Your Guide to the Map of Metro Atlanta: Neighborhoods, Highways, Transit & Counties

Understanding a map of Metro Atlanta is about more than just streets — it’s about how the city and its suburbs connect, where traffic actually flows, and how to navigate day-to-day life in and around Atlanta, Georgia.

Whether you live here, commute in from the suburbs, or are visiting and trying to make sense of “ITP” vs. “OTP,” this guide walks through the key parts of the Atlanta metro map and how they matter in real life.

The Big Picture: What “Metro Atlanta” Usually Means

On most maps, Metro Atlanta refers to the Atlanta metropolitan area, anchored by the City of Atlanta but stretching across multiple counties and dozens of cities and communities.

Common counties shown on a Metro Atlanta map include:

• Fulton County (north and south parts, including most of the City of Atlanta)
• DeKalb County
• Cobb County
• Gwinnett County
• Clayton County
• Douglas, Fayette, Henry, Cherokee, Rockdale, and others are often included in broader metro definitions

In practical terms, when people in Atlanta say “metro,” they usually mean:

• ITP (Inside the Perimeter): In or near the City of Atlanta, inside I‑285
• OTP (Outside the Perimeter): Suburbs and exurbs outside the I‑285 loop

This I‑285 loop is one of the most important lines on any map of Atlanta.

Understanding the Perimeter: I‑285 as Atlanta’s “Circle”

On a map, Interstate 285 is the huge ring road around the urban core. Locals simply call it “the Perimeter.”

Key things to know about I‑285 on the map

• It forms a rough circle around central Atlanta.
• Areas inside the loop: Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown, Decatur, parts of Sandy Springs, East Point, and others.
• Areas outside the loop: Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, Stone Mountain, Morrow, Smyrna, and many more.

You’ll often hear people describe locations like:

• “We’re just inside the Perimeter near I‑85.”
• “It’s OTP up 400 in Alpharetta.”

If you’re new to Atlanta, it’s worth studying I‑285 on the map first, because so many directions and commute patterns are built around this ring.

Major Highways on the Metro Atlanta Map

Atlanta’s traffic reputation comes from the same highways that make the region deeply connected. When you look at a map of Metro Atlanta, you’ll see several main interstates and state routes forming a hub-and-spoke pattern.

Core Interstates In & Around Atlanta

• I‑75
  Runs north–south through the city.

  • North: to Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth and beyond.
  • South: to Hapeville, Morrow, Jonesboro, then downstate.

• I‑85
  Also runs roughly north–south, sharing lanes with I‑75 in central Atlanta.

  • North: to Brookhaven, Norcross, Duluth, Lawrenceville.
  • South: to East Point, College Park, Union City.

• I‑20
  Runs east–west right through the city.

  • West: to West End, Douglasville, and beyond.
  • East: to Decatur, Lithonia, Conyers.

• I‑285 (The Perimeter)
  Loops around and connects all of the above.

• Georgia 400 (GA‑400)
  Major north–south route from central/north Atlanta through Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming.

Quick reference: Major highway corridors

If you’re planning regular commutes, orient yourself on these corridors first, then drill down into neighborhoods.

Core Areas on a Metro Atlanta Map: Downtown, Midtown & Buckhead

In the center of any map of Atlanta you’ll find a vertical corridor of high-density neighborhoods along I‑75/85 (the Connector).

Downtown Atlanta

• Roughly bounded by Northside Dr., I‑20, Freedom Pkwy, and Spring St./Peachtree St.
• Includes landmarks like:
  • Georgia State Capitol
  • Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
  • State Farm Arena
  • Georgia State University’s downtown campus
• Heavily connected by MARTA rail and bus routes.

Midtown Atlanta

Just north of Downtown along the Connector.

• Centered around Peachtree St. NE, 10th St., 14th St.
• Home to:
  • Piedmont Park
  • Atlanta Botanical Garden
  • Georgia Tech campus (bordering Midtown & West Midtown)
• Very walkable grid compared to many other areas, with dense development.

Buckhead

Farther north up Peachtree Rd. NE and GA‑400.

