Visiting Atlanta Without a Car: What Tourists Really Need to Know

If you’re planning a trip and wondering, “Do I need a car to visit Atlanta as a tourist?”, the honest answer is: it depends on where you’re staying, what you want to do, and how comfortable you are with public transit and rideshares.

Atlanta can be both very car‑friendly and surprisingly workable without a car—if you plan strategically. This guide breaks down when a car helps, when it’s a hassle, and how to get around the city using MARTA, streetcars, walking, and rideshares.

Quick Answer: Can You Visit Atlanta Without a Car?

You can visit Atlanta without a car, especially if:

• You stay in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead near a MARTA rail station
• Your plans focus on major attractions like the World of Coca‑Cola, Georgia Aquarium, College Football Hall of Fame, and the Georgia World Congress Center
• You’re comfortable using MARTA trains, buses, the Atlanta Streetcar, and rideshare apps

You’ll probably want a car if:

• You’re staying outside the core (e.g., Cobb County, Stone Mountain area, far East/West/North suburbs)
• You want to explore spread-out neighborhoods (e.g., parts of West Midtown, East Atlanta, some BeltLine segments) in a short time
• You’re planning lots of day trips beyond the city

How Atlanta’s Layout Affects Tourists Without a Car

Atlanta is a hub-and-spoke city centered around Downtown and Midtown with interstates and major corridors spreading outward. This matters for you as a visitor:

• Downtown / Midtown / Buckhead:

  • Best areas for car-free or low-car stays
  • Served by MARTA rail and several bus routes
  • Many hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance or a quick ride

• Intown neighborhoods (e.g., Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland):

  • Walkable within each neighborhood
  • Connected by buses and some rail stations
  • May require short rideshares between areas

• Suburbs and outer areas (Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, and far DeKalb counties):

  • Often car-dependent
  • Some have commuter buses or shuttles but are not ideal bases for a car-free tourist stay

If your goal is to see “Atlanta the city” as a tourist, staying along the North–South MARTA rail line (Red/Gold) makes moving around without a car much easier.

Getting Around Atlanta Without a Car

MARTA Rail: The Tourist’s Best Transit Tool

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) runs the main rail and bus system in the city of Atlanta and nearby areas.

Key lines for tourists:

• Red & Gold Lines (North–South)

  • Connect Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and up to Sandy Springs/Dunwoody
  • Useful stations for visitors:
    • Airport – Direct access to the terminal
    • Five Points – Central hub, connections to all lines
    • Peachtree Center – Close to many Downtown hotels, Peachtree Street, convention venues
    • Civic Center / North Avenue – Access to Midtown, some attractions, and hotels
    • Midtown Arts Center – Near High Museum, Woodruff Arts Center
    • Buckhead / Lenox / Lindbergh Center – Buckhead shopping, hotels, and offices

• Blue & Green Lines (East–West)

  • Connect areas like Decatur, Inman Park/Reynoldstown, and West Lake
  • Useful stations for exploring neighborhoods just outside Downtown

MARTA basics for visitors:

• MARTA Airport Station is inside the airport, at the end of baggage claim (domestic terminal).
• Trains typically run every 10–20 minutes, with more frequent service at peak times.
• Fares are flat within the system; you can buy a Breeze Card or use contactless bank cards on some gates (check current policies locally).

For official, up-to-date information, you can contact:

• MARTA Headquarters (Information Line)
  • 2424 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
  • Phone: (404) 848‑5000

Atlanta Streetcar: Short Hops Around Downtown

The Atlanta Streetcar makes a 2.7‑mile loop through parts of Downtown and the Old Fourth Ward, connecting:

• Peachtree Center MARTA station area
• Centennial Olympic Park (near the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola)
• King Historic District (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park area)
• Edgewood Avenue bars and restaurants

It’s useful if you’re staying in or near Downtown and want to avoid repeated short rideshares.

MARTA Buses: Filling in the Gaps

MARTA buses cover many streets and neighborhoods that rail doesn’t reach, including:

• Routes along major corridors like Peachtree Street, Ponce de Leon Avenue, Moreland Avenue, and Memorial Drive
• Connections to parts of Grant Park, East Atlanta, West End, and the BeltLine vicinity

For most tourists, buses are secondary, used when:

• Your hotel is near a bus route but not a rail station
• You’re visiting a specific attraction that’s on a direct bus line

Because routes and schedules can change, use:

• MARTA’s customer service at (404) 848‑5000
• Printed maps or station information boards, which are posted at major rail stations

Walking in Atlanta: Where It Works Best

Atlanta is not uniformly walkable, but certain areas work well on foot:

More walkable for visitors:

• Downtown: Hotels, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, CNN Center area, Georgia World Congress Center
• Midtown: Piedmont Park, High Museum of Art, Fox Theatre, many restaurants along Peachtree Street and side streets
• Parts of the Eastside: Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia‑Highland, stretches of the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

Less walkable or less comfortable without a car:

• Areas with few sidewalks or long distances between destinations
• Hilly neighborhoods far from transit
• Suburban areas built around large roads and shopping centers

If you plan a car-free visit, aim to book lodging in walkable zones near transit, then rely on your feet + MARTA + rideshare.

Rideshare and Taxis: Filling in the Gaps

Rideshares are widely used in Atlanta and can make a no-car trip very workable, especially:

• Late at night when transit frequency drops
• Between BeltLine segments, entertainment districts, and neighborhoods with limited transit
• For short hops (e.g., Midtown to Ponce City Market, Downtown to Grant Park)

Traditional taxis are less common on the street but may be available near major hotels, the airport, and big venues.

