Marta Transit Map Atlanta: How to Read It, Where to Get It, and How to Use It

If you’re trying to figure out how to get around Atlanta using the MARTA transit map, you’re not alone. Between rail lines, bus routes, the Atlanta Streetcar, and shuttle connections, it can feel like a lot at first—especially if you’re new to the city or just visiting.

This guide walks you through how MARTA’s maps work in Atlanta, where to find them (online and in person), and how to read them so you can navigate the city with confidence.

The Main Types of MARTA Maps in Atlanta

When people search for “Marta Transit Map Atlanta,” they’re usually looking for one (or more) of these:

• System map – Rail + bus + streetcar overview for the whole MARTA service area
• Rail map – Just the Red, Gold, Blue, and Green lines + key stations
• Bus route maps – Detailed route diagrams and stop lists for specific bus lines
• Neighborhood/area maps – Zoomed-in maps around major stations (Midtown, Downtown, Airport, etc.)
• Atlanta Streetcar map – Short loop through Downtown and Old Fourth Ward

You’ll see all of these in different formats: station posters, printed brochures, and mobile-friendly versions.

Where to Find a MARTA Map in Atlanta

1. In MARTA Stations

Most MARTA rail stations have:

• A large system map on the wall near fare gates or platforms
• A rail line diagram showing the stops in order for that specific line
• Sometimes local area maps, especially at major stations (like Five Points, Peachtree Center, Midtown, North Avenue, and Airport)

📍 Some of the key stations where maps are easy to find include:

• Five Points Station – Downtown hub for all rail lines
• Peachtree Center Station – Central for hotels and convention centers
• Airport Station – At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, inside the Domestic Terminal
• Midtown Station – Near Tech Square and many offices

2. On Buses and Streetcars

Inside MARTA buses and the Atlanta Streetcar, you’ll often see:

• Simple route diagrams for that specific line
• Sometimes a mini system map or connection info

For detailed routing beyond that one bus, it’s easier to use the system map or a mobile trip planner.

3. Printed Maps at Customer Service Centers

If you prefer paper:

MARTA Headquarters & Customer Service Center
2424 Piedmont Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Main phone: (404) 848-5000

Customer service booths in larger stations (such as Five Points, Airport, Lindbergh Center) may also have printed system maps and route brochures, depending on availability.

4. On Your Phone

Even if you like paper maps, most Atlanta riders find it helpful to:

• Save a screenshot of the MARTA rail map
• Keep a photo of the bus or streetcar route they use the most
• Use a trip planner app that shows routes overlaid on a regular city map

This is especially useful when you’re transferring between MARTA and other local services like CobbLinc, Gwinnett County Transit, or regional shuttles.

Understanding the MARTA Rail Map (Red, Gold, Blue, Green)

The rail map is the backbone of MARTA’s transit system in Atlanta. It’s color-coded:

• Red Line – Runs north–south from North Springs (north of the Perimeter) through Buckhead and Midtown down to Airport Station
• Gold Line – Also north–south, from Doraville through Chamblee, Brookhaven, Buckhead, Midtown, and south of Downtown
• Blue Line – Runs east–west from Hamilton E. Holmes through Downtown and Decatur to Indian Creek
• Green Line – A shorter east–west line that overlaps part of the Blue Line (primarily on the west side, typically ending before Indian Creek)

Key Transfer Points on the Rail Map

On the MARTA transit map, look for white “hub” circles or emphasized stations—these are transfer points:

• Five Points Station (Downtown) – Main transfer between Red/Gold and Blue/Green lines
• Lindbergh Center Station (Buckhead area) – Transfer between Red and Gold lines
• Some stations connect to multiple bus routes; those will be highlighted with bus icons or route lists on the map.

Major Destinations on the Rail Map

The rail map usually highlights big Atlanta destinations near stations, such as:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Airport Station (Red/Gold)
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium / State Farm Arena / CNN Center – GWCC/CNN Center or Vine City stations
• Georgia State University – Georgia State Station (Blue/Green)
• Georgia Tech / Midtown – Midtown and North Avenue stations
• Downtown hotels and convention centers – Peachtree Center, Five Points, GWCC/CNN Center

These icons or labels help you match where you’re going with which station you need.

