How Long Is the “Atlanta Subway Escalator”? A Local’s Guide to MARTA’s Longest Escalators

Atlanta doesn’t have a traditional underground “subway” system like some older East Coast cities, but MARTA rail serves the same role for many residents and visitors. When people ask, “How long is the Atlanta subway escalator?” they’re almost always talking about the very long escalators at MARTA’s underground stations, especially in and around Downtown and Midtown.

Below is a clear breakdown of what you’re really asking, how long those escalators actually are, and what to expect when you ride them.

Does Atlanta Really Have a Subway Escalator?

Technically, MARTA is a heavy rail transit system, with a mix of:

• Above-ground stations (like many along the Red and Gold lines north of Downtown)
• Underground stations (mostly Downtown and Midtown)

The underground MARTA stations are where you’ll find the longest escalators in Atlanta. Locals often call this “the subway,” even though the official name is just MARTA rail.

So when we talk about “the Atlanta subway escalator,” we’re talking about the deep, underground station escalators that connect street level to the rail platforms.

Which MARTA Station Has the Longest Escalators?

While MARTA does not widely advertise exact measurements for each escalator, riders and staff commonly point to a few notoriously long escalators:

Key Deep Stations with Long Escalators

• Peachtree Center Station (Downtown)
• Five Points Station (Downtown)
• Civic Center Station (near Downtown/Midtown edge)
• North Avenue Station (Midtown)

Among these, Peachtree Center Station is widely regarded as having some of the longest and steepest escalators in Atlanta and is the one most people are thinking of when they talk about “that really long Atlanta subway escalator.”

How Long Is the Peachtree Center MARTA Escalator?

Exact, officially published measurements for each MARTA escalator are not easily available in public-facing materials, but based on rider experience and typical designs for deep underground stations:

• The tallest MARTA escalators (like those at Peachtree Center) likely span around 80–100 feet in vertical rise.
• In terms of overall length along the slope, it’s reasonable to expect something in the 100–150 foot range, similar to other deep U.S. subway stations.

To put that in more practical terms:

• Ride time: Standing still, you can expect to be on the escalator for roughly one to two minutes, depending on the exact segment and speed.
• Perception: For many riders, these escalators feel extremely long, especially if you are not used to deep underground stations.

While those numbers are approximate rather than official to-the-inch figures, they match what Atlanta riders report and what you experience when traveling from street level down to the platform.

What to Expect When Using Atlanta’s Long Underground Escalators

If you’re heading to Peachtree Center or similar deep stations in Atlanta, it helps to know what you’re about to ride.

Height and Steepness

• The escalators feel steep and tall, with a clear drop or rise you can see from end to end.
• The trip can seem longer than a typical mall or office escalator because you are going multiple stories underground.

Lighting and Environment

• Underground stations like Peachtree Center are fully enclosed and well lit.
• You’ll usually pass through concrete walls, tile, or metal finishes as you go down.
• At peak travel times, you may ride with a steady crowd, which often makes the trip feel more routine and less intimidating.

Elevators as an Alternative

Every MARTA station, including the deep underground ones, also offers elevators. These are:

• Essential for wheelchair users, strollers, luggage, or mobility challenges
• A good option if you are uncomfortable with long or steep escalators

Look for elevator signs near the station entrance, or ask a MARTA Station Agent in the booth if you’re unsure.

Rough Comparison: Short vs. Long MARTA Escalators

Here’s a simple, visual comparison to help you understand how “long” the long ones really feel:

These times are experience-based, not official measurements, but they reflect what typical riders notice day to day.

Where Are These Long Escalators Located in Atlanta?

If you want to see or avoid Atlanta’s longest “subway” escalators, here are the most relevant stations:

Peachtree Center Station (Most Famous Long Escalators)

• Lines: Red and Gold
• Area: Downtown Atlanta, near Peachtree Street and many hotels
• Use this station for:
  • Peachtree Street business district
  • Downtown hotels and restaurants
  • Skybridges to nearby buildings and shopping areas

Riders descend from street-level concourses down to platforms deep underground using long, continuous escalators.

Five Points Station

• Lines: Red, Gold, Blue, and Green (central hub)
• Area: Heart of Downtown Atlanta
• Escalators: Not as visually dramatic as Peachtree Center’s longest run, but still longer and taller than many above-ground stations, especially from street level down to the central mezzanine and platforms.

Civic Center and North Avenue

• Lines: Red and Gold
• Area: Edge of Downtown / Midtown corridor
• Escalators: Can feel respectably large compared to most commercial buildings, but Peachtree Center still tends to be the one people talk about when they mention “that giant MARTA escalator.”

Tips for Riding Atlanta’s Long MARTA Escalators Safely

If you’re heading to or from one of these deep underground platforms, a few simple habits make the ride smoother:

1. Stand Right, Walk Left

On busy days, locals tend to:

• Stand on the right side of the escalator
• Walk or climb on the left side

This pattern helps keep traffic flowing, particularly at big event times around State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or Georgia World Congress Center (often accessed via nearby stations and transfers at Five Points).

2. Hold the Handrail

Because these escalators are tall and steep:

• Use the handrail for balance.
• Supervise children, older adults, or anyone unsteady on their feet.
• If carrying bags or luggage, try to keep one hand free.

3. Use the Elevators If You’re Unsure

If you:

• Dislike heights
• Feel uneasy on moving stairs
• Use mobility aids or have difficulty standing for long

…head straight for the elevator instead of the escalator. At a deep station like Peachtree Center, the elevator can be more comfortable and predictable.

4. Plan a Couple of Extra Minutes

If your trip involves a deep underground station:

• Add an extra few minutes to your travel time for escalator or elevator rides.
• During large events, it can take additional time just to get onto the escalator due to crowds.

How to Get Help at a MARTA Station

If you have questions at the station about the escalators, elevators, or the best way to navigate:

• Look for the MARTA Station Agent booth near the fare gates.

• You can also use official MARTA customer service for general transit questions:

  • MARTA Customer Service (general info):
    Phone: 404-848-5000
    Typical availability: business hours on weekdays (hours may vary)

For real-time service information, schedules, and accessibility details, MARTA’s official channels and signage at stations are your most reliable source.

Quick Answer Recap: How Long Is the Atlanta “Subway” Escalator?

• The “Atlanta subway escalator” most people mean is the very long escalator at Peachtree Center MARTA Station (and similar deep stations).
• It likely spans in the neighborhood of 100–150 feet in length, with about 80–100 feet of vertical rise—much taller and steeper than a typical building escalator.
• You’ll usually ride it for about one to two minutes if you simply stand and let it carry you.
• If the height or length makes you uncomfortable, every deep MARTA station also has elevators you can use instead.

So while you won’t find a single officially labeled “world’s longest” escalator in Atlanta, the deep MARTA underground stations, especially Peachtree Center, do have some of the longest and most memorable escalators in the city—and they’re an everyday part of getting around Atlanta’s core by rail.