Getting Around by Bus in Atlanta: A Local Guide to MARTA and Beyond

If you’re searching for “Bus Atlanta,” you’re probably trying to figure out how to get around the city using public transit—whether you live here, you’re visiting, or you’re planning a future trip. Atlanta’s bus network is centered on MARTA, with several regional systems serving the broader metro area.

This guide walks you through how buses work in Atlanta, key routes, how to pay, safety tips, and how to connect buses with trains and other options.

The Main Atlanta Bus System: MARTA

The primary bus system in the city of Atlanta is operated by MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority).

MARTA Headquarters
2424 Piedmont Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Customer Information: 404-848-5000

MARTA runs most of the local city buses you’ll see inside Atlanta, especially:

• In-town neighborhoods (Midtown, Downtown, West End, Grant Park, Buckhead)
• Major corridors like Peachtree Street, Memorial Drive, Moreland Avenue, and Metropolitan Parkway
• Connections to MARTA rail stations and major job centers

MARTA buses are designed to connect where people live with where they work, go to school, shop, and catch trains.

Types of Bus Services in and around Atlanta

MARTA Local Buses

These are the standard city buses you’ll use most often. They:

• Stop frequently along major streets
• Connect to MARTA train stations
• Serve residential neighborhoods and commercial areas

You’ll recognize them by the MARTA logo and route number on the front and sides.

MARTA Rapid Bus Routes (Where Available)

On some high-demand corridors, MARTA aims for more frequent service, especially during weekday rush hours. These routes often:

• Run more often than typical neighborhood lines
• Connect directly to major stations or job centers
• Use bus-only lanes or transit priority where the city has installed them

Exact corridors can change over time, so it’s good to check current route maps or signs at major stops.

Regional Partner Bus Systems

If you’re going to or from the suburbs, you may see other bus systems:

• CobbLinc (Cobb County) – buses between Cobb County and parts of Atlanta
• Gwinnett County Transit (Ride Gwinnett) – buses from Gwinnett into metro connections
• Xpress (operated by the State Road and Tollway Authority) – commuter buses from many suburbs into central Atlanta

These systems often connect to MARTA rail/bus hubs, but they have separate fares and passes.

Key Bus Hubs and Transfer Points in Atlanta

Several MARTA stations and locations act as major bus hubs where you can transfer between multiple routes:

If you’re unfamiliar with Atlanta, starting your trip from a major MARTA rail station often makes bus navigation much easier.

How to Pay for the Bus in Atlanta

Breeze Card and Breeze Ticket

MARTA’s main payment system is the Breeze Card (reusable plastic card) and Breeze Ticket (paper, shorter-term).

You can typically:

• Buy or reload a Breeze Card at MARTA rail stations via vending machines
• Add value (stored cash) or trip passes
• Tap your card on the blue reader when boarding the bus

Breeze Cards are usually more cost-effective for regular riders, while Breeze Tickets are helpful for short visits.

Paying with Cash

Many MARTA buses still allow you to pay with exact cash at the farebox:

• Have exact change ready; drivers do not make change
• Drop coins/bills into the farebox when you board
• You will not get a transfer credit to rail without a Breeze Card or Ticket, so if you plan to switch to the train, a Breeze product is strongly recommended

For the most current fare amount and pass details, it’s best to call MARTA or check at a station, as prices may be updated over time.

Finding Routes and Schedules in Atlanta

If you’re not used to Atlanta’s bus system, planning ahead makes a big difference.

Ways to Plan Your Trip

• Printed bus maps & schedules: Available at major MARTA stations like Five Points, Lindbergh Center, and Airport
• Customer Service by Phone: Call 404-848-5000 for route help and to confirm schedules
• Physical bus stop signs: Most stops list the route numbers and often show a basic schedule or QR code

When planning:

• Note whether you’re traveling weekday vs. weekend, as frequency can change
• Check start and end times; some routes do not run late at night or early mornings
• Look for “Inbound/Outbound” or direction names to know which side of the street you should be on

Popular Bus Corridors and Areas in Atlanta

Here are some of the types of trips where Atlanta buses are especially useful:

Getting Around Downtown and Midtown

• Buses along Peachtree Street, North Avenue, and 10th Street connect Midtown, Downtown, and nearby neighborhoods.
• If you’re visiting places like Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, the Fox Theatre, Centennial Olympic Park, or the Georgia Aquarium, you can often combine a short bus ride with a MARTA rail trip.

