Is Atlanta’s MARTA Safe? What Riders Need to Know

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or are thinking about moving here, you’ve probably wondered: Is MARTA safe?

The honest answer: for most riders and most trips, MARTA is reasonably safe when you stay aware of your surroundings and follow basic precautions. Like any big-city transit system, there are occasional incidents and certain situations where you’ll want to be more cautious.

This guide walks through how MARTA safety actually feels on the ground in Atlanta, what to expect on trains, buses, and at stations, and how to ride more confidently.

How Safe Is MARTA Overall?

For everyday commuters, students, and visitors, MARTA is generally considered safe for normal use, especially:

• During weekday commuting hours
• On busy routes and major stations (Five Points, Peachtree Center, Midtown, airport)
• When you’re traveling in groups or around other riders

Most MARTA trips pass without any serious problems. The main issues riders commonly notice are:

• Occasional harassment or panhandling
• Loud arguments or disruptive behavior
• Property crimes, such as theft of phones, bags, or bikes

More serious crime is less common but can occur, particularly:

• Late at night
• In less crowded stations
• In parking lots or on the edges of station property

The key is to treat MARTA like public transit in any large metro area: use it confidently, but don’t zone out.

MARTA Safety Features You’ll Actually See

MARTA has several visible safety measures that most riders notice as soon as they start using the system.

Security Presence

You’ll typically see:

• MARTA Police officers patrolling stations and trains
• Uniformed security staff and station agents in many of the larger stations
• Fare gates that control entry and exit

MARTA Police is a full law-enforcement agency, with officers assigned to:

• Rail stations and trains
• Bus routes and bus bays
• Parking decks and lots

They work closely with the City of Atlanta Police Department, especially around stations like Five Points, Peachtree Center, Midtown, and Garnett, where city streets and transit space blend together.

MARTA Police Department (Headquarters)
2424 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Non-emergency MARTA Police: 404-848-4911
Emergency on MARTA property: Use call boxes or dial 911

Cameras and Call Boxes

Most major stations and many buses and trains are equipped with:

• Security cameras in stations, parking decks, and on trains
• Emergency call boxes on platforms, in some elevators, and in parking areas
• Intercoms near the gates or station booths

If you feel unsafe, you can:

• Use the blue or yellow call boxes (where available) to contact MARTA Police
• Notify a train operator via the intercom in the rail car
• Speak to the station agent if the booth is staffed

When MARTA Feels Safest (and When to Be More Alert)

Safer-feeling Times and Places

MARTA generally feels most comfortable and predictable:

• Weekday mornings and late afternoons during commute hours
• Lunchtime and early evenings in busy stations like:
  • Midtown
  • North Avenue
  • Arts Center
  • Peachtree Center
  • Airport
• During special events when large crowds are moving together (concerts, games, parades)

Crowds don’t guarantee safety, but they usually mean:

• More staff and police presence
• Less isolation on platforms and trains

Higher-Risk Situations

You don’t need to avoid MARTA entirely at these times, but it helps to be more intentional and aware:

• Late at night, especially after 10–11 p.m.
• Nearly empty train cars or platforms
• Station parking lots and decks with limited lighting or foot traffic
• Less busy stations farther from central Atlanta, particularly at off-peak times

If you’re uneasy late at night:

• Sit near the operator’s car (usually the front)
• Choose a rail car with several other people, not an empty one
• Walk with others through parking decks when possible

What Riding MARTA Actually Feels Like

On Trains

On MARTA trains, you’ll typically experience:

• A mix of commuters, airport travelers, students, and downtown workers
• People quietly using phones, reading, or listening to music
• Occasional buskers, panhandlers, or people talking loudly

Most riders simply keep to themselves. Uncomfortable situations, when they occur, usually involve:

• Someone intoxicated or agitated
• Verbal harassment or inappropriate comments
• People moving between cars asking for money

These interactions are usually brief. You can often reduce problems by:

• Moving to a different seat or car at the next stop
• Avoiding direct engagement with aggressive panhandling
• Sitting near doors, cameras, or other riders you feel comfortable around

On Buses

MARTA buses can feel different from rail:

• They often serve more localized routes and neighborhoods
• Riders may recognize the same driver and passengers day to day
• The driver’s presence at the front can add a sense of order

Most safety concerns on buses mirror those on trains—mainly disruptive behavior or arguments, with occasional theft of unattended items.

If you are choosing a seat:

• Sit closer to the front if you want to be near the driver
• Keep your bag on your lap or between your feet
• Avoid having your phone in your hand right by an open window or door

Key MARTA Stations in Atlanta: Safety at a Glance

Below is a simplified view of how some major in-town stations commonly feel from a rider’s perspective. This is not an official rating, just a practical guide for expectations.