How to Read the MARTA System Map

A full MARTA system map shows:

• Colored rail lines with labeled stations
• Numbered bus routes branching from stations and major roads
• The Atlanta Streetcar loop in central Downtown
• Nearby cities and counties within the MARTA service area

Here’s how to use it step by step:

1. Find your starting point
   • Look for the nearest station or major bus stop to where you are staying or working.
2. Find your destination
   • Check if it’s near a rail station or bus route shown on the map.
3. Trace the rail line
   • Follow the colored line from your station to your destination station.
   • Note any transfer points where you may need to switch lines.
4. Look for bus connections
   • If your destination isn’t right by a station, see which bus route(s) connect from your rail stop to that area.
5. Check direction
   • Rail lines have two directions (for example, North Springs vs. Airport).
   • On the map, the direction is the end-of-line station, so you know which platform to use.

Quick Reference: What Each Map Type Is Best For

MARTA Bus Maps: What to Look For

The bus side of the MARTA map shows route numbers (for example, Route 110, 36, 39, etc.) and their general paths through the city.

On a bus route map, pay attention to:

• Route number and name – Shown clearly at the top
• Terminals or endpoints – Where the route begins and ends
• Connections to rail stations – Small train icons at certain stops
• Major streets – Helps you match the map to the real-world street grid
• Frequency indicators (if provided) – Some routes indicate more frequent service

In many Atlanta neighborhoods, particularly south and west of Downtown or in suburban areas of DeKalb and Fulton, buses are the main MARTA service. The system map helps you see how those bus lines connect back to rail.

Atlanta Streetcar Map and How It Fits In

The Atlanta Streetcar is a short rail loop that mostly stays in and around Downtown and the Sweet Auburn/Old Fourth Ward area.

On the MARTA transit map, the Streetcar generally appears as a loop near Downtown with several stops, connecting areas like:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• Peachtree Center area
• Edgewood Avenue / Auburn Avenue corridor

It’s useful for:

• Short hops between Downtown attractions
• Connecting from hotels to restaurants and historic sites in the area

You can treat the Streetcar similar to a rail line on the map—just note that it’s a loop, not a long corridor.

Using the MARTA Map for Popular Atlanta Trips

Here are a few common examples that show how to use the map in real life:

1. Airport to Downtown or Midtown

• On the rail map, find Airport Station at the southern end of the Red and Gold Lines.
• For Downtown, ride to Five Points, Peachtree Center, or GWCC/CNN Center depending on your hotel.
• For Midtown, stay on the train to Midtown or Arts Center.
• Use the system map to see bus connections if your final stop isn’t walkable from the station.

2. Getting to a Game or Concert

Most big events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena are easiest by rail:

• On the rail map, locate GWCC/CNN Center or Vine City on the Blue/Green Line.
• From any Red/Gold station, plan your transfer at Five Points to the Blue/Green Line.
• The system map shows all feeder bus routes for people coming from farther out.

3. Visiting Midtown or Buckhead from Another Part of the City

• Use the Red or Gold Line for Midtown and Buckhead.
• On the map, find your closest station (for example, East Lake, College Park, or Doraville).
• Trace your path and note if you need to transfer at Five Points or Lindbergh Center.
• If you’re starting on a bus route, use the system map to see which station that bus feeds into.

Practical Tips for Using the MARTA Map in Atlanta

• Know the line colors and end stations. When you’re on the platform, signs will say things like “North Springs” or “Airport” instead of just “Red Line.” The map helps you match color → end station → direction.
• Check for weekend or late-night variations. While the physical map shows the standard system, frequency and some routes can change by time of day; posted notices at stations are the best place to confirm.
• Use station names as landmarks. In Atlanta, it’s common to give directions by saying “near Midtown Station” or “by Decatur Station,” so the rail map helps orient you even if you mostly drive.
• Save a copy on your phone. A saved screenshot of the rail and system map is useful if cell signal is weak in tunnels or underground stations like Peachtree Center.

MARTA Contact and Rider Support in Atlanta

If you need help interpreting the transit map, planning a route, or finding printed materials, you can contact MARTA directly or visit in person.

MARTA Customer Service (General Information)
Phone: (404) 848-5000
Typical assistance: route questions, service updates, accessibility info, lost and found directions.

Lost & Found / Main Office
MARTA Headquarters
2424 Piedmont Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30324

In-Person Help at Major Stations
Look for station agents near fare gates at larger stations like:

• Five Points
• Airport
• Lindbergh Center
• Peachtree Center

They can point out maps, explain transfers, and help you choose the right line or bus.

By understanding what each MARTA transit map shows—and how the rail, bus, and streetcar layers fit together—you can move around Atlanta more confidently, whether you’re headed to work, catching a flight, or exploring the city’s neighborhoods.