Neighborhood Connections

Buses link many in-town neighborhoods directly to MARTA rail:

• Grant Park / Zoo Atlanta – accessed via bus routes from King Memorial or Five Points
• East Atlanta Village & Little Five Points – served by buses from Inman Park/Reynoldstown or Edgewood/Candler Park stations
• West End & Westview – buses from West End Station
• Buckhead – buses from Buckhead, Lindbergh Center, and Lenox stations

Airport Access

The Airport Station is directly inside Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. From there:

• You can take buses to south Atlanta neighborhoods
• Many people ride the train into Downtown or Midtown, then connect to a bus for the last mile to their hotel or residence

Where to Buy or Reload Breeze Cards in Atlanta

You can handle most fare needs at MARTA rail stations. Common central locations include:

• Five Points Station – 30 Alabama St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Peachtree Center Station – 216 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Midtown Station – 41 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Lindbergh Center Station – 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
• Airport Station – inside Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

These stations typically have ticket vending machines where you can:

• Buy Breeze Cards or Tickets
• Add trips, day passes, or cash value
• Change language settings and get on-screen guidance

Accessibility on Atlanta Buses

MARTA buses are generally designed to be accessible for riders with disabilities:

• Most buses have ramps or lifts for wheelchair users
• Priority seating is reserved near the front of the bus
• Announcements often call out major stops and transfer points

For assistance or to learn about paratransit (MARTA Mobility) service in Atlanta, you can call MARTA’s main customer information line at 404-848-5000 and ask to be directed to accessibility or mobility services.

Safety and Comfort Tips for Riding Buses in Atlanta

Many Atlanta residents use the bus every day for work and school. A few practical tips:

• Arrive early: Aim to be at your stop 5–10 minutes before the scheduled time.
• Stand where you’re visible: Especially at smaller stops, step forward as the bus approaches so the driver sees you.
• Have your fare ready: Tap your Breeze Card or have exact cash in hand before boarding.
• Use the rear door when exiting (if available): This speeds up boarding for new passengers.
• Keep valuables secure: As in any major city, it’s wise to keep bags zipped and electronics out of easy reach.
• Watch for “Stop Requested”: Pull the cord or press the stop button a block before your destination so the driver can stop safely.

Using Buses with MARTA Trains and Other Options

Many trips in Atlanta are fastest when you combine bus and rail:

• Take a train along the north–south or east–west corridors
• Transfer to a bus at a station near your destination
• Use buses for the “last mile” to neighborhoods that don’t have rail stations

Other regional options like CobbLinc, Ride Gwinnett, and Xpress can connect you from the suburbs into Atlanta, where you can then switch to MARTA buses for local travel.

If you’re commuting into the city, it’s common to:

1. Park at a suburban park-and-ride or station
2. Take a regional or MARTA bus or train into Atlanta
3. Use a short local bus ride or walk from a central station to your office

Who to Contact for Help with Atlanta Buses

If you need route guidance, fare information, or help with lost items:

• MARTA Customer Information: 404-848-5000
  • General route and schedule questions
  • Breeze Card and fare information
  • Service alerts and detours

For suburban or regional buses, contact the specific agency (for example, CobbLinc or Xpress), but if you’re mainly staying inside the city of Atlanta, MARTA will be your primary resource.

Atlanta’s bus network can look complex at first, but once you learn the main hubs and how to use Breeze Cards, it becomes a practical way to move between Atlanta’s neighborhoods, job centers, and attractions—especially when combined with MARTA rail.