If you’re looking for an Atlanta metro train map, you’re really looking for the MARTA rail system map. MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) runs the main heavy-rail network that locals use to get between the airport, Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and several neighborhoods and suburbs.
This guide breaks down how the MARTA train map works, what each line and station serves, and how to use it for everyday trips in and around Atlanta.
Atlanta’s rail map is built around four color-coded MARTA lines:
All four lines meet in central Atlanta, forming a cross-shaped network with key transfer stations in Downtown and Midtown.
On the map you’ll see:
Here’s a simple reference so you can picture the Atlanta metro train layout:
| Line Color | Direction | Common Start / End | Key Areas Served |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | North–South | North Springs – Airport | Sandy Springs, Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown, Airport |
| Gold | North–South | Doraville – Airport | Doraville, Chamblee, Buckhead (south end), Midtown, Downtown, Airport |
| Blue | East–West | Hamilton E. Holmes – Indian Creek | West Atlanta, Downtown, East Atlanta, Decatur |
| Green | Short East–West | Bankhead – Edgewood/Candler Park | Westside, Georgia Tech area, Downtown edge, east connections |
The Red Line is a major north–south spine on the Atlanta metro train map.
Northern end (North Springs):
Key stations heading south:
On the map, the Red Line is shown as a red route running vertically through the city.
The Gold Line runs almost parallel to the Red Line on the south end, sharing many central stations but with a different northern terminus.
Northern end (Doraville):
Important stations:
On the map, the Gold Line is marked in gold/yellow, converging with the Red Line in central Atlanta and down to the airport.
The Blue Line is the main east–west line, cutting across the city and intersecting the Red and Gold Lines in the middle.
Western end (Hamilton E. Holmes):
Key central stations:
East of Downtown:
On the Atlanta rail map, the Blue Line runs horizontally, intersecting with Red/Gold at Five Points.
The Green Line is a shorter east–west route that mainly serves the Westside and near-Downtown corridors.
Western end (Bankhead):
Key stops heading east:
On many maps, the Green Line is shown terminating at Edgewood/Candler Park, where only the Blue Line continues farther east.
Location: Downtown Atlanta
Role on the map: Center of the system
At Five Points, you can:
On the map, this station is typically highlighted as the core transfer node.
Both stations are central on the Red/Gold north–south corridor:
Midtown Station
Arts Center Station
On the map, they appear in sequence between North Avenue and Lindbergh Center.
Station name on map: “Airport”
The Airport Station sits inside Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, at the Domestic Terminal:
On the map, the Airport is at the southern end of both the Red and Gold Lines.
Look for the station closest to where you are staying or starting from:
If you’re unsure, many riders check nearby streets and look at where they intersect the colored lines on the map.
Some common destination markers on the Atlanta metro train map:
Find your target station name and note which color line(s) serves it.
Once you know your line color:
On station signs and platform displays, you’ll see the terminal station name to help you confirm you’re heading the right way.
On the rail map, transfer points are clearly marked where lines overlap:
If your starting and destination stations are on different colored lines, trace the route on the map and see which shared station works best for your transfer.
Airport to Downtown (Five Points/Peachtree Center)
Airport to Midtown
This is one of the most common uses of the Atlanta metro train map for visitors.
This route is easy to trace along the Blue Line on the map.
You can access the MARTA rail map in several ways around the city:
Physical maps at stations
Printed brochures
On trains
If you prefer something in-hand, it’s straightforward to pick up a printed Atlanta metro train map at one of the central stations.
MARTA rail typically runs:
On the map and station boards, you won’t see exact times but you’ll see line directions and service alerts. Riders often pair the map with schedule info posted in-station or digital displays that show the next train arrival times.
The map does not show zones, because MARTA rail uses a flat fare system:
This makes it easier to read the map since you don’t have to worry about crossing fare boundaries.
The Atlanta metro train map focuses on rail, but there are important connections:
MARTA Buses
Regional Connections
When you look at a full system map, you’ll see bus routes branching off from rail stations, showing how you can continue beyond the rail lines.
✅ Start with landmarks
Locate Airport, Five Points, Midtown, and Buckhead on the map first. Once you know where these are, it’s easier to orient everything else.
✅ Memorize your line color
If you’re staying in Midtown, you’re on the Red/Gold corridor.
If you’re in Decatur, you’re on the Blue Line.
Knowing this makes reading the map much faster.
✅ Pay attention to end-of-line names
For example, “Red Line to North Springs” vs “Red Line to Airport” helps confirm direction.
✅ Use transfer hubs strategically
Most rail-to-rail transfers happen at Five Points, but if you’re just switching between Blue and Green, look at Ashby or Edgewood/Candler Park on the map.
✅ Check for service notices
In stations and on some printed maps, temporary changes or track work may be indicated. If something seems off, look for posted notices at the station.
The MARTA rail map is compact compared to many large cities, which makes it relatively easy to learn. Once you understand the four main lines, their colors, and key transfer points, using the Atlanta metro train map becomes a straightforward way to move between the airport, Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, and several surrounding neighborhoods.
