Traveling From Atlanta to Memphis: Routes, Costs, and Tips for Georgia Travelers

Thinking about getting from Atlanta to Memphis? Whether you live in metro Atlanta or you’re visiting and want to add Memphis to your trip, there are several practical ways to make the 380–400 mile journey. This guide walks you through driving, flying, bus, and train-style options, plus when each makes sense for an Atlanta-based traveler.

Overview: How Far Is Atlanta From Memphis?

On most routes, Atlanta, Georgia to Memphis, Tennessee is about 380–400 miles. Travel time depends a lot on how you go:

For most Atlanta residents, the choice is between driving and flying, with buses as a budget-friendly backup.

Driving From Atlanta to Memphis

Main Driving Routes

Because there isn’t a single straight interstate, drivers from Atlanta usually have two main options:

1. Via Birmingham (most common, all-interstate)

   • Take I‑20 West from Atlanta toward Birmingham, AL
   • From Birmingham, take I‑22 / US‑78 West toward Memphis
   • Distance: roughly 390–410 miles, depending on your exact Atlanta starting point
   • Time: about 6 to 7 hours in normal traffic

2. Via Chattanooga/Nashville (more scenic, longer)

   • Take I‑75 North from Atlanta to Chattanooga
   • Then I‑24 West to Nashville
   • Then I‑40 West to Memphis
   • Often longer in both distance and time, but can make sense if you’re stopping in Nashville

For most people leaving from inside the Perimeter (I‑285), the Birmingham route via I‑20 and I‑22 is the most direct and predictable.

Where You’ll Actually Get on the Road in Atlanta

Common on-ramps for Atlantans include:

• Downtown / Midtown: I‑20 West from the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85)
• Westside / Buckhead: I‑20 West via I‑285 or surface streets (e.g., from Northside Dr. or Joseph E. Lowery Blvd.)
• South metro (College Park, East Point): I‑285 West to I‑20 West toward Birmingham

If you’re renting a car near Hartsfield–Jackson Airport, most agencies are at the Rental Car Center, reachable via the free SkyTrain; from there, you’ll typically join I‑285 West and then I‑20 West.

Driving Time and Traffic Considerations

From most parts of Atlanta:

• Expect about 6.5 hours of drive time, not counting stops.
• Add extra time if you’re leaving:
  • Weekday mornings (6:30–9:30 a.m.) heading west on I‑20
  • Weekday afternoons (3:30–7:00 p.m.), especially around the Downtown Connector and I‑285 interchanges

🚗 Tip: If possible, leave after the morning rush (around 9:30–10:30 a.m.) or after 7:00 p.m. to avoid the worst of Atlanta and Birmingham traffic.

Fuel, Tolls, and Costs

• Tolls: There are no toll roads on the standard Atlanta–Birmingham–Memphis interstate route.
• Fuel: A typical round trip from Atlanta to Memphis is around 800 miles.
  • In a car averaging 28–30 mpg, that’s roughly 27–29 gallons of gas.
  • Use your usual per-gallon price to estimate cost; many drivers fill up in west Georgia or eastern Alabama, where prices may be competitive.

Good Stops Along the Way

From Atlanta, you’ll likely pass close to:

• Douglasville, GA – early stop for snacks or fuel once you clear metro traffic.
• Anniston/Oxford, AL – midway rest stop area off I‑20.
• Birmingham, AL – logical place for a sit-down meal or to switch drivers.

If you’re leaving from neighborhoods like Decatur, East Atlanta, or downtown, rolling straight onto I‑20 West means you’ll hit Alabama fairly quickly once you clear the city.

Flying From Atlanta to Memphis

For many Atlanta travelers, especially those near the airport or in-town, flying can be the most time-efficient option.

Departure: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Most flights leave from:

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

Key Atlanta points to know:

• MARTA Access:
  • Take any north–south MARTA rail line (Red or Gold) to the Airport Station, which is directly inside the Domestic Terminal.
• Driving/Parking:
  • You can park in Domestic or International parking decks, or use off-airport lots around Camp Creek Parkway and Sullivan Road if you want lower daily rates.

Flight Time and Airport Time

• In-air flight time: usually around 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Total trip time: when you factor in security and boarding, most Atlantans plan for about 3.5–4.5 hours door-to-door, depending on where they’re coming from in the city.

If you live in:

• Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead:
  • MARTA is often the simplest – you avoid airport parking altogether.
• Suburbs like Marietta, Lawrenceville, or McDonough:
  • Driving and parking at ATL, or arranging a rideshare, may be more convenient.

When Flying Makes Sense From Atlanta

Flying is often the best option for:

• Short weekend trips where you don’t want to spend most of a day in the car.
• Travelers near ATL or on MARTA lines who can get to the airport quickly.
• Business or event trips when time is more important than cost.

