How Much Is Bus Fare in Atlanta? A Complete Guide to MARTA Bus Prices

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.

Basic MARTA Bus Fare in Atlanta

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):

• Base fare (one trip): typically around $2.50
• Transfer to another bus or train:free with a Breeze card or mobile ticket during the transfer window
• Children under a certain height/age: often ride free with a paying adult (limits apply)

You can pay with:

• A reloadable Breeze card
• A single-use Breeze ticket
• MARTA Breeze Mobile (mobile ticketing app on your phone)
• Cash on the bus (exact change only; no transfers loaded)

Paying with a Breeze card or mobile ticket is usually the most flexible and convenient way to ride.

MARTA Bus Fare Options at a Glance

Here’s a simple summary of the most common bus fare options in Atlanta:

Amounts are approximate and may change; check MARTA for the latest exact fares.

How to Pay Your Bus Fare in Atlanta

1. Breeze Card (Most Common)

A Breeze card is a reusable, plastic, tap-and-go card used throughout the MARTA system.

Why Breeze is popular:

• Works on buses and trains
• Stores both trips and passes
• Automatically tracks transfers so you aren’t charged twice
• Faster boarding than cash

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:

• MARTA rail stations (ticket vending machines)
• MARTA RideStores, commonly found in major stations such as:
  • Five Points MARTA Station (downtown)
  • Airport MARTA Station
• Select retail locations around the metro area

There is usually a small fee for the physical card itself, separate from the fare you load.

2. Breeze Ticket (Short-Term Use)

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.

• Can hold single trips or short-term passes
• Often costs slightly more per trip than using a plastic Breeze card
• Not as durable; best for short visits

You’ll tap a Breeze ticket on the farebox or gate just like a Breeze card.

3. Mobile Ticketing (Breeze Mobile)

MARTA also supports mobile ticketing, where you:

• Buy your fare on a smartphone app
• Activate the ticket before boarding
• Scan or show your digital ticket when you board the bus (depending on the system in use)

Mobile tickets are convenient if you prefer not to carry a separate card, but always ensure:

• Your phone is charged
• You’ve activated your fare before you step on the bus

4. Paying Cash on the Bus

You can still pay cash on MARTA buses, but there are tradeoffs.

How it works:

• You insert exact change into the farebox when you board
• The driver does not make change
• You’ll receive a paper transfer slip only if the system is set up for it (and some policies may favor electronic transfers only)

Limitations of cash:

• May not give you the same easy transfer benefits as a Breeze card or mobile fare
• Slower boarding
• No way to store passes; it’s pay-per-ride

Cash is best if you rarely ride or are in a pinch without a card or phone.

Transfers: Switching Between Bus and Train in Atlanta

For many riders, the real savings come from transfers.

How Transfers Work

When you pay with a Breeze card or mobile ticket, you typically get:

• Free transfers between:
  • MARTA bus → MARTA train
  • MARTA train → MARTA bus
  • MARTA bus → another MARTA bus
• Transfers are allowed within a certain time window from your first tap.

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.

Unlimited Ride Passes: Best for Frequent Riders

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:

• 1-Day Pass: Good if you’re doing a full day of riding—visiting different neighborhoods like Midtown, downtown, Buckhead, and the airport.
• 3-Day Pass: Ideal for weekend trips, conventions at Georgia World Congress Center, or extended stays.
• 7-Day Pass: Helpful for business trips or busy weeks of commuting and errands.
• 30-Day Pass: Designed for regular commuters who ride most days to work or school.

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.

Discounted & Reduced Bus Fares in Atlanta

MARTA offers reduced fares for certain groups, which can significantly lower bus costs for eligible riders.

Common discount categories include:

• Seniors (typically 65+)
• People with disabilities
• Medicare cardholders
• Certain students or schools (through special programs)
• Some employer or university programs that subsidize fares

Reduced fare riders usually must:

• Apply for a special Breeze card, such as a reduced fare Breeze card
• Show valid ID or eligibility documents

These reduced-fare Breeze cards are then used like regular Breeze cards, but each trip or pass costs less.

Where to Handle Reduced Fare Applications

Key location for in-person help:

• MARTA Headquarters / RideStore
  Commonly associated with the Five Points area in downtown Atlanta
  Staff can:
  • Explain eligibility
  • Help with applications
  • Issue or replace Breeze cards

Before you go, it’s wise to:

• Check current office hours
• Confirm what documents you need (e.g., ID, proof of age, disability paperwork, Medicare card, etc.)

Special Bus Services in Atlanta That Affect Fare

Beyond regular city buses, a few types of service in the Atlanta area can have different fare rules:

MARTA Rapid or Limited Services

Some routes may be labeled as limited-stop or express-style service. Many use the same base fare as local buses, but always confirm:

• Whether your pass covers that route
• If there are any surcharges for specific express trips

Paratransit (MARTA Mobility)

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).

• Usually a separate fare structure
• Trips must be scheduled in advance
• Service area often limited to regions near MARTA’s fixed routes

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.

How to Figure Out the Best Fare Option for Your Trip

When deciding what to buy, ask yourself:

1. How many rides will I take?

   • One or two rides: a single trip or short-term ticket is enough.
   • Several rides per day: consider a 1-Day or 3-Day pass.
   • Daily commuting: a 7-Day or 30-Day pass may be cheaper.

2. Will I transfer between bus and train?

   • If yes, use a Breeze card or mobile ticket so you get free transfers in the allowed time.

3. Am I eligible for a discount?

   • If you’re a senior, have a disability, or are a Medicare cardholder, it’s worth checking whether a reduced fare Breeze card can save you money.

4. Do I want the simplest payment method?

   • For visitors: a Breeze card + 1-Day or 3-Day pass is often the easiest.
   • For residents: a reloadable Breeze card with trips or a monthly pass usually works best.

Where to Get Help with MARTA Bus Fares in Atlanta

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:

  • Current fares
  • Lost Breeze cards
  • Reduced fare programs
  • Pass options and transfer rules

• MARTA Station Agents:
  At larger stations like Five Points, Peachtree Center, Midtown, and the Airport, on-site MARTA staff can:

  • Help you purchase or reload a Breeze card
  • Explain bus and rail connections
  • Answer fare and route questions

• MARTA RideStores:
  Official service centers in major stations where you can:

  • Buy and reload Breeze cards
  • Apply for reduced fare programs
  • Get printed info about routes and fares

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.