Getting From Perimeter Center to Georgia Aquarium: Distance, Time, and Best Routes

If you’re in Atlanta’s Perimeter Center area (around Dunwoody/Sandy Springs near Perimeter Mall) and planning a visit to the Georgia Aquarium in Downtown Atlanta, the trip is straightforward—whether you’re driving, taking MARTA, or using a rideshare.

Below is a clear breakdown of distance, travel time, and your best options for getting from Perimeter Center to Georgia Aquarium.

How Far Is Perimeter Center From Georgia Aquarium?

The Georgia Aquarium is located at:

From the Perimeter Center area (roughly around Perimeter Mall and the I-285/GA-400 interchange):

• Approximate driving distance:11–14 miles
• Typical drive time:
  • 15–20 minutes in light traffic
  • 25–35+ minutes during rush hour

The exact distance and time depend on:

• Where in Perimeter Center you start (Dunwoody vs. Sandy Springs side)
• Your route (GA-400 vs. surface roads)
• Time of day and traffic on I-285, GA-400, and I-85

Quick Comparison: Main Travel Options

From Perimeter Center to Georgia Aquarium

Times are approximate and can vary with traffic, train schedules, and exact starting point.

Driving From Perimeter Center to Georgia Aquarium

Main Driving Route (Fastest for Most Drivers)

Most people in Atlanta use GA-400 and I-85/I-75 to get from Perimeter Center to Downtown:

1. From Perimeter Center, get onto GA-400 South.
2. Continue on GA-400 S until it merges into I-85 South toward Downtown Atlanta.
3. Stay on I-85 S, then follow signs for I-75/85 South (the Downtown Connector).
4. Take the exit toward Williams St NW / Spring St NW downtown (exits can vary slightly depending on current signage).
5. Follow surface streets to Baker St NW and the Georgia Aquarium parking deck.

Distance: Usually around 12–14 miles
Travel time:

• 15–20 minutes when traffic is light (midday, late evening, weekends)
• 25–35+ minutes during weekday morning and evening rush (especially southbound GA-400 and the Downtown Connector)

Alternate Routes

If GA-400 or the Downtown Connector is heavily backed up, some drivers use:

• Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd → Peachtree Rd → Midtown/Downtown surface streets
• Ashford Dunwoody Rd → Peachtree Rd heading south

These routes:

• May take longer in distance and time
• Can sometimes be more predictable if the interstates are at a standstill

They are more practical for locals already familiar with Peachtree Road and intown traffic.

Parking at Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium operates its own attached parking deck, designed for visitors to the aquarium and nearby attractions in Pemberton Place.

• Parking deck entrance: Typically accessible from Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd NW and Luckie St NW (signs direct you in from nearby streets).
• From Perimeter Center, following navigation directly to “Georgia Aquarium Parking” usually gives the most accurate turn-by-turn directions.

For visitors driving from Atlanta’s suburbs or Perimeter area, this is usually the most straightforward place to park.

Taking MARTA From Perimeter Center to Georgia Aquarium

If you’d rather skip downtown driving and parking, MARTA is a practical option from Perimeter Center.

Step 1: Get to a MARTA Station in the Perimeter Area

Common stations around Perimeter Center include:

• Dunwoody Station
  1200 Hammond Dr
  Dunwoody, GA 30328

• Sandy Springs Station
  1101 Mount Vernon Hwy
  Atlanta, GA 30338

• Medical Center Station
  5711 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd
  Atlanta, GA 30342

All of these are on MARTA’s Red Line, which runs directly toward Downtown and the Airport.

You can:

• Walk if you’re near one of these stations
• Use local bus routes within the Perimeter area
• Get dropped off by rideshare/taxi at the station

Step 2: Ride MARTA Rail Toward Downtown

1. Board a Red Line train heading southbound (toward Airport or Lindbergh Center, depending on what the display says).
2. Ride the Red Line until you reach Peachtree Center Station or Civic Center Station (both are usable, Peachtree Center is more common for aquarium visits).

