Atlanta Downtown Parking: Where to Park, What It Costs, and Smart Local Tips

Finding parking in Downtown Atlanta can feel intimidating, especially during big events, rush hour, or game days. The good news: if you understand how downtown is laid out, what types of parking are available, and a few local tricks, it becomes much easier and less stressful.

This guide walks through where to park in Downtown Atlanta, how much to budget, and how parking works around major attractions, offices, and event venues.

The Basics: How Downtown Atlanta Parking Works

Downtown Atlanta is dense with:

• Office towers and government buildings
• Tourist attractions (like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola)
• Major venues (like State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium)

That means you’ll find a mix of:

• On‑street metered parking
• Public parking decks and surface lots
• Hotel and private garage parking
• Event parking around major venues

In most cases, you’ll choose between:

• Convenience (closer, usually more expensive)
• Savings (a short walk away, often cheaper)

Main Areas of Downtown Atlanta and Parking Options

Think of Downtown Atlanta in a few key zones. Where you’re headed will shape the best way to park.

H2: Central Business District (Five Points, Government & Office Core)

This is the area roughly around Five Points, Peachtree Street, and the Fulton County and City of Atlanta government buildings.

What to expect:

• Many parking decks and private garages
• Some metered street parking, often with time limits
• Heavy traffic during weekday business hours

Common reasons to park here:

• Court or government business
• Office meetings
• Accessing the Five Points MARTA Station

Tips:

• For court or city business, give yourself extra time to find a deck and walk.
• If you’re staying under 2 hours, metered street parking can be cheaper, but watch time limits carefully.
• Consider parking near a MARTA station outside downtown and riding the train in if you want to avoid congestion.

H2: Centennial Olympic Park & Tourist Attractions

This area includes:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca‑Cola
• Centennial Olympic Park
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• The College Football Hall of Fame (toward the southern side)

Parking options here:

• Large public parking decks serving multiple attractions
• Some surface lots around the park’s perimeter
• Limited on‑street parking, which fills quickly

What locals do:

• Many locals use a single central deck and walk between attractions.
• Families with strollers often choose parking directly connected to an attraction for easier access, even if it costs a bit more.

Money‑saving ideas:

• Look for all‑day maximum rates at nearby decks if you plan to visit several attractions.
• If you’re comfortable walking 5–10 minutes, a deck a few blocks away from the park is often cheaper than the closest lot.

H2: State Farm Arena & Mercedes‑Benz Stadium Event Parking

For concerts, Hawks games, Falcons games, United matches, and large events, expect special event parking pricing and heavy traffic.

Where people typically park:

• Official stadium/arena parking decks and lots
• Nearby private lots that charge event rates
• MARTA park‑and‑ride stations, with riders taking the train to GWCC/CNN Center or Vine City (for the stadium) or Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center station

Key local advice:

• On major event days, many lots convert to flat event rates, usually higher than normal hourly rates.
• If you’re comfortable using MARTA, parking at a suburban MARTA station and riding in can be faster and cheaper.
• Arrive early to beat the surge and avoid last‑minute parking stress.

H2: South Downtown & Castleberry Hill

South of the main business district and near Castleberry Hill, you’ll find:

• Older brick buildings and lofts
• Art galleries and restaurants
• A mix of small decks and surface lots

Parking feel:

• Often less crowded on weekdays than the core business area
• Can get busy at night and on event days, especially near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• A mix of attended lots, self‑pay kiosks, and metered parking

Tip: If you’re visiting Castleberry Hill restaurants or galleries, check for free or validated parking options listed on site or by asking the venue.

Types of Parking in Downtown Atlanta

H2: On‑Street Metered Parking

Where you’ll see it:

• Along major and side streets throughout downtown, especially near businesses and restaurants.

Typical characteristics:

• Time limits (often 2–4 hours during the day)
• Paid by card, coins, or pay‑by‑plate machines in many areas
• Enforcement usually more active on weekdays

Must‑knows:

• Always check nearby signs for hours, time limits, and restrictions (e.g., rush‑hour no parking zones).
• Do not assume parking is free after a certain time; rules can vary by street segment.
• Be careful not to park in loading zones, bus stops, or residential Permit Only areas.

On busy days, on‑street parking is best for short visits. For longer stays, a deck or lot is usually safer and can be cheaper.

H2: Parking Decks and Garages

Downtown Atlanta has many multi‑level parking decks, both stand‑alone and attached to buildings.

Pros:

• Usually more secure and weather‑protected than surface lots
• Better for longer stays (3+ hours or all day)
• Often available evenings and weekends

Cons:

• Can be more expensive near major attractions
• Spaces can be tight in older garages
• Some have early closure times on low‑traffic days

Local tip: If you regularly come downtown for work or school, look into monthly parking passes from a garage operator; this can be more cost‑effective than paying daily rates.

