Atlanta MARTA Stations: A Practical Guide to Getting Around the City
If you’re trying to understand Atlanta MARTA stations—where they are, how they work, and which ones matter most for work, school, or sightseeing—this guide walks through the essentials in a clear, local-focused way.
How MARTA Is Laid Out in Atlanta
MARTA’s heavy-rail system is built around four main lines that intersect in Downtown Atlanta:
- Red Line – North–South (North Springs ↔ Airport)
- Gold Line – North–South (Doraville ↔ Airport)
- Blue Line – East–West (Hamilton E. Holmes ↔ Indian Creek)
- Green Line – West–East (Bankhead ↔ Edgewood/Candler Park)
All four lines connect through a central cluster of stations in Downtown and Midtown, making it relatively easy to transfer between routes.
Most stations are either:
- In-town, walkable stations (e.g., Midtown, Inman Park, King Memorial)
- Park-and-ride stations with large parking lots or decks, mostly at the ends or edges of the system (e.g., North Springs, Doraville, College Park)
Key MARTA Stations by Area
Downtown Atlanta Stations
These are the busiest transfer hubs and closest to many major attractions.
Five Points Station
Role: Central hub of MARTA rail
Lines: Red, Gold, Blue, Green
From Five Points, you can reach:
- State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium (one stop west to GWCC/CNN Center or Vine City)
- Underground Atlanta (steps away)
- Many Downtown government and office buildings
Good to know:
- This is the main transfer point between east–west and north–south lines.
- Street-level exits spread out across several corners—pay attention to exit signs for your destination.
Peachtree Center Station
Role: Direct access to many Downtown hotels and office towers
Line: Red and Gold
Useful for:
- Hotels along Peachtree Street (Marriott Marquis, Hyatt Regency, Hilton Atlanta area)
- Atlanta Convention-area offices
- Short walk to attractions like the SkyView Ferris wheel and Centennial Olympic Park (about 10–15 minutes)
GWCC/CNN Center Station
Role: Main stop for big events and conferences
Line: Blue and Green
Convenient for:
- Georgia World Congress Center
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- State Farm Arena
- Centennial Olympic Park and nearby entertainment venues
Georgia State Station
Role: University and government access
Line: Blue Line
Close to:
- Georgia State University buildings
- Fulton County and state courthouses
- Government offices and Downtown business corridors
Dome/Vine City Area (Vine City Station)
Role: Westside stadium and neighborhood access
Line: Blue and Green
Used for:
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium (especially for some westside entry gates)
- Vine City and surrounding neighborhoods
Midtown & Arts District Stations
These stations serve some of Atlanta’s densest residential and commercial neighborhoods.
Midtown Station
Line: Red and Gold
Ideal for:
- Midtown apartments, condos, and offices
- Piedmont Park (about a 10–15 minute walk)
- Midtown’s restaurant and bar corridors along Peachtree Street
Often used by commuters who work in the Midtown business district and residents avoiding traffic on the Downtown Connector.
Arts Center Station
Line: Red and Gold
Close to:
- Woodruff Arts Center, High Museum of Art, and Atlanta Symphony Hall
- Atlantic Station-area shuttles (often accessible from nearby streets)
- Office buildings and residential towers in the Arts District
North Avenue Station
Line: Red and Gold
Useful for:
- Georgia Tech shuttle access (Tech Square area)
- Offices and residential areas south Midtown
- Quick connection to Midtown and Downtown via bus routes
Buckhead & North Atlanta Stations
These stations serve major commercial hubs and park-and-ride commuters from north of the city.