For many visitors staying in Downtown or Midtown, using MARTA for longer trips and rideshares for shorter hops can be cheaper and less stressful than renting a car and paying for parking.

Should You Rent a Car in Atlanta? Key Pros and Cons

When a Car Makes Your Trip Easier

You’re more likely to want a car if:

• You’re staying outside MARTA’s rail coverage or far from transit
• You plan to visit Stone Mountain Park, Kennesaw Mountain, or other outdoor spots not well served by transit
• You want to explore multiple intown neighborhoods in a short time and prefer not to rely on rideshare
• You’re traveling with children or a group and want door‑to‑door flexibility

A car makes it easy to:

• Hop between Westside (e.g., West Midtown), Eastside, and Southside attractions in one day
• Carry luggage, strollers, or gear without thinking about train crowds or bus schedules
• Drive to regional attractions outside city limits

When a Car Becomes a Hassle

A rental car can also create challenges:

• Parking fees at Downtown and Midtown hotels, garages, and event venues can add up quickly.
• Game days near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or Truist Park often bring heavy traffic and limited parking.
• One‑way streets and interstate interchanges in central Atlanta can be confusing to navigate for first‑time visitors.

If your trip is mostly central-city sightseeing, you might save money and stress by skipping the car and relying on MARTA + rideshare.

Common Tourist Itineraries: Car or No Car?

Below is a simple comparison to help decide based on your type of trip.

At-a-Glance: Do You Need a Car?

Where to Stay in Atlanta if You Don’t Have a Car

If you want a car-free or minimal-car visit, focus on these areas with strong transit access and walkability:

Downtown Atlanta

Best for: First-time tourists, convention-goers, families wanting easy access to major attractions

Pros:

• Walkable to Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Multiple MARTA stations: Peachtree Center, Five Points, GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center
• Fairly easy to catch MARTA from the airport straight to your hotel area

Cons:

• Can feel quieter at night in some parts
• More business/convention atmosphere than neighborhood vibe

Midtown

Best for: Visitors who want a mix of culture, nightlife, and walkability

Pros:

• Close to Piedmont Park, High Museum of Art, Fox Theatre
• Strong restaurant and bar scene
• Easy MARTA access via Midtown, Arts Center, and North Avenue stations
• Good balance of residential feel and city energy

Cons:

• Hotel rates and some parking fees can be higher
• Slightly longer ride to the airport than Downtown (but still direct)

Buckhead (Near MARTA Stations)

Best for: Shopping, dining, and higher-end hotels

Pros:

• Nearby Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza shopping
• Access to Buckhead, Lenox, and Lindbergh Center MARTA stations
• Direct MARTA ride to Downtown and the airport (with a transfer for some routes)

Cons:

• More spread out; you may still rely on short rideshares
• Traffic can be heavy in peak hours

If you stay in any of these areas within walking distance of a MARTA station, you can realistically manage without a rental car.

Getting To and From Hartsfield–Jackson Airport Without a Car

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the easiest U.S. airports to reach by train:

• The Airport MARTA Station is directly inside the domestic terminal, near baggage claim.
• Red and Gold lines connect you to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and beyond.
• Trains commonly run through most of the day, making it a convenient choice compared to shuttles or taxis.

If you arrive at the international terminal, you can take the airport’s shuttle to the domestic terminal and enter MARTA there.

Rideshares and taxis also pick up from designated areas at the airport, but many visitors find MARTA faster during peak traffic times when heading toward central Atlanta.

Special Situations: When to Rethink Going Car-Free

Late-Night Events and Nightlife

If you plan on:

• Late concerts or games
• Clubs and bars in areas like Edgewood, West Midtown, East Atlanta Village

Consider:

• MARTA’s latest train times, which may not run very late at night
• Availability and cost of rideshares after midnight

In many cases, visitors rely on rideshare for late-night returns, even if they use MARTA during the day.

Traveling With Kids or Mobility Considerations

For families with young children, strollers, or travelers with mobility concerns:

• MARTA stations have elevators, but navigating crowds or transfers can be tiring.
• A car or taxi/rideshare can offer door‑to‑door comfort, especially in hot or rainy weather.

Checking which attractions offer accessible entrances and parking options can help you decide if a car makes your trip smoother.

How Locals View Getting Around Atlanta

People living in Atlanta often:

• Use cars for daily commutes and errands, especially if they live outside the core
• Mix MARTA rail + rideshare for downtown events to avoid parking
• Enjoy walking and biking on the Atlanta BeltLine and in specific neighborhoods, even if they still drive elsewhere

Visitors can borrow this same pattern:
use transit where it’s strong, walk in walkable pockets, and fill in the gaps with rideshare.

Practical Tips for a Smooth No-Car Visit

• 📍 Stay near a MARTA rail station. This is the single biggest factor in making a car-free trip easy.
• 🕒 Check event calendars. Big events (sports, concerts, conventions) can make traffic and parking challenging—another reason to use transit.
• 💳 Get a MARTA fare card early. Buy a Breeze Card or confirm you can use contactless payment at the airport station so you’re set for the rest of your trip.
• 🗺️ Group your activities by area. Do Downtown sights on one day, Midtown/Buckhead another, and Eastside neighborhoods on another to minimize transit time.
• 🚕 Budget for some rideshares. Even if you rely on MARTA, plan for a few rides to reach less transit‑served spots.

Bottom line:
You do not have to rent a car to visit Atlanta—especially if you stay along MARTA’s rail lines and focus on central attractions. However, if your plans include suburban stays, regional day trips, or many scattered neighborhoods in a short time, having a car will likely make your visit more convenient.