Getting from the Atlanta Airport to Downtown: Distance, Time, and Best Options

If you are flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and heading to downtown Atlanta, the good news is: the airport is very close to the city center.

In simple terms, ATL is about 10 miles south of downtown Atlanta, and the trip usually takes 15–30 minutes depending on how you travel and what traffic looks like.

How Far Is the Airport from Downtown Atlanta?

  • Distance: Approximately 10 miles from the domestic terminal to the heart of downtown (around Peachtree Street and Five Points).
  • Typical travel time:
    • By car / rideshare / taxi: About 15–25 minutes in light to moderate traffic, but it can extend to 30–40 minutes during rush hour.
    • By MARTA train: About 15–20 minutes from Airport Station to most downtown MARTA stations.

The airport’s address is:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

Downtown is roughly the area around:
Five Points / Peachtree Center / Downtown Government & Office District
(Zip codes commonly 30303, 30308)

Quick Comparison: Ways to Get from ATL to Downtown

Approximate distance: 10 miles
General route by car: I-85 / I-75 North from the airport into downtown

OptionTypical Time (Airport → Downtown)Cost Range*Best For
MARTA train15–20 minutesLow, flat fareFast, affordable, avoids traffic
Rideshare20–35 minutesModerate–HighConvenience, door-to-door
Taxi20–35 minutesOften flat rateSimple, set price, no app needed
Rental car20–35 minutes (plus pick-up time)VariesLonger stays, multiple destinations
Hotel shuttle20–40 minutesOften free / incl.Travelers staying at participating hotels

*Costs vary over time; check current fares or rates before you travel.

Driving Distance and Typical Routes

Main driving route from ATL to downtown

From the airport’s Domestic Terminal:

  1. Follow signs to I-85 / I-75 North toward Atlanta.
  2. Stay on I-85/75 North for about 8–10 miles.
  3. Use downtown exits such as:
    • Exit 246 – Central Ave / Fulton St
    • Exit 248A – MLK Jr Dr / State Capitol
    • Exit 249A/B – Courtland St / Peachtree St

From the International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal):

  • You can either:
    • Take the airport shuttle to the Domestic Terminal and follow the same route, or
    • Follow signs to I-85 / I-75 North directly from the international side.

How traffic affects the distance in time

Even though it’s only about 10 miles, Atlanta traffic can change the experience:

  • 🚗 Rush hours:
    • Weekday mornings: roughly 7:00–9:30 a.m. heading into downtown.
    • Weekday evenings: roughly 4:00–7:00 p.m. leaving downtown.
  • In heavy congestion, that 10-mile drive can stretch to 30–45 minutes.

If you are on a tight schedule—especially during peak times—plan for extra buffer time.

Using MARTA: Fastest and Most Predictable Option

For many locals and visitors, MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is the most reliable way to get between ATL and downtown.

Where to catch MARTA at the airport

  • The Airport Station is located inside the Domestic Terminal, at the baggage claim level.
  • Follow signs for “MARTA” or “Ground Transportation / Rail” once you exit security.
  • From the International Terminal, take the free shuttle to the Domestic Terminal, then follow signs for MARTA.

Route to downtown

  • Board the Red or Gold Linenorthbound from Airport Station.
  • Popular downtown stops include:
    • Garnett Station – south edge of downtown
    • Five Points Station – major hub, connections to all lines
    • Peachtree Center Station – close to many hotels, offices, and attractions
    • Georgia State Station – near Georgia State University and some government buildings

Travel time:

  • Airport Station → Five Points Station: roughly 15 minutes
  • Airport Station → Peachtree Center: around 17–20 minutes

Why many people choose MARTA

  • Traffic-free: The distance feels shorter because you are not stuck on I-75/85.
  • Budget-friendly: Fares are generally lower than most other options.
  • Central access: Drops you directly in downtown Atlanta, walkable to many hotels and offices.

Rideshare: Distance with Door-to-Door Convenience

Rideshare services commonly operate from ATL and provide direct service to downtown.

Airport rideshare pick-up process

  • At the Domestic Terminal, follow signs for “Rideshare” or “App-Based Ride Services.”
  • There is a designated pick-up area in the parking structure (often clearly signed once you reach ground transportation).
  • At the International Terminal, follow rideshare signage to the authorized pick-up section.

Once your driver picks you up, the distance to most downtown hotels or offices remains about 10 miles, usually via I-85/75 North.

