Getting Around Atlanta: MARTA, Airport & Rideshare Guide
Getting around Atlanta is easier when you match transportation to your plans. MARTA connects the airport with Downtown and Midtown, rideshare serves areas beyond rail stations, and walking or the BeltLine works for neighborhood exploration. A rental car helps for suburbs; for stadium events, consider transit to avoid busy roads and parking.
How do visitors get around Atlanta?
Atlanta visitors can use MARTA rail for airport transfers and downtown-Midtown travel, rideshare for flexible city exploration, rideshare or transit for event days, and walking or the BeltLine for neighborhood exploration. Renting a car helps for exploring suburbs and areas outside the core.
Getting To Atlanta From The Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the world's busiest airports, approximately 10 miles south of downtown Atlanta.
MARTA Rail: The airport MARTA station is directly connected to the airport terminals. Red and Gold lines run to downtown and Midtown. Trains run from approximately 5am to 1am on weekdays.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft operate from designated rideshare pick-up zones at the airport. Follow airport signage for pick-up locations.
Rental Cars: The Consolidated Rental Car Center (CONRAC) is accessible via the ATL SkyTrain from the domestic and international terminals.
MARTA Rail Guide
MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) operates four rail lines serving key visitor destinations. The system uses a reloadable Breeze Card available at station vending machines. Download the MARTA app for real-time arrivals.
Key Stops For Visitors:
- Airport – International/Domestic Terminal
- Five Points – Downtown core, transfer hub
- Peachtree Center – Downtown hotels and restaurants
- Arts Center – Midtown arts and cultural district
- Midtown – Core Midtown station
- Buckhead – Buckhead shopping and hotels
- Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center – Mercedes-Benz Stadium area
- Vine City – Near Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Rideshare In Atlanta
Uber and Lyft operate throughout the Atlanta metro area. Rideshare is convenient for areas not directly served by MARTA, late night travel, and when carrying luggage.
Expect surge pricing during event days, major events, and peak hours. Event day pick-up and drop-off zones near Mercedes-Benz Stadium can have wait times.
Event Day Transportation Tips
For event days at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, MARTA is the most reliable option. The Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center station is the closest stop.
Arrive early for games, concerts, and other stadium events. After events, MARTA trains can be crowded; allow extra time for your return trip.
Driving And Parking In Atlanta
Walking And The BeltLine
Downtown and Midtown are walkable during daylight hours. The Atlanta BeltLine is a multi-use trail connecting many neighborhoods, popular for walking, cycling, and dining. Download the BeltLine trail map before you go.
Atlanta summers are hot and humid. Plan outdoor walking for morning or evening hours and stay hydrated.
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