Where Spelman College Is Located in Atlanta (And How to Get There)

Spelman College is located in Southwest Atlanta, in the historic Atlanta University Center (AUC) district, just west of downtown.

Street address:

Spelman College
350 Spelman Lane SW
Atlanta, GA 30314

This puts the campus near I-20, Northside Drive, and just a short drive or bus ride from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and downtown Atlanta.

Understanding Spelman’s Location in Atlanta

The Neighborhood: Southwest Atlanta & the AUC

Spelman sits in the Atlanta University Center, a cluster of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that includes:

• Spelman College
• Morehouse College
• Clark Atlanta University
• Morehouse School of Medicine

This area is just west of downtown and south of the Westside neighborhoods. If you’re familiar with local landmarks, Spelman is:

• West of Downtown Atlanta and the Georgia State Capitol
• South of Georgia Tech
• Close to I-20 (between the Lee Street and Joseph E. Lowery exits)

The campus itself is gated and pedestrian-friendly, with controlled entry points for vehicles and visitors.

Quick Location & Access Snapshot

Getting to Spelman College by Car

Driving From Downtown Atlanta

From most parts of downtown, you’re usually 5–10 minutes away, depending on traffic:

1. Head west toward I-20 West.
2. Use either:
   • Exit 56B – Joseph E. Lowery Blvd and head south, or
   • Exit 55A – Lowery Blvd / Joe Louis Blvd
3. Follow signs toward the Atlanta University Center.
4. Look for signage for Spelman College and campus gates along Westview Drive SW and Spelman Lane SW.

From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

The airport is about 15–20 minutes by car in normal traffic.

• Take I-85 North toward Atlanta.
• Merge onto the Downtown Connector (I-75/85 North).
• Exit to I-20 West (toward Birmingham).
• Use one of the Lowery Blvd exits and follow directions to the AUC.

This is a common route for families visiting campus or students arriving for move-in.

Parking Considerations

Parking around the AUC is tightly managed, especially on weekdays and during events.

Common patterns around parking that visitors should be aware of:

• Visitor parking lots or decks are typically available but may be limited.
• Parking passes or registration may be required for certain campus lots.
• Nearby streets may have time limits or permit-only parking.

If you’re planning a visit, it’s a good idea to:

• Check Spelman’s visitor information or campus safety/parking office for the latest parking details.
• Allow extra time for parking and walking to your destination on campus.

Getting to Spelman by MARTA (Public Transit)

Using MARTA is often one of the easiest ways to reach Spelman from across Atlanta.

Closest MARTA Rail Stations

Two rail stations serve the area around Spelman:

• West End Station (Red/Gold Line)
• Ashby Station (Blue/Green Line)

From either station, you can connect by bus or short rideshare.

From the Airport to Spelman by MARTA

1. At the Airport Station, take the Red or Gold line north toward downtown.
2. Get off at West End Station.
3. From West End:
   • Take a connecting MARTA bus heading toward the Atlanta University Center, or
   • Use rideshare or taxi (the ride to campus is short).

Many students and visitors use this airport-to-campus route because it avoids downtown driving and parking.

MARTA Bus Options Around the AUC

Common bus routes in the area typically include lines that travel:

• Along West End
• Along Joseph E. Lowery Blvd
• Through or near the Atlanta University Center

Routes and numbers can change over time, so it’s wise to:

• Use MARTA’s trip planning tools.
• Check posted schedules and stops around West End Station or Ashby Station.
• Look specifically for routes mentioning the AUC, Spelman, or Westview Drive area.

Using Rideshare, Taxi, or Shuttle Services

Rideshare services are widely used by students and visitors traveling to the AUC.

Typical drop-off points:

• Main campus entrances along Spelman Lane SW
• Nearby streets such as Westview Drive SW or Lee Street SW, depending on navigation apps and campus instructions

If you’re using rideshare:

• Enter “Spelman College, Atlanta” as your destination.
• Confirm the 350 Spelman Lane SW address in the app.
• Follow any security or gate instructions provided by the driver or campus staff.

Some local hotels and program providers also arrange shuttle services to the AUC area, especially for group visits, conferences, or orientation events.

How Spelman Sits Relative to Other Atlanta Landmarks

If you’re trying to picture Spelman on the Atlanta map:

• It’s west of Downtown Atlanta and the State Capitol.
• It’s southwest of Georgia Tech and Atlantic Station.
• It’s just southwest of Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Vine City area.
• It’s part of a larger college cluster that makes the neighborhood feel very student-centered.

This makes Spelman relatively central if you’re staying anywhere in:

• Downtown
• Midtown
• Westside / West Midtown
• Near the airport (via direct highway or MARTA connection)

Tips for Visiting Spelman College in Atlanta

A few practical pointers if you’re planning a visit:

• ✅ Bring a government-issued ID: Campus security may ask for identification at entry points.
• ✅ Check visit or tour requirements: For official campus tours, you may need to register in advance.
• ✅ Watch event schedules: On commencement weekends, homecoming, or large events, traffic and parking around the AUC can be much heavier.
• ✅ Plan your route during rush hour: Morning and late-afternoon traffic on I-20 and the Downtown Connector can add significant time, especially on weekdays.

Key Takeaways

• Spelman College is located at 350 Spelman Lane SW, Atlanta, GA 30314, in the Southwest Atlanta area.
• It sits within the Atlanta University Center, just west of downtown and close to I-20.
• You can reach Spelman easily by car, MARTA rail + bus, rideshare, or taxi from most parts of Atlanta, including Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
• Understanding its position relative to Downtown, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and West End can help you choose the best route and transportation option for your visit.