Is the Atlanta CityPASS Worth It? A Local’s Guide to Whether It Really Saves You Money

If you’re planning to hit Atlanta’s big attractions—whether you’re a local planning a “staycation” or a visitor trying to see as much as possible—Atlanta CityPASS will almost certainly pop up in your search. The obvious question: is Atlanta CityPASS actually worth it, or are you better off buying tickets individually?

This guide walks through how the pass works in Atlanta, the attractions it includes, typical savings, and who benefits most (and least). By the end, you’ll be able to decide confidently whether Atlanta CityPASS fits your specific plans.

What Is Atlanta CityPASS and How Does It Work?

Atlanta CityPASS is a discount ticket bundle for several of the city’s most popular paid attractions. Instead of buying separate tickets at each spot, you buy one pass and use it for admission.

As of the most common setup in Atlanta, the pass typically includes:

• Georgia Aquarium (Downtown – 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
• World of Coca‑Cola (121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
• Zoo Atlanta (800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315)
• College Football Hall of Fame (250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313) or
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights (100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History (767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307) or
• Chick‑fil‑A College Football Hall of Fame / other rotating option, depending on the current configuration

(The exact lineup can change over time, so it’s always wise to check the current attractions before purchasing.)

Key features of the Atlanta CityPASS

• One upfront price for a set group of attractions
• Usually includes 3–5 major attractions
• Mobile‑friendly tickets (you can often show them on your phone)
• Valid for a set number of days from first use (commonly 9 consecutive days, but confirm current terms)

The idea is simple: you pay once, visit several major attractions, and save money compared with paying individually.

How Much Can You Save With Atlanta CityPASS?

To figure out if it’s worth it, you need to compare:

• Total cost of the pass vs.
• Total cost of individual tickets to the attractions you actually plan to visit

While prices change over time, individual admission to Atlanta’s top attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, Zoo Atlanta, and Fernbank Museum can quickly add up—especially for families.

Typical pattern of savings

In Atlanta, many travelers and locals find that:

• If you visit 3 or more included attractions, the pass often costs less than buying tickets separately.
• If you visit only 1–2 attractions, individual tickets are usually cheaper and more flexible.

Think of it this way:

• Power sightseers (3–5 attractions in a few days) → Atlanta CityPASS often pays off
• Casual visitors (1–2 attractions, spread out or undecided) → might not be worth it

Which Atlanta Attractions Are Included (And Are They Ones You Want)?

The value of CityPASS in Atlanta depends heavily on whether you truly want to visit the included attractions.

Big‑name Atlanta attractions commonly on the pass

These are the places most people think of when they picture an Atlanta sightseeing trip:

• Georgia Aquarium

  • One of Atlanta’s signature experiences and a major draw for families, couples, and groups.
  • Located in the heart of downtown, close to Centennial Olympic Park and the World of Coca‑Cola.

• World of Coca‑Cola

  • Focused on the history and branding of Coca‑Cola, plus tasting areas and exhibits.
  • Particularly popular with out‑of‑town visitors and families.

• Zoo Atlanta

  • In historic Grant Park, a short drive or rideshare from downtown.
  • Well‑known for its giant pandas and family‑friendly layout.

• Fernbank Museum of Natural History

  • Located in the Druid Hills area.
  • Features dinosaurs, natural history, and rotating exhibitions, plus outdoor nature areas.

• National Center for Civil and Human Rights

  • A powerful museum near Centennial Olympic Park.
  • Focuses on the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and global human rights issues.

If most of these are already on your must‑see list, Atlanta CityPASS starts to make a lot more sense.

If your personal Atlanta bucket list leans more toward:

• Neighborhood exploring in Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, or West Midtown
• Free outdoor spaces like Piedmont Park or the BeltLine
• Local food markets like Krog Street Market or Ponce City Market

…then you may not get as much value from a pass focused on large, ticketed attractions.

When Is Atlanta CityPASS Worth It?

Atlanta CityPASS tends to be most worthwhile in specific situations. Here’s how to think about your own plans.

1. You’re visiting Atlanta for 2–4 days and want to see “the big ones”

If you’re coming from out of town and planning a short visit, you’re likely to cluster your activities in a few days. In that case, CityPASS can:

• Save money vs. buying 3–5 separate tickets
• Keep your planning simple—one purchase instead of many
• Create a built‑in sightseeing itinerary around the attractions downtown and nearby

This is especially true if you plan to visit the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, and Zoo Atlanta, since these alone account for a large portion of the overall cost.

2. You’re an Atlanta local planning a “tourist in your own city” weekend

For locals who rarely pay for the big attractions, CityPASS can be a good excuse to finally check off several major spots in one burst.

