Atlanta Airport MARTA: How to Ride the Train to and from Hartsfield–Jackson

Using MARTA from Atlanta’s airport is one of the fastest, cheapest, and most straightforward ways to get between Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and the rest of the city. The station is directly inside the airport, trains run frequently, and you avoid traffic on I‑75/85.

This guide walks you through exactly how Atlanta Airport MARTA works, including where to go in the terminal, how to pay, schedules, key stops, and local tips that matter if you live in Atlanta or you’re just visiting.

Where Is the MARTA Station at Atlanta Airport?

The Airport MARTA Station is at the Domestic Terminal, on the West end, directly inside the airport.

Step‑by‑step directions from your plane

From Domestic Arrivals:

1. Follow signs for “Ground Transportation” or “MARTA Train”.
2. Walk toward the West end of the terminal (near the Ground Transportation Center).
3. The entrance to the Airport MARTA Station is inside the terminal building, past baggage claim and ground transportation.

From the International Terminal (Concourse F):

You have two main options:

• Free Airport Shuttle to Domestic Terminal

  • Look for signs for “Domestic Terminal / Ground Transportation Shuttle.”
  • Take the shuttle to the Domestic Terminal.
  • Once there, follow the same signs to MARTA as above.

• Plane Train + Walk (if you’ve cleared customs and are inside the secure area)

  • Take the Plane Train (airport’s underground shuttle) to Domestic Terminal / Baggage Claim (Concourse T).
  • Follow signs for “Ground Transportation” and “MARTA Train.”

You don’t have to go outside to reach the station from the Domestic Terminal; it’s all indoor and clearly signed.

Which MARTA Line Serves the Airport?

The Airport Station is the southern end of both the Red Line and the Gold Line.

• Red Line: Airport ↔ North Springs (via Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody)
• Gold Line: Airport ↔ Doraville (via Midtown, Brookhaven, Chamblee)

Every northbound train from the airport is either Red or Gold. They both go through Downtown and Midtown Atlanta, then split further north.

Key shared stops from the Airport heading north:

• College Park
• East Point
• West End
• Garnett (Downtown)
• Five Points (main transfer hub)
• Peachtree Center (Downtown hotels/office towers)
• Civic Center
• North Avenue
• Midtown
• Arts Center

If you’re going anywhere around Downtown or Midtown, you can board either Red or Gold from the airport.

How Much Does MARTA Cost from Atlanta Airport?

MARTA uses a Breeze Card/Breeze Mobile system for fares.

Basic fare overview

• Standard one-way fare: usually around $2.50
• Children under a certain age/height often ride free with a paying adult (check current MARTA policy).
• Breeze Card: reusable plastic card, small purchase fee
• Breeze Ticket: paper card, typically has a slightly higher purchase fee and is intended for short-term use

You can pay with:

• Breeze Card or Breeze Ticket at station vending machines
• Breeze Mobile app (for those who prefer using a smartphone)

How to Buy a MARTA Fare at the Airport

Right before the fare gates at the Airport Station, you’ll see blue Breeze vending machines.

Using the Breeze machines

1. Choose Buy Breeze Card, Buy Breeze Ticket, or Reload.
2. Select your fare type (single trip, round trip, or pass).
3. Pay with cash or card (most major cards are accepted).
4. Take your card or ticket, then tap it on the blue circle at the fare gate to enter.

If you’re unsure, there are usually MARTA staff near the airport station who can answer basic questions and assist with the machines.

MARTA Airport Train Schedule and Frequency

Trains between Atlanta Airport and the city are designed to be frequent and predictable.

General patterns

• Service hours: typically from early morning to late night every day.
• Weekday daytime: trains often run about every 10–12 minutes.
• Early mornings, late nights, and weekends: may be closer to every 15–20 minutes.

Service frequency can change for maintenance or special events, so if timing is critical:

• Check real-time arrivals on monitors in the station.
• Listen to platform announcements for any delays or service changes.

Where Can You Go from Atlanta Airport on MARTA?

Here are some of the most common destinations for travelers and residents using Atlanta Airport MARTA.

Downtown Atlanta (hotels, events, government)

Take any northbound train from the airport (Red or Gold) and use one of these stations:

• Garnett: close to several government and legal buildings.
• Five Points: central hub where all rail lines meet; good for transfers.
• Peachtree Center: closest to many Downtown hotels, office towers, Peachtree Street, and walkable access to venues.

Midtown Atlanta (tech, arts, dining, Georgia Tech)

Stay on any northbound train:

• North Avenue: Georgia Tech shuttle connections, some offices.
• Midtown: near Piedmont Park, Peachtree Street restaurants, hotels.
• Arts Center: access to the Woodruff Arts Center, High Museum area, buses north on Peachtree.

Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and North Fulton (Red Line)

If you’re heading to Lenox, Phipps Plaza, Buckhead office towers, or north suburbs:

1. From the Airport, board Red Line (North Springs) if available.
2. If a Gold Line train (Doraville) arrives first, you can still take it as far as Lindbergh Center, then transfer to a Red Line train there.

