Take Me to Atlanta, Georgia: How to Get Here, Get Around, and Enjoy the City

If you’re saying “Take me to Atlanta, Georgia”, you might be planning a trip, relocating, or just trying to understand how to navigate the capital of Georgia like a local. This guide focuses on how to get to Atlanta, how to move around the city, and what to know once you’re here—all from an Atlanta-specific perspective.

Getting to Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is one of the easiest major cities in the U.S. to reach, whether you’re flying, driving, or taking transit.

Flying into Atlanta: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Most visitors “arrive in Atlanta” through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), one of the busiest airports in the world.

Key details:

• Airport name: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Location: About 10 miles south of Downtown Atlanta
• Main terminals: Domestic Terminal (North and South) and the International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Terminal)

Once you land, you can reach most major Atlanta areas—Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Westside, and Decatur—in 20–40 minutes depending on time of day and traffic.

Getting from ATL Airport to the City

You have several options to actually “take you into Atlanta”:

1. MARTA Train (Recommended for many visitors)
MARTA is Atlanta’s heavy rail system.

• Airport station: Inside the Domestic Terminal, at the western end of the airport
• Lines:Red and Gold lines both run from the Airport north through Downtown and Midtown
• Common stops for visitors:
  • Garnett / Five Points / Peachtree Center: Downtown
  • Midtown / Arts Center: Midtown Atlanta
  • Lindbergh Center / Buckhead: North Atlanta and Buckhead area

This is often the fastest way to reach central Atlanta during rush hour.

2. Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) and Taxis

• Domestic Terminal: Rideshare pickup zones are clearly signed outside baggage claim; taxis line up in designated queues.
• International Terminal: Separate pickup area; follow “Ground Transportation” signs.

Rideshares are convenient for neighborhoods not directly on a MARTA rail line, like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown, or East Atlanta Village.

3. Rental Cars

Major rental car companies operate from the ATL Rental Car Center:

• Address: 2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy, College Park, GA 30337
• Connected via the SkyTrain from the Domestic Terminal.

A rental car is often helpful if you plan to explore suburbs like Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Marietta, or Stone Mountain.

Driving to Atlanta

If you’re saying “take me to Atlanta” and you’re already in the region, you might be arriving by car.

Main interstate highways:

• I‑75: Runs north–south, connecting Atlanta with Macon (south) and Chattanooga (north).
• I‑85: Connects Atlanta to Greenville/Charlotte (northeast) and Montgomery (southwest).
• I‑20: East–west corridor between Birmingham and Augusta.
• I‑285: The “Perimeter,” a ring highway circling the metro area.

Tips:

• Rush hours are typically 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. on weekdays.
• Expect heavy traffic on Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) and I‑285.
• If possible, plan arrivals to central Atlanta outside peak times.

Coming by Bus or Train

You can also reach Atlanta without flying or driving yourself.

1. Intercity Bus Services

Several intercity bus companies operate in or near central Atlanta, typically with stops around:

• Downtown Atlanta (near Five Points or Garnett MARTA)
• West Midtown / Midtown depending on the company

Check your ticket for the exact Atlanta stop, as locations can differ.

2. Amtrak

Amtrak serves Atlanta via the Peachtree Station:

• Station name: Peachtree Station
• Address: 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Primarily served by the Crescent route (New York–New Orleans).

From Peachtree Station, you can take:

• A short rideshare or taxi to Midtown/Downtown, or
• A bus to a nearby MARTA rail station (such as Arts Center).

Understanding Atlanta’s Layout

Atlanta is organized around a few central areas and key corridors. Knowing the basics will help you decide where you want to be “taken” once you’re here.

Core Areas of Atlanta

Here’s a simple view of some central neighborhoods visitors and locals talk about most:

Getting Around Atlanta Once You’re Here

After you arrive, you still need to know how to move around Atlanta efficiently.

MARTA: Trains and Buses

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is central to getting around the core city.

MARTA Rail

MARTA rail has four main lines (Red, Gold, Blue, Green) that cross at Five Points Station in Downtown.

Useful stops for visitors and residents:

• Airport: For flights in/out
• Five Points: Central hub; transfers between lines
• Peachtree Center: Underground station close to many Downtown hotels and offices
• Civic Center / North Avenue / Midtown / Arts Center: Midtown corridor
• Lindbergh Center / Buckhead / Lenox: North Atlanta and Buckhead shopping district
• Ashby / West Lake / Bankhead: Access to Westside neighborhoods
• Inman Park/Reynoldstown / King Memorial: Eastside neighborhoods

Rail is especially helpful for:

• Getting from Airport ↔ Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead
• Avoiding traffic during major events (games, concerts, conventions)

MARTA Bus

MARTA buses cover many neighborhoods that are not on a rail line. Common uses:

• Getting from a rail station to a specific neighborhood (for example, from Lindbergh Center into surrounding residential areas)
• Commuting to business districts or job centers off the rail corridors

Schedules and routes can vary, so many locals check route planners or mobile apps when using the bus system.

Walking and Biking

Central Atlanta is not uniformly walkable, but several areas are very pedestrian- and bike-friendly:

• Midtown: Dense, mixed-use, lots of sidewalks and crosswalks
• Downtown: Walkable around the main attractions and offices
• Decatur: Very walkable city center near the Decatur MARTA station
• Old Fourth Ward / Inman Park / Virginia-Highland: Popular for walking and biking

Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of multi-use trails and future transit corridors built on old rail lines.

