Does Atlanta Have a Subway? How Rail Transit Really Works Here

Atlanta does not have a “Subway” brand sandwich shop–style underground system like New York City or London, but it does have a major rail transit network: MARTA, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority.

Locals and visitors often call it “the subway,” but in Atlanta it’s more accurate to think of it as a combined subway and elevated/at-grade rail system that runs through key parts of the city and several nearby areas.

MARTA: Atlanta’s Version of a Subway System

When people ask, “Does Atlanta have a subway?” they’re usually trying to find out:

• Is there rail transit?
• Can I get from the airport to downtown without driving?
• Is there a train for commuting and sightseeing?

In Atlanta, the answer to all of those is yes, and the system that does it is MARTA rail.

Key things to know about MARTA:

• It’s a heavy-rail system (similar to a subway or metro).
• Some tracks are underground, especially in and around Downtown and Midtown.
• Many segments are elevated or at ground level, especially outside the dense core.
• It connects Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport with Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and several neighborhoods and suburbs.

So while Atlanta doesn’t have a subway in the classic all-underground sense, MARTA rail serves the same purpose for most riders.

Where MARTA Rail Runs in Atlanta

MARTA rail has four main lines, identified by color:

• Red Line
• Gold Line
• Blue Line
• Green Line

They all meet in Downtown Atlanta, forming a cross-shaped network.

Major Areas Served

From the airport:

• Airport Station is located inside Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, at the end of the Red and Gold Lines.
• From here you can ride directly to:
  • Downtown (e.g., Five Points, Peachtree Center)
  • Midtown (Arts Center, Midtown Station)
  • Buckhead (Lindbergh Center, Buckhead Station)
  • North Atlanta suburbs like Sandy Springs and Dunwoody (Red Line)

Downtown Atlanta:

Key central stations include:

• Five Points Station – the main transfer hub, where all lines connect.
• Peachtree Center Station – near hotels, offices, and tourist attractions.
• Georgia State Station – near Georgia State University and government buildings.
• Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station – for major sports and event venues.

Midtown & Buckhead:

• Midtown Station – near Peachtree Street, offices, restaurants.
• Arts Center Station – for the Woodruff Arts Center, High Museum area.
• Lindbergh Center Station – a major transfer point with bus routes and some residential/retail.
• Buckhead Station – near Peachtree Road and business/retail district.
• Lenox Station – close to Lenox Square area.

East & West of Downtown:

• Blue & Green Lines run roughly east–west:
  • West: Hamilton E. Holmes, Ashby
  • East: Inman Park/Reynoldstown, Edgewood/Candler Park, Decatur, and beyond on the Blue Line

This layout covers many of the city’s core job centers, universities, and major attractions, though not every neighborhood.

Is MARTA Rail Actually Underground?

Parts of MARTA are true subway-style tunnels, especially:

• Through Downtown (including Five Points)
• Sections in Midtown
• Some segments as you approach major hubs

Other parts are:

• Elevated (on concrete structures above streets or highways)
• At ground level, especially further from the city center

So when you ride MARTA, expect a mix of underground and above-ground travel, not a completely underground system.

Quick Comparison: MARTA Rail vs. a Classic Subway

For practical purposes, if you’re asking whether you can get around Atlanta on rail without a car, MARTA is the system you’re looking for.

Getting From the Airport to Atlanta on MARTA

One of the most common reasons people ask about a subway in Atlanta is getting from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport into the city without driving.

How it works

• Airport Station is located at the Airport’s Domestic Terminal, near the baggage claim area—just follow the “Ground Transportation / MARTA” signs.
• Trains run on the Red and Gold Lines from the airport.
• You do not have to transfer to get to most Downtown and Midtown stations.

Typical one-seat rides from the airport

• To Downtown: Five Points, Peachtree Center, Georgia State
• To Midtown: Midtown, Arts Center
• To Buckhead/North: Lindbergh Center, Buckhead, Lenox, and further north on the Red Line

This makes MARTA one of the most convenient ways to reach central Atlanta right after your flight.

How to Use MARTA Like a Local

Even if you’re new to Atlanta, MARTA is generally straightforward.

1. Payment and Fare Cards

MARTA uses a Breeze Card / Breeze Ticket system:

• You buy and load a Breeze Card at station vending machines.
• Tap the card at the fare gate to enter and exit.
• Fares are usually flat across the system, so you don’t pay extra based on distance within MARTA rail.

Tip: Many riders load round-trip fares or passes for multiple days if they’ll be using MARTA frequently.

2. Reading Lines and Directions

Each train is marked by:

• Color (Red, Gold, Blue, Green)
• Destination (e.g., “North Springs,” “Airport,” “Doraville,” “Indian Creek”)

Focus on:

• The end station name to know which direction you’re heading.
• Maps and digital signs in the station – they show which side of the platform goes which way.

3. Timing and Frequency

• Trains usually run more often during weekday rush hours.
• Late nights, early mornings, and weekends can have longer waits between trains.
• It’s wise to check the latest schedule or real-time info before relying on a close connection.

Where to Get Official MARTA Information in Atlanta

If you’re planning regular use of Atlanta’s “subway” equivalent, MARTA provides information and help:

MARTA Headquarters & Customer Service (Downtown area)
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority
2424 Piedmont Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Customer Information Center (phone assistance): 404-848-5000

Many stations have staffed windows or information booths during core hours, especially:

• Airport Station
• Five Points Station
• Lindbergh Center Station

They can provide:

• System maps
• Fare and pass details
• Accessibility and elevator information
• Guidance on transfers between buses and trains

Other Ways to Get Around Atlanta (Beyond “Subway”)

Some people asking about a subway in Atlanta are really just trying to understand overall transportation options. Alongside MARTA rail, you’ll commonly see:

• MARTA Buses: Extend reach to neighborhoods not directly served by rail.
• Atlanta Streetcar: A short streetcar line in Downtown, separate from heavy rail, connecting areas near Centennial Olympic Park, Edgewood Avenue, and the King Historic District.
• Regional Systems: Such as Xpress buses and county transit systems in the wider metro area.
• Rideshare, taxis, and bikes/scooters: Often used to fill gaps between MARTA stations and your final destination.

For many residents and visitors, a combination of MARTA rail + short rideshare or walk is enough to get to hotels, offices, and major attractions without renting a car.

When MARTA Works Well—and When It Might Not

MARTA rail is especially useful if:

• You’re going between the airport and Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead.
• You’re staying near a rail station.
• You’re visiting major event venues, offices, or universities along the lines.

It may be less convenient if:

• Your home, hotel, or destination is far from any station.
• You’re traveling very late at night or very early, when service is less frequent.
• You’re going to outer suburbs that don’t connect directly to MARTA rail.

Many Atlantans use MARTA for commuting along major corridors and combine it with driving, park-and-ride lots, or buses for the rest.

In day-to-day conversation, locals might say “take MARTA” rather than “take the subway,” but if you’re wondering whether Atlanta has a subway-style rapid transit train system, the answer is: yes—MARTA rail fills that role for the city and its visitors.