Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) to the City

Your options from Atlanta's airport at a glance

From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the first option to look at is MARTA's Red and Gold line trains. Both lines start at the Airport Station and run to downtown (Five Points, Peachtree Center) and Midtown. Taxis and other ground transport are also available; check the airport's official information before you go for pickup points and fares.

The MARTA Airport Station is inside the Domestic Terminal, so if you arrive at the International Terminal, you first need to get across to the Domestic Terminal by shuttle or the airport train. When you book, check that ATL is the arrival airport on your ticket. Below you'll find how to get from the International Terminal to the station, how to ride the train with times and fares, what to check if you land late, how to pay and which station suits each neighbourhood.

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Arriving at the International Terminal: shuttle or Plane Train

The MARTA Airport Station is inside the Domestic Terminal. If you arrive at the International Terminal, take the free shuttle from the arrivals level to the Domestic Terminal baggage claim, or ride the airport's Plane Train and get off at the Domestic Terminal Baggage Claim stop.

The International Terminal shuttles run 24/7, and the shuttle takes about 15 minutes between terminals. Getting from the International Terminal to the Airport Station costs nothing.

• Take the free shuttle from the arrivals level to the Domestic Terminal baggage claim (24/7, about 15 min)
• Or ride the Plane Train and get off at the Domestic Terminal Baggage Claim stop
• Walk to the MARTA Airport Station, between the North and South baggage claims of the Domestic Terminal

MARTA Red and Gold lines: Airport Station to downtown and Midtown

MARTA's Airport Station is inside the Domestic Terminal, between the North and South baggage claims. Red and Gold line trains both start at the Airport Station, and both lines run to downtown and Midtown. Tap a contactless credit or debit card, a mobile wallet, or a Breeze card or ticket at the faregates.

Average travel times are about 16 min to Five Points, 17 min to Peachtree Center and 20 min to Midtown. A trip costs USD 2.50 regardless of distance, and a paper Breeze ticket adds a USD 1 fee.

The Airport Station has a MARTA RideStore. If you have questions about tickets or cards, stop there before you board.

Landing late or leaving early: operating hours and transfers

MARTA trains run 4:45 a.m.-1 a.m. on weekdays and 6 a.m.-1 a.m. on weekends. If you leave the airport outside these hours, check the airport's official information before you go for pickup points and fares for taxis and other ground transport.

After 8:30 p.m., if you are going to Buckhead, Medical Center, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs or North Springs, you may need to take a Gold (Doraville) train and change to a Red (North Springs) train at Lindbergh Center. If you are staying near one of these stations, double-check the train's destination before you board.

If you plan to switch to a MARTA bus from the station, check bus hours too. Buses run 5 a.m.-1 a.m. on weekdays and 5 a.m.-12:30 a.m. on weekends.

How to pay and an arrival-day checklist

You don't need to buy a transit card: tap a contactless credit or debit card or a mobile wallet straight on the faregate validator. You can also use a reloadable Breeze card or a paper Breeze ticket from the vending machines (USD 1 fee, valid 90 days). Each fare includes up to four transfers between buses and trains, but you must tap the same card to get your transfers.

If you plan to ride a lot over several days, there are unlimited passes: USD 9 (1 day, 24 hours), USD 14 (2 days), USD 16 (3 days), USD 19 (4 days) and USD 23.75 (7 days). Compare them with how many rides you plan a day.

• Have one card or payment method per rider; passing cards back is not allowed.
• A bank card and a mobile wallet count as different payment methods even on the same account, so keep tapping the one you started with.
• Cash on buses must be exact change and does not include transfers.
• Arriving at the International Terminal? Take the shuttle or the Plane Train to the Domestic Terminal first.
• Check the U.S. government's official information on entry requirements (visa, travel authorization, etc.) before you travel.

Which station for your neighbourhood

The Red and Gold lines run from the Airport Station to downtown and Midtown. Here is the nearest station for each neighbourhood where you might stay.

For Sweet Auburn and the Eastside Beltline, check the transfer from the Airport Station and the nearest stop in MARTA's official information before you go. Streetcar service can change, for example during vehicle repairs, so check MARTA's service alerts too.

• Downtown (Centennial Olympic Park area): good for first-timers. Walk from Peachtree Center station (about 17 min on average from the Airport Station) or Civic Center station. The Georgia Aquarium and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights are within walking distance.
• Midtown: close to Midtown station (about 20 min on average from the Airport Station) and Arts Center station. Home to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden and the High Museum of Art.
• Sweet Auburn: the downtown Atlanta Streetcar (USD 1 a ride) stops near the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, and MARTA bus routes 3 and 99 serve it too.
• Eastside Beltline (Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park): the trail runs from Piedmont Park south to Irwin Street in Inman Park, with Historic Fourth Ward Park beside it.

At a glance

Here are the ways from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport into the city, one line each. Fares and hours can change, so check the official information again before you go. To plan your days in Atlanta, continue with the 3-night, 4-day route below.

• MARTA Red and Gold lines: from the Airport Station inside the Domestic Terminal; on average about 16 min to Five Points, 17 min to Peachtree Center, 20 min to Midtown; USD 2.50 per trip; 4:45 a.m.-1 a.m. on weekdays, 6 a.m.-1 a.m. on weekends
• International Terminal to the Airport Station: free shuttle (24/7, about 15 min between terminals) or the Plane Train (get off at Domestic Terminal Baggage Claim); free
• Taxis and other ground transport: check the airport's official information before you go for pickup points and fares; time varies with traffic
• Paying: contactless credit or debit card, mobile wallet, Breeze card or ticket (a paper ticket adds a USD 1 fee); one per rider

• How Many Days in Atlanta? A 3-Night, 4-Day Route →
• Airport to City: Train, Bus, Taxi or Transfer? A Practical Comparison →

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