MARTA in Atlanta: Your Practical Guide to Getting Around the City

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are planning a move, MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is one of the most useful tools for getting around. From trains and buses to airport access and special event service, understanding how MARTA Atlanta works can save you time, money, and stress on the road.

What Is MARTA and Where Does It Operate?

MARTA is Atlanta’s main public transit system. It serves Atlanta and parts of Fulton, DeKalb, and Clayton counties, with:

• Heavy rail trains (subway/metro style)
• Local and express buses
• Streetcar in Downtown Atlanta (Atlanta Streetcar, separate but closely related)
• Paratransit services (MARTA Mobility) for eligible riders with disabilities

Key areas directly served by MARTA include:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Downtown Atlanta (Peachtree Center, Five Points, GWCC/CNN Center)
• Midtown (Arts Center, Midtown stations)
• Buckhead and Lenox
• Decatur and Edgewood/Candler Park
• Perimeter Center/Dunwoody area
• Parts of College Park, East Point, Doraville, Chamblee, and Clayton County

MARTA won’t get you everywhere in the metro area, but it is especially strong for airport trips, commuting to Downtown/Midtown, and getting to major event venues.

MARTA Rail: How the Train System Works

MARTA’s rail network is organized into color-coded lines that all meet at Five Points Station in Downtown Atlanta.

The Four Main Train Lines

Five Points Station is the central hub where all lines intersect. If you’re switching lines, this is usually where you transfer.

Popular MARTA Rail Stops for Everyday Use

• Airport Station (Red/Gold) – Inside the domestic terminal, ideal for arrivals/departures
• Peachtree Center (Red/Gold) – For Downtown hotels, Peachtree Street, and many offices
• GWCC/CNN Center (Blue/Green) – For State Farm Arena, Georgia World Congress Center, CNN Center area, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium (short walk)
• Midtown Station (Red/Gold) – For Midtown offices, restaurants, and Piedmont Park (walk or short ride)
• Arts Center Station (Red/Gold) – For Woodruff Arts Center, High Museum of Art, Alliance Theatre
• Buckhead, Lenox, and Lindbergh Center – For Buckhead business district and shopping
• Decatur Station (Blue) – For Downtown Decatur shops, restaurants, and city offices

MARTA Buses: Reaching Neighborhoods Beyond the Rail Lines

MARTA’s bus network fills in many of the gaps between rail stations and neighborhoods.

How MARTA Buses Work in Atlanta

• Connect to rail stations: Most major stations have attached bus bays.
• Serve residential and job centers: South Fulton, Clayton County, parts of DeKalb and North Fulton have significant bus coverage.
• Offer local and limited-stop routes: Some routes wind through neighborhoods; others are more direct on major roads.

To use MARTA buses effectively in Atlanta:

1. Start with your nearest rail station and see which routes serve it.
2. Check route frequency: Core routes around Downtown/Midtown are usually more frequent than outer routes.
3. Watch for “clockface” service: Certain routes run at predictable intervals (for example, every 15, 20, or 30 minutes during peak hours).

Commonly used bus connections:

• From Lindbergh Center, Five Points, or H.E. Holmes to surrounding neighborhoods
• From Airport Station to nearby job centers and Clayton County
• From Decatur and Edgewood/Candler Park to eastside neighborhoods and campuses

How to Pay: MARTA Fares, Breeze Cards, and Payment Options

MARTA uses a Breeze Card/Breeze Ticket system for most rides, along with some newer payment options.

Breeze Card vs. Breeze Ticket

• Breeze Card

  • Reusable plastic card
  • Can be loaded with stored value (pay-per-trip) or multi-day passes
  • Better if you ride MARTA regularly or over several days

• Breeze Ticket

  • Paper card
  • Generally for short-term or single-use needs
  • Typically has a small additional fee per ticket compared to a reusable card

You can usually buy or reload these at MARTA rail station vending machines and at select retail partners.

Other Payment Options

MARTA has been expanding contactless payment, allowing some riders to tap bank cards or mobile wallets directly at fare gates on certain systems or lines. Always verify current options and compatibility for buses and rail, as implementation can vary and change over time.

Typical MARTA Costs (What Atlanta Riders Commonly Expect)

MARTA fare structures can be updated, but in general:

• Base fare is usually the same for bus and rail trips.
• Transfers between bus and rail are generally allowed within a set time window when using a Breeze Card or compatible payment method.
• Passes (for example, 1-day, multi-day, or monthly passes) are available for frequent riders.

Many Atlanta residents find passes useful if they:

• Commute by MARTA most weekdays
• Are staying in the city for a few days and plan to ride multiple times a day
• Need unlimited transfers without worrying about single-trip costs

For the most accurate and up-to-date prices, riders typically check:

• MARTA rail station vending machines
• Official MARTA customer service or posted signage at stations

Hours, Frequency, and How Reliable MARTA Is for Atlanta Trips

General Operating Patterns

• Rail service typically runs from early morning into late night, with shorter hours on some days and overnight gaps.
• Bus service hours vary by route; some neighborhood or suburban routes may stop earlier in the evening.

Train Frequency (Common Experience)

• Peak commute times (weekday mornings/evenings): Trains generally come more often.
• Midday and evenings: Trains run less frequently, so check the schedule to avoid long waits.
• Weekends and holidays: Service is usually reduced compared to weekdays, especially late nights.

