Atlanta CityPASS: How to Save on Top Attractions in Atlanta

If you’re planning to explore Atlanta’s major attractions, Atlanta CityPASS can be a straightforward way to save money and time—especially if you want to hit multiple big-name spots in a few days. This guide explains how it works, what’s included, how to decide if it’s worth it for your trip, and practical tips specific to getting around Atlanta.

What Is Atlanta CityPASS?

Atlanta CityPASS is a discounted attraction bundle that gives you prepaid admission to several of the city’s most popular sights. Instead of buying separate tickets at each attraction, you buy one pass and then show it (usually digitally) when you arrive.

It’s designed mainly for:

• Visitors spending 2–4 days in Atlanta
• Locals planning a “tourist in your own city” weekend
• Families wanting to bundle several major attractions

The pass focuses on downtown and midtown Atlanta, where most of the city’s big attractions are concentrated around Centennial Olympic Park and nearby areas.

What Attractions Are Typically Included?

The exact lineup can change over time, but Atlanta CityPASS usually includes three core attractions plus a choice of add-ons. The core group commonly includes:

• Georgia Aquarium
  225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  One of the largest aquariums in the world, a major draw for families and visitors. Expect to spend 2–3 hours at minimum.

• World of Coca‑Cola
  121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Museum and experience focused on Coca‑Cola history, branding, and tasting room. Plan for about 1.5–2 hours.

• Zoo Atlanta
  800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
  Located in Grant Park, known for giant pandas (subject to change), gorillas, and large family-friendly grounds. Allow 2–3 hours.

Then, CityPASS generally lets you choose from several additional attractions, such as:

• College Football Hall of Fame
  250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Interactive exhibits and activities focused on college football traditions.

• National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Museum dedicated to the American civil rights movement and global human rights.

• Sometimes other attractions rotate into the lineup over time.

Because offerings can change, it’s wise to check the current list before you buy, but these are the core Atlanta institutions CityPASS usually revolves around.

How Atlanta CityPASS Works

1. Purchase and Delivery

• You buy one Atlanta CityPASS per person.
• The pass is usually delivered digitally (email or mobile app).
• You can show it on your phone or print it out if you prefer a paper backup.

2. Validity Period

CityPASS typically works like this:

• You have a set number of days (often 9 days) to use your pass starting from the first day you visit an attraction.
• You don’t have to visit everything in one day; you can spread visits out across your stay in Atlanta.

This makes it flexible for travelers staying in Atlanta for a long weekend or even a full week-plus.

3. Reservation Requirements

Some high-demand attractions in Atlanta may require timed reservations, especially:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca‑Cola
• Occasionally other attractions during peak seasons or holidays

CityPASS usually provides a way to reserve timed tickets using your pass. It’s important to:

• Check each attraction’s hours and reservation requirements
• Make reservations as early as possible during holiday periods, spring break, and summer weekends

Where the Atlanta CityPASS Attractions Are Located

Most CityPASS attractions cluster around downtown Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park, which makes it easier to visit multiple places in one day.

Downtown cluster (walkable between each other):

• Georgia Aquarium – 225 Baker St NW
• World of Coca‑Cola – 121 Baker St NW
• College Football Hall of Fame – 250 Marietta St NW
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW

These locations are roughly a 5–10 minute walk from each other, which is convenient if you’re staying in a downtown hotel or arriving via MARTA (Atlanta’s rail system) at the GWCC/CNN Center or Peachtree Center stations.

Slightly farther out (short drive or rideshare):

• Zoo Atlanta – 800 Cherokee Ave SE (Grant Park area)

Zoo Atlanta is not directly on a MARTA rail line, but it’s commonly reached via:

• Rideshare or taxi from downtown
• Bus connections from MARTA rail (check current bus routes and schedules)

Is Atlanta CityPASS Worth It?

Whether Atlanta CityPASS is worth buying depends on how many attractions you plan to visit and how you like to travel.

It Often Makes Sense If You:

• Plan to visit at least 3–4 major attractions
• Want to see the big “headline” spots like Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola
• Are traveling with children or a group, where ticket costs add up quickly
• Prefer to prepay and avoid multiple ticket lines

In many typical cases, the combined regular ticket prices of:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca‑Cola
• Zoo Atlanta
• Plus one more attraction

can be higher than the cost of a CityPASS, meaning you effectively get a discount by bundling.

You May Want to Skip It If You:

• Only want to visit one or two attractions
• Are mostly focused on free or low‑cost Atlanta experiences, such as:
  • The BeltLine
  • Piedmont Park
  • Krog Street Market
  • Neighborhood exploration (Little Five Points, Inman Park, West Midtown)
• Have very limited time in Atlanta (for example, just a half-day layover)

In those cases, buying individual tickets might be simpler and more cost-effective.