Buckhead Station
Line: Red Line
Main uses:
- Lenox Road and Buckhead office towers
- Many Buckhead hotels along Peachtree Road
- Access to the Buckhead shopping and nightlife district (short bus or rideshare to some spots)
Lenox Station
Line: Gold Line
Ideal for:
- Lenox Square shopping mall
- Nearby hotels and offices
- Connections to surrounding Buckhead neighborhoods
Lindbergh Center Station
Lines: Red and Gold
Key features:
- Large residential and office developments nearby
- Transit hub for several bus routes
- Often used for park-and-ride by folks traveling into Midtown and Downtown
North Springs Station
Line: Red Line (northern terminus)
Park-and-ride oriented:
- Large parking facilities
- Serves commuters from Sandy Springs and north Fulton areas
- Connections to shuttles/buses for Perimeter and northern suburbs
Doraville Station
Line: Gold Line (northern terminus)
Useful for:
- Commuters from Doraville and Chamblee
- Access to nearby international markets and shops along Buford Highway (short ride or bus)
- Major park-and-ride point
Airport & Southside Stations
Airport Station
Line: Red and Gold (southern terminus for both)
Located directly inside Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, at the Domestic Terminal (baggage claim level).
Good to know:
- Trains run regularly between Airport and Downtown/Midtown, making MARTA one of the easiest ways to reach central Atlanta from the airport.
- For International Terminal, a free airport shuttle connects from the Domestic side.
College Park Station
Line: Red and Gold
Features:
- Large park-and-ride for south metro commuters
- Access to College Park neighborhoods and businesses
- Often used by travelers and airport employees who park and ride in
Eastside Stations (Decatur, Edgewood, and Beyond)
Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station
Line: Blue and Green
Useful for:
- Inman Park and Reynoldstown neighborhoods
- Eastside BeltLine trail access (short walk)
- Local restaurants and shops around Euclid and Edgewood corridors
King Memorial Station
Line: Blue and Green
Near:
- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (short walk or rideshare)
- Grant Park and surrounding neighborhoods (via bus or longer walk)
- Residential developments around Memorial Drive
Edgewood/Candler Park Station
Line: Blue and Green (east terminus of Green Line)
Serves:
- Edgewood and Candler Park neighborhoods
- Access to local parks, retail, and neighborhood restaurants
Decatur Station
Line: Blue Line
Located under the Decatur Square area:
- Very walkable to restaurants, bars, shops, and local government buildings
- Popular with Emory students and employees using bus connections
Indian Creek Station
Line: Blue Line (eastern terminus)
Primarily a park-and-ride station serving eastern Dekalb County residents commuting toward Downtown and Midtown.
Westside & Bankhead Line Stations
Bankhead Station
Line: Green Line (western terminus)
Key uses:
- Access to the Bankhead and Westside neighborhoods
- Close to growing development areas on the Westside, though some destinations may require a short bus ride or walk
Hamilton E. Holmes Station
Line: Blue Line (western terminus)
Park-and-ride focus:
- Serves commuters from the western edge of Atlanta and nearby suburbs
- Major bus connection point to West Atlanta neighborhoods
Quick Reference: Popular Destinations and the Best MARTA Stations
| Destination / Area | Best MARTA Station(s) | Line(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta Airport | Airport | Red, Gold |
| Mercedes-Benz Stadium | GWCC/CNN Center, Vine City | Blue, Green |
| State Farm Arena | GWCC/CNN Center | Blue, Green |
| Downtown Hotels (Peachtree corridor) | Peachtree Center | Red, Gold |
| Georgia State University | Georgia State | Blue |
| Georgia Tech (Tech Square vicinity) | North Avenue, Midtown | Red, Gold |
| Midtown Restaurants & Piedmont Park | Midtown | Red, Gold |
| Buckhead Shopping (Lenox area) | Lenox, Buckhead | Gold, Red |
| Decatur Square | Decatur | Blue |
| High Museum / Woodruff Arts Center | Arts Center | Red, Gold |
Parking, Buses, and Transfers at Atlanta MARTA Stations
Park-and-Ride Stations
Many Atlanta residents and visitors choose MARTA to avoid congestion and event traffic. Common park-and-ride stations include:
- North Springs (Red)
- Doraville (Gold)
- College Park (Red/Gold)
- Lindbergh Center (Red/Gold)
- Hamilton E. Holmes (Blue)
- Indian Creek (Blue)
Parking rules and availability can vary by station and time of day. It’s common for riders to:
- Park at an outer station
- Ride into Downtown or Midtown
- Return outside of peak traffic hours
Connecting Buses
Almost every major MARTA station has bus bays directly beside or under the rail platforms. These routes link the rail system to:
- Neighborhoods without rail access
- Major employers and campuses (including Emory University, Perimeter Center, and others)
- Shopping centers and residential areas beyond walking distance of stations
If you rely on bus transfers, it helps to:
- Note which bus routes serve your home or destination
- Allow a bit of buffer time for transferring between bus and train, especially during off-peak hours
Transfers Between Lines
You can transfer between MARTA lines at multiple points:
- Five Points – All lines intersect
- Lindbergh Center – Red/Gold transfer
- East Lake, Candler Park/Edgewood, Ashby – Blue/Green shared stations
Most riders use Five Points as the main transfer hub, but if your trip is between northern stations, Lindbergh Center can be more convenient.
