Transit Options from ATL to Buckhead
Lying north of Midtown, the district of Buckhead is known for its high-end shopping scene and upscale character. Buckhead lies 18 miles/29km from Hartsfield Jackson Airport. Hence, travelers whose accommodation is located in the lavish district have to make their way there once landing at ATL. So, what are the available transit options from Atlanta Airport to Buckhead? Atlanta airport taxis and private airport transfers are the most suitable choice for luxurious travelers, while airport car rentals are mainly recommended to visitors who plan to explore destinations beyond the city center as well. On the other hand, the Atlanta airport train is regarded as the top value-for-money alternative. Finally, several shared-ride shuttles also offer connections from ATL Airport to Buckhead.
| Options | Price ($) | Price (€) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 48 | 44,20 | 35 min |
| Train | 2,50 | 2,30 | 32 min |
| Shuttle | 30 | 27,50 | 40 min |
Atlanta Airport to Buckhead by Taxi
Atlanta airport taxis offer a direct and convenient way to travel from ATL to Buckhead. The multi-colored taxis (each company has a fleet consisting of similarly colored vehicles) are lining up at the airport taxi ranks around the clock. Therefore, no matter the time you land at Hartsfield Jackson Airport, you’ll easily catch a cab from the taxi stand of your terminal. In detail, the domestic taxi rank lies at the west curb of the Ground Transportation Center, close to Exit doors W1 and W2. The international taxi stand, on the other hand, is to be found at the international terminal’s Arrivals, close to Door A1.
Your taxi ride from Atlanta Airport to Buckhead will last about 35 minutes. Nevertheless, during peak hours—typically from 7:30 am to 9:30 am and from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm—traffic congestion increases, leading to longer travel times. As a result, if roads are congested, you might need up to 50 minutes to get to Buckhead. That being said, the cost of the ride will be fixed. Indeed, although Atlanta taxis are metered, they offer set fares for rides from ATL to Buckhead. Hence, regardless of the journey’s duration, you’ll pay $48/€44,20 for your ride.
Please keep in mind that the taxi driver has the right to request payment upfront.
The taxi fare may be fixed, but additional surcharges could apply. Thus, airport rides come with an extra $1,5/€1,38 fee, while a $2-$3/€1,84-€2,76 fare is added to the set price if the gasoline rate of unleaded fuel remains high for 14 days in a row. Moreover, the fixed fare is for one passenger only. Therefore, each additional passenger brings an extra $2/€1,84 fee. Children older than 6 are subject to the same fare (one child per adult passenger). However, younger kids travel for free. What’s more, tipping isn’t obligatory. Despite that fact, locals usually leave a 15%-20% tip, especially when the services are pleasant. As for the accepted payment methods, you can pay with either cash or use a bank card. Still, it is always advisable to check with the driver.
Our Tip: Are you looking for more premium transit services? Limousine rides are also available at the airport in Atlanta. Alternatively, ride-hailing services are an option as well. In fact, Uber and Lyft operate at ATL Airport.
Atlanta Airport to Buckhead by Train/Subway
Atlanta airport train is actually an efficient subway network. Although it mainly operates underground, it also runs above the ground in some parts of its journey. Hence, it most commonly goes with the term “train“. In any case, the MARTA Train from Hartsfield Jackson Airport is perhaps the most popular transit option from ATL to Buckhead, combining speed with efficiency and affordability.
Hence, if you are looking for a fast and cheap way to travel from Atlanta Airport to Buckhead, you should head to the Atlanta Airport Train Station, which is located right between the north and south baggage claim zones in the west end of the domestic terminal. Conversely, you won’t find a MARTA Station at the international terminal building. Therefore, international passengers have to catch the complimentary International Terminal Shuttle that travels between terminals every 15 minutes. The two terminals are also linked airside via the free Plane Train and the Transportation Mall, the underground tunnel that connects the terminals. Overall, you’ll need 40 minutes to walk from the international terminal to the MARTA Station.
As soon as you reach the rail station, you’ll catch the Red Line heading from ATL to Buckhead Station. You’ll find available routes from 04:50 am to 08:50 pm every 12-20 minutes. On weekends, the Red Line operates from 05:50 am to 08:50 pm at a 20-minute frequency. Do you want to travel past 08:50 pm? You’ll have to catch the Gold Line running until 01:20 am on weekdays and 01:00 am on Saturdays and Sundays. You’ll disembark at Lindbergh Center Station and hop on the Red Line to Buckhead Station. In both cases, you’ll need about 32 minutes to reach Buckhead Station.
