How Far Is Downtown Atlanta From the Airport? Your Guide to Distance, Time, and Best Ways to Get There
If you’re flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and heading to Downtown Atlanta, you’re in luck: the airport is very close to the city center compared to many major U.S. cities.
Here’s exactly how far it is, how long it usually takes, and the best ways to get between the airport and downtown.
Distance From Atlanta Airport to Downtown
- Approximate distance:10–12 miles
- Driving time (no major traffic):15–20 minutes
- Driving time (rush hour or heavy traffic):25–40+ minutes
Most people heading to Downtown Atlanta from the airport are going to areas around:
- Peachtree Center
- Georgia State University
- Georgia World Congress Center
- State Farm Arena
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
These spots are all within the downtown core and typically sit about 11 miles from ATL.
Typical Travel Time: What Affects Your Trip
While the distance is short, actual travel time can vary. The main factors:
- Time of day:
- 🕗 Morning rush (7–9 a.m.) and
- 🕔 Evening rush (4–7 p.m.)
often mean slower traffic on I-75/85.
- Day of week: Weekdays are usually busier than weekends.
- Weather and events: Heavy rain, accidents, or big events downtown (sports games, conventions, concerts) can add extra minutes.
If you want a more predictable arrival time, especially during busy hours, MARTA (Atlanta’s rail system) is often the most reliable option.
Main Ways to Get From ATL to Downtown Atlanta
1. MARTA Train (Rapid Transit)
For many travelers and locals, MARTA is the easiest, fastest, and most predictable way to get from the airport to downtown.
Key details:
- Line:Red and Gold Lines northbound from Airport Station
- Station location: Inside the airport, at the domestic terminal, near baggage claim (just follow the “MARTA” signs)
- Ride time to Downtown: About 15–20 minutes
- Typical downtown stops:
- Five Points Station (central hub; easy transfers and walkable to many downtown locations)
- Peachtree Center Station (good for hotels and offices in central downtown)
- Georgia State Station (close to Georgia State University and some government buildings)
Why locals use MARTA for this trip:
- Avoids traffic on I-75/85
- No parking costs
- Very direct: the airport is the end of the line, so trains only go one way when you board
2. Driving: Personal Car, Taxi, or Rideshare
If you prefer to drive or want door-to-door service, you’ll likely use:
- Your own car
- A taxi
- A rideshare service (such as Uber or Lyft; pickup areas are clearly marked at ATL)
Main Driving Route
Most drivers take:
- I-85 North → merges with I-75 North (the combined stretch through the city is often called the Downtown Connector)
From ATL:
- Follow signs for I-85 North / I-75 North toward Atlanta.
- Continue on the Downtown Connector.
- Take exits into downtown, such as:
- Exit 246 – Central Ave / Fulton St
- Exit 248A – Martin Luther King Jr Dr / State Capitol
- Exit 248C – Andrew Young International Blvd / Cone St
Travel time by car:
- Light traffic: around 15–20 minutes
- Rush hour or heavy congestion: plan for 30–40 minutes or more
Where Taxis and Rideshares Operate at ATL
- Taxi stands are located at the domestic terminal Ground Transportation Center, usually outside the baggage claim level.
- Rideshare pickups are typically in designated zones with clear airport signage; follow the “Rideshare” or “App-Based Ride Services” signs.
3. Shuttle Services and Hotel Transportation
Some downtown Atlanta hotels and event organizers arrange shuttle service from the airport, especially for conferences and large groups.
Common patterns in Atlanta:
- Hotel shuttles are more common for hotels near the airport itself, but some downtown conference hotels may offer group shuttles for specific events.
- Group shuttles or private vans can be pre-booked for conventions at places like the Georgia World Congress Center.
If you’re attending a conference or large event, check your registration materials or contact the organizer to see if a dedicated airport shuttle is provided.
Quick Comparison: Airport-to-Downtown Options
| Option | Approx. Time (Typical) | Main Pros | Main Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARTA Train | 15–20 minutes | Avoids traffic, low cost, predictable | Requires short walk to final destination |
| Taxi/Rideshare | 15–40+ minutes | Door-to-door, no transfers | Can be slower in traffic, higher cost |
| Personal Car | 15–40+ minutes | Full flexibility, familiar route | Parking fees and downtown congestion |
| Shuttle/Van | 20–45+ minutes | Good for groups, sometimes included | Must follow set schedule and stops |
Navigating the Airport to Reach Your Ride
The airport can feel large, but the path from your gate to your ride into the city is straightforward.
From Your Plane to MARTA
- Deplane and follow signs to Baggage Claim / Ground Transportation / MARTA.
- Ride the Plane Train (the underground tram) if you arrive on a concourse away from the domestic terminal.
- Exit at the Domestic Terminal (North or South) stop.
- Follow the overhead MARTA signs to Airport Station, located at the end of the domestic terminal, attached to the airport.
From there, just board a northbound Red or Gold line train. Every train leaving Airport Station heads toward downtown.
From Your Plane to Taxi, Rideshare, or Car
- Go to Baggage Claim in your terminal.
- Follow signs for Ground Transportation.
- Choose:
- Taxi stand area for metered taxis.
- Rideshare pickup zones, as indicated on airport signage and your rideshare app.
- Rental car center: Take the ATL SkyTrain from the airport to the Rental Car Center if you’re picking up a rental vehicle.
If You’re Starting in Downtown and Going to the Airport
The distance and options work exactly in reverse.
Using MARTA From Downtown to ATL
- Board a southbound train on the Red or Gold Line.
- Common downtown boarding stations:
- Peachtree Center
- Five Points
- Georgia State
- Ride to Airport Station (the last stop).
Timing tip:
Plan to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and earlier for international flights, then work backward:
- Example: 9:00 a.m. domestic flight
- Aim to be at ATL by 7:00 a.m.
- Catch a MARTA train by around 6:30–6:40 a.m. from downtown.
Driving From Downtown to ATL
- Get onto the Downtown Connector (I-75/85) heading south.
- Follow signs for I-85 South / Atlanta Airport.
- Choose:
- Domestic Terminal
- International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)
depending on your airline and flight.
Allow extra time for:
- Rush-hour traffic
- Finding parking if you’re leaving your car at the airport
- Shuttles from parking lots to the terminal
Local Tips for a Smooth Airport–Downtown Trip
- Check traffic before you leave:
Atlantans commonly use navigation apps to see how bad the Downtown Connector is before deciding between MARTA and driving. - Know your exact downtown destination:
Some areas called “downtown” are actually closer to Midtown or the Old Fourth Ward. This may change your ideal MARTA stop or exit. - If you have a lot of luggage:
Taxis and rideshares are easier for multiple bags or oversized items, but MARTA’s Airport Station has escalators and elevators that many travelers find manageable. - Late-night arrivals:
MARTA does not run 24 hours. If you arrive very late at night or very early in the morning, a taxi or rideshare may be more practical.
Key Takeaway
Downtown Atlanta is only about 10–12 miles from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and most trips take 15–20 minutes in light traffic. During busy periods, it’s wise to plan for 30–40 minutes by car.
For many people in Atlanta, MARTA is the most reliable, traffic-proof way to get between the airport and downtown, while taxis, rideshares, and personal cars offer convenient door-to-door service if you’re comfortable with potential congestion on the Downtown Connector.