If you’re budgeting carefully, compare total costs: airfare + baggage + airport transportation vs. gas + parking or wear-and-tear on your car.

Bus Options From Atlanta to Memphis

For Atlanta travelers who prioritize budget over speed, intercity buses can be a workable option.

Where Buses Typically Depart in Atlanta

Most long-distance bus services use one or more of these central locations:

• Downtown Atlanta / near Five Points:
  Many operators use stops or small stations around downtown, sometimes near Forsyth St. SW or Peachtree St.
• Atlanta Bus hubs or shared terminals:
  Locations can change, so it’s important to confirm your exact departure address when you book.

Because bus departure points can move over time, Atlanta riders should:

• Double-check your ticket for the exact street address and instructions.
• Plan extra time if your bus stop is in a busy downtown area or if you’re coming via MARTA from the suburbs.

Travel Time and Experience

• Typical one-way time: 7.5 to 10 hours, depending on route, stops, and traffic.
• Some buses are direct; others require a transfer in Birmingham or another city.

Bus travel generally suits:

• Students or solo travelers trying to keep costs low.
• Those who don’t want to drive or deal with airport security.
• People comfortable with long seated stretches and shared spaces.

If you’re coming from Clayton, Cobb, Gwinnett, or DeKalb counties, factor in how you’ll get to the bus departure point (MARTA rail, bus, rideshare, or car drop-off).

“Train” and Rail-Type Travel Between Atlanta and Memphis

There is not a straightforward, direct passenger train from Atlanta to Memphis in the way some travelers might expect.

Atlanta’s Amtrak Station

Atlanta is served by:

Atlanta Amtrak Station (Peachtree Station)
1688 Peachtree St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30309

This station primarily offers service along the Crescent route, which runs north–south (toward New York or New Orleans), and does not provide a simple east–west route to Memphis.

What This Means for an Atlanta to Memphis Trip

While it might be technically possible to create a complex multi-leg itinerary combining rail and bus, for most Atlanta travelers:

• Driving, flying, or taking a direct bus will be far more practical and time-efficient.
• Train-style travel is usually not recommended for this specific corridor unless you have a particular reason to use it and are comfortable with long, indirect routes.

Choosing the Best Option From Atlanta: Quick Comparison

Use this as a decision snapshot based on common Atlanta situations:

Best if you want control and flexibility: Driving

• Live in the metro Atlanta area with easy I‑20 access
• Want to stop in Birmingham or small towns en route
• Traveling with family, pets, or a lot of luggage

Best if time is top priority: Flying

• You’re already near Hartsfield–Jackson or along a MARTA rail line
• Trip is short (weekend or quick business)
• You prefer short travel days and don’t mind airport routines

Best if budget is #1: Bus

• You’re comfortable going to downtown Atlanta departures
• Can handle 7.5–10 hours in transit
• Are fine with limited legroom and potential schedule changes

Practical Tips for Atlanta-Based Travelers

1. Plan Around Atlanta Traffic

• Leaving from inside the Perimeter (I‑285)? Try to avoid the Downtown Connector at peak times if driving.
• From Cobb or Gwinnett heading to I‑20 West, consider looping via I‑285 West rather than crossing through downtown.

2. Consider Airport vs. Driving Time from Your Neighborhood

Ask yourself:

• How long does it actually take to get from my home to ATL, through security, and to the gate?
• How does that compare to simply hopping on I‑20 West?

Someone living in Newnan, Douglasville, or West Cobb may find that once they add airport logistics, driving is not much slower than flying for this route.

3. Pack for Long Stretches

Regardless of mode:

• Driving: Keep water, snacks, and a phone charger in the car; rest stops in rural Alabama and Mississippi can be spread out.
• Bus: Pack light but bring headphones, a charger, and a sweater or light jacket – bus interiors can be cool.
• Flying: Plan for TSA screening times, especially mornings at Hartsfield–Jackson, one of the world’s busiest airports.

Atlanta to Memphis: Which Option Fits You?

For someone based in Atlanta or visiting the city, getting to Memphis comes down to your priorities:

• Want freedom to explore and stop along the way? Driving via I‑20 and I‑22 is straightforward and toll-free.
• Want to get there fast for a short stay? A nonstop flight from Hartsfield–Jackson can put you in Memphis in roughly an hour of air time.
• Need to stretch your budget? Long-distance bus service from Atlanta provides one of the lowest-cost options, though it takes longer.

By starting with where you are in Atlanta (in-town vs. suburbs), how comfortable you are with interstates and big airports, and your time vs. money trade-off, you can quickly pick the route that makes the most sense for your trip from Atlanta to Memphis.