If you’re getting around Atlanta, Georgia without a car, you’ll probably ride a MARTA bus at some point. Knowing how much bus fare costs—and the cheapest way to pay—can save you time, money, and frustration.
Below is a clear breakdown of current MARTA bus fares, passes, discounts, and payment options specifically for Atlanta riders.
For most riders, MARTA bus fare is the same price as a single train trip and includes one free transfer within a set time period when using a Breeze card or Breeze Mobile.
Standard MARTA bus fare (regular adult):
You can pay with:
Paying with a Breeze card or mobile ticket is usually the most flexible and convenient way to ride.
Here’s a simple summary of the most common bus fare options in Atlanta:
| Fare Type | Typical Cost (Approx.) | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Trip | ~$2.50 | Occasional riders | Free transfers with Breeze card/mobile |
| Round Trip | ~$5.00 | Same-day there-and-back trips | Two single trips loaded or purchased |
| 1-Day Pass | ~$9.00 | Tourists, day of heavy riding | Unlimited rides on bus + rail for 1 calendar day |
| 3-Day Pass | ~$16.00–$19.00 | Short visits, conventions, events | Unlimited rides for 3 consecutive days |
| 7-Day Pass | ~$23.75–$25.00 | Busy weeks, commuting + errands | Unlimited rides for 7 consecutive days |
| 30-Day Pass | ~$95.00–$100.00 | Regular commuters | Unlimited rides for 30 consecutive days |
| Discounted/Reduced | Varies (lower) | Seniors, people with disabilities, etc. | Application and eligibility required |
Amounts are approximate and may change; check MARTA for the latest exact fares.
A Breeze card is a reusable, plastic, tap-and-go card used throughout the MARTA system.
Why Breeze is popular:
You tap your Breeze card on the reader when you board the bus. If you transfer to another bus or to rail within the allowed time, the system will recognize it and not charge a full second fare.
Where to get or reload a Breeze card in Atlanta:
There is usually a small fee for the physical card itself, separate from the fare you load.
A Breeze ticket is a paper, single-use or short-use card, ideal if you’re just riding MARTA for a day or two and don’t need a permanent card.
You’ll tap a Breeze ticket on the farebox or gate just like a Breeze card.
MARTA also supports mobile ticketing, where you:
Mobile tickets are convenient if you prefer not to carry a separate card, but always ensure:
You can still pay cash on MARTA buses, but there are tradeoffs.
How it works:
Limitations of cash:
Cash is best if you rarely ride or are in a pinch without a card or phone.
For many riders, the real savings come from transfers.
When you pay with a Breeze card or mobile ticket, you typically get:
This means you can often complete a multi-leg trip for a single base fare, as long as all transfers are within the time limit and you stay within the MARTA system.
If you pay cash on the bus, check whether you’ll get an electronic or paper transfer and how it’s honored; the rules may be more limited.
If you’re commuting or doing a lot of sightseeing in Atlanta, an unlimited ride pass can be much cheaper than paying each time.
Common pass options:
All of these passes are typically loaded onto a Breeze card or sometimes issued as a Breeze ticket. They usually cover both buses and trains, so you don’t pay extra for switching modes.
MARTA offers reduced fares for certain groups, which can significantly lower bus costs for eligible riders.
Common discount categories include:
Reduced fare riders usually must:
These reduced-fare Breeze cards are then used like regular Breeze cards, but each trip or pass costs less.
Key location for in-person help:
Before you go, it’s wise to:
Beyond regular city buses, a few types of service in the Atlanta area can have different fare rules:
Some routes may be labeled as limited-stop or express-style service. Many use the same base fare as local buses, but always confirm:
For riders who cannot use standard buses or trains due to a disability and who qualify through an application process, MARTA offers paratransit (often called MARTA Mobility).
This is different from regular bus fare, so if you or a family member needs these services, reach out directly to MARTA Mobility customer service for current details and eligibility.
When deciding what to buy, ask yourself:
How many rides will I take?
Will I transfer between bus and train?
Am I eligible for a discount?
Do I want the simplest payment method?
If you have questions, need to replace a card, or want in-person assistance, you can use these main options in Atlanta:
MARTA Customer Service (Phone):
Call the main MARTA customer service line (often listed on buses, in stations, and on system maps) to ask about:
MARTA Station Agents:
At larger stations like Five Points, Peachtree Center, Midtown, and the Airport, on-site MARTA staff can:
MARTA RideStores:
Official service centers in major stations where you can:
Knowing how much bus fare costs in Atlanta—and which pass or card to use—can make getting around the city much smoother. Whether you’re a daily commuter heading from the West End to Midtown or a visitor traveling between your downtown hotel and the airport, MARTA’s bus system is designed to be accessible and budget-friendly once you understand the basics of its fares and passes.
