Atlanta Aquarium Ticket Prices: What to Expect at Georgia Aquarium

If you’re planning a visit to Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, understanding ticket prices and options ahead of time can save you money, time, and stress at the door. Below is a clear breakdown of what Atlanta visitors and locals can expect, plus tips for getting the best value on your visit.

Where You’re Going: Georgia Aquarium in Downtown Atlanta

Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 581-4000

This is Atlanta’s main aquarium and one of the largest in the world. When people search for “Atlanta Aquarium ticket prices,” they’re almost always asking about Georgia Aquarium in downtown, near Centennial Olympic Park and the World of Coca-Cola.

Core Georgia Aquarium Ticket Types

Prices can change, and they often vary by date, time, and demand, but here are the main ticket categories you’ll see when you plan a visit from Atlanta or out of town.

1. General Admission (Single-Day Ticket)

This is the standard ticket that most visitors buy. It typically includes:

• All main galleries and exhibits
• Dolphin, sea lion, and other standard presentations (seating usually first-come, first-served with timed offerings)
• Access to rotating exhibits that are part of general admission

General admission is usually priced dynamically, meaning weekends, holidays, and peak tourism days in Atlanta often cost more than weekday or off-peak times.

Good to know:

• Children under a certain age (often toddlers) may be free; age brackets and pricing tiers are clearly listed when you purchase.
• You’ll usually see different prices for adults, children, and possibly seniors.
• Buying online in advance is typically cheaper than buying at the door.

2. Atlanta Resident & Local Discounts

If you live in the Atlanta area, it’s worth checking for:

• Georgia resident deals or metro Atlanta resident specials
• Seasonal promotions tied to local schools or city events
• Discounts through local employers, universities, or community organizations

These offers change over time, but if your home address is in Atlanta or the surrounding metro counties, you may qualify for reduced pricing on certain days or times. Be ready to show proof of residency (like a Georgia driver’s license).

3. Memberships & Annual Pass Options

If you live in Atlanta or plan to visit Georgia Aquarium multiple times a year, a membership can quickly become more cost-effective than buying separate tickets.

Common membership features often include:

• Unlimited general admission for the membership period
• Guest discounts on extra tickets
• Priority or early entry on certain days
• Discounts on parking, dining, and gift shop purchases
• Special events or member-only hours

Memberships are especially popular for:

• Atlanta families who want regular weekend activities
• Grandparents who live nearby and host visiting grandkids
• Local residents who enjoy downtown attractions throughout the year

Review the total cost and compare it to how many visits you’re realistically likely to make in a year.

4. Animal Encounter & Premium Experience Add-Ons

In addition to basic tickets, Georgia Aquarium offers premium experiences that cost extra, such as:

• Behind-the-scenes tours
• Animal encounters (for example, with dolphins, penguins, or other species)
• Specialty tours or guided small-group experiences
• Holiday or nighttime event tickets

These experiences almost always require a separate fee on top of general admission and must be reserved for a specific date and time. If you’re visiting Atlanta for a limited time, secure these add-ons in advance to avoid sell-outs.

5. Group Tickets & School Visits

Large families, youth groups, and school trips from the Atlanta area often qualify for group pricing, which can reduce the per-person cost.

Typical group options include:

• School field trip rates (often for accredited K–12 schools and educational programs)
• Youth group pricing (scouts, camps, church groups, after-school programs)
• Adult group and corporate rates for 15+ or 20+ people, depending on policy

Group reservations are usually handled through the aquarium’s group sales or education department, and you may need to book well in advance, especially during the school year.

Typical Ticket Categories at a Glance

While the exact dollar amounts change, this simple layout shows how Georgia Aquarium ticket options are usually structured:

Always confirm current categories and age brackets before purchasing, since they sometimes change.

Ways Atlanta Visitors Can Save on Aquarium Tickets

If you’re cost-conscious, there are several Atlanta-specific strategies that can keep your visit affordable.