H2: Surface Lots

Surface lots are spread throughout downtown, especially:

• Near stadiums and arenas
• Along side streets and in transition areas between districts

Things to know:

• Many are self‑pay (kiosk or phone payment)
• Some are attended during events or peak hours
• Pricing can vary widely, even on the same block

Stay cautious about:

• Avoid parking in unsigned dirt or unmarked lots that don’t clearly display a rate sign, operator name, and payment method.
• Make sure you pay for your exact license plate number if required; mistakes can lead to tickets.

Downtown Atlanta Parking Costs: What to Expect

Pricing varies by:

• Location (near stadiums and attractions vs. office areas)
• Time of day (weekday business hours vs. evenings/weekends)
• Events (special event pricing can be much higher)

You’ll typically see:

• On‑street meters: priced by the hour, with escalating or flat rates
• Parking decks: hourly with a daily maximum
• Event parking:flat fee per event, paid upfront

When planning:

• For a quick errand (under 1–2 hours): metered street parking or a nearby deck.
• For a half or full day: look for decks that clearly list a daily maximum.
• For games or concerts: expect flat event pricing and consider using MARTA as an alternative.

Parking for Specific Downtown Atlanta Destinations

H2: Georgia Aquarium & World of Coca‑Cola

Parking characteristics:

• Large parking decks serving these attractions directly
• You pay per vehicle, with all‑day access typically allowed once paid
• Easy walking access to surrounding attractions at Centennial Olympic Park

Tips:

• If you plan to see multiple nearby attractions in one day, parking in a central deck and walking is usually simplest.
• The decks can fill during holidays and peak tourist seasons; arriving earlier in the day helps.

H2: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium & State Farm Arena

Options often used:

• Official stadium/arena lots and decks
• Private lots in surrounding blocks
• MARTA (parking at outlying stations and riding in)

Game‑day strategy locals use:

• Arrive early, have a parking plan, and consider how you’ll exit afterward.
• If you’re unfamiliar with downtown streets, parking a little farther away in a deck and walking can be less stressful than trying to get the closest spot.

H2: Government Buildings and Courts

Key destinations include:

• Fulton County Courthouse
• U.S. Courthouse
• Atlanta City Hall

Nearby, you’ll find:

• Several parking decks within a short walk
• Limited on‑street metered parking, often time‑restricted

Practical advice:

• For court dates or appointments, plan to arrive early enough to park, go through security, and find your courtroom or office.
• If you have documents or valuables in your car, store them out of sight before parking.

When to Consider MARTA or Rideshare Instead

Driving and parking downtown isn’t always the best option.

H2: Using MARTA

MARTA rail stations serving downtown include:

• Five Points (central hub)
• Peachtree Center
• Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center
• Vine City (for western side near stadium)

Many MARTA stations outside downtown offer daily or long‑term parking. A common local strategy is:

1. Park at a suburban MARTA station (such as North Springs, Lindbergh Center, or others with parking).
2. Ride the train into downtown.
3. Skip downtown parking completely.

This can be especially helpful for large events, rush hour, or if you’re staying the whole day.

H2: Rideshare or Taxi

Rideshare or taxi may be practical when:

• You’re going to a major event where parking is expensive or scarce.
• You’re staying very late and don’t want to walk to a distant lot or deck.
• You don’t want to navigate one‑way streets and confusing turns in the core.

How to Avoid Parking Tickets and Towing in Downtown Atlanta

A few careful habits can save you a lot of hassle.

H2: Read Signs Carefully

Always check for:

• Time limits on meters
• No parking or tow‑away hours (especially during rush hour)
• Commercial loading zones
• Permit‑only or resident‑only areas

If a curb, sign, or pavement marking seems unclear, it’s safer to move to a clearly marked space or paid lot.

H2: Pay Properly and Keep Proof

• Keep your receipt or confirmation (physical or digital) until you leave.
• Double‑check that the license plate number you entered matches your car.
• If using an app, confirm the location code and time window are correct.

H2: Watch for Private Lot Rules

Private lots often have their own:

• Payment methods and time limits
• Penalties for not paying or overstaying

Rules are usually posted at the entrance or near pay stations; read them before leaving your car.

Quick Reference: Typical Downtown Atlanta Parking Choices

Safety and Common‑Sense Tips for Downtown Parking

• Keep valuables out of sight: Store bags, electronics, and shopping bags in the trunk before you park.
• Choose well‑lit areas: At night, prefer garages and lots with lighting and regular foot traffic.
• Remember where you parked: Note the street, deck level, or landmark; snapping a quick photo can help.
• Give yourself extra time: Especially for events and court, build in time for parking, walking, and going through security.

Where to Get Official Information or Help

For questions about:

• On‑street metered parking rules or tickets in Atlanta
• City‑managed parking enforcement

You can contact or visit:

City of Atlanta – Department of Transportation (ATLDOT)
55 Trinity Avenue SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main City Hall line: (404) 330‑6000

For issues related to MARTA parking or riding into downtown, you may contact:

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
Customer Service: (404) 848‑5000

These offices can provide current information on parking rules, enforcement, and transit options that affect downtown visits.

With a bit of planning—choosing the right zone, type of parking, and timing—you can navigate Atlanta downtown parking confidently, whether you’re headed to an office tower, a big game, or a day at the aquarium.