Five Points Atlanta: A Local Guide to the Heart of Downtown

Five Points is often described as the historic and geographic heart of Atlanta. If you live in the city, commute through downtown, or are visiting for the first time, you’ll almost certainly pass through this area at some point.

This guide breaks down what Five Points is, why it matters, what you’ll find there today, and how to navigate it like a local.

What Is Five Points in Atlanta?

In Atlanta, “Five Points” refers to:

• A major intersection where five streets meet
• A central downtown district around that intersection
• A key MARTA station that serves as the system’s main transfer hub

Historically, Five Points grew up around the junction of Peachtree Street, Marietta Street, Edgewood Avenue, Decatur Street, and Whitehall Street (now part of Peachtree Street SW). This crossing became the city’s early commercial center and remains a central reference point for getting around Atlanta.

Today, when people say “Five Points,” they usually mean:

• The intersection and surrounding downtown blocks
• The Five Points MARTA station
• The nearby retail and office core in downtown Atlanta

Where Exactly Is Five Points?

Five Points sits in downtown Atlanta, in Fulton County.

Approximate center of the area:

• Near the intersection of Peachtree St NW / SW & Marietta St NW & Edgewood Ave SE
• Roughly between Underground Atlanta and the MARTA Five Points Station

If you’re navigating:

• From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: Five Points is north on I-75/85 or a direct ride on MARTA’s Red or Gold rail lines.
• From Midtown: Head south on Peachtree Street or take MARTA a few stops down.

Five Points MARTA Station: The Transit Core

For many Atlantans, Five Points = transit.

Key Facts About Five Points Station

• Station name: Five Points Station
• Type: Main transfer hub for MARTA rail
• Lines served:
  • Red Line and Gold Line (north–south)
  • Blue Line and Green Line (east–west)
• Role: Primary place to transfer between rail lines

From Five Points, you can reach:

• Airport Station (southbound Red/Gold)
• Midtown, Buckhead, North Springs, Doraville (northbound Red/Gold)
• Decatur, East Lake (eastbound Blue)
• West Lake, Hamilton E. Holmes, Bankhead (westbound Blue/Green)

Street Access Points

Five Points Station has entrances around:

• Alabama Street SW
• Peachtree Street SW
• Near Underground Atlanta

If you’re new to MARTA, look for clearly marked signs above street level; the station is largely underground.

Why It Matters for Locals and Visitors

• Commuters use it as a central transfer and bus connection point.
• Visitors rely on it to reach:
  • State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium (via westbound lines)
  • Peachtree Center, Midtown, and Buckhead (via northbound lines)
  • East Atlanta-area stops like King Memorial and Decatur (via eastbound lines)

What’s Around Five Points? Nearby Landmarks & Districts

Five Points is a launch point for several downtown attractions and districts.

Major Spots Within Walking Distance

• Underground Atlanta

  • Historic complex just south of Five Points
  • Known for events, nightlife, and creative spaces as it continues to evolve

• Georgia State University (Downtown Campus)

  • Many buildings and student housing areas spread just east and north of Five Points
  • The GSU community brings a steady flow of students through the area

• Woodruff Park

  • A few blocks north of the Five Points intersection
  • Popular open space for office workers, students, and occasional events

• Centennial Olympic Park area (slightly farther but walkable)

  • Home to attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola, accessible via a moderate walk or a short rail hop

If you’re staying in a downtown hotel, Five Points may be the closest or most convenient station for getting around the city.

Five Points vs. Little Five Points: Don’t Mix Them Up

Many people confuse Five Points with Little Five Points, but they’re very different places.

If someone tells you to meet in “Five Points”, clarify whether they mean downtown Five Points or Little Five Points, especially if you’re coordinating with locals who might shorten both names.

A Brief History of Five Points

Understanding Five Points helps explain Atlanta itself.

Early Crossroads

Five Points developed where early dirt roads and trading paths intersected. As Atlanta grew around the railroad, this crossing became a natural center for commerce, shops, and offices.

