Atlanta, Georgia Amtrak: A Local’s Guide to Trains In and Out of the City

If you are searching for “Atlanta Georgia Amtrak”, you are probably trying to figure out where the station is, what routes you can take, and how Amtrak fits into getting around Atlanta and the Southeast. This guide walks through everything a resident, visitor, or first-time rail traveler needs to know about Amtrak service in Atlanta, GA.

Where Is the Amtrak Station in Atlanta?

Atlanta is served by a single Amtrak station:

Atlanta Peachtree Station
1688 Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
Neighborhood: Brookwood (between Midtown and Buckhead)

Key points about this station:

• It is a small, historic station, not a large terminal like big-city hubs.
• Located on Peachtree Street NW, just north of I-85 and south of Piedmont Hospital.
• Primarily serves the Crescent line, which runs between New York City and New Orleans.

The station is close to several intown neighborhoods, including Midtown, Buckhead, Home Park, West Midtown, and Atlantic Station, making it reasonably convenient if you are staying or living in central Atlanta.

Amtrak Routes Serving Atlanta: The Crescent Line

Atlanta currently has one main Amtrak route:

The Crescent (New York – Atlanta – New Orleans)

The Crescent is a long-distance route connecting the Northeast, the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana. Atlanta is one of its major stops.

From Atlanta Peachtree Station, you can travel:

Northbound (toward the Northeast):

• Gainesville, GA
• Greenville, SC
• Charlotte, NC
• Greensboro, NC
• Raleigh-Durham area (via connections)
• Washington, DC
• Philadelphia, PA
• New York, NY (end of the line on the Northeast Corridor)

Southbound (toward the Gulf Coast):

• Anniston and Birmingham, AL
• Meridian, MS
• Hattiesburg, MS
• New Orleans, LA

For many Atlanta travelers, the Crescent can be a relaxed alternative to flying or driving, especially for:

• Trips to New Orleans for weekend getaways or events
• Travel to Washington, DC or New York without airport hassles
• Reaching smaller Southern and Mid-Atlantic cities that are inconvenient by air

Typical Schedule: When the Crescent Comes Through Atlanta

The Crescent is an overnight long-distance train, so it comes through Atlanta at off-peak hours most days.

While times can change, here is the general pattern (always verify current schedules before you go):

Because of these times:

• Plan ahead for late-night or early-morning rideshare or pickup.
• If you rely on public transit, check that you can safely get to or from the station at the scheduled time.
• Build in extra time for potential delays from long-distance rail travel.

Getting to Atlanta’s Amtrak Station: Transportation Options

MARTA and Public Transit

Atlanta’s Amtrak station is not directly on a MARTA rail line, but you have several nearby options.

Closest rail stations:

• Arts Center MARTA Station (Red/Gold Line) – Midtown
• Lindbergh Center MARTA Station (Red/Gold Line) – Buckhead area
• Midtown MARTA Station (Red/Gold Line) – Midtown core

From these stations, you can:

• Take a MARTA bus that runs along or near Peachtree Street.
• Use a rideshare, taxi, or bike/scooter for the last mile.
• Walk from some locations if you are comfortable with a 15–25 minute walk and have light luggage.

Because Amtrak’s Crescent often arrives or departs during late-night/early-morning hours, MARTA rail or bus service may be limited or not running. It is important to check current MARTA schedules if you want to use transit.

Rideshare, Taxi, and Drop-Off

Most Atlanta travelers use:

• Rideshare services (commonly available around Midtown/Buckhead)
• Taxi or private car
• Drop-off by family or friends at the station entrance on Peachtree Street

Tips:

• Build in a buffer if you are traveling during rush hour, especially along Peachtree, I-75/85, or GA-400.
• For very early or very late departures, confirm that rideshare availability in your area is reliable at that time.

Driving and Parking Near the Station

The Amtrak station area has limited parking. Options may include:

• Short-term or limited parking near the station entrance
• Paid parking lots or garages in the Brookwood or South Buckhead area

If you plan to leave a car for multiple days, look for:

• A nearby long-term parking garage or lot
• Hotels along Peachtree Street that may offer parking options (if you are a guest)

Always verify:

• Overnight parking rules
• Pricing
• Any towing risks for unauthorized parking

Inside Atlanta Peachtree Station: What to Expect

Atlanta’s Amtrak station is compact compared to larger terminals. You can expect:

• A small waiting area with seating
• Ticketing services during staffed hours
• Basic restrooms
• Access to the train platform via station staff guidance

You should not expect:

• Large food courts or extensive dining options
• Shopping areas or large lounges
• Broad station amenities like major city hubs

Because of this, many Atlanta travelers:

