Getting Around by Rail: Your Guide to the Atlanta Train Station and Rail Options

If you search for “Atlanta train station”, you’ll quickly realize there isn’t just one main station like in some older East Coast cities. Atlanta’s rail system is split between Amtrak, MARTA rail, and commuter/long-distance bus hubs that connect with trains.

This guide breaks down exactly where to go, what each station does, and how to use Atlanta’s rail options whether you live here, are visiting, or just passing through.

The Main Long-Distance Atlanta Train Station: Amtrak Peachtree Station

For intercity passenger trains, Atlanta is served by:

Amtrak Peachtree Station
1688 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
(Located in the Brookwood/Peachtree Hills area between Midtown and Buckhead)

This is Atlanta’s only Amtrak station and the main answer to “Where is the train station in Atlanta?” if you’re talking about city-to-city rail travel.

Trains Serving Atlanta

Atlanta is on Amtrak’s Crescent route, which runs between:

• New York City ↔ Atlanta ↔ New Orleans

From Atlanta, you can typically travel by train to cities such as:

• Northbound: Gainesville (GA), Greenville (SC), Charlotte (NC), Washington, DC, Philadelphia, New York City
• Southbound: Birmingham (AL), Meridian (MS), New Orleans (LA)

Service is usually once daily in each direction, often at off-peak hours (late night/early morning), so it’s important to check the current schedule and arrive early.

What to Expect at Amtrak Peachtree Station

Peachtree Station is smaller and more basic than big city terminals, but it covers the essentials:

• Indoor waiting area
• Ticketing and check-in counters (limited hours)
• Checked baggage available on certain trains/destinations
• Restrooms
• Short-term parking and passenger pickup/drop-off zones

Food options are limited in the station itself, but there are restaurants and cafes along Peachtree Street within a short walk or quick rideshare.

Getting To and From Amtrak Peachtree Station

Since the station is not directly on a MARTA rail line, many riders use:

• 🚕 Rideshare or taxi – Common and usually the most direct.
• 🚗 Driving – Short-term parking is available; long-term options may require nearby garages or lots.
• 🚌 Bus + walk – MARTA bus routes along Peachtree St may work depending on where you’re coming from.
• 🚇 MARTA rail + rideshare – A common combo:
  • From Midtown Station or Arts Center Station, take a short rideshare trip up Peachtree St.
  • From Buckhead/Lindbergh Center, you can also connect by bus or rideshare.

If your train arrives very late or very early (which is common), plan transportation ahead—especially if you’re unfamiliar with the city or staying far from Midtown/Buckhead.

Atlanta’s Everyday “Train Stations”: MARTA Rail

When locals talk about “taking the train” in Atlanta, they usually mean MARTA, not Amtrak.

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) operates Atlanta’s heavy rail system, connecting:

• Downtown
• Midtown
• Buckhead
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Parts of DeKalb and Fulton counties

There isn’t a single MARTA “train station” but a network of stations across the city.

Key MARTA Rail Lines

MARTA has color-coded rail lines:

• Red Line – North Springs ↔ Airport
• Gold Line – Doraville ↔ Airport
• Blue Line – Hamilton E. Holmes ↔ Indian Creek
• Green Line – Bankhead ↔ Edgewood/Candler Park

All four lines intersect in Downtown Atlanta, which makes transferring between parts of the metro relatively straightforward.

Major MARTA Stations Visitors and Residents Use Most

Here are some of the most commonly used MARTA “train stations” in the city:

If you live in Atlanta or visit often, these are the stations you’ll likely pass through the most.

How MARTA Connects With Amtrak in Atlanta

Because Amtrak Peachtree Station does not sit directly on a MARTA rail line, there’s no single integrated “central terminal.” Instead, you connect via short transfers.

Common Ways to Connect

If you’re coming from the Airport to catch an Amtrak train:

1. Take MARTA Red or Gold Line from Airport Station.
2. Get off at Midtown Station or Arts Center Station.
3. Take a rideshare, taxi, or bus up Peachtree Street to Amtrak Peachtree Station.