Streetcar and Commercial Boom

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries:

• Streetcars, shops, banks, and offices made Five Points the busy downtown core.
• Much of the city’s retail and business activity concentrated in this area.

Underground and Modern Changes

As the city modernized:

• New streets and elevated viaducts created what later became Underground Atlanta, with the older street level preserved below.
• In the late 20th century, MARTA rail construction solidified Five Points as the primary transit hub.
• Today, the area continues to see redevelopment, student housing expansion, and shifts in retail and office use.

For residents, this means that Five Points is both historic and in transition, with its role evolving as downtown changes.

Getting To and From Five Points

By MARTA Rail

Five Points is one of the easiest places to reach by train in Atlanta:

• From the airport: Take the Red or Gold Line north; Five Points is along the route.
• From Midtown or Buckhead: Take Red or Gold Line south.
• From Decatur or the east side: Take Blue or Green Line west.
• From the Westside: Take Blue or Green Line east.

Five Points is the main interchange if you need to switch trains to reach other parts of the city.

By Bus

Many MARTA bus routes serve Five Points, using nearby streets as bus bays and stops. If you use a bus to commute downtown, there’s a good chance your route connects here.

By Car

Driving directly to the Five Points intersection is possible but not always convenient:

• Streets around Five Points can be busy and one-way.
• Parking is typically in paid lots and garages throughout downtown.
• If you’re new to the area, many visitors prefer parking a bit farther out and riding MARTA into Five Points.

Safety, Street Navigation, and Local Tips

Like many central urban areas, Five Points is high-traffic and busy, especially on weekdays.

General Street-Smart Tips

• Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
• Keep belongings secure in crowded areas and on trains.
• Use well-lit, busier routes when walking after dark.
• Follow posted directions in the station; it’s large and can feel maze-like if you’re unfamiliar.

Timing Your Visit

• Weekday mornings and late afternoons: Heaviest commuter traffic.
• Midday: Busy but generally easier to navigate.
• Weekends: Can be quieter on the streets, but events or games nearby may bring crowds through.

If you’re attending a downtown event (concert, game, convention), Five Points is often a key transfer point for rail lines, so expect more people passing through.

Government, City Services, and Institutions Near Five Points

Because of its central location, Five Points is close to several government and institutional buildings that many residents eventually need to visit.

Examples in the larger downtown area (walkable or a short MARTA ride):

• Atlanta City Hall – 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Fulton County Government Center – 141 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Georgia State Capitol – 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334

If you have business with city, county, or state offices in downtown, using Five Points Station as your transit entry point can be practical and predictable.

Living, Working, or Staying Near Five Points

For Downtown Workers

If you work downtown, Five Points is:

• A central transfer if you live along any MARTA line
• A hub for bus-to-rail connections
• Surrounded by offices, banks, and government buildings

Many workers choose housing or park-and-ride options based on how easily they can reach Five Points.

For Students

Georgia State University students frequently:

• Transfer through Five Points on their way to campus
• Use nearby stations like Georgia State (on the Blue Line) but still pass through Five Points to switch lines

If you’re a new GSU student from out of town, expect Five Points to become part of your regular commute vocabulary.

For Visitors and Hotel Guests

If you’re staying in a downtown Atlanta hotel:

• Check whether Five Points Station or Peachtree Center Station is closer to your hotel.
• You can often ride MARTA from the airport to Five Points, then walk or transfer a stop or two to be near your accommodations.

Staying near the Five Points area can reduce reliance on rideshares and give you fast access to rail lines across the city.

When Five Points Matters Most to You

Five Points Atlanta is especially important if you:

• Commute by MARTA: It’s your main transfer hub.
• Visit downtown regularly: Many offices, schools, and government buildings are a short walk away.
• Arrive from the airport: It’s one of the first downtown stops and a key point to switch trains.
• Want to understand Atlanta’s layout: Knowing where Five Points is helps you mentally map the city—north goes to Midtown and Buckhead, south to the airport, east to Decatur, west to stadiums and westside neighborhoods.

For locals and visitors alike, learning how Five Points fits into Atlanta’s transit and downtown grid makes navigating the city significantly easier.