• Major commercial district with high-rises and shopping areas.
• Key roads: Peachtree Rd., Lenox Rd., Piedmont Rd., Roswell Rd.
• Considered part of North Atlanta, still inside or close to I‑285 depending on where you draw the line.

On a metro map, these three areas form a north–south spine that many MARTA rail stops and bus lines follow.

Key Intown Neighborhoods to Recognize on the Map

Inside the Perimeter, you’ll see many distinct neighborhoods. Knowing their locations helps with housing, dining, and commute planning.

A few commonly referenced intown areas:

• Old Fourth Ward – East of Downtown, near the BeltLine Eastside Trail.
• Inman Park – Just east of Downtown and Midtown, connected by multiple surface streets and the BeltLine.
• Virginia‑Highland (Va‑Hi) – Northeast of Midtown, between Ponce de Leon Ave. and N. Highland Ave.
• Grant Park – Southeast of Downtown, home to the city’s historic park and zoo.
• West Midtown / Westside – Northwest of Midtown, off Howell Mill Rd. and Northside Dr.
• East Atlanta & East Atlanta Village (EAV) – Further southeast inside I‑285, along Flat Shoals Ave. and Glenwood Ave.

When viewing an Atlanta neighborhood map, look for:

• I‑75/85 “Connector” as your central vertical line.
• Ponce de Leon Ave. running east–west above Downtown/Midtown.
• Dekalb Ave. and Moreland Ave. forming important eastside routes.
• The Atlanta BeltLine arcs around intown neighborhoods as trails and future rail corridors.

Suburban Hubs Around Metro Atlanta

Metro Atlanta is ringed by many suburbs that function as their own economic and cultural centers. On a regional map, you’ll often see these highlighted:

• Marietta (Cobb County) – Northwest along I‑75.
• Smyrna / Vinings (Cobb County) – Just outside the Perimeter near I‑285 and I‑75.
• Alpharetta & Roswell (North Fulton) – Along GA‑400 north of I‑285.
• Sandy Springs & Dunwoody – Just north of the Perimeter, accessible via GA‑400 and I‑285.
• Decatur (DeKalb County) – Immediately east of Atlanta, well connected by MARTA rail.
• Stone Mountain – East of Decatur, often noted for Stone Mountain Park.
• Lawrenceville – Northeast on the I‑85 corridor (Gwinnett County).
• McDonough & Stockbridge – Southeast/south metro along I‑75.
• Douglasville – West along I‑20.

For commuting and trip planning, pay attention to:

• Which corridor the suburb sits on (I‑75, 85, 20, 285, 400, etc.).
• How far it is from Downtown Atlanta in miles, but also in typical drive time.

Transit on the Metro Atlanta Map: MARTA & Beyond

When you look at a transit-focused map of Metro Atlanta, you’ll often see:

• MARTA Rail Lines
• MARTA Bus Routes
• Connections to Xpress buses and local systems (like CobbLinc, Gwinnett County Transit, and others).

MARTA Rail Overview

MARTA’s rail lines are color-coded and converge in Downtown and Midtown:

• Red Line: Runs north–south (North Springs to Airport).
• Gold Line: Runs north–south (Doraville to Airport).
• Blue Line: Runs east–west (Hamilton E. Holmes to Indian Creek).
• Green Line: Runs east–west (Bankhead to Edgewood/Candler Park, with some variations).

Key downtown/central stations on the map:

• Five Points – Main transfer hub for all rail lines.
• Peachtree Center – Near Peachtree St. and downtown hotels.
• Midtown, Arts Center, North Ave. – Serving Midtown and nearby areas.

MARTA & the Airport

On a map of Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and its connections:

• The airport is directly south of Downtown along I‑85.
• Airport Station (MARTA) is located at:
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  It sits inside the domestic terminal and connects to the Red and Gold Lines.

This makes rail access to and from the airport a major feature of the metro transit map.

Finding Official Transit Maps

For the most accurate, up-to-date MARTA rail and bus maps, you can visit or contact:

• MARTA Headquarters & Customer Service Center
  2424 Piedmont Rd. NE
  Atlanta, GA 30324
  Phone: (404) 848‑5000

Printed maps are often available at MARTA rail stations, especially at Five Points, Airport, and major hubs.