Popular BeltLine segments:

• Eastside Trail: Connects Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Ponce City Market, and Virginia-Highland area
• Westside Trail: Runs through West End, Westview, and surrounding neighborhoods

Locals and visitors often use the BeltLine to:

• Walk or bike between restaurants and parks
• Access events, farmers markets, and public art
• Enjoy car-free travel between certain neighborhoods

Driving and Parking in Atlanta

If someone is “taking you to Atlanta” by car—or you’re driving yourself—understanding the basics of city driving helps.

Things to know:

• Traffic: Congestion can be significant, particularly on major arteries like the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85), I‑20, and I‑285.
• Parking:
  • Many Downtown and Midtown garages are paid and can fill up during events.
  • Residential neighborhoods may have time limits or permit parking.
  • Event venues (Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Georgia World Congress Center, Truist Park) have designated parking lots and garages with their own pricing.

Local habit: Many Atlantans check event schedules for Falcons, Hawks, United, Braves, and major concerts before heading out, since those events can dramatically affect traffic and parking.

Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare services are widely used to:

• Move between neighborhoods that don’t connect easily by MARTA (for example, West Midtown to East Atlanta Village).
• Travel late at night or when transit service is limited.
• Avoid searching for parking in crowded districts.

Taxis are more common at:

• Airport
• Major hotels
• Large event venues

Key Places People Mean by “Take Me to Atlanta”

When people say “take me to Atlanta, Georgia,” they often mean specific kinds of destinations. Here are common ones and how to reach them from within the city.

Downtown Atlanta: Government, Business, and Major Attractions

Downtown holds many of Atlanta’s biggest attractions, including:

• Georgia State Capitol (government)
• Georgia World Congress Center (conventions)
• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (football and soccer)
• State Farm Arena (basketball and concerts)
• Nearby attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium, and World of Coca‑Cola

How to get to Downtown:

• MARTA rail:
  • Stations: Five Points, Peachtree Center, Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center, and Garnett
• Car or rideshare: Follow signs for Downtown; be prepared for paid parking.

Midtown Atlanta: Arts, Culture, and Parks

Midtown is one of the city’s most active and walkable urban centers, known for:

• Piedmont Park
• Atlanta Botanical Garden
• The Fox Theatre
• Museums and cultural institutions along Peachtree Street
• A wide range of restaurants, bars, and high-rise residences

How to get to Midtown:

• MARTA rail:
  • Stations: Arts Center, Midtown, North Avenue
• BeltLine: Eastside Trail connects to areas near Midtown’s east side.
• Car or rideshare: Limited and often paid parking near popular venues.

Buckhead: Shopping and Business

Buckhead is a major finance, business, and shopping district in north Atlanta.

Known for:

• Large shopping centers and malls
• Office towers and hotels
• Upscale dining and nightlife

How to get to Buckhead:

• MARTA rail:
  • Stations: Lindbergh Center, Buckhead, Lenox
• Car or rideshare: Often used for point-to-point trips within the Buckhead area.

Atlanta’s Hartsfield–Jackson Airport Area

Some travelers just need to get “to Atlanta” in the sense of reaching the airport area—for a layover hotel, car rental, or meeting.

Around the airport you’ll find:

• Numerous hotels along Virginia Avenue, Camp Creek Parkway, and Riverdale Road
• ATL SkyTrain access between Airport and Rental Car Center

You can use:

• MARTA rail to Airport station if coming from central Atlanta
• Hotel shuttles for many nearby hotels
• Rideshare/taxis from anywhere in the metro area

Basic Services and Helpful Atlanta Contacts

When you arrive in any new city, it helps to know where to turn for official information and assistance.

City of Atlanta Government (For Residents and Some Visitors)

If you’re moving to Atlanta or dealing with city services:

• City of Atlanta City Hall
  • Address: 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Common uses: Permits, local government offices, public records.

For questions about local services (water, trash, some zoning and codes), many residents use the city’s 3‑1‑1 information line within city limits.

Transit Information

For real-time route and fare questions, Atlantans commonly use:

• MARTA Customer Service (for rail and bus system questions)
• On-site help desks at major stations like Airport or Five Points during certain hours

Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors to Atlanta

If “take me to Atlanta” is the start of your first visit, these local-style tips can make things smoother:

• Plan around traffic: Leave extra time for drives across town, especially if you must be on time for flights, events, or meetings.
• Use MARTA when it makes sense: Airport ↔ Midtown/Downtown/Buckhead is where MARTA shines.
• Know your neighborhood: Saying “Atlanta” can mean very different places—Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Westside, or eastside neighborhoods can feel like different cities.
• Check event calendars: Big games and conventions can reshape traffic, transit crowds, and hotel availability.
• Walkable clusters: Midtown, Downtown, and Decatur are among the easiest places to get around on foot once you’re there.

Whether you’re flying into Hartsfield–Jackson, arriving by car on I‑75/85, or taking a train or bus, getting to Atlanta, Georgia is straightforward. Once you’re here, combining MARTA, rideshare, and walkable districts like Midtown, Downtown, and the BeltLine corridor makes it much easier to explore the city like someone who already calls Atlanta home.