Transit Options from ATL to Alpharetta
Alpharetta’s picturesque and family-friendly city lies 36 miles/58 km from Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The small town is known for combining the urban ambiance and the numerous dining, shopping, and entertainment options with green spaces, quiet neighborhoods, and, in general, more relaxed vibes. So, are you going to visit the beautiful destination once landing at ATL Airport? Do you wonder how to travel from Atlanta Airport to Alpharetta? You can make up your mind between the comfortable Atlanta airport taxis, the luxurious private airport transfers, and the autonomous airport car rentals. On the other hand, the MARTA system is the most affordable way to get to your journey’s end. Hence, you can catch the Atlanta airport train to North Spring Station and hop on one of the MARTA buses heading to Alpharetta.
| Options | Price ($) | Price (€) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 80 | 73,70 | 45 min |
| Train & Bus | 2,50 | 2,30 | 100 min |
Atlanta Airport to Alpharetta by Taxi
Most travelers looking for a hassle-free way to get from ATL to Alpharetta settle on a taxi ride. Atlanta airport taxis are always present at the taxi ranks of Hartsfield Jackson Airport. Thus, domestic travelers can catch their cabs from the taxi stand at the Ground Transportation Center/West Curb. It lies between Doors W1 and W2. On the other hand, the international taxi rank is situated on the terminal’s Arrivals level, close to Exit A1. Please note that not all Atlanta taxis are of the same color. Still, by choosing a cab from one of the official taxi ranks, you can rest assured about the legitimacy and reliability of the services provided. That being said, you should never trust individual, unlicensed drivers who may approach you at the airport.
The taxi ride from Atlanta Airport to Alpharetta lasts around 45 minutes under normal traffic. Nevertheless, if roads are congested, it might take you a little more than an hour to reach Alpharetta.
Although airport taxi rides to downtown come with set fares, all other journeys are metered. Hence, you’ll pay $3,50/€3,22 for the first ⅛ mile/0.2 km and $0,30/€0,28 for each additional ⅛ mile/0.2 km after that. Moreover, it’s important to remember that one hour of waiting time is priced at $24/€22,11. Luggage (unless excessive) and night rides aren’t charged extra. However, the taxi rates apply to one-person rides. Thus, each additional passenger brings an extra $2/€1,84. The same surcharge is imposed on one child per adult passenger. However, kids younger than 6 travel out of charge. Finally, an airport fee of $1,50/€1,38 will be added to your taxi fare. In any case, you should expect to pay around $80/€73,70 for your taxi from Atlanta Airport to Alpharetta. Please keep in mind that tipping isn’t mandatory. Still, it is customary to tip the driver, usually 15%-20%, if the service is satisfactory.
All ATL airport taxi drivers accept cash and card payments equally. However, you are always advised to let the driver know that you plan to pay via a credit or debit card.
Our Tip: Ride-sharing services (Uber and Lyft) are available at Atlanta International Airport. Moreover, if you want to benefit from more premium amenities, you can opt for a more luxurious yet costlier at the same time limousine ride.
Atlanta Airport to Alpharetta by Train & Bus
The efficient MARTA system links the airport in Atlanta with the city center and various Atlanta regions. However, it doesn’t offer direct connections from Atlanta Airport to Alpharetta. Thus, you’ll have to catch the Atlanta airport train to North Springs and take a bus from that point to your final destination. Overall, although it isn’t the most convenient option, especially if traveling with heavy luggage or children, it is by far the most inexpensive one.
The Atlanta Airport Train Station is to be found at the ATL domestic terminal. It lies in the middle of the terminal (between the north and south parts of the terminal – terminals N and S), on its west end, in the area that connects the north and south baggage claim zones. As a result, passengers arriving at the international terminal have to catch the complimentary International Terminal Shuttle (its stop lies close to Doors A1 and A2 on the Arrivals level) to get to the domestic terminal and reach the MARTA Station. Alternatively, they can walk their way (the two terminals lie a 40-minute walk from each other via the Transportation Mall, yet linked airside).
Once reaching the MARTA Station, you’ll have to catch the Red Line heading to North Springs Station. Your alighting stop will be the line’s terminus. The Red Line runs from 04:50 am to 08:50 pm every 12-20 minutes. On Saturdays and Sundays, it operates from 05:50 am to 08:50 pm at a 20-minute frequency. If you want to catch a train from ATL Airport after 08:50 pm, you’ll need to take the Gold Line that has available routes up to 01:20 am (up to 01:00 am on weekends), alight at Lindbergh Center Station and hop on the Red Line from that stop to North Springs. In general terms, the train ride with the Red Line from Atlanta Airport to North Springs lasts around 43 minutes. If you have to use the Gold Line, you’ll spend a few more minutes changing between lines.
