Where to Stay Near the Atlanta Bus Station: Best Hotels & Local Tips

If you’re arriving in Atlanta by bus, you’re most likely coming into the Greyhound/FlixBus station at 232 Forsyth St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303, just south of downtown. Finding hotels near the Atlanta bus station is mostly about choosing between Downtown, Five Points, and nearby Georgia State/Peachtree Center areas.

Below is a practical guide to where you can stay, what’s realistically walkable, and what makes sense for different budgets and comfort levels.

Understanding the Atlanta Bus Station Area

The main intercity bus station in Atlanta (often just called the Atlanta Greyhound station) sits:

• On Forsyth St SW, close to the Garnett MARTA rail station
• A short ride or longer walk from Downtown Atlanta and Five Points
• South of many of the major hotels and tourist spots

The immediate blocks around the bus station are more functional than scenic. Many travelers prefer to stay a few minutes away in areas with:

• Better hotel selection
• Easier access to restaurants and attractions
• More foot traffic and lighting at night

Most visitors use a short rideshare or taxi (5–10 minutes) to get from the bus station to their hotel.

Quick Hotel-Area Overview Near the Bus Station

Here’s a simple, at-a-glance guide to nearby hotel zones:

Hotels Within a Short Ride of the Atlanta Bus Station

There aren’t many major hotels right on Forsyth Street, so most travelers look slightly north into Downtown. These downtown hotels are generally 5–10 minutes by car from the bus station, depending on traffic.

1. Downtown / Peachtree Center Hotels

This is the most popular area to stay if you’re coming in by bus and want to explore Atlanta. You’ll find:

• Multiple national hotel chains clustered around Peachtree Street NE and Civic Center/Peachtree Center MARTA stations
• Easy walking access to:
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (a longer walk or quick ride)

Typical features in this zone:

• Mid-range to upscale prices
• On‑site or nearby restaurants
• Indoor corridors and larger lobbies (useful if you’re waiting to check in after a bus ride)
• Reasonably walkable streets with other visitors around

This area works well if:

• You’re visiting Atlanta for the first time
• You want a hotel that’s reasonably close to the bus station and attractions
• You’d like straightforward access to MARTA rail for getting around without a car

2. Hotels Near Georgia State University / Five Points

Just northeast of the bus station, closer to Five Points and Georgia State University, you’ll find:

• Some more budget-conscious options
• Smaller hotels and inns
• Easy access to Five Points MARTA, the central rail hub

This can be a good fit if:

• You’re staying one night before catching another bus or train
• You want to walk a bit less from MARTA with luggage
• You prioritize price over upscale amenities

Be aware that this area is quieter on weekends and evenings outside of campus hours and business times, so planning your arrival in daylight (if possible) is often more comfortable.

How to Get from the Bus Station to Your Hotel

Walking vs. Rideshare

While some downtown hotels are technically walkable from the bus station (roughly 15–25 minutes), many travelers prefer:

• 🚕 Rideshare or taxi: Usually the most straightforward option, especially with luggage.
• 🚇 MARTA rail: The Garnett MARTA station is only a short walk from the bus station:
  • Walk to Garnett Station (242 Forsyth St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303)
  • Ride MARTA northbound to Five Points, Peachtree Center, or Civic Center, depending on your hotel’s closest stop.

This rail connection can make it very convenient to stay a bit farther north in Downtown or even in Midtown while still arriving by bus.

Considering Hotels by Atlanta Airport Instead

If your bus arrives very late at night or you’re connecting to an early-morning flight, a hotel near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) can make more sense.

Why Airport Hotels Can Work Well

• Consistent hotel shuttles: Many airport hotels provide regular shuttles to the terminals.
• Wide range of prices: From budget to higher-end.
• Easy connection from the bus station:
  • Take MARTA from Garnett Station or Five Points southbound to Airport Station, which is inside the airport.
  • Catch your hotel’s shuttle from the airport ground transportation area.

You’ll be farther from downtown attractions, but for one-night stopovers, the airport area can be simpler and often more predictable.

Safety and Comfort Tips for Staying Near the Bus Station

Like many large city centers, Atlanta’s downtown core has a mix of office buildings, tourist areas, and busier transit zones. A few practical tips:

• Arrive during daylight when possible. Streets around Forsyth, Garnett, and Five Points are easier to navigate when it’s bright and bus services are at full strength.
• Use MARTA stations wisely.
  • Garnett Station is closest to the bus station.
  • Five Points, Peachtree Center, and Civic Center are convenient for many downtown hotels.
• Plan your route before you arrive. Save your hotel’s address and know if you’re taking a taxi, rideshare, or MARTA.
• Travel light through the station. Keep valuables close, as you would in any major transit hub.

What to Look For in a Hotel Near the Bus Station

When comparing hotels that are a quick ride from the bus station, it can help to focus on:

• Distance and travel time from 232 Forsyth St SW
• Proximity to a MARTA rail station (Peachtree Center, Five Points, Civic Center, or Airport)
• 24-hour front desk or late check‑in options if you’re arriving on an evening bus
• On-site or nearby food options, especially if you don’t plan to rent a car
• Luggage storage if you arrive before check‑in or leave after checkout

If you already know your bus schedule, you can search for hotels by “Downtown Atlanta near Peachtree Center MARTA” or “Hotels near Georgia State MARTA” and then compare travel distance from the Forsyth Street station.

Useful Local Transit Points and Addresses

Here are a few key locations you’ll likely use when arriving or staying near the Atlanta bus station:

• Atlanta Bus Station (Greyhound/FlixBus)
  232 Forsyth St SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303

• Garnett MARTA Station (closest rail stop to bus station)
  242 Forsyth St SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303

• Five Points MARTA Station (central downtown hub)
  30 Alabama St SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303

• Peachtree Center MARTA Station (for many downtown hotels)
  216 Peachtree St NE
  Atlanta, GA 30303

Having these addresses handy makes it easier to share your location with a driver or double‑check walking directions while you’re in the city.

Choosing the Right Area for Your Stay

To narrow down your hotel near the Atlanta bus station, match your situation to the area:

• Short visit, want to see the main sights:
  Look for hotels in Downtown / Peachtree Center, 5–10 minutes from the bus station.

• One-night stopover, watching your budget:
  Consider properties near Georgia State / Five Points or certain airport hotels reachable by MARTA.

• Late bus arrival or early flight out:
  An Atlanta Airport hotel may be most convenient, using MARTA to go straight from Garnett or Five Points to Airport Station.

Staying near, but not directly on, Forsyth Street usually gives you a better balance of convenience, comfort, and access while still keeping your trip by bus into Atlanta straightforward.