Fares, Hours, and How to Use the Stations
Basic Fare System
MARTA typically uses a reloadable card or mobile payment system:
- You tap in at the fare gates when entering a station.
- Fares are generally flat across the system, regardless of distance.
- Passes for multiple days or trips are often used by frequent riders and visitors staying several days.
Ticket vending machines are located at all rail stations near the entrances.
Hours and Frequency
Common patterns riders experience:
- Trains generally start early morning and run until late night.
- Peak hours (weekday mornings and evenings) usually have more frequent service.
- Late nights and weekends may see longer waits between trains.
If you are catching a plane, allow extra time for possible waits and walking between station and gate.
Navigating Inside Stations
Most MARTA stations share a similar layout:
- Street Level: Station entrances, bus connections, street signage.
- Concourse Level: Fare machines, fare gates, customer assistance booths.
- Platform Level: Designated areas for each train direction, with electronic signs showing arrivals.
Look for signage that notes:
- The line color and final destination (e.g., “Red Line to North Springs,” “Gold Line to Airport”).
- Exit signs with street names or landmarks (especially at complex stations like Five Points and Peachtree Center).
Safety, Accessibility, and Practical Tips
Accessibility
Most Atlanta MARTA stations include:
- Elevators and escalators
- Marked accessible paths
- Priority seating areas on trains
If accessibility is important for your trip, it can help to:
- Allow a few extra minutes in case you need elevators instead of stairs.
- Identify which exit is closest to ramps or accessible sidewalks.
General Safety Habits
Riders commonly follow basic precautions:
- Stay on well-lit platform areas and near other riders, especially late at night.
- Keep valuables secured and out of easy reach.
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid blocking train doors.
Stations have call boxes and intercoms near platforms and fare gates for contacting MARTA personnel if needed.
MARTA Headquarters and Customer Support in Atlanta
If you need in-person or direct help with MARTA services, passes, or station-related questions, you can reach out to MARTA’s main offices in Atlanta.
Typical centralized locations include:
- MARTA Headquarters
2424 Piedmont Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Main Phone (commonly listed): (404) 848-5000
Customer service can help with:
- Route and station questions
- Lost and found inquiries
- Fare card and pass issues
- Accessibility and service information
You can also find assistance at station agent booths inside major stations such as Airport, Five Points, Lindbergh Center, and others during staffed hours.
Choosing the Right Atlanta MARTA Station for Your Needs
If you:
- Work in Midtown or Downtown: Stations like Midtown, Peachtree Center, Five Points, Arts Center, and North Avenue will likely be most important.
- Commute from suburbs or outer neighborhoods: Consider park-and-ride stations such as North Springs, Doraville, College Park, Hamilton E. Holmes, or Indian Creek.
- Visit major attractions or events: Focus on Airport, Five Points, GWCC/CNN Center, Vine City, Peachtree Center, Arts Center, and Midtown.
- Live in walkable intown neighborhoods: Stations like Inman Park/Reynoldstown, King Memorial, Candler Park/Edgewood, Decatur, and Bankhead can serve as everyday transit anchors.
Understanding how Atlanta’s MARTA stations line up with your home, hotel, job, or favorite spots makes the system far more useful—whether you live in the city or you’re just visiting and want to move around without sitting in traffic.