Amtrak in Atlanta: How to Use the City’s Passenger Rail Station

If you’re searching for “Amtrak Atlanta,” you’re almost certainly looking for one thing: how passenger rail works in Atlanta, where the station is, and what to expect when you ride. This guide walks through everything a local or visitor needs to know about using Amtrak in Atlanta, Georgia.

Where Is Amtrak in Atlanta?

Atlanta’s only Amtrak station is:

Atlanta Peachtree Station
1688 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309

This is a small, historic station in the Brookwood area, roughly between Midtown and Buckhead. It is not a large, modern hub like Hartsfield-Jackson or some big-city rail terminals, so first-time riders are often surprised by how compact it is.

Station Basics

• Line served: Only the Crescent route (New York–Washington, DC–Atlanta–New Orleans)
• Trains per day: Typically one northbound and one southbound
• Platform type: Single platform alongside the tracks, accessed from inside the station
• Checked baggage: Often limited or not available for all stops and times – check your specific train
• Parking: Limited on-site parking (short-term and some longer-term options)

Because the station is small, it’s usually easy to navigate, but planning ahead matters, especially for early-morning or late-night arrivals.

Where Can You Go From Atlanta by Amtrak?

Atlanta is served by the Amtrak Crescent, a long-distance train that connects the Southeast to the Northeast.

Main Destinations on the Crescent From Atlanta

Heading north from Atlanta, common destinations include:

• Gainesville, GA
• Greenville, SC
• Charlotte, NC
• Greensboro & Raleigh-area connections (via Greensboro, NC)
• Washington, DC
• Baltimore, MD
• Philadelphia, PA
• New York City (New York Penn Station)

Heading south from Atlanta, common destinations include:

• Anniston, AL
• Birmingham, AL
• Meridian, MS
• Hattiesburg, MS
• New Orleans, LA

You can connect in major cities like Washington, DC or New York to other Amtrak routes that go to the Midwest, New England, or West Coast.

Typical Atlanta Amtrak Schedule (Crescent)

Exact times change occasionally, but the pattern for the Crescent in Atlanta is fairly consistent:

Because the southbound often departs very early and the northbound may arrive or depart late at night, it’s important to:

• Confirm your exact departure/arrival time when booking
• Plan transportation to and from the station in advance
• Consider safety and convenience if you’ll be there during overnight hours

Getting to and from Atlanta’s Amtrak Station

By Car

Address for GPS: 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

Peachtree Station sits along Peachtree Street NW between Midtown and Buckhead. It is accessible via:

• I-75/I-85 Connector: Use exits near 14th St or 17th St in Midtown and drive north on Peachtree
• GA-400 / Buckhead area: Take local streets south on Peachtree Rd/Peachtree St

Parking

Parking options change from time to time, but you can typically expect:

• Short-term parking in front or near the station
• Longer-term parking available in nearby lots or garages (sometimes arranged or recommended by station staff or posted signage)

Because spaces are limited, especially for overnight or multi-day trips, it’s wise to:

• Arrive early if you need parking
• Consider a rideshare, taxi, or drop-off if you have a very early or late train

By MARTA (Transit)

The Amtrak station is not directly on a MARTA rail line but is reachable by bus or short rideshare from nearby MARTA stations.

Closest MARTA rail stations:

• Arts Center Station (Red/Gold lines) – Midtown
• Lindbergh Center Station (Red/Gold lines) – North of the station

From these:

• You can walk or take a short rideshare/taxi to Amtrak
• Check current MARTA bus routes that run along or near Peachtree St NW

⚠️ Important: Because many Amtrak arrivals/departures are very early or late, MARTA rail or bus service may not be running at the times you need. Always verify operating hours before relying on transit for an overnight trip.

By Taxi or Rideshare

For most Atlanta riders, especially when dealing with overnight or early morning trains, a rideshare or taxi is the most convenient way to reach Peachtree Station.

Tips:

• Schedule rides in advance when possible, particularly for early departures
• Confirm the full station name (“Atlanta Amtrak Peachtree Station”) so drivers don’t confuse it with other Peachtree addresses

Inside Atlanta’s Amtrak Station: What to Expect

Atlanta’s Amtrak station is small and functional, not a major shopping hub. If you’re used to big-city stations, plan accordingly.

