Atlanta to Myrtle Beach: Your Complete Trip Guide from Georgia’s Capital

Heading from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach is a classic getaway for Atlantans who want beaches, golf, and a change of scenery without flying too far. Whether you live in the city, are visiting Atlanta and planning a side trip, or just comparing routes, this guide walks through how to get from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach, what to expect, and how to plan the trip smoothly.

How Far Is It from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach?

The distance from Atlanta, Georgia to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is roughly:

• Distance: About 360–380 miles
• Typical driving time: Around 6–7 hours, depending on traffic and route

Most Atlantans think of it as a full-day drive: leave in the morning, arrive by afternoon or early evening.

Best Ways to Travel from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach

There are three main options:

1. Driving (most common for Atlanta residents)
2. Flying from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
3. Bus or mixed ground transportation

Each has pros and cons depending on your schedule, budget, and comfort level.

Driving from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach

For most people in the metro area, driving is the simplest and most flexible option. You can leave when you want, bring more luggage, and stop along the way.

Common Driving Routes

The two main routes most Atlanta drivers consider are:

1. I‑20 → Columbia → Myrtle Beach (Popular, Simple Route)

A typical path from Downtown Atlanta:

1. Get on I‑20 East (through DeKalb County, past Conyers, Covington).
2. Continue on I‑20 East into South Carolina, heading toward Columbia.
3. Near Columbia, connect to I‑26 East briefly.
4. Then take US‑76 / US‑501 toward Florence / Myrtle Beach.
5. Continue on US‑501 into Myrtle Beach.

Why Atlantans like it:

• Easy interstate driving for most of the way.
• Simple navigation if you’re not familiar with back roads.

2. I‑75 → Macon → I‑16 → US‑Highways to the Coast (More Rural, Sometimes Scenic)

Some drivers prefer:

1. I‑75 South from Atlanta through Macon.
2. Pick up I‑16 East toward Savannah.
3. Connect with US‑highways (through parts of Georgia and South Carolina) leading north to Myrtle Beach.

Why you might consider it:

• Can avoid some I‑20 traffic.
• More rural scenery and fewer major cities.

However, this route is usually longer and less direct, so most Atlanta travelers still favor the I‑20 / Columbia route.

When to Leave Atlanta to Avoid Traffic

To cut down on drive time, time your departure around Atlanta traffic:

• Weekdays (Mon–Fri):

  • Best: After 9:30 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m.
  • Avoid: 6:30–9:00 a.m. and 3:30–7:00 p.m. on:
    • Downtown Connector (I‑75/85 through Midtown and Downtown)
    • I‑20 eastbound through DeKalb County

• Fridays & holiday weekends:

  • Expect heavier traffic leaving the city, especially in the afternoon.
  • Many Atlantans heading to beaches, lakes, or out-of-state destinations can slow I‑20 and I‑75.

If you’re staying in Buckhead, Midtown, or Downtown Atlanta, give yourself extra time just to get onto your main outbound interstate.

Fuel, Rest Stops, and Food Along the Way

You’ll find plenty of gas stations and food options on the main route:

• On I‑20 East past Atlanta:
  • Frequent services through Conyers, Covington, Madison, Augusta
• After crossing into South Carolina:
  • Good stops around Aiken, North Augusta, Columbia

📝 Practical tip for Atlantans:
Fill up before you leave the metro area (Fulton, DeKalb, or Clayton County) and plan one major stop around Augusta or Columbia. This breaks the trip into manageable chunks of about 2.5–3 hours each.

Rental Cars in Atlanta for the Trip

If you’re visiting Atlanta and don’t have your own car, you can rent one easily:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

  • Rental Car Center: 2200 Rental Car Center Parkway, College Park, GA 30337
  • Accessible by the ATL SkyTrain from the terminals.

• In-town neighborhood branches

  • Often found along Peachtree Street, Buford Highway, Cobb Parkway, and in Decatur, Sandy Springs, and Buckhead.

If you plan to return to Atlanta after Myrtle Beach, a standard round-trip rental from ATL or your neighborhood office is usually straightforward.

Flying from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach

If you prefer not to drive, flying can be faster in clock time, especially for short trips.

Departure: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Location: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Serves as Atlanta’s main airport with frequent domestic flights.

You can get to ATL from anywhere in the city using:

• MARTA Rail – Airport Station
  • Located at the end of the Red and Gold lines.
  • Good if you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near Perimeter Center.
• MARTA Buses, taxis, ride-hail, or hotel shuttles, depending on where you’re staying.

Arrival: Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)

• Location: Near the Myrtle Beach shoreline, close to hotels and resorts.
• Smaller and easier to navigate compared with ATL.
• Taxis, rideshare services, and shuttles typically serve the airport area.

Pros and Cons for Atlantans

Pros of flying:

• ✈ Much shorter travel time in the air than driving.
• Avoids long stretches on I‑20 or rural highways.
• Good for weekend trips when every hour counts.

Cons:

• You’ll need transportation in Myrtle Beach (rental car or local transit).
• Flight prices can be higher at peak beach times.
• Travel time to and from ATL plus check-in and security can still add up.

If you live near a MARTA station (e.g., Midtown, Buckhead, Dunwoody), getting to ATL is relatively simple. If you’re in the outer suburbs (e.g., Woodstock, McDonough, Loganville), plan for additional drive or park-and-ride time.