If you’re staying Downtown:

• Ride MARTA from Five Points, Peachtree Center, or Civic Center to Midtown or Arts Center, then transfer to a rideshare or bus.

If you’re staying in Buckhead or north Atlanta:

• You may be closer to Peachtree Station already; rideshare, taxi, or certain bus routes can be very direct.

Because Amtrak times can be very early or late, trains often operate outside typical MARTA or bus peak hours, so double-check both Amtrak and MARTA schedules in advance.

Other Rail-Adjacent Hubs: Where Trains, Buses, and Shuttles Meet

Atlanta also has several multimodal hubs where rail meets bus or shuttle service. These are not “train stations” in the classic sense but are important if you’re coordinating longer trips.

Five Points Station (MARTA’s Core Hub)

Location: Broad St SW & Alabama St SW, Downtown Atlanta

Five Points is the central MARTA rail hub, where:

• Red, Gold, Blue, and Green lines intersect
• Many local bus routes originate or pass through

If you’re transferring between different sides of the city by train or bus, Five Points is often your main connection point.

Airport Station at Hartsfield–Jackson

Location: Inside the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim

Airport Station is one of the busiest “train stations” in Atlanta, even though it’s part of MARTA:

• Direct access between Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead and the airport
• Connections to:
  • Airport shuttles
  • Rental car center (via SkyTrain)
  • Hotel courtesy shuttles

For many visitors, this is the first Atlanta train station they ever see.

If You’re New to Atlanta: Which “Train Station” Do You Actually Need?

When people search for “Atlanta train station”, they’re often looking for one of three different things. Here’s how to figure out which one applies to you:

1. Traveling Between Cities by Train

You’re likely looking for:

• Amtrak Peachtree Station – 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

Use this if you’re going:

• From Atlanta to another major city (like New Orleans, Birmingham, Charlotte, DC, New York)
• Or arriving in Atlanta from another state by train

2. Getting Around Within Atlanta by Train

You want MARTA rail stations, such as:

• Airport Station – for flights
• Five Points – for Downtown and transfers
• Midtown / Arts Center – for central city activities
• Buckhead / Lenox – for shops, offices, and hotels

Use these for local commutes, exploring the city, events, and airport runs.

3. Combining Rail With Bus or Car Travel

You might need:

• Five Points Station – rail + local buses
• Airport Station – rail + airport shuttles + interstate flights
• Neighborhood MARTA stations – for park-and-ride, then transfer to rail

For long-distance bus travel, many operators use separate bus terminals rather than train stations, but you can often reach them using MARTA.

Practical Tips for Using Atlanta’s Train Stations

A few Atlanta-specific pointers make rail travel smoother:

For Amtrak Peachtree Station

• Arrive early. Long-distance trains sometimes adjust boarding procedures, especially at smaller stations.
• Plan for late/early hours. The Crescent often arrives and departs overnight or around dawn.
• Arrange pickup ahead of time. Let your ride know trains can be delayed; keep your phone charged.

For MARTA Rail

• Get a Breeze Card or ticket at any MARTA station.
• Trains usually run more frequently during weekday rush hours and less often late at night and early Sunday mornings.
• At Five Points, follow the color-coded signs carefully—this is where most out-of-towners get turned around.

Safety and Comfort

• Stations in Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead tend to be busy during commute and event times, which many riders find reassuring.
• As in any big city, keep valuables secure and stay aware of your surroundings, especially at off-peak hours.
• Pay attention to platform announcements; they’ll let you know about any service changes or delays.

Quick Reference: Which Atlanta Train Station for What?

Use this at-a-glance guide when you’re planning a trip:

• Intercity train (Amtrak):
  → Amtrak Peachtree Station – 1688 Peachtree St NW

• Airport ↔ Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead by train:
  → MARTA Airport Station inside Hartsfield–Jackson

• Local train transfers within the city:
  → MARTA Five Points Station in Downtown

• Tourist stays in Midtown/Downtown using rail:
  → Nearby stations: Peachtree Center, Midtown, Arts Center

Focusing on what kind of “train” you mean—Amtrak vs. MARTA will quickly point you to the right Atlanta station and help you plan a smoother trip in and around the city.