To pay for your train fares, you’ll have to buy a Breeze Card or Ticket. Breeze Cards are recommended for travelers who plan to use the MARTA network a lot during their stay in Atlanta. They cost $2/€1,84 and are reloadable. You can buy them from the airport station’s automatic machines or the Ridestore. They can be topped up with cash, fares, or passes (for 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, or 30 days). Please note that you can reload them through the Ridestores or the stations’ automatic vendors or even online. Nevertheless, they can’t be topped up with cash online.
On the other hand, Breeze Tickets can be used only once and be loaded with fares (one-way or round trip tickets) or 1-Day passes. They are priced at just $1/€0,92.
You’ll spot blue Breeze targets at all MARTA Stations and on the buses. You must tap on and off your Breeze Card or Ticket to enter and exit the station.
The train ride from ATL to Buckehead will cost you $2,50/€2,30 (plus the fare for the Breeze Card or Ticket). On the other hand, children shorter than 46 inches/116cm travel free of charge.
Our Tip: When traveling with a Breeze Card or Ticket, you can make up to four additional trips via trains or buses (but not with Atlanta Streetcar) out of charge within a 3-hour time frame.
Atlanta Airport to Buckhead by Shuttle
Unfortunately, MARTA Buses don’t link Atlanta Airport to Buckhead. Thus, if you are looking for a shuttle ride from ATL to Buckhead, you’ll have to make your pick among the various shared-ride shuttle companies present at Hartsfield Jackson Airport. Atlanta airport shuttles typically depart from the domestic terminal. Their pick-up point (Shared-Ride Shuttle Aisle) is located in the Ground Transportation Center. However, a few shuttle rides depart from the Arrivals level of the international terminal as well (close to Door A3).
The shuttle ride from ATL to Buckhead costs around $30/€27,50. In detail, the following providers are present at ATL Airport, offering routes to Buckhead:
- Airport Perimeter Connection
- Atlanta Hotels Connection
- Galleria Direct
- Greater Atlanta Shuttle
- North Express Airport Shuttle
- ATL Airport Shuttle
- Train Xpress
Our Tip: Before settling on a shuttle ride from ATL to Buckhead, you should check if your accommodation offers airport rides.
Car Rental from Atlanta Airport to Buckhead
If you don’t mind the busy roads and the limited parking and are planning on traveling beyond the city limits as well, you should consider booking an Atlanta airport car rental. Overall, you’ll find twelve car hire companies present at Atlanta International Airport. Their desks lie at the Rental Car Center (RCC), linked to the domestic terminal via the courtesy Skytrain and to the international building via the complimentary shuttle. Thus, should you explore your options, you’ll ferret out tempting deals and various offers. Set your preferences and priorities, and depending on your budget, book the most suitable rental car for your journey in Atlanta.
You should expect to travel from Atlanta Airport to Buckhead in about 35 minutes. Are the roads congested? Your journey might last slightly less than an hour. As soon as you reach your destination, you’ll have to park your Atlanta car rental. In general terms, street parking is difficult and comes with parking fees and limited duration. On the other hand, various car parks are also available in the area. What’s more, some MARTA Stations feature parking facilities and even offer long-term parking services.
Private Airport Transfers from Atlanta Airport to Buckhead
Why settle for ordinary taxis or use the often congested public transit when you can book a private airport transfer and reach the upscale Buckhead most appropriately, that is in comfort and style? Private airport transfers come with many advantages. Welcome services at the airport are available, while rides are provided by vehicles as good as new, with drivers who are highly skilled and area-knowledgeable. That being said, the main advantage of a private airport transfer is the possibility of utterly customized journeys. Passengers can set all the details for the transfer simply by adding the required amenities during the booking process. On the other hand, private airport transfers are more expensive than ordinary taxis. Still, the extra cost for the ride from ATL to Buckhead won’t be significant and will certainly be outweighed by the quality of the services provided.
FAQs
How far is Buckhead from the airport?
The district of Buckhead is to be found 18 miles/29km from Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Therefore, a car ride from ATL to Buckhead typically lasts around 35 minutes. However, during peak hours, journeys tend to be longer.
How much is a taxi from Atlanta Airport to Buckhead?
Atlanta airport taxis offer fixed fares for rides from ATL to Buckhead. Thus, no matter the traveling time and the road congestion, you’ll pay $48/€44,20 for your taxi journey. Still, some extra fees (for instance, a $1,5/€1,38 airport fee) may also apply.
Can you take MARTA from the airport to Buckhead?
MARTA Trains link Atlanta Airport to Buckhead. Thus, the Red Line offers connections from ATL to the upscale Atlanta neighborhood. Overall, trains need about 32 minutes to traverse the 18-mile/29-km distance to Buckhead.