Taking MARTA to the Atlanta Airport: A Complete Local Guide

Getting to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) by MARTA is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to travel in and around Atlanta. Whether you live in the city, you’re staying in a hotel near a MARTA line, or you’re visiting and don’t want to deal with traffic and parking, the train can be a very practical choice.

This guide walks you through exactly how to take MARTA to the Atlanta airport, where to catch it, how long it usually takes, what it costs, and smart tips locals use to make the trip smoother.

Where the Airport MARTA Station Is Located

The Airport MARTA Station is directly connected to the airport’s Domestic Terminal:

• Location in the airport: Ground Transportation Center, at the west end of the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim.
• Station name on signs and maps:Airport Station
• Address (for reference):
  Airport MARTA Station
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320

You do not need a shuttle or taxi to reach MARTA from the Domestic Terminal. It’s a short, indoor walk:

1. Follow signs for Ground Transportation / MARTA after baggage claim.
2. Take the escalator/elevator down toward the station.
3. You’ll see the MARTA fare gates and ticket machines right before the platforms.

For the International Terminal (Concourse F), MARTA does not have a station at that building. You’ll either:

• Take the free airport shuttle between the International Terminal and the Domestic Terminal (then enter the Airport Station).
• Or use the Plane Train (if you’re already inside security) to get to the Domestic Terminal and exit toward Ground Transportation.

MARTA Lines That Go to the Airport

The airport is served by two MARTA rail lines:

• Red Line – Runs north-south between North Springs and Airport.
• Gold Line – Runs north-south between Doraville and Airport.

Both lines end at the Airport Station, so if you’re on a southbound Red or Gold line train, the Airport is the final stop.

Key stations that connect directly to the airport

If you’re coming from popular Atlanta areas:

• Midtown / Downtown / Georgia Tech / Civic Center – Use Midtown, North Avenue, Civic Center, or Peachtree Center on Red/Gold.
• Buckhead / Sandy Springs / North Springs – Use Buckhead, Lenox, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, North Springs (Red Line).
• Doraville / Chamblee area – Use Chamblee or Doraville (Gold Line).
• College Park – One stop north of the Airport Station.
• East/West line riders (Blue/Green) – Transfer at Five Points Station to Red or Gold heading south to Airport.

How Much MARTA to the Airport Costs

MARTA uses a flat fare system for regular trips, including to the airport.

• Standard one-way fare: Typically $2.50 per person (fare levels can change, so confirm current price before travel).
• Required card:Breeze Card or Breeze Ticket to tap in/out.

You’ll buy or reload your Breeze card at machines located:

• At the Airport Station (great if you’re arriving in Atlanta and heading into the city), and
• At every MARTA station throughout the system.

💡 Money-saving tip: If you’re staying in Atlanta several days and plan to ride multiple times, a multi-day pass often costs less than paying each ride separately.

Typical Travel Times to the Atlanta Airport by MARTA

Actual travel time depends on where you start and how soon your train arrives. Below is a general guide from common areas:

*Times are typical in normal conditions and do not include waiting time for the train.

Trains usually run:

• Every 10–20 minutes during the day.
• Less frequently late at night and early morning.

Step-by-Step: How to Take MARTA to the Airport (From the City)

If you’re already in Atlanta and heading to your flight:

1. Find your nearest MARTA rail station.

   • Look for the Red or Gold line if you want a direct ride to the airport.
   • If you’re near a Blue or Green line, plan to transfer at Five Points.

2. Buy or reload a Breeze Card/Ticket.

   • Use the ticket machines inside the station entrances.
   • Choose a round-trip fare if you know you’ll use MARTA leaving and returning.

3. Tap in at the fare gate.

   • Tap your Breeze card on the blue circle.
   • Gates will open when the fare is accepted.

4. Go to the correct platform and direction.

   • Look for signs showing “Southbound to Airport”.
   • Red and Gold trains alternate; either will take you to the Airport as long as the sign includes “Airport”.

5. Ride to the Airport (final stop).

   • Stay on the train until it terminates at Airport Station.
   • You’ll hear on-board announcements for the airport.

6. Exit the train and follow airport signs.

   • Tap out at the fare gates.
   • Follow Domestic Terminal / Baggage Claim signs to check-in or security.

Step-by-Step: Taking MARTA from the Airport into Atlanta

If you’ve just landed at ATL and want to head into the city by MARTA:

1. Collect your baggage at the Domestic Terminal.

   • If you arrived internationally at Concourse F, use the Plane Train or the International–Domestic shuttle to reach the Domestic Terminal first.

2. Follow signs for Ground Transportation / MARTA.

   • From baggage claim, walk toward the Ground Transportation Center.
   • Look for clear signs for the MARTA Station.

3. Purchase or reload your Breeze Card.

   • At the Airport Station entrance, use the vending machines.
   • Choose a single ride, round trip, or multi-day pass depending on your stay.

4. Tap in and go to the platform.

   • From the Airport, all trains are northbound.
   • Trains alternate between Red Line (to North Springs) and Gold Line (to Doraville).

