Atlanta does have a train system, but it may look different from what you find in cities like New York or Chicago. Instead of a large subway network, Atlanta’s main passenger train service is MARTA rail, supported by commuter rail-style connections at the airport, limited Amtrak service, and a growing streetcar line downtown.
If you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are planning how to get around the city, here’s how the train system actually works on the ground.
When people in Atlanta talk about “the train,” they almost always mean MARTA rail.
MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) runs the city’s main rapid transit system, with four main rail lines:
Trains are mostly above ground, with a few underground segments in the core of the city.
MARTA rail is designed around major job centers, neighborhoods, and the airport. It connects:
If you’re trying to reach major tourist spots like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, or State Farm Arena, MARTA stations in Downtown and Midtown are usually your best starting point.
| Type of Train | Main Name/Operator | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid transit / Metro | MARTA Rail | Getting around Atlanta, especially city core + airport |
| Streetcar | Atlanta Streetcar | Short trips around Downtown / Sweet Auburn area |
| Intercity train | Amtrak (Crescent) | Long-distance travel to cities like New Orleans or NYC |
| Airport people mover | Plane Train + SkyTrain | Moving between airport terminals & nearby rental cars |
To ride MARTA trains, you’ll usually use a Breeze Card or Breeze Ticket, which you tap at the fare gates.
You can get these at vending machines in most stations, including:
📝 Tip: Keep your Breeze Card handy; you’ll need it to enter and sometimes to exit certain stations.
MARTA rail generally runs 7 days a week, from early morning until late at night, with:
If you are catching an early flight or staying out late, plan to check the current rail schedule before you go, since first and last train times can matter—especially to and from the Airport Station.
One of the biggest advantages of Atlanta’s train system is its direct connection to the airport.
This is often the fastest and most predictable way to get between the airport and central Atlanta during rush hour.
Within the city of Atlanta, MARTA stations cover many high-traffic areas:
From many of these stations, you can transfer to MARTA buses or walk, bike, or ride-share to nearby neighborhoods.
MARTA’s rail lines extend into parts of DeKalb County and Fulton County, including:
If you live in suburbs beyond MARTA’s service area (like Marietta, Alpharetta, or Lawrenceville), you may:
In addition to MARTA rail, Atlanta also has the Atlanta Streetcar, a modern streetcar that runs on tracks embedded in the street.
The streetcar forms a short loop around Downtown and the Sweet Auburn area, connecting places like:
It’s especially helpful for:
The streetcar currently serves a compact area, so think of it as a Downtown circulator rather than a full citywide rail line.
For intercity rail, Atlanta is served by Amtrak’s Crescent line, which connects the city to:
Amtrak operates out of:
Atlanta Peachtree Station
1688 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
This small station is in the Brookwood area, roughly between Midtown and Buckhead. It is not connected by MARTA rail, but you can reach it by:
If you’re used to large, central train stations in other cities, know that Atlanta’s Amtrak station is more modest and less connected to the rest of the transit network.
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport has its own internal train systems that many people casually refer to as “the train.”
The Plane Train is an automated underground train that:
If you have a tight connection, the Plane Train is often essential to getting to your next flight on time.
The ATL SkyTrain is an elevated people mover that:
You do not need a MARTA ticket or boarding pass to ride the SkyTrain; it’s part of the airport’s own system.
If you’re coming from a city with an extensive subway system, Atlanta’s trains may feel:
However, for many common trips, the existing train network is very useful, particularly:
Many residents use a hybrid approach:
You’ll usually get the most value from the train system if you use MARTA rail for:
Many areas in Atlanta are better served by buses, with MARTA rail acting as your main “trunk line.” Common patterns include:
If you’re planning to live in Atlanta without a car, it’s helpful to:
If you’re in Atlanta, the train system is absolutely worth understanding and using, particularly when traffic and parking are major concerns.
