Atlanta Station: Your Guide to Atlantic Station in Atlanta, GA

When people in Atlanta say “Atlanta Station,” they’re almost always talking about Atlantic Station – a major mixed-use district on Atlanta’s Westside near Midtown. It’s part shopping center, part neighborhood, part entertainment hub, and a frequent destination for locals, office workers, and visitors.

This guide walks you through what Atlantic Station is, how to get there, what to do, where to park, and how it fits into the city so you can decide how it fits into your plans in Atlanta.

Where Atlantic Station Is and What It Is

Atlantic Station is a large live–work–play development built on the former Atlantic Steel Mill site, just west of Midtown.

• General area: West Midtown / Northwest of Midtown Atlanta
• Nearby landmarks: Georgia Tech, the Connector (I‑75/85), and the Howell Mill area
• Main retail core address:
  Atlantic Station
  1380 Atlantic Dr NW
  Atlanta, GA 30363

The district includes:

• Shops and restaurants (national chains and local spots)
• Residential buildings (apartments, condos, townhomes)
• Office towers
• A central park and plaza used for events
• Entertainment options like a movie theater and seasonal attractions

For many people, “Atlantic Station” is synonymous with walkable shopping, dining, and events just outside Midtown.

Getting to Atlantic Station

By Car

Atlantic Station is just off the Connector and I‑75.

Main access routes:

• From I‑75/I‑85 (Downtown Connector):
  • Use the 17th Street exit and follow signs for Atlantic Station.
• From Northside Drive NW:
  • Turn onto 17th Street NW heading east.

⚠️ Traffic around rush hour and on weekends can be heavy, especially at 17th Street and the Connector, so build in extra time if you have a movie time or reservation.

Parking at Atlantic Station

Atlantic Station was built with a large underground parking deck beneath much of the retail area.

Typical parking experience:

• Multi-level deck with clearly marked zones and color-coded sections
• Elevators and stairs connecting directly to shops and the main plaza
• Payment kiosks and license-plate scanning in many areas

Policies can change, but you’ll usually find:

• Short-term parking options for shoppers and diners
• Payment via kiosks or mobile apps
• Designated accessible parking and elevator access

If you’re visiting during major events (holiday ice skating, festivals, big game weekends), consider:

• Arriving earlier than you think you need to
• Parking closer to the edges of the deck (to avoid congestion near the main exits)
• Writing down or taking a photo of your level, color, and section

By MARTA

Atlantic Station is not directly on a MARTA rail line, but it’s accessible via rail + shuttle or bus.

1. Rail + Free Shuttle (commonly used):

• Ride MARTA Red or Gold line to:
  • Arts Center Station (most common rail connection)
• From Arts Center:
  • Look for the Atlantic Station shuttle (often called the “FREE RIDE” shuttle).
  • This shuttle connects Arts Center Station to Atlantic Station’s central area.

The shuttle is popular with:

• Office workers in Atlantic Station
• Georgia Tech students and staff
• Visitors staying in Midtown without a car

2. MARTA Bus:

Several bus routes serve or pass near Atlantic Station and Northside Drive. Routes may change over time, so it’s best to:

• Check current MARTA bus route maps
• Confirm exact stop locations and schedules before you go

What You’ll Find at Atlantic Station

Atlantic Station is designed to feel like a compact, walkable urban district. Once you park or step off the shuttle, you can stroll between most areas.

Shopping

You’ll find a mix of:

• National retailers (clothing, shoes, accessories, home goods)
• Specialty stores (fitness, beauty, electronics, etc.)
• Seasonal or pop-up shops during busy times of year

Common uses for locals:

• Running errands for clothes, gifts, or home items
• Picking up last-minute items before events or travel
• Window shopping while grabbing lunch or coffee

Dining and Nightlife

Restaurants range from casual to sit-down and usually include:

• Fast-casual spots for a quick lunch or takeout
• Sit-down restaurants suitable for date night or family dinners
• Coffee shops and dessert spots
• Bars or lounges for after-work drinks or game-night meetups

If you’re coming during peak dinner hours (especially weekends and event nights):

• Expect longer waits at popular spots
• Consider calling ahead where possible
• Plan extra time for parking and walking in

Entertainment and Things to Do

Depending on the time of year, Atlantic Station can feel like an ongoing event space.

Common attractions include:

• Movie theater – for current releases, often a go-to for Midtown and Westside residents
• Seasonal ice skating rink – typically set up in the central area during the winter holidays
• Outdoor markets or festivals – artisan markets, food festivals, cultural events
• Fitness or wellness events – outdoor workouts, charity walks, and more

Many Atlantans use Atlantic Station as an easy meetup point because you can:

• Park once
• Eat, shop, and catch a movie or event
• Walk around without needing a car again until you leave

Events and Community Activities

Atlantic Station regularly hosts public events in its main park and streets. These often include:

• Holiday celebrations and tree lighting-style events
• Live music or DJ nights
• Pop-up experiences tied to sports, brands, or local organizations
• Neighborhood-focused events for residents

If you’re sensitive to crowds or noise, be aware:

• Event days can feel much busier than normal
• Parking can fill up more quickly and spill onto nearby streets
• ATL traffic may back up coming off 17th Street

If you enjoy a lively atmosphere, those same days can be a great time to explore.

Living and Working in Atlantic Station

Atlantic Station isn’t just a shopping center; it’s also a neighborhood and office district.

Residential Options

The area includes:

• Mid-rise and high-rise apartments
• Condominiums
• Townhomes along smaller side streets

People who live here often choose it for:

• Walkability – groceries, food, and basic services on foot
• Proximity to Midtown, Downtown, Georgia Tech, and West Midtown
• Easy access to the Connector and MARTA via shuttle

If you’re considering moving to Atlanta and want an urban lifestyle without living directly in Midtown or Downtown, Atlantic Station is often on the short list.

Office and Workspaces

Several corporate offices and multi-tenant office buildings are based in Atlantic Station. For workers, the area offers:

• On-site dining and errands within walking distance
• Rail access via Arts Center + shuttle
• A built-in place to meet colleagues for lunch or coffee

During weekday rush hours, the mix of residents, office workers, and visitors can make the area feel very active.

Atlantic Station vs. Other Atlanta “Stations”

Some people get confused by the name “Atlanta Station” because Atlanta has multiple “station” areas:

If you’re planning a visit:

• “Atlantic Station” = shopping, dining, entertainment neighborhood
• “Arts Center Station” = MARTA rail stop you may use to get to Atlantic Station by shuttle

Tips for Visiting Atlantic Station

A few practical pointers for Atlantans and visitors:

• Check event calendars before you go if you’re crowd-averse or planning a quiet meal.
• Plan your parking: know where you’re going in the district so you can park near the elevator closest to your destination.
• Use MARTA + shuttle if you want to avoid parking stress, especially during major events.
• Bring layers for outdoor events: Atlantic Station is fairly open and can feel windy in winter or cooler evenings.
• Walk the side streets if you have time – you’ll see more of the residential side and get a better feel for the neighborhood beyond the main plaza.

If someone in Atlanta mentions “meeting at Atlanta Station,” they almost certainly mean Atlantic Station—a central, convenient spot for shopping, entertainment, and urban living just west of Midtown. Understanding how to get there, where to park, and what’s available on-site makes it much easier to fit into your Atlanta plans.