Bus and Other Ground Options from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach

Direct ground transportation between Atlanta and Myrtle Beach is more limited, but some travelers consider intercity buses or mixed routes (bus + transfer).

Intercity Bus from Atlanta

You may find bus services departing from:

• Downtown Atlanta bus stations or curbside pick-up areas
• Locations near major interstates like I‑20 or I‑85

Common patterns for this trip include:

• Atlanta → Columbia or Florence, SC → Myrtle Beach (with a transfer)
• Longer travel time than driving yourself, but can be budget-friendly if you don’t want to rent a car or fly.

Getting to Bus Stations in Atlanta

If you’re staying in the city:

• Use MARTA rail or bus to reach Downtown or Midtown.
• Many intercity bus services operate within walking or short rideshare distance from MARTA stations such as:
  • Five Points
  • Peachtree Center
  • Garnett

For suburban residents, park-and-ride lots connected to MARTA can help you reach central Atlanta bus locations more easily.

How Atlanta Weather and Seasons Affect the Trip

Atlanta’s seasons shape when and how you might want to travel to Myrtle Beach.

Spring (March–May)

• Attractive time to leave Atlanta’s pollen clouds behind and enjoy the coast.
• Mild temperatures both in Atlanta and Myrtle Beach.
• Spring break periods can mean:
  • Heavier traffic on I‑20
  • Higher prices for flights and beach lodging

Summer (June–August)

• Peak beach season.
• Atlanta can be hot and humid, so beaches feel extra appealing.
• Expect:
  • Heavier weekend traffic leaving Atlanta Friday and returning Sunday.
  • More competition for flights and hotel rooms in Myrtle Beach.

Fall (September–November)

• Many Atlantans like fall for quieter beaches and more moderate temperatures.
• College football season can affect traffic near college towns along the way (especially around Saturdays in the Columbia area).

Winter (December–February)

• Less beach crowding, but cooler and sometimes breezy.
• Easier travel in terms of traffic and lodging availability.
• Watch for:
  • Occasional rainy weather along the coast.
  • Rare but possible winter weather events in or near Atlanta that can affect driving (especially ice).

Planning Your Trip from Different Parts of Metro Atlanta

Where you start in metro Atlanta can change your best route and timing.

From Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead

• Easiest access to:
  • I‑20 East (via Downtown Connector and I‑285 if needed)
  • Airport (ATL) via MARTA or I‑75/85
• Consider MARTA if you’re flying and don’t want to pay for airport parking.

From East Metro (Decatur, Stone Mountain, Lithonia, Conyers)

• You’re already closer to I‑20 East, which makes:
  • Driving to Myrtle Beach via Augusta and Columbia especially convenient.
• Leaving early in the morning can help you stay ahead of heavier traffic from central Atlanta.

From North Metro (Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Duluth)

• You’ll usually travel:
  • South or southeast to catch I‑285 and then I‑20 East, or
  • Directly to ATL if you’re flying.
• Allow extra time for local congestion on GA‑400, I‑85, or I‑285.

From South Metro (College Park, Union City, Fayetteville, McDonough)

• You’re relatively close to ATL, which makes flying easier.
• For driving:
  • You can either head up to I‑20 East or take routes that connect you more directly to I‑16-style alternatives if you use the more rural path.

Cost Considerations for Atlanta–Myrtle Beach Travel

Your total cost will depend on how you travel and when:

Driving Costs

• Fuel: About 360–380 miles each way.
  • Factor in your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and current gas prices in metro Atlanta and along I‑20.
• Parking: Lodging in Myrtle Beach may charge for parking, especially in resort areas.
• Wear and tear: Consider adding some buffer for toll-free highway driving strain on your vehicle.

Flying Costs

• Airfare: Varies by season; summer and holidays tend to be higher.
• Checked bags or seat selection: Can add to the price.
• Airport parking in Atlanta: If you park at ATL instead of using MARTA or a ride-hail.
• Transportation in Myrtle Beach: Rental car, shuttles, or ride-hail services.

Bus and Ground Transport Costs

• Usually less than flying.
• Trade-offs:
  • Longer travel time.
  • Less flexibility in departure and arrival times.

Practical Safety and Preparation Tips for Atlantans

Before you leave Atlanta for Myrtle Beach, consider:

• ✅ Vehicle check if you’re driving:
  • Tires, fluids, lights, and air conditioning.
• ✅ Navigation apps or printed directions:
  • Helpful in rural areas where cell service can be spotty.
• ✅ Snacks and water:
  • Useful for long stretches on I‑20 and between smaller towns.
• ✅ Traffic and weather checks:
  • Atlanta-based news outlets and weather services often provide updates for major routes like I‑20.

If you live in a high-rise or apartment in Midtown, Buckhead, or Downtown, plan your loading and departure time to avoid freight elevator bottlenecks or parking deck delays that could push you into rush hour.

Quick Comparison: Atlanta Travel Options to Myrtle Beach

Traveling from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach is a trip many local residents make multiple times a year. By choosing the route and mode that fits your schedule, starting point in the metro area, and budget, you can turn the journey from Georgia’s capital to the South Carolina coast into a smooth, predictable part of your getaway rather than a source of stress.