How to Arrive at Buckhead Atlanta: Your Practical Guide to Getting There

Buckhead is one of Atlanta’s busiest and most recognizable neighborhoods—home to high-end shopping, major office towers, luxury hotels, and a growing residential scene. Whether you’re a local planning a night out or a visitor trying to figure out how to arrive at Buckhead Atlanta without hassle, knowing your options makes a big difference.

This guide walks through every main way to get to Buckhead, where key destinations are, and how transportation really works on the ground in Atlanta.

Understanding Buckhead’s Layout

“Buckhead” usually refers to the area in north Atlanta roughly centered around:

  • Peachtree Road NE
  • Piedmont Road NE
  • Lenox Road NE
  • The Georgia 400 (GA-400) corridor

Some of the most commonly visited spots include:

  • Lenox Square – 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
  • Phipps Plaza – 3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
  • Buckhead Village District (formerly “The Shops Buckhead Atlanta”) – around 3000–3035 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
  • Office clusters around Tower Place, Terminus, and Buckhead Station

When planning how to arrive, it helps to know which part of Buckhead you’re targeting:

  • Lenox/Phipps area (northeast Buckhead) – closer to GA-400 and Lenox MARTA Station
  • Buckhead Village District (southwest Buckhead) – closer to Buckhead MARTA Station on Peachtree
  • Residential zones – spread around Peachtree, Roswell Rd, Piedmont Rd, and West Paces Ferry

Arriving at Buckhead by MARTA

For many people, MARTA is the easiest way to arrive at Buckhead, especially during rush hour or on weekends when parking can be tight.

Main MARTA Stations Serving Buckhead

All of these are on the Gold Line:

StationBest ForApprox. Area
LenoxLenox Square, Phipps Plaza, GA-400 officesNE Buckhead (Lenox Rd)
BuckheadBuckhead Village District, Peachtree Rd businessesCentral Buckhead
Lindbergh CenterSouth Buckhead, transfers to buses, parkingJust south of core Buckhead

1. Arriving at Buckhead from Hartsfield–Jackson Airport

  1. From the Airport Station (MARTA), take the Red or Gold Line northbound.
  2. Stay on the Gold Line if you want:
    • Buckhead Station
    • Lenox Station
  3. Transfer as needed:
    • For Buckhead Village District – exit at Buckhead Station.
    • For Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza – exit at Lenox Station.

🕒 Travel time from the airport to Buckhead area is commonly around 30–40 minutes, depending on your stop.

2. Getting Around Buckhead from MARTA Stations

  • From Buckhead Station to Buckhead Village District

    • Walk along Peachtree Rd NE (about 10–15 minutes depending on destination).
    • Some hotels and offices offer shuttles; check directly with your destination.

  • From Lenox Station to Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza

    • Lenox Square is across the street from Lenox Station (short walk).
    • Phipps Plaza is just northeast along Peachtree Rd NE.

  • From Lindbergh Center Station

    • Useful for park-and-ride and bus connections into Buckhead via Piedmont, Peachtree, or Cheshire Bridge.

Driving to Buckhead Atlanta

If you’re coming from elsewhere in metro Atlanta, driving is still one of the most common ways to arrive at Buckhead.

Major Routes into Buckhead

  • GA-400 (US-19)
    • Take Exit 2 (Lenox Rd/Buford Hwy) or Exit 1 (Sidney Marcus Blvd) for the Lenox/Phipps and central Buckhead areas.
  • I-85
    • Connect via GA-400, Buford Hwy (US-23), or Piedmont Rd NE.
  • I-75 / I-285 (The Perimeter)
    • Use I-75 to I-85 south toward Midtown, then connect to GA-400 or surface streets like Peachtree Rd or Piedmont Rd.

Typical Driving Approaches

  • From Downtown Atlanta

    • Take Peachtree St NE north (it becomes Peachtree Rd NE) directly into Buckhead; or
    • Use I-85 N → GA-400 N and exit near Lenox.

  • From Midtown

    • Peachtree St NE straight north into Buckhead; or
    • Piedmont Ave NE north; or
    • GA-400 N via connector ramps.

  • From Sandy Springs / North Fulton

    • GA-400 S to Lenox Rd or Sidney Marcus Blvd exits, or
    • Drive south on Roswell Rd NE or Peachtree Dunwoody Rd into Buckhead’s northern side.

Parking in Buckhead

Most major destinations in Buckhead offer structured parking garages:

  • Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza – large decks, generally straightforward to enter/exit, but can be busy on weekends and holidays.
  • Buckhead Village District – multiple decks with access points along Peachtree Rd NE and side streets.
  • Office towers around Peachtree Rd, Peachtree Rd/Lenox Rd intersection, and Piedmont Rd typically have their own garages with visitor parking.

🚗 Practical tip: Arrive earlier in the day or right at opening hours for the easiest parking during major shopping seasons or big events.

Using Rideshare, Taxi, and Car Services

For many Atlantans and visitors, rideshare apps are the most convenient way to arrive at Buckhead, especially if you plan to enjoy restaurants or nightlife.

Rideshare Tips for Buckhead

  • Set your drop-off pin carefully.
    Multi-level malls and complexes like Lenox, Phipps, and Buckhead Village District have several entrances; choose the one closest to your destination.

  • Common drop-off points:

    • Main entrances of Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
    • Primary entrance drives at Buckhead Village District
    • Hotel porte-cochères along Peachtree Rd NE

  • Late-night considerations:

    • Around bars and clubs, Peachtree Rd and the side streets can get congested.
    • You might be picked up around a corner or on a side street (e.g., East Paces Ferry Rd NE, Pharr Rd NE) to avoid the heaviest traffic.

