Getting Around on the “Atlanta Subway”: What You Really Need to Know About MARTA

If you search for “Atlanta subway,” what you’re really looking for is Atlanta’s rail system: MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority). Atlanta doesn’t have a “subway” in the New York or London sense, but MARTA’s trains and buses function as the city’s main public transit backbone.

This guide walks you through how Atlanta’s “subway” works, where it goes, how to use it as a resident or visitor, and what to expect on a typical trip.

Does Atlanta Have a Subway?

Short answer: Atlanta has a rail transit system, but it’s mostly above ground, with a few underground segments downtown. Locals and visitors usually just call it “MARTA” or “the MARTA train,” not “the subway.”

Key points:

• System name: MARTA Rail
• Type: Heavy rail (similar to a classic subway/metro)
• Coverage: Primarily the City of Atlanta, plus parts of Fulton, DeKalb, and Clayton counties
• Includes:
  • 4 colored rail lines (Red, Gold, Blue, Green)
  • A wide network of MARTA bus routes
  • Streetcar service in Downtown Atlanta

If you’re planning to get around Atlanta without a car, MARTA is the closest thing the city has to a subway system.

MARTA Rail Lines at a Glance

MARTA’s rail network is organized around four color-coded lines that intersect downtown:

All four lines cross near Five Points Station, the main downtown transfer hub.

Major MARTA Stations Visitors & Locals Use Most

If you’re visiting or commuting to key Atlanta neighborhoods, certain stations will stand out:

Airport Station (Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport)

• Located inside the Domestic Terminal, at the south end of the airport.
• Connects directly to Red and Gold lines.
• Very popular with travelers heading to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and beyond.

Five Points Station (Downtown)

• MARTA’s central hub.
• Where north–south (Red/Gold) and east–west (Blue/Green) lines meet.
• Walkable to:
  • Government and business buildings
  • Underground Atlanta area
  • Some downtown hotels and attractions

Peachtree Center Station (Downtown)

• Serves central Downtown Atlanta.
• Useful for:
  • Major hotels and office towers
  • Georgia World Congress Center area (with some walking or transfers)
  • Tourist areas around Peachtree Street

Civic Center & North Avenue Stations (Midtown/Old Fourth Ward Edge)

• Civic Center: good for downtown–midtown transition areas.
• North Avenue: close to Georgia Tech (via bus or walking), Fox Theatre, and portions of Midtown.

Midtown, Arts Center & North Stations (Midtown & Buckhead)

• Midtown Station: Central Midtown, near restaurants, apartments, and offices.
• Arts Center Station: Access to High Museum of Art, Woodruff Arts Center, and some cultural institutions.
• Buckhead/Lindbergh Center Stations: Serve Buckhead’s business and shopping corridors and some residential areas.

Decatur Stations (East of Atlanta)

• Decatur Station (Blue/Green access nearby): Right at Downtown Decatur’s square, with shops, restaurants, and residential areas.
• Useful for commuters and students at nearby colleges.

How to Ride MARTA (Atlanta’s “Subway”) Step by Step

Whether you live in Atlanta or you’re in town for a few days, using MARTA is straightforward once you know the basics.

1. Getting a Breeze Card or Ticket

To ride MARTA trains (and buses), you’ll need either:

• A Breeze Card (reusable plastic card), or
• A Breeze Ticket (paper, short-term use)

You can buy and reload these at MARTA station vending machines. Many stations have staff nearby during busier hours if you need help.

Common steps:

1. Go to a Breeze vending machine in the station.
2. Choose new card/ticket or reload.
3. Add fare (single trip, multi-trip, or stored value).
4. Pay by cash or card (depending on machine setup).
5. Tap your Breeze card/ticket on the blue circle at the fare gate to enter.

2. Understanding Fares (General Overview)

Fares are kept simple and flat across most trips:

• Typically one base fare covers a train trip within the system.
• Transfers between bus and rail are generally allowed within a specific time window if you use a Breeze Card.
• Discount programs may exist for seniors, people with disabilities, and students, usually with eligibility verification.

For precise fare amounts and discounts, check posted signs at stations or contact MARTA directly.

3. Finding the Right Train

Inside the station:

• Follow signs for the line color and direction you need:
  • Red/Gold = north–south
  • Blue/Green = east–west
• Overhead signs and platform displays show:
  • Line color
  • End-of-line destination
  • Approximate wait time

Example:

• If you’re leaving the Airport and heading to Midtown, you can take either Red (North Springs) or Gold (Doraville) northbound from Airport Station.

4. On the Train

Once on board:

• Trains are typically one level, with bench-style seats and standing areas.
• Overhead or side displays and announcements note upcoming stations.
• Many regular riders:
  • Keep bags close
  • Avoid blocking doors
  • Stay aware of surroundings, especially late at night

5. Exiting & Transferring

• At your stop, exit the train and follow signs to street level or to another line/platform if transferring.
• To leave the station, tap your Breeze card/ticket again at the fare gate.

