Clark Atlanta University: Exact Location, Neighborhood, and How to Get There

If you’re trying to figure out where Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is located in Atlanta, the short answer is:

From there, it helps to understand the neighborhood, nearby landmarks, and best ways to get to campus whether you live in Atlanta or are visiting.

Where Exactly Is Clark Atlanta University in the City?

Clark Atlanta University sits in Southwest Atlanta, in the Atlanta University Center area. This part of the city is known for its cluster of historically Black colleges and universities.

Key location details:

• Neighborhood: Atlanta University Center / Vine City–Ashview Heights area
• Street Address:
  Clark Atlanta University
  223 James P. Brawley Drive SW
  Atlanta, GA 30314
• Area of Atlanta: Just west of Downtown Atlanta and south of Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Nearby Atlanta Landmarks

If you’re orienting yourself without a map, these landmarks help:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – northeast of campus, about a short drive away
• Downtown Atlanta – a few minutes east by car or bus
• Morehouse College & Spelman College – immediately adjacent within the Atlanta University Center
• West End and Vine City – nearby intown neighborhoods west and southwest of Downtown

Quick Location Snapshot

Here’s a simple overview to help you picture where Clark Atlanta sits in Atlanta:

Getting to Clark Atlanta from Around Atlanta

Coming from Downtown Atlanta

If you’re already in Downtown:

• By car or rideshare:
  • Head west via streets like Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW or Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW and follow signs toward the Atlanta University Center.
  • Expect a short drive, often under 10 minutes outside of heavy traffic.
• By MARTA bus:
  • Several MARTA routes typically serve the AUC area from Five Points Station or nearby downtown stops.
  • Look for routes that list Atlanta University Center, West End, or Vine City as key stops.

Coming from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

If you’re flying into Atlanta:

• By MARTA train + bus/walk:
  1. Take the Red or Gold Line north from the Airport Station to Five Points Station.
  2. Transfer to a bus serving the Atlanta University Center area, or take a short rideshare from Five Points.
• By car or rideshare:
  • Take I-85/I-75 North toward Downtown Atlanta.
  • Exit near Downtown and head west toward the Atlanta University Center/West End area.
  • Travel time will vary with traffic, but many people find this a straightforward route with clear signage toward central Atlanta.

MARTA Options Near Clark Atlanta University

For many people in Atlanta, MARTA is a convenient way to get close to CAU.

Nearby MARTA Stations

While there isn’t a train station directly on campus, two are relatively close:

• West End Station (Red/Gold Line) – southwest of Downtown
• Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line) – just north of the AUC area

From these stations, people typically:

• Walk or use a scooter for the last stretch, or
• Transfer to a MARTA bus that goes directly to or near Clark Atlanta and the AUC.

General Tips for Using Transit to CAU

• 🚌 Check route maps and schedules for buses that list Atlanta University Center, Joseph E. Lowery Blvd SW, or Fair St SW as part of their path.
• 🕒 Allow extra time during peak hours when trains and buses can be more crowded.

Driving to Clark Atlanta and Campus Access

If you’re planning to drive:

Main Roads and Approaches

You’ll often approach Clark Atlanta using:

• Joseph E. Lowery Blvd SW
• Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW
• Fair Street SW
• Connecting streets coming from Northside Drive NW near Downtown and the stadium

These roads feed into the AUC district, where Clark Atlanta, Morehouse, and Spelman are all located close together.

Parking Considerations

Parking around Clark Atlanta is typically a mix of:

• Campus lots and decks (often permit-controlled for students, staff, and visitors)
• Street parking in surrounding neighborhoods, which may have restrictions or enforcement

If you’re visiting for:

• A campus tour or event – it’s common to check with the specific office or event organizer for recommended visitor parking lots and any applicable fees.
• Everyday commuting – students and employees usually need to follow campus parking permit rules.

Walking and Getting Around the AUC Area

Once you’re near Clark Atlanta, the campus and the wider AUC are fairly walkable:

• Shared district: Clark Atlanta’s campus is directly adjacent to Morehouse College and Spelman College, making it easy to walk between institutions.
• Campus core: Much of the academic and administrative life is centered around James P. Brawley Drive SW and nearby campus streets.
• Surrounding neighborhoods: Areas like Vine City and West End are close by, with additional housing, churches, and small businesses.

If you’re new to the area, many people find it helpful to:

• Plan walking routes during daylight on a first visit
• Use a digital map to get oriented to campus gates, buildings, and parking areas

When You Might Need the Official Address

Knowing the exact address of Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta is useful for:

• GPS or rideshare pickups/drop-offs
• Mailing applications or documents
• Scheduling deliveries
• Filling out forms that ask for your institution’s city location

The standard address most people use is:

Clark Atlanta University
223 James P. Brawley Drive SW
Atlanta, GA 30314

If you’re headed to a specific building, program, or office, there may be a more precise building name and street listed, but this main address will get you to the heart of campus in Atlanta.

In summary, Clark Atlanta University is located in Southwest Atlanta, in the Atlanta University Center district just west of Downtown, at 223 James P. Brawley Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30314. Whether you’re taking MARTA, driving in from the airport, or traveling from another Atlanta neighborhood, you’ll be heading toward the AUC area near Downtown and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.