Common features include:

• Small waiting area / seating
• Ticket counter during staffed hours
• Restrooms
• Limited vending machines (if available – do not rely on a full food court)
• Platform access through the station only (you don’t board from the street)

Because amenities are basic:

• Bring snacks, water, and entertainment with you
• Eat a full meal before arriving, especially for overnight trains
• Plan for a simple, quiet wait rather than shopping or dining at the station

Buying Amtrak Tickets for Atlanta Trips

You can purchase tickets to and from Atlanta Peachtree Station in several ways:

• Online or via app: The most common method; allows you to pick seats, see schedules, and store e-tickets
• By phone: For those who prefer speaking with an agent or need assistance
• At the station: Limited hours; best to verify staffing times before counting on in-person ticketing

When booking:

• Make sure “Atlanta – Peachtree Station, GA” is selected as your origin or destination
• Double-check whether you want northbound (to DC/NY) or southbound (to New Orleans)
• Confirm arrival/departure times carefully since the Crescent is an overnight train on much of its route

Classes of Service and Onboard Experience

The Crescent typically offers:

• Coach Class: Standard seating, usually reserved, with reclining seats and overhead storage
• Business or higher service classes (when available): Extra amenities and more space
• Sleeper accommodations: Roomettes or bedrooms with beds, especially useful for the long overnight portions of the trip

Onboard features commonly include:

• Restrooms
• Café car with light food, snacks, and drinks
• Power outlets at or near seats on most modern equipment

From Atlanta, depending on your direction, you may be on the train overnight or for a full day:

• Atlanta → New Orleans: Typically daytime or part-day trip
• Atlanta → New York: Much of the route involves overnight travel

Plan accordingly:

• Pack layers (train temperatures can vary)
• Bring earplugs, eye mask, and travel pillow if you want to sleep comfortably in coach
• Keep any medications or valuables in a small bag at your seat

Luggage: What Atlanta Riders Should Know

Policies can change, but in general:

• Carry-on bags: Allowed for all passengers, with limits on number and size
• Checked baggage:
  • Not every station or train stop offers full checked-baggage service
  • Even when offered, there are weight and size limits

Because Atlanta’s station is relatively small:

• Verify during booking if your particular train and station combination supports checked baggage
• If you can’t check bags, plan to carry everything onboard
• Use wheeled luggage and pack light if you’ll be navigating the station and platform on your own

Accessibility at Atlanta’s Amtrak Station

Amtrak typically offers accessibility accommodations, but Atlanta’s older station layout can make advance planning especially important.

If you or someone in your party has mobility or accessibility needs:

• Request assistance when booking your ticket (wheelchair service, boarding help, etc.)
• Arrive earlier than usual to allow time for coordination
• Expect to board from a lower platform via stairs or a lift, depending on equipment and staff procedures

If you’re unsure of what’s available:

• Call Amtrak’s customer service ahead of time
• Ask specifically about Atlanta Peachtree Station accessibility and the Crescent train

Safety and Timing Tips for Atlanta Amtrak Travelers

Because of the late-night/early-morning schedule and the station’s relatively quiet surroundings:

• Don’t cut it close. Aim to arrive 30–60 minutes early, or more if you need assistance or have luggage.
• Plan your ride home. For a late-night arrival, arrange your rideshare or pickup in advance.
• Travel with essentials:
  • Phone and charger
  • ID and ticket confirmation
  • Light jacket or sweater
  • Any necessary prescriptions

For families:

• Keep children close and supervised on the platform and in crowded areas
• Pre-pack snacks and entertainment, since options at the station are limited

How Amtrak Fits Into Getting Around Atlanta

It’s helpful to think of Amtrak in Atlanta as a long-distance option, not local transit:

• Use Amtrak for:
  • Trips to New Orleans, Birmingham, Washington, DC, New York, and intermediate cities
  • Avoiding long drives or flights for certain routes
• Use MARTA or local transit for:
  • Getting around Atlanta itself (airport, downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, stadiums, etc.)

If you’re visiting Atlanta by train:

• From Peachtree Station, you can connect to:
  • Midtown: Short ride down Peachtree or via Arts Center MARTA
  • Downtown: Continue south on Peachtree or via MARTA rail
  • Buckhead: Head north along Peachtree or via Lindbergh Center MARTA

Many visitors pair an Amtrak arrival with MARTA, rideshare, or taxis to reach their hotel or attractions.

Quick Reference: Amtrak Atlanta Essentials

If you’re in Atlanta and want to ride Amtrak, your point of entry is the Peachtree Station and the Crescent route. With the right expectations—small station, limited daily trains, and overnight-friendly planning—you can use it as a convenient way to connect Atlanta with major cities across the East and Gulf coasts.