Navigating Atlanta is much easier once you understand the MARTA train map. Whether you live here, commute into the city, or are visiting for a few days, knowing how the rail lines connect major neighborhoods, airports, and attractions can save you a lot of time and stress.
This guide walks you through the MARTA rail lines, key stations, transfers, park-and-ride options, and how to use the map like a local.
MARTA’s train system is built around four main lines, all meeting in Downtown Atlanta:
On the MARTA train map, lines are color-coded and labeled clearly. All four lines intersect around Five Points Station in Downtown, which is the central hub of the system.
Big picture:
The Red Line runs from North Springs in Sandy Springs down through Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown, and continues south to the Airport Station.
Common reasons Atlantans use the Red Line:
Notable Red Line stations:
The Gold Line also runs north–south, mostly parallel to the Red Line in the city center, but its northern section branches off toward Doraville.
Common uses:
Notable Gold Line stations:
The Blue Line runs from Hamilton E. Holmes in West Atlanta through Downtown and on to Indian Creek in East DeKalb County.
Popular for:
Notable Blue Line stations:
The Green Line shares tracks with the Blue Line in the central area but is shorter, running only from Bankhead to Edgewood/Candler Park.
Common uses:
Notable Green Line stations:
On the MARTA train map, certain stations are highlighted as transfer hubs or major points of interest. Knowing these makes planning a trip much easier.
Five Points is the main interchange where:
From Five Points you can:
Address (approximate area):
30 Alabama St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
These stations stand out on the map because they connect multiple lines, buses, or major destinations:
On the map, transfer stations are usually shown with distinct icons or larger symbols.
When you look at the MARTA rail map, here’s how to break it down:
Find your current station or closest station
Look for the station names near your starting point (e.g., Airport, North Springs, Decatur).
Locate your destination station
Find its name on the map and note which line it’s on (Red, Gold, Blue, or Green).
Check if a transfer is needed
Follow the direction of travel
Each line is labeled with end-of-line destinations:
Confirm with platform signs
At stations, electronic and static signs show:
Use the legend on the map
The legend explains:
Here’s a simplified reference table that mirrors how you might think through the map when planning a trip:
| Destination / Area | Closest MARTA Station(s) | Line(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Hartsfield–Jackson Airport | Airport | Red / Gold |
| Downtown (hotels, offices) | Peachtree Center, Five Points | Red / Gold / Blue / Green (via Five Points) |
| Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Vine City, Dome/GWCC/State Farm | Blue / Green |
| State Farm Arena / GWCC | Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena | Blue / Green |
| Georgia State University | Georgia State | Blue / Green |
| Midtown business & nightlife | Midtown, Arts Center, North Ave | Red / Gold |
| Buckhead shopping (Lenox, Phipps) | Lenox, Buckhead | Gold / Red |
| City of Decatur | Decatur | Blue |
| West End area | West End | Red / Gold |
| North Springs / Sandy Springs offices | North Springs, Sandy Springs | Red |
| Doraville & Chamblee (northeast) | Doraville, Chamblee | Gold |
When you look at the MARTA map, these areas are easy to spot because the stations are labeled with clear names and are located along the color-coded routes.
If you’re driving in from outside the city or from the suburbs, the MARTA map highlights park-and-ride stations with specific icons.
Common park-and-ride stations include:
On the map, look for the parking symbol next to the station name. This indicates that you can:
One of the most important features of the MARTA train map for Atlanta travelers is the direct airport connection.
Airport Station location (general):
6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
(Inside Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim)
From the Airport, the map helps you determine:
A few Atlanta-specific pointers that come in handy when you’re reading the MARTA rail map:
Line names = destinations
Always pay attention to the end-of-line station printed on the map (e.g., North Springs, Doraville, Indian Creek, Hamilton E. Holmes, Bankhead). This is exactly how trains are labeled in stations.
Red and Gold share core stations
In central Atlanta, Red and Gold trains stop at many of the same stations. The map shows this overlap. If your stop is in this shared zone, you can take either line.
Blue and Green share central stations
Similarly, the Blue and Green Lines overlap through central Atlanta. For downtown and near-eastside stops, either line may work, depending on your exact station.
Check first/last trains
While the printed/system maps show routes, they don’t show hours. If you are traveling early morning or late at night, it’s wise to check current service schedules before relying on the line layout alone.
Accessible routes
Many stations have elevators, and the map typically marks accessible stations with special symbols. If accessibility is important, look for those icons while planning your route.
You don’t need to memorize the system. Physical MARTA train maps are posted:
You can also ask a MARTA station agent for printed guidance at staffed locations.
MARTA Headquarters (for general information):
2424 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Main phone (general customer info is commonly available through MARTA’s published phone lines—check current listings).
Before you ride, use this mini-checklist:
Once you understand how the Atlanta MARTA train map organizes the city into four simple color-coded lines with a shared downtown core, getting around Atlanta by rail becomes straightforward, whether you’re heading to the airport, commuting to work, or exploring a new neighborhood.
