If you’re wondering “Does Atlanta have trains?” the answer is yes—but Atlanta’s train options may look a bit different from what you see in some older, rail-heavy cities.
Atlanta has:
Below is a practical breakdown of what exists, where it goes, and how locals and visitors actually use trains in and around Atlanta.
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) operates the main subway-style rail system in Atlanta. It’s what most residents think of when they say “the train.”
Key points about MARTA rail:
| Line | General Direction | Notable Areas Served |
|---|---|---|
| Red | North–South | North Springs, Sandy Springs, Buckhead, Midtown, Airport |
| Gold | North–South | Doraville, Chamblee, Brookhaven, Midtown, Airport |
| Blue | East–West | H.E. Holmes, West Lake, Downtown, Decatur, Indian Creek |
| Green | Short East–West branch | Bankhead, Westside, Downtown (connects with Blue Line) |
You can transfer between lines at major central stations like Five Points, Peachtree Center, and Midtown.
People in Atlanta commonly use MARTA trains to:
Atlanta also has the Atlanta Streetcar, a modern electric streetcar that runs on rails at street level. It’s separate from the MARTA heavy-rail network but connects with it.
What the Atlanta Streetcar does:
The streetcar is useful if you’re staying downtown and want a car-free way to move between hotels, parks, museums, and historic sites.
Atlanta is on the route of Amtrak’s Crescent line, which connects the Southeast to the Northeast.
Atlanta’s Amtrak station:
From Atlanta, the Amtrak Crescent typically connects to:
Important considerations:
If you’re thinking of traveling between cities by train, Amtrak is the primary passenger train option touching Atlanta.
You will see and hear freight trains all over Atlanta. The city is a major freight rail hub used by large rail carriers.
What this means for you:
So while freight trains are a big part of Atlanta’s landscape, they are not something you can ride unless you’re part of a rail operation.
Atlanta does have trains, but the city is still largely car-oriented, and not every part of the metro area is well served by rail.
You’ll find train travel most useful if you’re going between:
For many residents and visitors staying near a rail station, MARTA is often:
There are noticeable gaps in rail coverage:
If you’re planning to live or stay in Atlanta without a car, it helps to:
Yes. The MARTA Airport Station is directly attached to the Domestic Terminal. Take the Red or Gold Line northbound and you’ll reach:
Most visitors find this one of the easiest and most reliable ways to enter the city from the airport.
Atlanta has a rapid transit rail system (MARTA) that functions like a subway in the core city. Some parts run underground (especially in Downtown and Midtown), while other segments are elevated or at ground level.
Locals typically just call it “MARTA” or “the train,” not “the subway.”
Yes, but only through Amtrak and only on the Crescent line. It’s suitable if:
For most city-to-city trips (for example, Atlanta to Savannah or Atlanta to Nashville), people usually fly or drive rather than take a train, because there isn’t broad passenger rail coverage between those cities via Atlanta.
No. Atlanta does not currently have a dedicated commuter rail network running from outer suburbs into the city. There have been ongoing discussions about regional rail and expanded transit, but as of now:
✅ Available Train Options in Atlanta
MARTA Rail (Red, Gold, Blue, Green Lines)
Atlanta Streetcar
Amtrak (Crescent Line)
Freight Rail
🚫 Not Currently Available
If you’re in or coming to Atlanta, you absolutely can use trains—especially MARTA—to get around key parts of the city and reach the airport. For broader regional travel or reaching many suburbs, you’ll likely combine trains with buses, rideshares, or driving for the most flexible experience.