For many Atlanta commuters, MARTA rail is most reliable for:

• Home-to-work trips in and around Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead
• Airport trips at most hours of the day
• Travel to sports events and major downtown gatherings when special service is often added

How to Use MARTA from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Using MARTA to and from Atlanta’s airport is one of the system’s biggest advantages.

Finding the Airport MARTA Station

• The Airport Station is located inside the Domestic Terminal, at the western end, near baggage claim and ground transportation.
• After you collect luggage, follow signs for “MARTA”. You do not need a shuttle to reach the station from the domestic terminal.

International passengers may need to:

• Ride the Plane Train to the domestic terminal, or
• Use the shuttle connecting the International Terminal to the domestic side, then walk to MARTA.

Getting from the Airport into Atlanta

From Airport Station, you can ride:

• Red or Gold Line northbound through College Park, East Point, West End, Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and beyond.

Common destinations from the airport:

• Downtown hotels: Exit at Five Points or Peachtree Center
• Midtown: Exit at Midtown or Arts Center
• Buckhead: Exit at Buckhead, Lenox, or Lindbergh Center

Travel times from the airport to central Atlanta are usually competitive with driving, especially during rush hour.

Using MARTA for Atlanta Events, Sports, and Attractions

Many Atlanta residents and visitors rely on MARTA for big events, mainly to avoid traffic and high parking fees.

Popular Event Destinations Accessible by MARTA

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • Use GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green) or Vine City Station (Blue/Green)
• State Farm Arena & Georgia World Congress Center
  • Use GWCC/CNN Center Station
• Downtown festivals and conventions
  • Use Five Points, Peachtree Center, or Civic Center
• Piedmont Park and Midtown events
  • Use Midtown Station, then walk or use local options to reach the park
• Buckhead nightlife and shopping
  • Use Buckhead, Lenox, or Lindbergh Center stations

On major game or concert days, MARTA often runs extra trains and extended service, but trains and platforms can be crowded. Riders typically:

• Load their Breeze Card or pass ahead of time
• Aim to arrive early to avoid last-minute lines
• Check signage or station announcements for any special event service notes

Accessibility and MARTA Mobility in Atlanta

MARTA is designed with a range of accessibility features:

• Elevators and escalators at most rail stations
• Level boarding or ramps at train platforms
• Priority seating on trains and buses
• Audio and visual announcements on rail and many buses

MARTA Mobility (Paratransit)

For riders with disabilities who cannot use regular fixed-route service, MARTA offers MARTA Mobility, a shared-ride, door-to-door service within the designated service area.

Key points:

• Riders must apply and be determined eligible to use MARTA Mobility.
• Trips usually must be scheduled in advance.
• Service generally mirrors the coverage and hours of the fixed-route system, within a defined distance of bus and rail routes.

For questions or to start the application process, riders commonly contact MARTA’s Customer Care or the Mobility Services office.

Safety, Security, and Rider Tips on MARTA

Many everyday Atlanta riders use MARTA without issue, but there are practical steps that make trips more comfortable:

• Stay aware of your surroundings, especially late at night.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight when possible.
• Wait near other riders or by MARTA Police or employees when available.
• Pay attention to audio and visual announcements for next stops and service changes.

MARTA has its own police department that patrols trains, buses, and stations. Emergency call boxes are often available on platforms.

Key MARTA Locations and Contact Information in Atlanta

Here are some commonly used, stable points of contact for MARTA in Atlanta:

• MARTA Headquarters

  • One of the main administrative locations is near Lindbergh Center in Atlanta.
  • Many riders use Lindbergh Center Station as a transit hub and also find customer service resources there.

• Customer Information & General Assistance

  • Riders typically use:
    • Rail station agents at major stations like Five Points, Airport, Peachtree Center, and Lindbergh Center
    • Posted customer service phone numbers at stations and on vehicles

• Lost & Found, Breeze Card Issues, and Mobility Questions

  • These are usually handled through MARTA’s central customer service line or designated offices listed on official materials at stations and vehicles.

Because contact numbers and exact office addresses can occasionally change, Atlanta riders generally rely on:

• Information printed on MARTA maps and signage at rail stations
• Details on Breeze Card vending machines and station information boards
• Notices posted at bus stops and shelters

Practical Tips for Using MARTA Effectively in Atlanta

To make MARTA work for your life in Atlanta:

• Plan ahead during off-peak times 🕒

  • Check train and bus frequency to avoid long waits, especially late nights and weekends.

• Use rail for predictable trips

  • For commuting to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or the airport, MARTA rail is often the most reliable part of the system.

• Combine MARTA with walking, rideshare, or bikes

  • Many Atlantans walk or take short rides from rail stations to reach areas not directly served by buses.

• Load your Breeze Card in advance

  • Particularly on game days, concert nights, or big conventions, preloading your fare avoids lines at vending machines.

• Learn your “home” station and main transfer points

  • Knowing your closest station and a few key transfer stations—such as Five Points, Lindbergh Center, and Airport—makes navigating the system much easier.

Used thoughtfully, MARTA Atlanta can be a practical, cost-effective way to move between the airport, major job centers, events, and many neighborhoods, whether you are a long-time resident or just getting to know the city.