From North Springs, you can catch one of the MARTA Buses 140, 141, and 185. Bus 140 (North Point Parkway – Windward Park & Ride) runs from 06:50 am to 10:50 pm every 40 minutes, while Bus 141 (Haynes Bridge Road / Milton) operates from 05:50 am to 11:10 pm with available routes every 40 minutes. Finally, Bus 185 (Alpharetta) is available from 05:15 am to 11:15 with routes every half an hour. Overall, the bus ride to Alpharetta usually takes around 25-40 minutes, depending on the traffic and the chosen bus line.
Thus, the total duration of the ride from Atlanta Airport to Alpharetta should be around 100 minutes.
You’ll have to buy a Breeze Card or Ticket to pay for your fares. If you plan to use the MARTA network during your stay, you should buy the rechargeable Breeze Card from one of the airport station’s automatic vendors or the Ridestore. It costs $2/€1,84 and can be topped up with fares, passes (for 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, or 30 days), or cash. It’s important to remember that you can top up your Breeze Card through the automatic machines and the Ridestores, as well as online. However, you can’t load them online with cash.
On the other hand, Breeze Tickets can be used only once and topped up with fares (one-way or round trips) or 1-Day Passes. They are ideal if you don’t plan to travel again via train/subway or bus during your stay, as they cost just $1/€0,92.
You must always tap on and off your Breeze Card or Ticket at the train stations’ blue Breeze targets once entering and before leaving the premises. The same goes for bus rides.
When paying with a Breeze Card or Ticket, you are entitled to up to four onward transfers for a time frame of 3 hours. Thus, as long as you tap on and off your card or ticket, you’ll pay only for the train ride. In other words, the cost of your journey from ATL to Alpharetta will be just $2,50/€2,30 (plus the cost of the Breeze Card or Ticket). Children who are up to 46 inches/116cm in height (up to two per adult) travel for free.
Our Tip: If you don’t mind the extra cost, you’ll most probably find shuttle companies providing direct connections from ATL Airport to Alpharetta.
Car Rental from Atlanta Airport to Alpharetta
Atlanta airport car rentals are a popular way to travel from Atlanta Airport to Alpharetta. They are widely favored by DIY travelers, who enjoy independent rides, as well as by visitors who want to travel around Georgia and visit as many of its noteworthy destinations as possible. Twelve car hire providers are present at Hartsfield Jackson Airport. However, their desks aren’t inside the terminals but are located at the Rental Car Center, which can be accessed via the courtesy Skytrain from the domestic terminal and the complimentary International Terminal Shuttle from the international terminal. Please note that many other providers offer their services even though their desks lie at an off-airport location. They are, overall, slightly more affordable and provide free airport shuttle rides. In any case, if you book your Atlanta airport rental car well in advance, you’ll find tempting deals and low prices even from the companies located directly at ATL Airport.
Once you collect your Atlanta car rental, you’ll be set for a quick ride from ATL to Alpharetta. Typically, you’ll most likely need about 45 minutes to reach your destination. That being said, if roads are congested, the duration might be longer, potentially slightly exceeding an hour. Does your accommodation in Alpharetta offer parking services? You’ll conveniently park your vehicle at your hotel before checking in. Alternatively, you should keep in mind that parking in downtown Alpharetta can be tricky. Street parking is possible but comes with parking fees and time restrictions. Hence, drivers are usually allowed to park their vehicles on the street for up to 3 hours. On the other hand, you’ll spot two parking decks and several private car parks nearby. Conversely, if your hotel lies in the surrounding areas of the city center, parking your vehicle will most probably be significantly easier.
Private Airport Transfers from Atlanta Airport to Alpharetta
Elite travelers who don’t want to compromise on comfort during their travels typically book a private airport transfer for their ride from ATL Airport to Alpharetta. In that way, they find their driver waiting at the Arrivals hall of their terminal, on tap to take their luggage and escort them to the vehicle they have selected during the booking process. A seamless journey and many useful tips about the top things to do in Alpharetta await. Furthermore, the biggest perk of private airport transfers is their tailored services. Passengers can customize their ride to their exact needs to enjoy the most carefree transfers. Expectantly, the cost of private airport transfers exceeds that of ordinary taxis. Still, the difference isn’t significant enough and is justified by the provided services and amenities.
FAQs
How do I go from Atlanta Airport to Alpharetta?
If you want to travel from ATL to Alpharetta, you should make your pick among the available transit options. Airport taxis and private airport transfers are the most hassle-free alternatives, and car rentals are ideal for exploring nearby destinations during your stay in Alpharetta or along the way. On the other hand, if you are looking for the most affordable option, consider taking an indirect yet cheap route via MARTA trains and buses from Atlanta Airport to Alpharetta.
How far is Alpharetta from the airport?
The city of Alpharetta is located 36 miles/58km from Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Thus, a car ride from ATL to Alpharetta usually lasts around 45 minutes. However, during rush hours, rides are often more time-consuming.
How much does an Uber cost from Atlanta Airport to Alpharetta?
Uber and Lyft are the two ride-hailing companies operating at ATL Airport. Hence, if you choose an Uber taxi instead of an ordinary Atlanta airport taxi, you should expect to pay around $70/€64,30 for your ride from Atlanta Airport to Alpharetta.