1. Visit on Weekdays or Off-Peak Times

Ticket prices are often lower on weekdays, especially:

• During the school year
• Outside major holidays and long weekends
• Earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon on less busy days

If you live in Atlanta and have flexible hours, aim for midweek visits rather than Saturdays or holiday periods.

2. Buy Tickets Online in Advance

Buying your Georgia Aquarium tickets ahead of time online normally offers:

• Lower than gate pricing on many dates
• A confirmed entry time, which can matter on busy days
• Less waiting at ticket windows in the main atrium

For locals, this also helps you pick the cheapest date and time by comparing options on the purchase screen.

3. Look Into Atlanta Attraction Bundles

Many visitors plan a day or weekend in downtown Atlanta that includes:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• Zoo Atlanta
• Other major attractions near Centennial Olympic Park

There are multi-attraction passes that bundle aquarium tickets with other Atlanta sites at a discounted total cost. If Georgia Aquarium is just one stop on a longer Atlanta sightseeing plan, a city pass-style bundle may be cheaper than buying each ticket separately.

4. Check for Local Employer, Military, or Student Discounts

Common discount sources for Atlanta locals include:

• Employer benefits programs (large companies headquartered or based in Atlanta sometimes offer discounted aquarium tickets as a perk)
• Military discounts for active duty, veterans, and families (with valid ID)
• College student specials tied to Atlanta-area universities and colleges

These offers are usually subject to verification and may apply only on specific days or for online purchases.

Parking, Transportation, and “Total Visit” Cost

When you budget for aquarium tickets, remember to also factor in parking and transportation, especially if you’re coming from outside downtown Atlanta.

1. Parking at Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium operates a dedicated parking deck connected to the building. Parking is usually a separate fee, but sometimes:

• Members receive discounted or included parking
• Prepaying for parking online may be cheaper than paying at the gate

If you’re driving in from suburbs like Marietta, Decatur, or Alpharetta, this is usually the most straightforward option.

2. Taking MARTA to the Aquarium

If you prefer not to drive in downtown Atlanta traffic, you can take MARTA rail:

• Ride to Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station or Peachtree Center Station
• Walk several blocks to Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park

While this does not change the ticket price itself, using MARTA can reduce your total visit cost by avoiding parking and fuel, especially for in-town residents and visitors staying near a MARTA station.

How Long Your Ticket Is Good For

Most single-day tickets are valid for the specific date and arrival window you choose at purchase. Some important points:

• Once you’re inside, general admission tickets typically allow you to stay as long as you like during operating hours.
• Time-specific elements (like certain shows or encounters) may require you to arrive at a particular time.
• If you miss your entry window, rebooking or refunds may be limited, so check the change and cancellation policies before buying.

Memberships, by contrast, are valid for a full membership term (often a year from purchase or activation).

Tips for Atlanta Families Planning a Visit

For Atlanta-based families or those staying nearby:

• Plan around naps and meals. You can easily spend 3–4 hours inside, more if you attend shows or add encounters.
• Consider crowd patterns. Weekends, school breaks, and rainy days in Atlanta can be very busy, potentially affecting wait times for shows.
• Bring a budget for extras. Food, souvenirs, photo packages, and premium encounters can significantly increase your total cost beyond the ticket price itself.
• Think long-term. If you think you’ll visit two or more times in a year, run the math on a membership versus multiple general admission tickets.

How to Get the Most Accurate, Current Prices

Because Georgia Aquarium uses date-based and demand-based pricing, the only way to know exact, current ticket prices for your specific visit date is to:

• Check the official Georgia Aquarium ticketing system
• Select your date, arrival time, and ticket type
• Review the total cost, including any taxes and fees

If you have questions or need help comparing options, you can contact Georgia Aquarium directly at (404) 581-4000 or visit the ticket windows on-site at 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313—though online checking before you go is usually the best way to avoid surprises.

By understanding how Atlanta aquarium ticket prices vary by date, ticket type, and add-ons, you can plan a visit that fits your budget and makes the most of one of downtown Atlanta’s signature attractions.