Underground Atlanta: Exact Location, Directions, and How to Get There
Underground Atlanta is a historic entertainment and retail district located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, directly south of Five Points. If you’re trying to figure out exactly where it is, how to get there, and what’s nearby, this guide walks you through it in clear, local terms.
Where Exactly Is Underground Atlanta?
Street address:
Underground Atlanta sits in downtown Atlanta, just below and around the intersection of:
- Peachtree Street
- Alabama Street
- Pryor Street
- Central Avenue
It is essentially the historic “underground” level of the old downtown street grid, right by Five Points, where several major streets and transit lines meet.
Key landmarks around Underground Atlanta
Underground Atlanta is:
- Right next to: Five Points MARTA Station
- A short walk from:
- Georgia State University campus
- Atlanta City Hall
- Fulton County Government Center
- A few blocks from:
- State Farm Arena
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Georgia World Congress Center
If you know where downtown Atlanta and Five Points are, you’re very close to Underground Atlanta.
Quick Location Snapshot
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What area of the city is it in? | Downtown Atlanta |
| Neighborhood / district | Near Five Points, on the south side of downtown |
| Closest major intersection | Around Peachtree St & Alabama St |
| Closest MARTA station | Five Points Station (directly adjacent) |
| ZIP code | 30303 |
| What’s nearby on foot? | City Hall, State Capitol area, GSU, Peachtree Street, Government buildings |
Getting to Underground Atlanta by MARTA
For many people in Atlanta, MARTA is the easiest way to reach Underground Atlanta, especially if you’re coming from the airport or the suburbs that connect to the rail system.
From the Five Points MARTA Station
- Take any rail line (Red, Gold, Blue, or Green) that stops at Five Points.
- Once you exit the train, follow signs for Peachtree Street or Underground Atlanta.
- When you exit to street level, you’ll find yourself right by Underground Atlanta—it wraps around the blocks near the station.
You do not need a shuttle or bus transfer from Five Points. You simply walk out of the station and you’re there.
From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Take the Red or Gold Line northbound from the Airport MARTA Station.
- Ride directly to Five Points Station (no transfers needed).
- Exit at Five Points and follow signs to street level near Underground Atlanta.
This is one of the most straightforward airport-to-downtown trips in the city: one train, no changes.
Driving Directions to Underground Atlanta
If you’re driving, you’ll be heading for downtown Atlanta and using the main interstates that cross the city: I-75/85 (the Downtown Connector) and I-20.
From the North (Buckhead, Midtown, or I-285 North)
- Take I-75/85 South toward downtown.
- Use exits near the Courtland St, Andrew Young International Blvd, or MLK Jr. Dr area, depending on your navigation app.
- Head toward downtown / Five Points.
- Aim for streets like Peachtree St, Central Ave, or Pryor St near Alabama Street.
From the South (Airport, College Park)
- Take I-75/85 North toward downtown.
- Use an exit that brings you into central downtown (many drivers use exits for Central Ave, Courtland St, or MLK Jr. Dr).
- Keep driving toward the cluster of government buildings and Five Points area.
- Follow signs or GPS for Underground Atlanta or 50 Upper Alabama St SW.
From the East or West (Using I-20)
From the East (Decatur, East Atlanta):
- Take I-20 West toward downtown.
- Exit toward Downtown / Capitol Ave / Windsor St.
- Work your way north into downtown and toward Five Points.
From the West (West End, Cascade):
- Take I-20 East toward downtown.
- Use a downtown / Capitol / Spring St exit.
- Navigate toward Peachtree Street and Alabama Street.
Because downtown streets can be one-way and sometimes confusing, most locals rely on GPS navigation to guide the last few turns to parking near Underground Atlanta.
Parking Near Underground Atlanta
Street parking around Underground Atlanta is limited and often time-restricted, so most visitors use paid decks or lots.
Common options include:
- Parking garages and surface lots in the blocks surrounding:
- Alabama St SW
- Central Ave SW
- Pryor St SW
- Wall St SW
- Event parking lots (especially when there are events at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium) within walking distance.
🔎 Tip:
When searching for parking on your phone, try terms like “Underground Atlanta parking”, “Alabama Street parking deck”, or simply “parking near Five Points MARTA”. Many decks are within a 2–5 minute walk.
Getting There by Bus, Streetcar, or Rideshare
MARTA Bus
Several MARTA bus routes pass through or near Five Points Station and the Government District, making Underground Atlanta easy to reach by bus:
- If your route lists Five Points as a major stop, you can usually walk from the bus bay to Underground Atlanta in a few minutes.
- Bus riders can transfer directly into the rail system at Five Points if needed.
Check current route maps and schedules before you go, especially on weekends and holidays.
Atlanta Streetcar
The Atlanta Streetcar loops through parts of downtown and the Sweet Auburn area. While it doesn’t stop directly “inside” Underground Atlanta, it has stops within walking distance, especially along Peachtree Center and Edgewood Avenue if you’re connecting from nearby neighborhoods.
Rideshare and Taxis
If you’re using a rideshare service (Uber, Lyft) or a taxi:
- Set your destination to “Underground Atlanta” or the address 50 Upper Alabama St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303.
- Common drop-off points:
- Along Upper Alabama St SW
- Nearby blocks on Central Ave SW or Pryor St SW, depending on traffic and street closures.
🚗 Tip: During major events downtown, some streets close or become one-way only. Drivers may drop you at the nearest open corner, so be prepared for a short walk.
Walking to Underground Atlanta from Nearby Downtown Spots
If you’re already in downtown Atlanta, you may not need transit or a car at all.
Approximate walking times:
- From Peachtree Center hotels/office towers: 10–15 minutes
- From Georgia State University (main campus downtown): 5–10 minutes
- From State Farm Arena / CNN Center area: 10–15 minutes
- From Georgia State Capitol: 10–12 minutes
Follow signs and major streets toward Five Points or Underground Atlanta. Peachtree Street is usually the easiest north–south reference point.
What Part of Atlanta Is Underground Atlanta Considered?
Many visitors ask whether Underground Atlanta is in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or another trendy neighborhood. It is specifically considered part of:
- Downtown Atlanta, near the Five Points and Government District area.
You’ll see it grouped with:
- Downtown attractions
- Civic and government buildings
- Transit connections (especially Five Points MARTA)
This matters when you’re reading event listings, booking nearby hotels, or checking public safety and parking info—look under “downtown” categories.
Practical Tips for Visiting Underground Atlanta
Plan your route first:
Decide whether MARTA, rideshare, or driving makes more sense based on where you’re coming from and whether there’s a major event downtown.Use Five Points as your anchor:
If you can get to Five Points, you are essentially at Underground Atlanta.Check hours and events ahead of time:
Programming, events, and operating hours can change, especially as the district continues to evolve. Look up current details before you go.Have a return plan at night:
If you’re visiting in the evening, know your last MARTA train times or line up a rideshare spot nearby.
If you remember just one thing: Underground Atlanta is in downtown Atlanta, wrapped around the Five Points area, with its main address at 50 Upper Alabama St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303, and directly next to Five Points MARTA Station.