Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway: What to Know Before You Book Near ATL

If you’re flying in or out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and want a hotel that’s steps from the plane, the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway is one of the most convenient options in the city. This guide walks through what it’s like to stay there, how to get to and from the airport and downtown, and how it compares to other lodging choices around ATL from a practical, Atlanta-focused perspective.

Where the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway Is Located

The Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway sits at the Gateway Center complex on the airport’s south side, near the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC).

• Address:
  Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway
  2020 Convention Center Concourse
  Atlanta, GA 30337

• Area: College Park / Airport South Terminal area

• Setting: Part of a cluster of airport hotels and the convention center, with direct transit access to ATL via the SkyTrain.

For anyone familiar with Atlanta, this isn’t in Midtown or Buckhead; it’s firmly in the airport corridor. That makes it ideal for quick overnights, early-morning flights, and conventions, but less ideal as a base if your trip is primarily about exploring in-town neighborhoods.

Getting Between ATL and the Marriott Gateway

One of the biggest reasons people choose this hotel in Atlanta is the SkyTrain connection.

Using the ATL SkyTrain

The ATL SkyTrain is an automated people-mover that links:

• ATL Domestic Terminal (MARTA/Ground Transportation area)
• Rental Car Center (RCC)
• Gateway Center hotels, including the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway

How to use it from the Domestic Terminal:

1. After baggage claim, follow signs for “SkyTrain / Rental Car Center.”
2. Take the escalator or elevator up to the SkyTrain station.
3. Board the train toward Gateway Center (it runs in a loop).
4. Ride about 2 minutes; get off at Gateway Center.
5. The hotel is within a short, covered walk from the station.

✅ Key benefit: You do not need a hotel shuttle or taxi to get between the Domestic Terminal and the hotel, which is a big time-saver during busy Atlanta travel periods.

Arriving from the International Terminal (Concourse F)

If you land at ATL’s International Terminal:

• You can ride the Plane Train to the Domestic Terminal and then follow signs to the SkyTrain, or
• Use airport ground transportation (rideshare, taxi, or shuttle) that takes you directly to the hotel area.

Because airport traffic and signage can be confusing if you’re new to ATL, many travelers find it simpler to:

1. Follow signs to the Plane Train inside security.
2. Ride to the Domestic Terminal.
3. Exit security, then follow the SkyTrain signs.

Getting to Downtown, Midtown, and Other Atlanta Neighborhoods

While the Marriott Gateway is technically in the Atlanta metro area, it’s not in the core of the city. Here’s how most people travel between the hotel and in-town Atlanta:

By MARTA (Train)

The closest MARTA rail station isn’t at the hotel—it’s at the airport’s Domestic Terminal:

• Walk or ride the SkyTrain from the hotel to the Domestic Terminal.
• Follow signs to MARTA Airport Station, located inside the terminal at the west end.

From there:

• Take the Red or Gold line north for:
  • Downtown Atlanta (Five Points, Peachtree Center, Georgia State)
  • Midtown (Arts Center, Midtown Station)
  • Buckhead and points north on the Red Line

MARTA is often the fastest way to avoid Atlanta traffic, especially during rush hours.

By Rideshare, Taxi, or Car

If you prefer to drive or be driven:

• There are rideshare pickup areas at the airport and around nearby roads in College Park.
• Driving from the hotel:
  • To Downtown Atlanta: typically 15–25 minutes outside peak traffic
  • To Midtown: usually 20–30 minutes
  • To Buckhead: 25–35 minutes

Traffic on I‑75/I‑85 can be heavy during the morning and evening rush, so plan extra time if you’re heading into the city for meetings, events, or dinner.

Who This Hotel Works Best For in Atlanta

Because of its location and setup, the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway tends to fit certain types of travelers especially well.

Great Fit For:

• Early-morning or late-night flights
  Being a SkyTrain ride away from the Domestic Terminal means you can maximize rest and minimize pre-dawn shuttle drama.

• Conference and convention guests
  It’s adjacent to the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) and close to Gateway Center Arena, so many event attendees stay here to walk back and forth.