Taxi Services

Traditional taxis are less common than rideshare but can often be found at:

  • Major Buckhead hotels
  • Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza during peak times
  • Near large event venues and high-end restaurants

If you prefer a taxi, calling a local Atlanta cab company or using a taxi app tied to Atlanta services is usually the most reliable strategy.

Arriving at Buckhead by Bus

MARTA buses connect Buckhead to Midtown, Downtown, Brookhaven, Lindbergh, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Some commonly used bus corridors in and around Buckhead include:

  • Peachtree Rd Corridor: Serves central Buckhead and connects to Midtown.
  • Piedmont Rd Corridor: Links Lindbergh, Buckhead, and northern areas.
  • Routes often connect to Lindbergh Center, Buckhead, or Lenox stations for easy transfers to rail.

📝 Because specific MARTA routes can change, it’s wise to check the current route number and schedule before heading out, especially on weekends or holidays.

Walking and Biking Into and Around Buckhead

Buckhead is more walkable than many parts of metro Atlanta, especially around the Lenox, Buckhead Village, and Peachtree/Piedmont corridors.

Walking

  • Many people drive or take MARTA into Buckhead, then walk between:
    • Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, and nearby hotels, or
    • Buckhead Village District, Peachtree Rd restaurants, and nearby offices

Pedestrian infrastructure is improving, but:

  • Cross Peachtree Rd NE, Piedmont Rd NE, and Lenox Rd NE only at signalized crosswalks.
  • Allow extra time to cross wide intersections, which can be busy throughout the day.

Biking and Scooters

Buckhead has a mix of bike lanes, sharrows, and shared traffic lanes, depending on the street:

  • Short trips within Buckhead can sometimes be made by bike or scooter, particularly near:
    • Buckhead Village District
    • Certain side streets off Peachtree
  • Not every major road is comfortable for all riders; traffic is often fast and heavy on Peachtree Rd, Piedmont Rd, and Lenox Rd.

If you choose to bike or use a scooter:

  • Stick to slower side streets where possible.
  • Watch for driveways to garages and shopping centers, where cars may not expect bikes or scooters.

Timing Your Arrival in Buckhead

Buckhead traffic can shift dramatically based on time of day, day of week, and major events.

Rush Hour Patterns

  • Weekday mornings (roughly 7:00–9:30 a.m.)
    • Heavy inbound traffic toward Buckhead’s office towers and GA-400 ramps.
  • Weekday evenings (about 4:00–7:00 p.m.)
    • Outbound traffic heading north on GA-400 and out of Buckhead.
    • Peachtree Rd, Piedmont Rd, and Lenox Rd can back up.

If you want a smoother arrival:

  • Use MARTA during peak commute times, or
  • Plan to arrive just before or after the worst of rush hour.

Weekends and Holidays

  • Midday Saturdays and Sundays can be very busy near:
    • Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
    • Buckhead Village District, especially during brunch and dinner hours
  • During holiday shopping season, expect heavier traffic and fuller parking decks around Lenox and Phipps throughout the day.

Special Situations: Events, Hotels, and Business Visits

Arriving for Major Events

Buckhead hosts various community events, shopping promotions, and private functions. When an event is happening:

  • You might see temporary valet zones and traffic officers managing intersections.
  • Parking garages can fill up near peak event times, especially in:
    • Buckhead Village District
    • Office towers along Peachtree Rd NE and Lenox Rd NE

In many cases, taking MARTA to Buckhead or Lenox Station can save time compared with circling for parking.

Hotel Arrivals

Most Buckhead hotels are clustered around:

  • Peachtree Rd NE near Buckhead Village District and Tower Place
  • Lenox Rd NE / Peachtree Rd NE area near Lenox and Phipps

When arriving:

  • Follow hotel signs for guest arrival or valet.
  • Many hotels provide directions on their websites that account for one-way streets, specific entrances, or construction.
  • If arriving by MARTA, check whether the hotel:
    • Offers a shuttle from Buckhead, Lenox, or Lindbergh Center station; or
    • Is within walking distance of a station (common near Lenox and Buckhead stations).

Business and Office Towers

If you’re heading to a specific building or office:

  • Get the exact street address and parking deck information ahead of time.
  • Some towers have:
    • Visitor parking with ticketed entry
    • Need for parking validation from the office you’re visiting
    • Specific elevators from certain garage levels

Arrive a few minutes earlier than your appointment to allow time to park, check in at the lobby, and reach the office floor.

Quick Reference: Main Ways to Arrive at Buckhead Atlanta

By MARTA:

  • Take the Gold Line to Buckhead or Lenox for most core destinations.
  • From the airport, ride northbound from Airport Station and stay on the Gold Line.

By Car:

  • Use GA-400, I-85, or Peachtree Rd NE depending on your starting point.
  • Expect congestion during weekday rush hours and busy shopping times.

By Rideshare/Taxi:

  • Ideal for nightlife, dinners, or when you don’t want to deal with parking.
  • Pin your drop-off near the exact entrance you want.

On Foot or Bike (within Buckhead):

  • Walk between nearby malls, shops, and restaurants, especially around Lenox, Phipps, and Buckhead Village District.
  • Stay aware of heavy traffic and use marked crossings.

With a clear idea of where you’re going and how you want to travel, arriving at Buckhead in Atlanta can be predictable and manageable—whether you’re coming from across town, the airport, or just down the road.