Typical Value Snapshot

Use this kind of simple comparison to gauge value for your own plans:

Always compare:

• CityPASS price
  vs.
• The sum of individual ticket prices for the attractions you actually plan to see.

Getting Around Atlanta With a CityPASS Itinerary

Using MARTA

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is the main public transit system serving the city.

Key rail stations for CityPASS attractions:

• GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
  Good for walking to:

  • College Football Hall of Fame
  • Centennial Olympic Park area (which puts you near Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola)

• Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold Line)
  Also walkable to:

  • World of Coca‑Cola
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights

From Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you can take MARTA directly to downtown in about 20–25 minutes, then walk or take a short rideshare to attractions.

MARTA Information (for reference):

• MARTA Headquarters:
  2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
• Customer service (commonly used for schedules and routes):
  404‑848‑5000

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving:

• Downtown attractions typically offer paid parking decks or lots nearby.
• Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola have adjacent or nearby paid parking garages.
• Zoo Atlanta has parking lots near the Grant Park entrance area.

Traffic in Atlanta—especially on weekdays around rush hour and on weekends near sporting events—can be heavy. Build in extra time if you’re trying to stick to timed entry windows.

How to Plan a CityPASS Day (or Two) in Atlanta

Sample 1‑Day Downtown Itinerary

If you want to maximize your pass in a single full day downtown:

Morning: Georgia Aquarium

• Arrive near opening time to avoid crowds.
• Plan 2–3 hours for galleries and shows.

Midday: Lunch near Centennial Olympic Park

• The park area and surrounding streets have multiple food options, from quick bites to sit-down restaurants.

Afternoon: World of Coca‑Cola or National Center for Civil and Human Rights

• Choose one based on your interests:
  • More playful/brand-focused: World of Coca‑Cola
  • More historical and reflective: National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Late Afternoon: Stroll Centennial Olympic Park

• Relax, let kids play, or just enjoy the fountains and skyline views.

Sample 2‑Day Itinerary (More Relaxed)

Day 1: Downtown Cluster

• Georgia Aquarium in the morning
• World of Coca‑Cola early afternoon
• Short visit to Centennial Olympic Park
• Optional: College Football Hall of Fame or National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Day 2: Zoo + Neighborhood Exploration

• Zoo Atlanta in the morning (Grant Park area)
• Explore nearby Grant Park and nearby neighborhoods
• Return downtown or head to another part of the city (like Midtown or Inman Park) for the evening

Tips for Atlanta Locals Using CityPASS

CityPASS is usually marketed to tourists, but Atlanta residents sometimes use it when:

• Hosting out-of-town guests
• Planning a family staycation
• Intentionally seeing attractions they haven’t visited in years

Local-focused tips:

• Time your visits for less-busy weekdays if possible.
• Combine attractions with stops at local restaurants or neighborhoods you might not usually visit.
• Check if you already have any annual memberships (for example, at Zoo Atlanta or other institutions). If you do, buying a pass that includes those may not be necessary.

Practical Considerations Before You Buy

Check Hours and Seasonal Changes

Many Atlanta attractions adjust hours seasonally, open later on some evenings, or close on certain holidays. Before committing to a pass:

• Verify open days and hours for each attraction.
• Look for notes about special events that might change regular access.

Accessibility

Atlanta’s major attractions generally aim to be accessible, but:

• If you or someone in your group has mobility needs, confirm wheelchair access, elevators, and seating areas at each site.
• Consider transportation time between attractions so you’re not rushing.

Weather Planning

Atlanta’s summers are hot and humid, and winters are usually mild but can be rainy:

• Most CityPASS attractions are indoor or mostly indoor, which is helpful in summer heat or during rain.
• Zoo Atlanta involves a lot of outdoor walking, so choose a more comfortable weather day for that visit if you can.

When and Where to Get Help Locally

If you need in-person help with directions, transit, or general visitor information while using your CityPASS:

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau / Visitor Information
  Look for visitor information desks around major downtown hubs like the Georgia World Congress Center or Centennial Olympic Park area.

• MARTA Rail Station Agents
  At major downtown stations like Peachtree Center and GWCC/CNN Center, station agents can assist with:

  • Train directions
  • Fare questions
  • Best routes to specific attractions

By focusing your time around Centennial Olympic Park and Grant Park, planning your reservations in advance, and comparing pass cost with individual tickets, you can decide whether Atlanta CityPASS fits your schedule and budget—and make the most of your time exploring Atlanta’s biggest attractions.