Getting Around Atlanta, Georgia: A Local Guide to Transportation

Atlanta’s transportation network is a mix of highways, transit, rideshares, and walkable pockets. Whether you live here, commute from the suburbs, or are visiting for a few days, understanding Atlanta, Georgia transportation helps you save time, money, and stress.

This guide walks through the main options: MARTA, driving and parking, airport connections, biking and scooters, regional transit, and accessibility resources—specifically for Atlanta.

MARTA: Atlanta’s Core Public Transit System

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is the backbone of public transportation in Atlanta. It includes:

• Rail (subway/light rail style)
• Local and express buses
• Paratransit (MARTA Mobility)

MARTA Rail: Where It Goes and When to Use It

MARTA rail is often the fastest way to move between major destinations, especially during rush hour.

Key lines and areas:

• Red Line: North–south, serving North Springs, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Buckhead, and Midtown/Downtown to Airport Station.
• Gold Line: North–south, serving Doraville, Chamblee, Brookhaven, Buckhead, then through Midtown/Downtown to Airport Station.
• Blue Line: East–west, linking Indian Creek, Decatur, Edgewood, Downtown, and West Lake toward Hamilton E. Holmes.
• Green Line: East–west, from Bankhead through the Westside into Downtown.

Popular central stations include:

• Five Points – Main transfer hub downtown.
• Peachtree Center – For hotels, offices, and the convention district.
• Midtown – For Midtown business district, restaurants, and the Arts Center area.
• Arts Center – For the High Museum, Woodruff Arts Center.
• Airport – Directly inside Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

When MARTA rail works best:

• Going to/from the airport (avoid traffic and parking costs).
• Commuting between Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown, and Decatur.
• Attending events near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Georgia World Congress Center, or Georgia Tech (use GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center, Vine City, or North Avenue stations).

MARTA Bus: Neighborhood and Cross-Town Connections

MARTA buses cover much of the City of Atlanta and parts of nearby counties.

• Serve corridors like Peachtree Street, Moreland Avenue, Ponce de Leon, Memorial Drive, Metropolitan Parkway, Cleveland Avenue, and more.
• Connect areas that rail doesn’t reach directly, such as parts of West End, East Atlanta, Grant Park, and Southwest Atlanta.

Typical use cases:

• Getting from a residential neighborhood to the nearest MARTA station.
• Traveling east–west where rail is less convenient.
• Reaching locations like Atlanta University Center (AUC), Morehouse and Spelman, or Zoo Atlanta.

MARTA Fares and Payment Basics

MARTA uses a Breeze Card or disposable Breeze Ticket system.

Common options:

• Single trips (fare deducted per ride).
• Day or multi-day passes for unlimited travel during a set period.
• Stored value you tap as you go.

You can typically buy or reload cards at major MARTA stations and official MARTA service locations. Some riders also use mobile payment apps linked to MARTA where supported.

MARTA Contact and Help

For route planning and real-time information, MARTA provides customer service and information centers.

MARTA Headquarters & Main Office (Administrative)
2424 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Phone (Customer Service): (404) 848‑5000

Information is also available at major stations like Five Points, Airport, and Lindbergh Center, where staff can point you to maps and schedules.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport Transportation

Atlanta is home to one of the world’s busiest airports, located just south of downtown.

Getting to and from the Airport

1. MARTA Rail (Recommended for Many Travelers)
The Airport Station is directly inside the Domestic Terminal.

• Follow signs for Ground Transportation / MARTA.
• Red and Gold Lines connect you to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and North Atlanta.
• This is often the quickest way to reach central Atlanta during peak traffic.

2. Driving and Parking

• The airport is off Interstate 85 and connects easily to I‑285 (Perimeter).
• On-site parking includes Hourly, Daily, Economy, and Park-Ride lots.
• Many off-site private lots offer shuttle service to the terminals.

3. Taxis and Rideshare

• Designated areas for taxis, Uber, and Lyft at both Domestic and International terminals.
• Clear signage directs you to rideshare and taxi queues.

