

Main Driving Routes

From central Atlanta (Downtown, Midtown, or near the Connector), the two most common routes are:

1. I‑20 West → I‑22 → I‑269 → I‑55 North (via Birmingham & Tupelo)

   • Approx. 390 miles
   • Often used because it’s mostly interstate and fairly direct
   • Route overview:
     • Take I‑20 West out of Atlanta toward Birmingham, Alabama
     • Near Birmingham, connect to I‑22 West toward Tupelo and Memphis
     • Approaching Memphis, connect via I‑269 and then I‑55 North into the city

2. I‑75 North → I‑24 West → I‑40 West (via Chattanooga & Nashville)

   • Longer in distance and time for most Atlanta drivers
   • Sometimes chosen if you want to combine Nashville and Memphis in one trip

For most people starting in Atlanta, the I‑20 / I‑22 route is the more direct and time-efficient choice.

Typical Driving Time From Key Atlanta Areas

📝 Tip: Atlanta traffic can add 30–60 minutes if you leave during weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.). Many locals choose to leave early morning on a Saturday or mid-morning on a weekday to avoid the worst backups on the Downtown Connector and I‑20.

Pros of Driving From Atlanta

• Flexibility: Leave when you want, stop where you want.
• Scenic and cultural stops:
  • Birmingham, AL – Civil Rights landmarks, food stops
  • Tupelo, MS – Elvis Presley’s birthplace (if you’re in a music-history mood)
• Useful if you’re staying in Memphis suburbs or exploring multiple neighborhoods.
• Good for groups or families when sharing gas and parking costs.

Things Atlanta Drivers Should Consider

• Parking in Memphis:
  Downtown Memphis, Beale Street, and tourist areas typically offer paid parking garages and lots. If you’re used to Atlanta’s downtown or Midtown parking, costs and availability will feel somewhat similar.
• Weather:
  Winter storms are less frequent but can affect I‑20 and I‑22, especially through Alabama and northern Mississippi. In summer, be prepared for heat and thunderstorms.
• Rental cars:
  If you don’t own a car in Atlanta, you can rent from:
  • Hartsfield-Jackson’s RCC (Rental Car Center) at 2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy, College Park, GA 30337
  • Major rental locations in Midtown, Buckhead, and Perimeter

2. Flying From Atlanta to Memphis

If you’re short on time, flying from Atlanta to Memphis is usually the fastest door-to-door option.

Departure Airport: Atlanta

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

• Accessible by MARTA rail (Airport Station) from Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and many intown neighborhoods
• Large number of daily flights, especially through major airlines with hubs in Atlanta

Arrival Airport: Memphis

Memphis International Airport (MEM)
2491 Winchester Rd, Memphis, TN 38116

• About 10–15 minutes’ drive from Downtown Memphis, depending on traffic

Typical Flight Experience for an Atlanta Traveler

• Flight time: About 1–1.5 hours in the air
• Check-in and security: Plan for 1.5–2 hours before your departure if flying from ATL, especially during peak times
• Total door-to-door time: Often 3.5–5 hours, depending on where in Atlanta and Memphis you start and end

Pros of Flying From Atlanta

• Fastest option for most city-to-city trips
• Convenient if you live near MARTA or close to the airport (East Point, College Park, Hapeville)
• Avoids long stretches of highway driving, which some travelers prefer

Things to Keep in Mind

• Ground transportation in Memphis:
  You may need:
  • A rental car
  • Rideshare or taxi from MEM to downtown or your hotel
• Airport timing from different Atlanta areas:
  • Downtown / Midtown via MARTA: Often 20–35 minutes to the Airport Station
  • Buckhead or Sandy Springs by car: 30–60 minutes, depending on traffic
  • Decatur / East Atlanta: 20–45 minutes by car, depending on time of day

🧭 Local tip: If you’re already staying in Downtown or Midtown Atlanta, using MARTA’s Red or Gold Line straight to the Airport Station can be faster and less stressful than driving and parking, especially during weekday rush hours.

3. Bus Options From Atlanta to Memphis

If you’re price-sensitive or don’t want to drive, intercity buses are another option.

Typical Bus Experience

• Total travel time: Often 8–11 hours, depending on route and transfers
• Departure locations in Atlanta:
  Most larger bus companies operate near Downtown Atlanta or close to MARTA-accessible areas. Exact addresses can change, so it’s best to confirm when booking.
• Arrival locations in Memphis:
  Usually near central transit hubs or downtown areas.