Conditions can change by time of day, events, and day of week, so treat this as general guidance, not a fixed rule.

Practical Safety Tips for Riding MARTA in Atlanta

These simple habits can make a big difference in how safe MARTA feels, especially if you’re new to Atlanta transit.

Personal Safety Basics

• Stay aware of your surroundings. Keep one ear free if you’re wearing headphones.
• Avoid displaying valuables. Don’t wave around cash or leave laptops and tablets visible.
• Hold your phone securely. Keep a firm grip, especially near doors or on escalators.
• Choose where you sit.
  • On trains, sit in busier cars and near the operator if you’re uneasy.
  • On buses, sit closer to the front near the driver if that feels safer.
• Trust your instincts. If a situation feels off, move to another car, seat, or closer to a group.

Station and Parking Safety

• Stay in well-lit, populated areas of platforms and stations.
• At night, avoid lingering on empty platforms; time your arrival closer to scheduled trains when possible.
• In parking decks:
  • Park near lights, cameras, and main entrances
  • Lock your car, remove bags from view, and don’t leave items on seats
  • Have your keys in hand before you reach your vehicle

Traveling With Children, Teens, or Visitors

• Set a meeting point in case someone gets separated (for example, at the station agent booth or a specific sign).
• Show teens and visitors:
  • How to read the system map
  • Where to find emergency call points
  • How to contact you and 911 if needed
• For children, keep them seated or holding the pole and away from the platform edge.

What To Do If Something Happens

If you see or experience concerning behavior on MARTA, you have options.

Emergencies (Immediate Danger)

If you or someone else is in immediate danger:

• Call 911 as you would anywhere else, or
• Use a station emergency call box or train intercom to reach MARTA staff or police

Be prepared to share:

• Your location (station name, direction, train line, or bus route number)
• A brief description of what’s happening
• Any identifying details that might help responders

Non-Emergency Issues

For situations like harassment, suspicious activity, or property concerns:

• MARTA Police Non-Emergency: 404-848-4911
• You can also notify:
  • Station agents at staffed stations
  • Bus operators (when the vehicle is stopped and it’s safe to speak)

If your wallet, phone, or bag is stolen:

1. Move to a safe, public area (platform, station, or near other riders).
2. Contact MARTA Police and your bank or phone provider quickly.
3. If needed, make a police report for documentation.

Using MARTA for Airport and Event Travel

Airport Trips

The Airport Station at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest and most heavily monitored stations in the system. Many locals and visitors use MARTA between the airport and:

• Downtown Atlanta (Peachtree Center, Five Points)
• Midtown (Midtown, Arts Center, North Avenue)
• Buckhead and beyond (via the Red and Gold lines)

Safety tips for airport travel:

• Keep luggage close and zipped at all times.
• Don’t accept unsolicited offers for help with bags or rides outside official areas.
• Know your stop in advance to avoid pulling out valuables repeatedly.

Events and Game Days

For major events (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Georgia World Congress Center, festivals in Midtown or Downtown):

• Crowds on MARTA can be very large, but also mean lots of other riders and staff nearby.
• Trains can be loud and packed, which may feel overwhelming but is often safe if you stay aware.
• Stay with your group when boarding and exiting, and grab a landmark (like a sign or stairway) to regroup if separated.

Who Should Consider Extra Caution on MARTA?

Some riders may want to plan more carefully, even though they can still use MARTA effectively:

• People who are nervous in crowds or unfamiliar environments
• Elderly riders or those with mobility challenges, especially when elevators are out of service
• Night-shift workers who rely on late-night trains or buses
• Parents with very young children traveling at off-peak hours

If this is you, consider:

• Traveling with a friend or coworker when possible
• Choosing routes and times with more consistent crowds
• Using rideshare or taxis for the very late portion of a trip if you feel uncomfortable

How to Get More MARTA-Specific Help in Atlanta

If you want local, up-to-date information or have a safety-related concern:

MARTA Headquarters & Customer Service
2424 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324

• Customer Service: 404-848-5000 (for general questions about routes, hours, and services)
• MARTA Police Non-Emergency: 404-848-4911

You can also get help from:

• Station agents at major stations like Five Points, Peachtree Center, Midtown, and Airport
• Bus operators, who can often share practical tips for specific routes or stops

In everyday Atlanta life, MARTA is a workable and commonly used option for commuting, airport trips, and getting around the core of the city. It’s not risk-free—no large-city transit system is—but by staying alert, traveling during busier times when possible, and using the safety resources available, most riders are able to use MARTA safely and confidently.