Useful stations:

• Lindbergh Center: transfer point, residential areas, office parks.
• Buckhead: near Peachtree Road corridor and hotels.
• Lenox and Brookhaven/Oglethorpe (border Red/Gold service via transfers).
• Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, North Springs: park‑and‑rides, office campuses, residential areas north of the city.

Doraville, Chamblee, and Northeast (Gold Line)

For Doraville, Chamblee, and northeast Atlanta suburbs:

• Take the Gold Line (Doraville) from the Airport.
• Stay on through Midtown and Buckhead until you reach your station: Brookhaven/Oglethorpe, Chamblee, Doraville, etc.

Typical Ride Times from Atlanta Airport on MARTA

Actual times vary with schedule, but common estimates:

Add a few extra minutes for purchasing fares and walking from platform to street level.

Using MARTA from the Airport If You Live in Atlanta

If you’re an Atlanta resident, Airport MARTA can be a very practical alternative to airport parking or rideshare.

Reasons locals often use MARTA to ATL

• Avoid airport parking fees
• Skip traffic on I‑75/I‑85, particularly during peak times
• Predictable travel time: the train isn’t affected by highway accidents
• Ability to read, work, or relax instead of driving

If you live near a MARTA station or can reach one via bus, you can:

1. Ride MARTA to the Airport Station.
2. Walk directly into the Domestic Terminal.
3. Ride the Plane Train to your concourse after clearing security.

Many local travelers plan their departure so they’re on a train that arrives about 2 hours before a domestic flight (and more for international travel), adjusting for personal comfort and TSA lines.

Accessibility and Luggage on Atlanta Airport MARTA

MARTA is designed to be accessible and luggage-friendly, especially at the airport.

Accessibility

• Elevators and escalators at the Airport Station connect the platform and terminal.
• Level boarding or minimal gaps at most train doors.
• Priority seating for seniors and riders with disabilities.

If you need assistance, you can contact MARTA Customer Service before your trip:

• MARTA Customer Service (general info):
  • Phone: 404‑848‑5000 (commonly used number; confirm hours as needed)

Luggage tips

• Each car has open standing areas near the doors where you can keep larger bags.
• Try to avoid blocking doors or aisles; place rolling suitcases beside you, not directly in front of the doorway.
• On very crowded trains, consider waiting for the next train if you have a lot of luggage.

Safety, Security, and Etiquette on MARTA from the Airport

Atlanta riders tend to treat airport trains like any major city transit: normal, but worth basic awareness.

Safety and security

• The Airport Station and most major stations have cameras and MARTA Police presence.
• There are emergency call boxes at stations and on platforms.
• Keep valuables out of sight and stay aware of your surroundings, especially late at night.

Rider etiquette

• Let passengers exit the train before you board.
• Keep bags and suitcases close, not spread across seats.
• Use headphones for audio.
• Offer priority seating to seniors, pregnant riders, or people with disabilities.

Transfers to Buses and Other Transportation

Depending on your final destination in Atlanta, you may need to transfer from MARTA rail to a bus, street-level walk, or rideshare.

MARTA buses from the airport

The Airport Station connects to several MARTA bus routes at the Airport Ground Transportation Center. This can be useful for reaching areas in South Atlanta or parts of Clayton and Fulton County not directly on the rail lines.

You’ll typically:

1. Exit the train at Airport Station.
2. Follow signs for “Ground Transportation / Buses.”
3. Tap your Breeze Card again if transferring to a bus (depending on your fare type, transfers may be included).

Rideshare and taxis

If you still prefer a car for your last leg:

• Ride MARTA from the Airport into Downtown or Midtown, then take a shorter rideshare or taxi from a central station like Midtown, Arts Center, or Five Points.
• This can significantly reduce cost and time in traffic compared with a full rideshare ride from the airport.

Practical Tips for Using Atlanta Airport MARTA

A few quick reminders that help both visitors and locals:

• Check the train’s destination on the front sign (Red: North Springs, Gold: Doraville). Both go through central Atlanta.
• Keep your Breeze Card handy; you may need it to exit certain stations.
• If you’re new to Atlanta, Five Points, Peachtree Center, Midtown, and Arts Center are the most common “starting points” for exploring.
• Aim to board near the center of the train; it often makes for easier transfers and access to exits at central stations.
• If traveling very late at night or early morning, verify the day’s service hours and any planned track work to avoid surprises.

Contact and Key Location Information

For official details, real-time updates, and help planning your trip:

• MARTA Customer Service

  • Phone: 404‑848‑5000
  • Commonly handles route questions, schedules, and accessibility assistance.

• Airport MARTA Station (Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport)

  • Location: Domestic Terminal – West End, Inside Terminal, near Ground Transportation.
  • Connected directly to ATL’s main terminal area; follow “MARTA Train” signs.

Using MARTA at Atlanta Airport is one of the most straightforward ways to move between the airport and the city’s core neighborhoods. With the station right in the terminal, predictable fares, and direct service through Downtown and Midtown, it’s a practical option for both Atlanta residents and visitors.