How Long Is the “Atlanta Subway” Escalator? A Local’s Guide to MARTA’s Deepest Escalators

If you’ve heard people talk about the “Atlanta subway escalator” and wondered how long it actually is, they’re almost always talking about MARTA – Atlanta’s rail system – and specifically the very long escalators at some of the underground stations.

Atlanta doesn’t have a separate “subway” brand like New York or DC; what locals and visitors often call the “subway” is MARTA rail, especially the underground stations downtown and in Midtown.

Below is a clear breakdown of how long those escalators are, where to find the longest ones, and what to expect when you ride them.

The Short Answer: How Long Is the Atlanta “Subway” Escalator?

There isn’t one single escalator officially labeled “the Atlanta subway escalator,” but:

• The longest MARTA escalators are at Peachtree Center Station in Downtown Atlanta.
• Each of these main escalators is roughly 190–200 feet long and rises the equivalent of a 10–12 story building from platform to street level.
• Ride time is usually around 1½–2 minutes if you stand still the whole way.

These are among the longest escalators in the Southeast, and they feel very long when you’re on them, especially if you’re not a fan of heights.

Where the Long Escalators Are in Atlanta

Several MARTA stations have long or steep escalators, but a few stand out.

Peachtree Center Station (Downtown)

This is the station most people mean when they ask about the famous long escalator in Atlanta.

• Location: 216 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Depth: One of the deepest stations in the MARTA system
• Escalator length: About 190–200 feet from platform up to the Peachtree Street level
• Ride feel: Long, steep, and almost tunnel-like, with a noticeable grade

You’ll typically encounter two long escalator runs:

1. From the platform up to the mezzanine
2. From the mezzanine up to the Peachtree Street concourse / street level connections

Many riders remember this station specifically because of its tall bank of escalators and the feeling of traveling far up from underground.

Other MARTA Stations with Notably Long Escalators

While none feel quite as dramatic as Peachtree Center, a few other stations in Atlanta have subway-style escalator runs:

If you’re specifically chasing the “wow, this is a long escalator” experience in Atlanta, Peachtree Center is the clear winner.

Why Is the Peachtree Center Escalator So Long?

There are a few Atlanta-specific reasons:

• Downtown topography: The station is carved deep under the dense Downtown area, beneath existing streets and buildings.
• Underground design: When MARTA built its downtown stations, it placed some of them well below street level to fit rail lines under existing infrastructure.
• Compact surface space: In the Peachtree Center area, there’s limited room at street level, so much of the station’s size is vertical instead of spread out horizontally.

All of this adds up to a station that requires extra-long escalators to move riders between the deep platforms and the street.

What It’s Like to Ride the Long MARTA Escalator

If you’re planning a visit or you’re new to MARTA, here’s what you can expect at Peachtree Center and similar stations.

How Long Does It Take?

• Escalator ride time: About 1½–2 minutes for a full ride if you stand.
• Walking up or down: If you walk, it can be closer to 45–60 seconds, depending on your pace.

It’s long enough that you’ll notice the ride, but not so long that it feels endless.

Height & Comfort Level

For many riders, the visual height of the escalator at Peachtree Center can be more intense than the actual time:

• Looking straight up or down, it can feel very tall and steep.
• If you’re uncomfortable with heights, you may prefer:
  • Standing near the center of the escalator step, not at the edge
  • Holding the handrail
  • Looking at your feet or the step in front of you, not into the full vertical distance

Tips for Using the Long Escalators Safely

MARTA posts safety reminders at many stations, but a few extra local tips help when you’re on Atlanta’s longest escalators.

General Safety

• Hold the handrail: Especially on the long Peachtree Center runs.
• Stand to the right: In busy times, regular MARTA riders often walk on the left side.
• Secure strollers and luggage: Keep wheels pointed perpendicular to the steps and maintain a firm grip.
• Mind loose items: Backpacks, long coats, and shoelaces can get caught if they drag near the comb plates.

If You’re Nervous About Heights

If the idea of the tall Atlanta subway escalator makes you anxious:

• Consider taking the elevator instead (see below).
• Avoid looking down the full length of the escalator; focus straight ahead or at the step in front of you.
• Travel at off-peak times, when there are fewer people behind you and you can take your time.

Are There Elevators as an Alternative?

Yes. If you don’t want to use the long escalators, MARTA provides elevators at its rail stations, including the deeper ones.

At Peachtree Center Station:

• You’ll find elevator signage near the platforms and mezzanine level.
• Elevators connect the platforms, mezzanine, and street-level concourses.
• Elevators are generally intended for:
  • Riders with mobility limitations
  • Parents with strollers
  • Travelers with heavy luggage
  • Anyone who feels unsafe or uncomfortable on long escalators

If you have trouble finding the elevator, MARTA station agents (usually at the station booth in the mezzanine) can help direct you.

When and Why You Might Encounter the Long Escalator

You’ll most often use the long Peachtree Center escalators if you:

• Stay or work near Peachtree Street, Peachtree Center Mall area, or nearby Downtown hotels
• Visit major Downtown attractions and choose to arrive via MARTA, such as:
  • The AmericasMart trade center
  • Office buildings around Peachtree Center Avenue
• Transfer between trains and exit directly to Peachtree Street instead of using nearby stations

If you’d like to see the long escalator as a curiosity, you can simply:

1. Take any Red or Gold Line train to Peachtree Center.
2. Exit the train and follow signs for Peachtree Street.
3. You’ll reach the main escalator bank heading up toward the Peachtree Street concourse.

Practical Info for Visiting the Long MARTA Escalator

Here’s a quick reference if you want to experience or avoid Atlanta’s longest subway-style escalator.

Key Station:

• Peachtree Center MARTA Station
  • Address: 216 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Lines served: Red Line and Gold Line

For Questions or Accessibility Needs:

• MARTA Customer Information Center (main line, as commonly publicized):
  • Phone: (404) 848-5000
  • Typical use: Trip planning, accessibility questions, elevator/escalator status, station details

You can ask specifically about:

• Elevator availability at Peachtree Center
• Current escalator or elevator outages
• Suggested alternative stations if you want to avoid long escalators (for example, using Five Points or another nearby stop depending on your destination)

How This Compares to Other Cities

For context, many visitors who’ve used systems like New York City, Washington, DC, or London say the Peachtree Center escalators feel similar in scale to the deeper “subway” or “metro” stations there, even though Atlanta’s system overall is smaller.

So while Atlanta might not be the first city people think of for huge underground escalators, the “Atlanta subway escalator” at Peachtree Center is long enough to stand out—both for locals and for visitors experiencing MARTA for the first time.

In everyday terms: if someone in Atlanta asks, “How long is the Atlanta subway escalator?” they’re almost certainly referring to the Peachtree Center MARTA escalators, which are about 200 feet long, climb the height of a 10–12 story building, and take around two minutes to ride from bottom to top.