Airport Contact (General Info)
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main Phone: (800) 897‑1910

Driving in Atlanta: Highways, Traffic, and Parking

Driving is still the primary mode of transportation for many Atlanta residents and visitors.

Major Highways and Routes

• I‑75 / I‑85 (Downtown Connector): Runs right through the heart of the city; often congested.
• I‑285 (The Perimeter): Encircles Atlanta; often used as a bypass between suburbs.
• GA 400: Key north–south corridor serving Buckhead and North Fulton.
• I‑20: East–west corridor connecting West and East Atlanta, including West End and Decatur area.

Expect rush-hour congestion on weekdays, particularly:

• Morning: roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.
• Evening: roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.

Parking in Atlanta

Parking conditions vary widely by neighborhood:

• Downtown & Midtown:
  • Mostly paid garages and lots, plus some metered street parking.
  • Many hotels and offices have their own garages.
• Buckhead:
  • Garages attached to malls (Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza) and office towers.
  • Some free or validated retail parking.
• Neighborhoods like Inman Park, Virginia‑Highland, Grant Park:
  • Combination of street parking (often free but limited) and small pay lots near restaurants and attractions.
• Stadium districts:
  • Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena have official event parking lots and nearby private lots. Prices often increase on event days.

⚠️ Tip: Always check posted signs; some residential streets use permit-only parking or time-limited spaces, especially near busy parks and nightlife areas.

Rideshare, Taxis, and Car Services

Rideshare and traditional taxis are common across Atlanta.

Rideshare (App-Based)

Services like Uber and Lyft (no links included here) are widely used:

• Helpful when traveling late at night after transit hours.
• Common pickup spots: Downtown hotels, Midtown restaurants, Buckhead nightlife areas, and the airport.
• Expect surge pricing during big events, major concerts, or severe weather.

Taxis

Traditional taxis are typically found:

• At the airport taxi stand.
• Near major hotels in Downtown and Midtown.
• At some big event venues.

You can also call local taxi companies directly for scheduled pickups.

Walking and Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Atlanta is not uniformly walkable, but several districts are very pedestrian-friendly once you’re there.

Best Areas for Walking

• Midtown:
  • Dense mix of offices, restaurants, parks (Piedmont Park), and cultural sites.
  • MARTA’s Midtown and Arts Center stations make it easy to arrive without a car.
• Downtown:
  • Walk between Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, and convention centers.
• Inman Park & Old Fourth Ward:
  • Popular for shops, restaurants, and direct access to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.
• Virginia‑Highland, Little Five Points, Grant Park:
  • Neighborhood commercial districts with short, walkable blocks.

⚠️ Safety Tips for Pedestrians

• Use marked crosswalks, especially on multi-lane roads.
• At night, stick to well‑lit, more populated streets when possible.
• In busy nightlife areas, watch for rideshare and delivery vehicles pulling in and out of curbs.

Biking, Scooters, and the Atlanta BeltLine

Atlanta is steadily expanding its bike and micromobility infrastructure.

Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a developing loop of multi-use trails, parks, and future transit around the city’s core.

• Eastside Trail: Connects Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Ponce City Market, and Piedmont Park area.
• Westside Trail: Serves parts of Southwest and West Atlanta, including Adair Park and West End.

Ideal for:

• Commuting short distances by bike or scooter.
• Leisurely walks, runs, and cycling.
• Connecting between neighborhoods without using main roads.

Bicycles

Atlanta supports both on-street bike lanes and off-street paths:

• Dedicated lanes can be found on select streets in Midtown, Downtown, and Old Fourth Ward.
• Many locals use bikes for short trips, especially where parking is limited.

🎯 Bike Tips in Atlanta:

• Wear a helmet and use front and rear lights at night.
• Be cautious at intersections where drivers may not expect cyclists.
• On the BeltLine, ride at a moderate speed and yield to pedestrians when crowded.