Pros of Taking a Bus

• Often cheaper than flying, especially when booked early
• No need to deal with driving, parking, or navigating unfamiliar roads
• Can be convenient if you live intown and can easily reach the bus station by MARTA or local rideshare

Things Atlanta Riders Should Consider

• Longer travel time than driving or flying
• Comfort varies by company and bus type
• Check:
  • Whether there are overnight options
  • If there are any transfers (for example, in Birmingham or another city)

4. Train Options From Atlanta to Memphis

There is no simple same-train route directly connecting Atlanta to Memphis. Any train-based trip typically involves:

• Combining Amtrak service from Atlanta to another hub (like New Orleans)
• Then continuing by another train or bus to Memphis

Because of the time, transfers, and limited schedules, Atlanta travelers typically find driving, flying, or bus more practical. Train travel may appeal to those who enjoy slow travel and don’t mind multiple legs and planning.

Choosing the Best Option From Atlanta: Quick Comparison

From the perspective of an Atlanta traveler, here’s how the main options stack up:

When Is the Best Time for Atlanta Travelers to Go to Memphis?

Seasonal Considerations

Memphis and Atlanta share somewhat similar climates, but there are a few things to think about:

• Spring (March–May):

  • Comfortable temperatures
  • Good for outdoor sightseeing, music festivals, and walking downtown
  • Rain showers are possible, so plan accordingly

• Summer (June–August):

  • Hot and humid in both cities
  • If you’re used to Atlanta’s summer heat, Memphis will feel familiar
  • Air conditioning and hydration are important; factor this in if you’ll walk a lot around Beale Street or the riverfront

• Fall (September–November):

  • Often a favorite for Atlanta residents: warm days, cooler nights
  • Good time for road trips and outdoor events, with less extreme heat

• Winter (December–February):

  • Mild to cool; occasional cold snaps
  • Wintry mix is possible but not an everyday issue
  • If driving, watch forecasts for I‑20 and I‑22 for potential weather-related delays during cold fronts

Planning Your Trip From Key Parts of Metro Atlanta

From Downtown, Midtown, or Old Fourth Ward

• Driving:
  Access I‑20 West via the Downtown Connector. Try to avoid peak rush hours if possible.
• Flying:
  Use MARTA’s Red or Gold Line directly to the Airport Station, then walk to the terminals.
• Bus:
  Downtown bus departure points are typically accessible by MARTA rail and short walks or rideshares.

From Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or Perimeter

• Driving:
  You’ll likely take GA‑400 or I‑285 to connect to I‑20 West. Build in extra time for GA‑400 and I‑285 congestion.
• Flying:
  • MARTA Red Line runs from Buckhead and Sandy Springs straight to the Airport Station
  • Or drive and park at ATL if traveling with luggage or family

From Decatur, East Atlanta, or I‑20 East Corridor

• Driving:
  You’re already close to I‑20, which is convenient. Head through the Connector, then continue west.
• Flying:
  Short drive or rideshare to the airport via I‑20 and the Connector, or MARTA from Decatur and East Lake stations.

From South Metro (College Park, East Point, Union City)

• Flying:
  Very convenient access to Hartsfield-Jackson; ideal for short trips to Memphis.
• Driving:
  You can quickly get onto I‑85 and I‑285, then connect with I‑20 West.

Cost Considerations for Atlanta-to-Memphis Trips

While exact prices change often, Atlanta travelers usually compare:

• Driving costs

  • Gas for ~380–400 miles each way
  • Possible overnight parking costs in Memphis
  • Wear and tear on your vehicle (if that’s a concern)

• Flight costs

  • Base fare plus taxes
  • Baggage fees (if applicable)
  • Airport parking at ATL or MARTA fares
  • Rideshare or rental car in Memphis

• Bus costs

  • Often the most affordable option, especially if you’re traveling alone and booking early
  • Minimal extra fees beyond your ticket and local transit/rideshare on each end

Many Atlanta residents compare driving vs. flying based on:

• Whether they’re traveling solo or with family
• How flexible their schedule is
• Comfort level with long drives vs. airports and security

Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip From Atlanta to Memphis

• Build in buffer time around Atlanta traffic.
  Leaving too close to rush hour on the Connector or I‑20 can significantly delay your start.
• Check major event calendars in both cities.
  Large events in Downtown Atlanta, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or Georgia Tech can affect traffic to the airport and interstates. Likewise, events in Memphis can affect hotel availability and parking.
• Keep essentials handy for the road trip if driving:
  • Water and snacks
  • Phone charger and navigation mount
  • Emergency kit (jumper cables, flashlight, basic tools)
• If flying, consider MARTA instead of driving to ATL, especially if you’re intown and want to avoid parking fees and traffic.
• Confirm bus departure/arrival points before you go.
  These can change, and you’ll want to know how you’re getting to and from the station on both ends.

Traveling from Atlanta, Georgia to Memphis, Tennessee is very manageable, whether you choose to drive, fly, or take a bus. From an Atlanta perspective, your decision usually comes down to time, budget, and how much flexibility you want once you arrive. With the right planning around local traffic, airport access, and your preferred schedule, you can make the trip smoothly and focus on enjoying everything Memphis has to offer.