When rideshare makes sense

  • You have luggage or are traveling in a group.
  • You want to go directly to a specific building or neighborhood in or just beyond downtown.
  • You are arriving late at night or during hours with less frequent train service.

Taxi: Simple, Direct Trip to Downtown

Traditional taxis are widely available at ATL, particularly at the Domestic Terminal.

Taxi stands at ATL

Look for “Taxi” or “Taxi Stand” signs in the Ground Transportation area near the Domestic Terminal. Taxis queue in a designated line, and an airport staff member often helps manage the queue.

Flat-rate trips to downtown

For many years, taxis have commonly offered flat rates between Hartsfield–Jackson and central parts of downtown Atlanta, which helps you know the approximate fare ahead of time.

  • The distance and route will be similar to rideshare: about 10 miles via I-75/85 North.
  • Time will vary from 15 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic.

If you prefer not to use an app and want a straightforward, predictable ride, taxis can be a good fit.

Rental Cars: Good for Longer Stays or Multiple Stops

If you plan to travel beyond downtown—such as Midtown, Buckhead, suburbs like Decatur or Sandy Springs, or other parts of metro Atlanta—you may choose to rent a car at the airport.

Where to get a rental car at ATL

ATL Rental Car Center (RCC)
2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy
College Park, GA 30337

  • Reach it from the airport terminals by taking the free SkyTrain, which runs from the Domestic Terminal to the RCC and nearby parking.

Once you have your car:

  • Follow signs from the RCC to I-85 North or I-75 North into downtown Atlanta.
  • Distance is still roughly 10–12 miles depending on your exact downtown destination.

When a rental car makes sense

  • You’re staying in Atlanta for several days or longer.
  • You plan to visit multiple neighborhoods (e.g., downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Eastside, or suburbs).
  • You need flexibility for off-peak hours, meetings, or trips outside the MARTA rail service area.

Hotel Shuttles and Private Transportation

Some downtown Atlanta hotels and private car services offer transportation between ATL and downtown.

Hotel shuttles

  • Many shuttles from the airport serve airport-area hotels clustered around the airport rather than downtown.
  • A smaller number of downtown hotels may offer scheduled or pre-arranged shuttle service or can help you coordinate transportation.

Check directly with your downtown hotel’s front desk for:

  • Whether they offer airport–downtown shuttles
  • Pick-up locations and schedules
  • Approximate travel time in current traffic conditions

Private car and shuttle services

Private car companies frequently operate in Atlanta and often:

  • Provide pre-booked rides between ATL and downtown.
  • Use similar routes (I-75/85) and cover the same 10-mile distance.
  • Quote prices based on distance, time of day, and vehicle type.

These can be useful if:

  • You’re traveling with a large group.
  • You need guaranteed space for luggage or equipment.
  • You prefer having transportation arranged before you land.

How the Distance Plays Out by Downtown Landmark

Even within downtown, your exact destination changes the distance slightly:

  • Georgia State Capitol / Underground Atlanta / Five Points area
    • One of the closest downtown clusters to the highway exits from the airport
    • Distance: roughly 9–10 miles from the airport
  • Peachtree Center business district & major hotels
    • Around 10–11 miles via I-75/85 and Courtland St / Peachtree St exits
  • State Farm Arena / Mercedes-Benz Stadium / Georgia World Congress Center
    • Slightly west of the core business district
    • Distance: roughly 9–11 miles, depending on route

In all cases, you are usually within 15–20 minutes by MARTA or 20–35 minutes by car from the airport when traffic is reasonable.

Practical Tips for Planning Your Airport-to-Downtown Trip

  • Build in a buffer: Even though the distance is short, Atlanta’s central interstates can back up quickly, especially near downtown.
  • Consider time of day:
    • Use MARTA in rush hour to avoid highway congestion.
    • Early morning or late at night, car-based options may be quick and straightforward.
  • Know your nearest MARTA stop: If your hotel or destination is near Peachtree Center, Five Points, or Georgia State, the train can drop you a short walk away.
  • Factor in luggage: If you have multiple suitcases or special equipment, a taxi, rideshare, or private car can make the short distance much easier.
  • Check service updates: For the most up-to-date information, you can contact:
    • MARTA Customer Information Center: 404-848-5000
    • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (General Info): 800-897-1910

In summary, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is about 10 miles from downtown Atlanta, and you can usually get between the two in 15–30 minutes. Whether you choose MARTA, a taxi, rideshare, rental car, or a shuttle, the distance is short, and you have several practical options to match your schedule, budget, and comfort preferences.