E‑Scooters and Shared Micromobility

E‑scooters and shared bikes appear in many parts of Atlanta, especially:

• Downtown
• Midtown
• Old Fourth Ward
• Near BeltLine trails

Rules can change over time, but commonly:

• Scooters are expected to ride in bike lanes or streets, not on sidewalks in business districts.
• Parking is typically required in designated or responsible areas (not blocking sidewalks or building entrances).

Regional and Suburban Transit Options

Atlanta’s core is served by MARTA, but surrounding counties also operate their own transit systems that sometimes connect into the city.

CobbLinc (Cobb County)

Serves Cobb County, including areas like Marietta and Cumberland.

• Some routes connect with MARTA Arts Center Station and other transfer points.
• Useful if you live or stay in Cobb but commute into Atlanta.

CobbLinc Main Office
463 Commerce Park Dr SE
Marietta, GA 30060
Phone: (770) 427‑4444

Gwinnett County Transit (Ride Gwinnett)

Provides bus services within Gwinnett County and some commuter routes toward Atlanta.

• Certain express routes use I‑85 and connect to MARTA rail stations or downtown employment centers.

Gwinnett Transit Office (Ride Gwinnett)
3525 Mall Blvd
Duluth, GA 30096
Phone: (770) 822‑5010

Xpress (Statewide Commuter Service)

Operated in coordination with Georgia agencies, Xpress provides commuter buses:

• From suburbs like McDonough, Cumming, Newnan, and others.
• To employment hubs in Downtown, Midtown, and Perimeter Center.

This is primarily for weekday commuters traveling during peak hours.

Intercity Bus and Rail

If you’re traveling beyond the Atlanta metro area, several options connect the city to other regions.

Greyhound and Other Intercity Buses

Intercity buses link Atlanta with other cities throughout Georgia and the Southeast.

• The main Greyhound terminal is located near downtown.
• Other carriers may use separate terminals or designated curbside pickup locations within the city.

These buses are used for budget travel to cities like Macon, Savannah, Birmingham, Charlotte, and beyond.

Amtrak

Amtrak provides passenger rail service through Atlanta via the Peachtree Station in Midtown.

Atlanta Amtrak (Peachtree Station)
1688 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309

• Serves long-distance routes along the East Coast and into the Southeast.
• Limited daily schedule, commonly used for overnight or long-haul trips, not everyday commuting.

Accessibility and Transportation Assistance in Atlanta

Atlanta agencies provide services for riders with disabilities or mobility challenges.

MARTA Mobility

MARTA Mobility is a shared-ride, curb-to-curb paratransit service for eligible riders who cannot use regular MARTA bus or rail.

Key points:

• Operates in areas near MARTA’s fixed routes.
• Requires eligibility application and approval.
• Rides are typically booked in advance.

MARTA Mobility Eligibility & Info
Phone: (404) 848‑5389 (Mobility Services)

Wheelchair Accessibility

• MARTA rail stations have elevators and accessible entrances.
• Many buses are wheelchair-accessible with ramps or lifts.
• Major attractions, stadiums, and the airport are designed with ADA-compliant access routes.

For specific buildings, venues, or events, it’s often helpful to check in advance what accessibility options they offer (e.g., parking, drop-off locations, assisted entry).

Quick Reference: Main Transportation Options in Atlanta

Practical Tips for Navigating Atlanta Transportation

• Plan around traffic: If you must drive during rush hour, allow extra time, especially on the Downtown Connector and I‑285.
• Leverage MARTA for events and the airport: It can be significantly faster than driving and parking.
• Combine modes: Many residents use a mix of MARTA + rideshare, or driving + MARTA (using park-and-ride lots).
• Stay aware of big events: Major games, concerts, and conventions can affect traffic and parking across Downtown and Midtown.
• Check for schedule changes: For holidays or severe weather, transit agencies may adjust service; checking same-day information can prevent surprises.

With a basic understanding of these options, you can move around Atlanta, Georgia more confidently—whether you’re commuting daily, exploring neighborhoods, or catching a flight.