Where MARTA Can Take You in Atlanta

Here’s how MARTA works for some common Atlanta destinations:

From the Airport to Downtown & Midtown

• To Downtown: Take Red or Gold northbound from the Airport. Major downtown stops:
  • College Park
  • West End
  • Garnett
  • Five Points
  • Peachtree Center
• To Midtown: Stay on Red/Gold past Peachtree Center:
  • North Avenue
  • Midtown
  • Arts Center

This route is popular with visitors heading to hotels along Peachtree Street.

To Buckhead & North Atlanta

• From Airport or Downtown, continue north on:
  • Red Line: to North Springs, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody
  • Gold Line: to Doraville
• Key Buckhead-area stops:
  • Lindbergh Center
  • Buckhead

To Decatur & Eastside Neighborhoods

• Take Blue or Green Line eastbound from Five Points or other downtown stations.
• Popular stations:
  • Inman Park/Reynoldstown (near BeltLine Eastside Trail areas, with some walking/biking)
  • Edgewood/Candler Park
  • Decatur

MARTA vs. Driving in Atlanta

For many locals, the choice between MARTA and driving depends on time of day, destination, and personal comfort with transit.

Reasons people choose MARTA:

• To avoid rush-hour I‑75/I‑85 and GA‑400 traffic
• More predictable travel time to/from the airport
• No need to pay for parking downtown or at events
• Straightforward commute if they live/office near a station

Limitations to keep in mind:

• Rail doesn’t cover every neighborhood; many residential areas rely more on cars or buses.
• Travel late at night can feel less comfortable for some riders due to lower crowds and less frequent service.
• For some suburban trips, door-to-door travel by MARTA can take significantly longer than driving.

A common pattern in Atlanta is a “park-and-ride” approach: drive to a MARTA station with parking, then take the train downtown, to Midtown, or the airport.

Park-and-Ride & Parking at Stations

MARTA operates park-and-ride lots at select stations, especially in outer parts of the system. Some stations have large parking decks.

Examples of stations with notable parking:

• North Springs
• Dunwoody
• Lindbergh Center
• College Park
• Doraville
• Kensington
• Hamilton E. Holmes

Typical details:

• Many lots are free or low-cost for daily parking.
• Overnight or multi-day parking rules may be different; check posted signs or kiosks.
• Lots can be busier on weekdays during commuter peaks.

Buses, Streetcar & Connections

The “Atlanta subway” experience often includes buses and the streetcar, especially if you’re not right next to a rail station.

MARTA Bus Network

• Dozens of routes across the city and nearby suburbs.
• Many buses connect rail stations to residential neighborhoods, job centers, and shopping areas.
• If you’re planning a trip:
  • Allow a bit of extra time for bus transfers.
  • Check station signage or on-board maps for route numbers and destinations.

Atlanta Streetcar (Downtown)

• A short streetcar loop operates in Downtown Atlanta.
• Connects key points like:
  • Peachtree Center area
  • Sweet Auburn District
• Useful for short trips within downtown once you’ve arrived by train.

Safety & Comfort on Atlanta’s “Subway”

Experiences vary, but there are some common practices many riders follow to feel more comfortable:

• Travel in busier cars rather than nearly empty ones when possible.
• Keep phones, bags, and valuables close and visible.
• Stay aware of service announcements and follow instructions from MARTA staff if there’s a delay or incident.
• Late at night, some riders prefer:
  • Standing near the operator’s car or mid-train
  • Choosing well-lit station exits close to their destination

MARTA Transit Police and station attendants are present across the system, especially at major stations.

Accessibility & Rider Support

MARTA’s rail system includes features designed to support riders with mobility or sensory needs:

• Elevators and ramps at most stations
• Level boarding or small gaps at many train doors
• Visual and audio announcements for stops
• Designated priority seating

If you need specific assistance, you can speak with station staff where available or contact MARTA’s customer service in advance for guidance on routes and services.

Key MARTA Locations & Contact Information

If you’re planning regular use of Atlanta’s “subway,” it can help to know how to reach MARTA directly.

MARTA Headquarters (Administrative Offices)
2424 Piedmont Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30324

MARTA Customer Service (general information, schedules, fares)
Phone: typically reachable via a central customer service line (check official MARTA resources or station posters for the current number and hours).

You can also find printed maps and brochures at many major stations, especially:

• Airport Station
• Five Points Station
• Midtown Station
• Lindbergh Center Station

These typically include rail maps, bus route listings, and basic fare information.

Using MARTA as Atlanta’s version of a subway can save time, money, and stress—especially between the airport, Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and Decatur. Once you’re familiar with the rail lines, Breeze cards, and major stations, getting around the city without a car becomes much more manageable.