Atlanta MARTA Parking: Where to Park, What It Costs, and How It Works

Using MARTA to move around Atlanta is often easier than fighting traffic and hunting for downtown parking. But figuring out where to park for MARTA, how much it costs, and how long you can leave your car can be confusing if you’re not used to the system.

This guide breaks down Atlanta MARTA parking station by station, with rules, fees, and practical tips for both residents and visitors.

MARTA Parking Basics in Atlanta

Most MARTA rail stations in metro Atlanta offer on-site parking, and many lots are designed for park-and-ride commuters.

Key points to know:

• Most MARTA parking is free for daily use.
• Some stations have paid long-term parking if you’re flying out of town or staying overnight.
• Parking is available at many but not all stations.
• Long-term parking is usually located at stations away from the most congested urban core.

If you’re planning to park at MARTA and ride into downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or the airport, it usually makes sense to park at a suburban or edge-of-city station and ride in.

Types of MARTA Parking in Atlanta

MARTA parking generally falls into three categories:

1. Free Daily Parking

Most park-and-ride lots are free for daily parking. You can park in the morning, ride MARTA, and return to your car the same day without charge.

Common free-structured or surface lots include:

• North Springs (Red Line – Sandy Springs)
• Doraville (Gold Line – Doraville)
• Indian Creek (Blue Line – eastern terminus)
• College Park (Red/Gold Line – south)
• Several other suburban and neighborhood stations

These lots are popular with commuters who work downtown or in Midtown and want to avoid daily garage fees.

2. Paid Long-Term Parking

Certain MARTA stations allow you to leave your car overnight or multiple days for a fee, especially useful if you:

• Are flying out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Are taking a multi-day trip via MARTA + rideshare or bus
• Don’t want to pay higher on-airport or downtown hotel parking rates

Long-term lots are clearly marked and usually separate from day parking. You pay when you exit the lot, typically using a machine or attendant system.

Common features:

• Designated long-term areas (not every space in the station lot is long-term)
• Daily or per-24-hour rates
• Parking linked to station access, so you can go straight from car to train

3. No Parking or Limited Parking Stations

Some urban-core stations have no parking lots at all, such as:

• Peachtree Center
• Five Points
• Civic Center

These are designed to serve riders who walk, transfer buses, bike, or get dropped off, not park-and-ride commuters.

Major MARTA Stations With Parking (and How to Use Them)

Below is a simplified overview of several key Atlanta-area MARTA stations and how their parking typically works. Always check current signage at the station, as conditions can change.

This table is a general orientation tool. Exact long-term availability, rates, and rules are posted at the stations.

Parking for MARTA to the Airport

If you’re flying out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and want to avoid airport parking prices, one of the most common strategies is:

1. Park at a MARTA station with long-term parking.
2. Ride the Red or Gold Line directly to the Airport Station, located inside the Domestic Terminal.

Popular stations for this:

• College Park Station

  • Close to the airport
  • Large parking capacity
  • Good for travelers coming from the south or west

• North Springs Station

  • Northern terminus of the Red Line
  • Convenient for people coming from Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming

• Doraville Station

  • Northeastern terminus of the Gold Line
  • Convenient for Chamblee, Doraville, Norcross, Duluth, and I-85 corridor commuters

Tips for airport travelers using MARTA parking:

• 🕒 Build in extra time: Add at least 30–45 minutes for parking, buying fare, and riding to the airport.
• 📍 Park in the correct area: Look for signs that clearly mark long-term or overnight parking.
• 🧾 Keep your ticket and license plate info handy: Some pay systems ask for your plate number or require your MARTA card.
• 🔐 Remove valuables from your car and lock doors, just as you would in any large urban parking facility.

Daily Commuter Parking: Best Practices

If you live in metro Atlanta and use MARTA regularly for commuting:

• Arrive early at popular stations like North Springs, Doraville, Lindbergh Center, and Brookhaven. Lots can fill on busy weekdays.
• Consider less crowded stations if you live between two or more options.
• Use Kiss-Ride areas if you’re being dropped off. Many stations have a dedicated short-term drop-off/pickup lane separate from long-term parking.
• Pay attention to signs for reserved or permit-only spaces, which may be restricted during certain hours.

Common weekday rhythm:

• Morning (6–9 a.m.): Heaviest inflow of commuters; best to arrive early.
• Midday: Easiest time to find parking, especially at outer stations.
• Evening (4–7 p.m.): Outflow of commuters returning to their cars; stations may be busy but spaces start to open up for evening events in town.