It can be worth it if:

• You’re planning a packed weekend or long weekend
• You’re hosting visitors and want structured activities
• You’re OK with doing several attractions in a short time frame

If you envision spreading these visits out over many months, though, the pass might not match your schedule.

3. You’re traveling with a family or group

In Atlanta, family and group tickets add up fast. A pass can multiply savings quickly if:

• You’re buying multiple adult and child tickets
• Everyone in your group wants to visit the same attractions
• You have at least 2 solid sightseeing days planned

If some people in your group only want to join for one attraction or prefer more flexible planning, it may be better to purchase individually for those people.

When Atlanta CityPASS May Not Be Worth It

CityPASS is not a “one size fits all” solution. In Atlanta, it may not be the best option if:

1. You only care about 1–2 attractions

If your Atlanta priorities are, for example, only the Georgia Aquarium and Piedmont Park, then:

• You’ll likely save money buying a regular ticket to the aquarium
• You don’t gain anything by committing to multiple extra attractions you might not use

2. You prefer a slow, flexible schedule

Some visitors and locals prefer to:

• Spend a full day in a single neighborhood
• Take long breaks to enjoy coffee shops, restaurants, and local events
• Decide day‑by‑day what to do based on weather and mood

A pass that encourages you to “pack in as much as possible” may push you into a schedule that doesn’t fit your travel style.

3. You’re focused on free or low‑cost experiences

Atlanta has plenty of low‑cost or free activities:

• Walking along the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• People‑watching at Piedmont Park or Centennial Olympic Park
• Exploring neighborhoods like Little Five Points, Virginia‑Highland, or Grant Park
• Visiting some public festivals, markets, and community events

If this is your main interest, you may not get enough value from the higher‑priced admissions included in CityPASS.

Practical Planning: Time, Transportation, and Energy

Even if the pass looks good on paper, consider how realistic your plan is in Atlanta’s actual layout and traffic.

How many attractions can you really visit?

Most visitors find they comfortably manage:

• 1 major attraction + some lighter activities per day, or
• 2 attractions in one day if they’re close together and you start early

In Atlanta, this is especially relevant because:

• Downtown attractions (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, College Football Hall of Fame) are clustered together, making it feasible to do more than one in a day.
• Zoo Atlanta and Fernbank Museum are a short drive away in different directions, so you’ll likely plan a separate half‑day or day for each.

If your realistic pace is one attraction every other day, you might not get full value before the pass expires.

Transportation considerations

Getting around Atlanta can take time, especially during rush hours. Think about whether you’ll:

• Drive and deal with parking fees near downtown attractions
• Use MARTA rail or bus (Five Points and Peachtree Center stations are close to many downtown destinations)
• Rely on rideshare services between neighborhoods

Transportation time and cost aren’t included in CityPASS, so factor those into your personal “is it worth it?” calculation.

Simple Check: Is Atlanta CityPASS Worth It for You?

Use this quick framework:

✅ CityPASS is likely worth it if:

• You plan to visit at least 3–4 of the included attractions
• You’re in Atlanta for 2–4 days and want a busy sightseeing schedule
• You’re fine committing to a set of major, ticketed attractions
• You’re traveling as a family or group, and everyone is interested in similar things

⚠️ CityPASS might not be worth it if:

• You only care about one or two major attractions
• You want a very relaxed, flexible schedule
• Your main interests are neighborhoods, parks, food, and local culture rather than museums and large attractions
• You live in Atlanta and plan to visit these spots spread out over months, not days

Side‑by‑Side Snapshot: When the Pass Makes Sense

Here’s a simple way to visualize the decision.

How Locals and Visitors in Atlanta Can Make the Final Call

Step 1: List the attractions you honestly want to see.
Only include the ones you’re truly excited about.

Step 2: Look up the regular, individual ticket prices.
Add up the total for just those attractions.

Step 3: Compare that total to the current Atlanta CityPASS price.

• If the pass is cheaper, and you can visit within its time limit, it’s likely worth it.
• If the pass costs more or only saves a tiny amount, you may prefer the flexibility of separate tickets.

Step 4 (for locals): Consider your schedule realistically.
Ask yourself whether you’ll actually visit multiple major attractions within the pass window, given Atlanta traffic, work, school, and other commitments.

Atlanta CityPASS can be a smart, money‑saving option for people who plan to hit several of the city’s blockbuster attractions in a short period. For slower travelers, locals who prefer to spread things out, or visitors focused on free outdoor and neighborhood experiences, individual tickets and pay‑as‑you‑go exploring often make more sense.