County & Jurisdiction Lines: Why They Matter on the Map

On a county map of Metro Atlanta, borders often look like irregular shapes cutting through neighborhoods and business districts. These lines matter because local services, schools, and taxes usually follow county and city boundaries.

Some notable mapping details:

• The City of Atlanta is mostly in Fulton County, but part extends into DeKalb County.
• Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville are separate cities in DeKalb, just northeast of Atlanta.
• Sandy Springs and Roswell are separate cities in Fulton County, not neighborhoods of Atlanta, even though they’re in the same corridor.
• Decatur (City) is a small city inside larger DeKalb County, not just a general “area.”

If you’re deciding where to live or open a business, make sure you’re looking at:

• City limits map
• County map
• School district boundaries

These can differ, even within the same general part of the metro.

Using a Metro Atlanta Map for Driving & Commuting

When using a driving map of Metro Atlanta (digital or paper), a few patterns are worth keeping in mind:

1. The Connector (I‑75/85) is the Backbone

• Runs through Downtown and Midtown.
• Most intown routes eventually connect to it via major streets like Ponce de Leon Ave., North Ave., 10th St., Spring St., Courtland St., Piedmont Ave.

2. Radial vs. Loop Roads

• Radial roads: I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, GA‑400 push in and out from the city center.
• Loop roads: I‑285 and, on a more local scale, routes like North Druid Hills Rd. or Cheshire Bridge/Piedmont serve as partial arcs around the city.

3. Practical Map Tips for Commuters

• Identify two or three routes to your destinations: freeway, major surface street alternative, and a neighborhood cut‑through for non-peak times.
• Learn where rail stations sit along your commute to mix transit and driving if needed.
• For OTP to OTP trips (for example, Lawrenceville to Marietta), check if routing through I‑285 or across surface roads is usually better at your travel time.

Walking, Biking & the Atlanta BeltLine on the Map

Modern maps of Metro Atlanta increasingly highlight multi-use trails, especially the Atlanta BeltLine, because it links many intown neighborhoods without a car.

Key BeltLine segments you’ll see on maps:

• Eastside Trail – Connects Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Virginia‑Highland, Midtown areas.
• Northside Trail – Runs through parts of Buckhead and north Atlanta neighborhoods.
• Westside Trail – Connects southwest neighborhoods like West End and Adair Park.

If you’re planning car‑free routes, look for:

• BeltLine trail segments
• PATH Foundation trails (such as Atlanta‑to‑Stone Mountain Trail)
• Sidewalk and bike lane networks in Midtown, Downtown, and Decatur

Where to Find Official Maps in Metro Atlanta

If you need authoritative maps for planning, zoning, transit, or tourism, several local agencies provide them.

🗺️ Helpful places to get or request official maps:

• City of Atlanta – Department of City Planning
  Atlanta City Hall
  55 Trinity Ave. SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: (404) 330‑6150
  Often provides zoning, land use, and neighborhood boundary maps.

• Fulton County Government Center
  141 Pryor St. SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: (404) 612‑4000
  For county boundary maps, property maps, and related services.

• DeKalb County GIS and Mapping Services
  1300 Commerce Dr.
  Decatur, GA 30030
  Main line: (404) 371‑2000

• Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC)
  229 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 100
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: (404) 463‑3100
  Often produces regional maps of transportation, land use, and long‑range planning.

• Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  Airport maps and terminal layouts are widely available on‑site:
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320
  Airport Information: (800) 897‑1910

Many visitor centers, hotels, and MARTA stations also provide printed Atlanta city maps, MARTA system maps, and tourist-oriented Metro Atlanta maps showing attractions and major corridors.

By understanding how interstates, the Perimeter, core neighborhoods, suburbs, transit lines, and county boundaries fit together on a map of Metro Atlanta, you’ll have a much easier time navigating daily life here—whether you’re driving, riding MARTA, or exploring intown on foot or bike.