Train ride time:

• About 20–25 minutes from Dunwoody/Sandy Springs to Peachtree Center in normal conditions

Step 3: Walk From MARTA to Georgia Aquarium

From Peachtree Center Station:

• Exit the station following signs for Ellis St or Peachtree St.
• Walk west toward Centennial Olympic Park and Baker St NW.
• Georgia Aquarium is located in the Pemberton Place area, near the World of Coca-Cola and Centennial Olympic Park.

The walk is typically about 0.5–0.7 miles (around 10–15 minutes), mostly on sidewalks and downtown blocks.

From Civic Center Station, the walk is similar in distance, though the route may involve slightly different streets and elevations.

MARTA Travel Summary

• Overall MARTA time (station-to-attraction):
  About 25–40 minutes, depending on walk time and train timing.
• Good for:
  • Avoiding interstate traffic
  • Avoiding parking fees and navigating downtown streets
  • Visitors staying near Perimeter Center hotels with easy MARTA access

Using Rideshare or Taxi From Perimeter Center

Rideshare (like app-based services) and standard taxis are widely used in the Atlanta area, especially between Perimeter Center and Downtown.

What to Expect

• Distance: 11–14 miles, similar to driving yourself.
• Time:
  • 15–20 minutes in lighter traffic
  • 25–35+ minutes during rush hour or special events downtown

Pros and Cons for Atlanta Visitors and Residents

Advantages:

• Door-to-door service: Pickup at your hotel, apartment, or office in Perimeter Center.
• No need to navigate the Downtown Connector or search for parking.
• Helpful if you’re visiting other nearby attractions like the World of Coca-Cola or State Farm Arena on the same trip and don’t want to move your car.

Considerations:

• Can be more expensive than MARTA, especially during peak times or major events.
• Travel time is still subject to Atlanta traffic, especially near Downtown and major interchanges.

When to Drive vs. Take MARTA From Perimeter Center

If you’re deciding how to get from Perimeter Center to Georgia Aquarium, here’s a simple way to compare:

Driving Is Usually Better If:

• You’re traveling with young kids or a larger group and want flexibility.
• You’re planning to visit multiple areas afterward (Midtown, Westside, or back to the suburbs).
• You prefer having your own vehicle and don’t mind downtown parking.

MARTA Is Often Better If:

• You want to avoid traffic and parking near Centennial Olympic Park.
• You’re staying at a Perimeter Center hotel within walking distance of Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, or Medical Center stations.
• You’re comfortable with a short downtown walk from Peachtree Center or Civic Center to the aquarium.

Time-of-Day Tips for Atlanta Traffic

Traffic on the route between Perimeter Center and Downtown Atlanta follows familiar patterns for locals:

• Morning rush (approx. 7–9 AM):
  Southbound GA-400 and the Downtown Connector (I-75/85) can be heavily congested heading into town.
• Evening rush (approx. 4–7 PM):
  Northbound routes can be slow heading back toward Perimeter, but downtown streets can also back up near event times.
• Weekends and mid-day:
  Often smoother, but can still be busy during major downtown events, sports games, or conventions.

If your schedule is flexible and you’re driving from Perimeter Center to Georgia Aquarium, aiming for mid-morning or early afternoon often gives a more predictable 15–25 minute drive.

Practical Summary for Atlanta Visitors and Locals

• Distance from Perimeter Center to Georgia Aquarium:
  Around 11–14 miles, depending on your exact starting point.
• Typical travel time:
  15–35 minutes by car or rideshare, 25–40 minutes by MARTA including walking.
• Best driving route:
  GA-400 South → I-85 South → I-75/85 (Downtown Connector) → downtown exit to Baker St NW.
• Best transit option:
  MARTA Red Line from Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, or Medical Center to Peachtree Center, then a short downtown walk.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta’s Perimeter Center area, getting to Georgia Aquarium is a quick trip into the heart of Downtown—whether you choose the convenience of driving or the simplicity of MARTA.