How to Pay for MARTA Parking (Where Required)

Most MARTA station parking is free for the day, but when you park in a paid or long-term lot, you may encounter:

• Pay-on-foot machines
• Validated exit with a Breeze Card or ticket
• Automated gate systems

General steps:

1. Park in a marked space for the correct type of parking (daily vs. long-term).
2. Note your space number or license plate if required.
3. When leaving the station, follow posted instructions:
   • Pay at a machine before going to your car, or
   • Insert your Breeze Card or ticket at the exit gate, or
   • Follow any on-screen prompts at the exit barrier.

Always follow the station-specific instructions, since payment methods can differ between older and newer facilities.

Overnight and Multi-Day Parking Rules

Not all MARTA stations allow you to leave a vehicle:

• Overnight
• For multiple days
• For extended trips (e.g., a week or more)

Important points:

• Look for signs that spell out “Overnight Parking Allowed” or “Long-Term Parking”.
• Some stations limit the maximum number of days you may park in a row.
• Vehicles parked outside of these rules may be ticketed or towed, especially in heavily used or urban stations.

For multi-day parking when you’re not sure:

• Prefer major suburban end-of-line stations like North Springs, Doraville, College Park, or Indian Creek, which are more likely to be set up for park-and-ride.
• Consider contacting MARTA Customer Service in advance for clarification (see below).

Safety and Security in MARTA Parking Lots

MARTA parking facilities typically include:

• Lighting in lots and decks
• Security cameras in many locations
• Visible MARTA Police presence or patrols at busier stations

Common-sense safety tips:

• Park in well-lit, visible areas when possible.
• Avoid leaving bags, electronics, or valuables visible inside your car.
• At night, walk to and from your vehicle in well-traveled areas and be aware of your surroundings.
• If you feel unsafe, you can look for MARTA staff, MARTA Police, or use available emergency call boxes in some facilities.

For non-emergency security concerns on MARTA property, riders commonly use:

• MARTA Police non-emergency line: 404-848-4900 (widely provided for system-related concerns)

In an emergency, always dial 911.

How MARTA Parking Fits Different Atlanta Trips

A few common scenarios and how Atlanta riders typically use MARTA parking:

1. Commuting to Downtown or Midtown from the Suburbs

• Park at North Springs, Sandy Springs, Doraville, Chamblee, College Park, East Point, Indian Creek, or Kensington.
• Ride into:
  • Peachtree Center (downtown high-rise offices)
  • Five Points (transfers and government buildings)
  • Midtown (Tech Square, arts district)
  • Arts Center (cultural venues and offices)
• Enjoy free daily parking at most suburban lots.

2. Attending a Game or Concert (Downtown/Midtown)

For events near:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• State Farm Arena
• Georgia World Congress Center
• Downtown hotels and attractions
• Midtown restaurants and venues

A common strategy:

• Park at an outer station (North Springs, Doraville, College Park, etc.).
• Ride MARTA directly to:
  • GWCC/CNN Center or Vine City for stadium events.
  • Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/Philips Arena (name may shift over time; check station signs).
  • Peachtree Center or Midtown for general downtown/Midtown events.

You typically avoid event parking surcharges and heavy post-event traffic.

3. Exploring Atlanta as a Visitor

If you drove into Atlanta and want to avoid city driving all day:

• Park at a park-and-ride station convenient to your hotel or rental.
• Use MARTA to explore:
  • Downtown attractions (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park)
  • Midtown (Piedmont Park, High Museum of Art, restaurants)
  • Buckhead (shopping and dining)
• If your lodging is outside MARTA’s immediate walkable radius, consider parking once at the nearest MARTA station each day instead of paying multiple garages.

Contacting MARTA About Parking

For current details on:

• Long-term parking availability
• Rates and payment methods
• Lost items in parking garages or lots
• Station-specific rules

You can contact MARTA Customer Service at:

• Phone: 404-848-5000
• Mailing / Administrative offices (commonly referenced):
  • MARTA Headquarters (around Lindbergh Center area)
    2424 Piedmont Road NE
    Atlanta, GA 30324

For safety or security issues on MARTA property (non-emergency):

• MARTA Police Department (non-emergency): 404-848-4900

For parking tickets, towing questions, or special situations, customer service or MARTA Police can direct you to the right department.

Quick Tips for Using MARTA Parking in Atlanta

• Plan your station: Choose a station on the same line as your destination to avoid transfers.
• Check long-term rules: Don’t assume every lot allows overnight parking.
• Arrive early on weekdays: Especially at popular north and northeast stations.
• Use MARTA for big events and airport trips: It often saves money and time versus driving and parking directly.
• Follow posted signs: Rules can vary by station; the signage at the lot is your best guide that day.

Understanding how Atlanta MARTA parking works lets you combine the convenience of driving with the efficiency of rail, whether you’re a daily commuter, an occasional rider, or a visitor trying to make sense of Atlanta’s transit system.