5. Choose your line based on your destination:

   • Downtown / Midtown: Either Red or Gold (they share stations through central Atlanta).
   • Buckhead / Sandy Springs / North Springs: Take Red Line.
   • Doraville / Chamblee area: Take Gold Line.

6. Ride to your stop and tap out.

   • Listen for station announcements or watch overhead displays.
   • Tap your Breeze card at the exit gate when you leave the station.

From Key Atlanta Neighborhoods to the Airport by MARTA

From Downtown Atlanta

If you’re near Downtown (Peachtree Center, State Capitol, Mercedes-Benz Stadium area):

• Walk or take a short ride to Five Points, Peachtree Center, Garnett, or Georgia State (depending where you are).
• Board any southbound Red or Gold line train.
• Stay on until Airport Station.

From Midtown Atlanta

From areas near Georgia Tech, Midtown business district, Piedmont Park:

• Use Midtown Station, Arts Center, or North Avenue.
• Get on a southbound Red or Gold line train.
• Airport is the final southbound stop.

From Buckhead and North Atlanta

From Buckhead shopping district, hotels, or north suburban areas:

• Buckhead Station (Red) – Most central for Buckhead.
• Lenox / Lindbergh Center – Also common starting points.
• Take a southbound Red Line to Airport.
• If you accidentally board a Gold Line at Lindbergh by mistake, you can still get off at Five Points and switch to any southbound Red or Gold heading to Airport.

From the East or West (Blue/Green Lines)

If you’re on the Blue or Green Line (e.g., Decatur, East Lake, West Lake, Ashby):

1. Ride to Five Points Station.
2. Follow signs to the Southbound Red/Gold platform.
3. Board any train labeled to Airport.

Transfers at Five Points are inside the paid area, so you won’t pay another fare for the transfer.

When Taking MARTA to the Airport Makes the Most Sense

MARTA can be especially useful when:

• You want to avoid parking fees.
• You’re staying near a MARTA station (many Midtown and Downtown hotels promote this).
• You’re traveling during rush hour, when I-75/I-85 and I-285 can be extremely congested.
• You’re comfortable managing your luggage on trains and platforms.

On the other hand, if you have very early flights, very late arrivals, or large amounts of luggage, you may weigh those factors against the rail schedule and station access in your specific neighborhood.

Smart Timing Tips for Airport Trips

To reduce stress:

• Plan to arrive at ATL 2–3 hours before domestic flights and generally earlier for international flights, based on your airline’s guidance.
• Factor in:
  • Walk or ride to your MARTA station
  • Wait for the next train
  • Train ride time
  • Walk from Airport Station to your check-in/security area

A safe planning approach for many travelers:

• Add 30–45 minutes on top of the train ride time to cover station access, waiting, and walking, especially if you don’t ride MARTA often.

Accessibility and Luggage on MARTA

MARTA stations are set up to handle travelers with bags and mobility needs:

• Elevators and escalators at most stations, including Airport.
• Designated seating areas on trains for riders with mobility challenges.
• Wide fare gates available at the Airport Station for larger luggage or strollers.

Practical tips:

• Try to stand clear of doors with suitcases so others can board and exit easily.
• Avoid blocking the center aisle with large bags; move them against the side or under seats if possible.
• If you’re unsure where elevators or accessible routes are, MARTA station agents can point you in the right direction.

Safety and Comfort Considerations

Riding MARTA to the airport generally feels similar to other major-city transit systems. Many local riders keep a few habits:

• Stay aware of your belongings. Keep bags closed and in sight.
• Use well-lit areas of the platform and stand near other riders, especially late at night.
• Avoid showing boarding passes or travel documents unnecessarily while on the train.
• If you need help at a station, look for uniformed MARTA staff or station agents at the entry area.

Airport Check-In: Domestic vs. International

Because the MARTA station is tied to the Domestic Terminal, your next steps after exiting the train depend on your airline and destination:

• Most U.S. airlines (Domestic Terminal):

  • After exiting the MARTA fare gates, follow signs to your airline’s ticketing/check-in counters.
  • Proceed to security as directed for your concourse (A, B, C, D, T).

• International flights (International Terminal – Concourse F):

  • You can check bags and clear security at Domestic, then ride the Plane Train inside security to Concourse F.
  • Or, if your airline instructs you to check in at the International Terminal, follow airport signage for the free International Shuttle from the Domestic side.

If you’re unsure where you should check in, airport staff near the MARTA exit and ticketing zones can guide you.

Helpful Contact Points

If you need official information or assistance:

MARTA Customer Service

• Phone: (404) 848-5000
• Typical uses: route planning, fare info, accessibility questions, service changes.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• General Address:
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320
• Typical uses: terminal information, airline counters, lost & found, airport facilities.

Using MARTA to get to the Atlanta airport can be straightforward, economical, and often faster than driving during peak traffic. If you know your nearest station, allow enough time, and understand which line to use, it usually becomes one of the simplest parts of your trip.