• One-night layovers
  If you’re just passing through Atlanta and want to stay close to your connecting flight, this is one of the shortest door-to-door transfers from the gate to a hotel bed.

• Families with kids or lots of luggage
  Not needing to juggle a shuttle, car seat, or multiple bags across airport parking lots can make travel much easier.

Might Not Be Ideal For:

• Tourist stays centered on Atlanta attractions
  If your focus is the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, BeltLine, or in-town restaurants, you’ll constantly be commuting from the airport area to central neighborhoods.

• Nightlife-focused trips
  Areas like Midtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Buckhead offer more nightlife within walking or rideshare distance than the airport/College Park area.

What You’ll Typically Find On-Site

While amenities can change over time, travelers usually find the core offerings you’d expect from a major Marriott near a busy hub airport.

Common Features

• On-site dining:
  Usually a main restaurant plus a bar/lounge area, often with extended hours catering to varied flight schedules.

• Grab-and-go options:
  Many airport hotels keep a market or lobby shop stocked with snacks, beverages, and quick meals.

• Indoor pool and/or fitness center:
  Useful if you’re staying more than one night or just need to stretch after a long flight.

• Meeting and event space:
  Business and group travelers can combine hotel meeting rooms with the nearby Georgia International Convention Center.

• Wi‑Fi and business services:
  Wi‑Fi is standard; business centers or print services are typically available for boarding passes and work documents.

Because amenities may be updated, it’s wise to confirm specifics (like pool hours or on-site dining) directly with the hotel if they matter to your stay.

Quick Comparison: Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway at a Glance

Use this snapshot to see how the Marriott Gateway fits into the broader Atlanta airport hotel scene:

Tips for Using the Hotel as an Atlanta Base

If you’re planning to explore the city but still want to stay near the airport, a few practical strategies can help.

1. Combine MARTA + Rideshare Smartly

• Use MARTA from the airport to reach Downtown or Midtown, then use short rideshare hops within those neighborhoods.
• This can reduce time stuck in Atlanta traffic and cut down on parking costs.

2. Plan “In-Town Days”

If you’re in Atlanta for several days:

• Consider dedicating full days to in-town exploring, heading in early and returning to the hotel later in the evening.
• This cuts down on multiple back-and-forth trips between the airport area and the city center.

3. Factor in Rush Hour

Traffic in and out of the airport area can clog up:

• Weekday mornings: roughly 7:00–9:00 a.m.
• Weekday evenings: roughly 4:00–7:00 p.m.

If you have time-sensitive plans in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, allow extra travel time or lean on MARTA.

Nearby Atlanta-Area Essentials and Services

If you’re staying at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway and need services beyond the hotel:

• Rental Car Center (RCC):
  Reachable via the SkyTrain from the hotel. All major rental car companies serving ATL operate from this centralized facility.

• MARTA Airport Station:
  Located in the Domestic Terminal. From the hotel, take the SkyTrain, then follow MARTA signage.

• Local City Services (if you need help while in the area):

  • City of College Park (covers much of the area around the hotel)
    3667 Main Street, College Park, GA 30337
  • ATL Airport Information Desks:
    Located in both domestic and international terminals, useful for wayfinding and transit help.

How to Decide if This Is the Right ATL Airport Hotel for You

When choosing whether to stay at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway, ask yourself:

• Is my trip mainly about catching flights, attending events at the GICC, or a short layover?
  If yes, the SkyTrain-connected location is a major advantage.

• Do I care more about walking to Atlanta attractions or nightlife than about airport convenience?
  If that’s the case, a hotel in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead may be more practical, even if it means more travel to ATL.

• Am I comfortable using MARTA and the SkyTrain?
  If you’re fine with public transit, this hotel offers a clear, well-signed path between your room and most of Atlanta’s core areas.

By understanding how the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway fits into the broader Atlanta layout—especially the relationship between ATL, MARTA, and the city’s main neighborhoods—you can decide if it matches your priorities for convenience, commuting time, and what you want to do while you’re here.