• Eat before arriving or bring snacks and water
• Bring entertainment (books, devices, etc.) for waiting and the trip
• Arrive a bit early but not excessively early, especially for late-night departures

Booking Amtrak Tickets To and From Atlanta

You can book Amtrak tickets involving Atlanta in several ways:

• Online or via mobile app
• By phone through Amtrak’s customer service
• In person at the Peachtree Station ticket counter during staffed hours

When booking from Atlanta, you can choose:

• Coach class – standard seating, most common option
• Business class or sleeper accommodations on certain segments of the Crescent, such as:
  • Roomettes
  • Bedrooms (on longer overnight stretches like Atlanta to New York or New Orleans)

Consider:

• Travel time vs. cost – Long-distance rail is slower than flying but can be more relaxed.
• Overnight comfort – For long stretches, some travelers prefer sleeper accommodations over overnight coach.
• Refund and change rules – These may vary by ticket type and fare category.

Using Amtrak for Regional Trips From Atlanta

Popular Northbound Trips

From Atlanta, many riders head north to:

• Gainesville, GA – Gateway to North Georgia and mountain areas
• Greenville and Spartanburg, SC – For regional trips and business travel
• Charlotte, NC – Growing business and leisure destination
• Washington, DC – Government, museums, and city visits
• New York City – For those who prefer to avoid airports, security lines, or driving long distances

Popular Southbound Trips

Heading south from Atlanta, common trips include:

• Birmingham, AL – Business, college visits, and regional travel
• New Orleans, LA – A major leisure destination for music, food, and events

For many Atlanta residents, a train trip to New Orleans can be a comfortable weekend option, especially when you want to avoid long hours behind the wheel.

How Amtrak Fits Into Getting Around Metro Atlanta

It is important to understand what Amtrak does and does not do for Atlanta transportation:

What Amtrak Is Good For in Atlanta

• Intercity and interstate travel to other major cities
• Long-distance leisure travel (New Orleans, DC, NYC)
• Alternative to road trips or flying for certain routes
• A scenic, more relaxed travel experience across the Southeast and up the East Coast

What Amtrak Is Not Designed For

• Day-to-day commuting within metro Atlanta
• Short local trips like Buckhead to Midtown or Decatur to Downtown
• Rapid point-to-point travel inside the city

For local transportation within Atlanta, people typically rely on:

• MARTA trains and buses
• Rideshare and taxis
• Personal vehicles
• Bikes and scooters in some intown neighborhoods

Accessibility and Special Needs at Atlanta’s Amtrak Station

Atlanta Peachtree Station provides accessibility features commonly found at Amtrak facilities, such as:

• Assistance for passengers with mobility limitations
• Boarding help for those using wheelchairs or other mobility devices
• Certain accessible seating and restroom features

If you or a family member need assistance:

• Consider notifying Amtrak in advance when booking.
• Plan to arrive a bit early to coordinate boarding help.
• Bring any personal mobility devices or assistance items you rely on.

Tips for a Smooth Amtrak Experience in Atlanta

A few practical pointers can make your trip easier:

1. Double-check schedule times
   Long-distance trains can run early or late. Confirm arrival and departure times on the day of travel.

2. Arrive early, but not excessively
   For most trips, arriving 30–60 minutes before departure is usually enough, unless you need special assistance or are checking baggage (if offered).

3. Prepare for overnight travel
   If your train arrives or departs in the middle of the night:

   • Arrange transportation in advance (rideshare, pickup, taxi).
   • Pack eye masks, headphones, or a neck pillow for comfort on board.

4. Pack essentials in an easy-to-access bag
   Keep medications, chargers, snacks, and IDs in a small bag you keep with you at your seat.

5. Know your stop
   Atlanta is a major stop, but not the end of the line. Listen for announcements and watch for Atlanta Peachtree Station so you are ready to get off.

Quick Reference: Atlanta, GA Amtrak Overview

Station: Atlanta Peachtree Station
Address: 1688 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
Primary Route: The Crescent (New York – Atlanta – New Orleans)

Service Type:

• Long-distance, intercity rail
• Not a local transit or commuter rail service

Nearby Areas:

• Midtown Atlanta
• Buckhead
• Brookwood
• Atlantic Station / West Midtown

Good For:

• Trips to New Orleans, Birmingham, Charlotte, DC, New York, and other cities along the Crescent line
• Travelers who prefer train comfort and scenery over flying or driving

Not Ideal For:

• Daily commuting within metro Atlanta
• Quick, same-day regional shuttles compared to driving on short routes

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, Amtrak offers a distinct way to travel the Southeast and East Coast, centered on the Peachtree Street station just north of Midtown. With a bit of planning around late-night schedules and limited station amenities, it can be a practical and pleasant option for long-distance journeys to and from Atlanta.