Transit Options from ATL Airport to Downtown
Downtown Atlanta is to be found 10 miles/16 km away from Hartsfield Jackson Airport. Part of the Atlanta Business District (along with Midtown and Buckhead), Downtown Atlanta is the heart of the city, housing a wide number of its attractions, such as the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, etc. So, are you wondering how to get from Atlanta Airport to Downtown Atlanta? You can pick from various transit options. Thus, if you aren’t on a budget, you can catch an Atlanta airport taxi or book a private airport transfer. Moreover, if you value autonomy during your journeys, you should consider booking an airport car rental. On the other hand, the Atlanta airport train, along with several shared-ride airport shuttle services, are the most affordable options.
| Options | Price ($) | Price (€) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 36 | 33,17 | 15-20 min |
| Train | 2,50 | 2,30 | 17 min |
| Shuttle | 16,50 | 15,10 | 30 min |
Atlanta Airport to Downtown Atlanta by Taxi
A taxi from Atlanta Airport to Downtown is one of the most convenient ways to travel from ATL Airport. Atlanta airport taxis are always present in the airport’s taxi ranks. Both domestic and international passengers can easily locate their terminal’s taxi stand. The domestic terminal’s taxi rank lies at the Ground Transportation Center/West Curb, between Doors W1 and W2, while the international taxi stand is located on the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. terminal (international terminal), on its Arrivals level and close to Door A1.
You are strongly advised to catch your Atlanta airport taxi only from the official taxi stand. You shouldn’t trust individual drivers who are typically unlicensed and trying to overcharge ATL passengers.
Taxis from Atlanta Airport don’t have the same color. In general terms, the fleets of each taxi company consist of uniformly colored vehicles. Regardless of the chosen taxi provider, all airport taxis are known for their reliable and door-to-door services.
The taxi from Atlanta Airport to Downtown Atlanta will drive you to your destination in 15-20 minutes. That being said, during rush hours (and especially from 07:30 am to 09:30 am and from 04:30 pm to 06:30 pm), roads around Atlanta Airport and in the city center tend to get congested. Thus, rides may last up to 35 minutes. In any case, taxis offer flat fares for journeys from ATL Airport to Atlanta. Therefore, no matter the traffic conditions, you’ll pay $36/€33,17 for your taxi ride.
Your taxi driver may ask to get paid for the flat flare at the beginning of the ride.
An airport fee of $1,5/€1,38 will be added to the fare, while if the gasoline price of unleaded fuel increases significantly (more than $2,90/€2,67 for 14 days in a row), your ride might be $2-$3/€1,84-€2,76 pricier. On the other hand, luggage (unless excessive) doesn’t bring extra charges, nor do night rides. However, the previously mentioned set price applies to one-person rides. Hence, each additional passenger is charged an extra $2/€1,84 fee. The same goes for each child as well. Nevertheless, only one child per adult passenger is charged, and children up to 6 years travel out of charge. As for tipping, it is optional. Still, locals typically leave a 15%-20% tip for pleasant services. You can pay for your taxi ride to Downtown Atlanta in cash or use a bank card. That being said, it is always recommended to let the driver know that you are going to pay the taxi fare via a credit or debit card.
Our Tip: Limousine services are available at ATL Airport as well. Moreover, Uber and Lyft provide ride-sharing services to Atlanta airport passengers.
Atlanta Airport to Downtown Atlanta by Train/Subway
Atlanta airport train is the most popular transit option at ATL Airport. MARTA trains provide fast, efficient, and affordable services to the city center and other city regions. The MARTA railway system is a combined train and subway network, in the sense that although MARTA Trains mostly run underground, some parts of their routes are operated above the ground. Despite the fact that the MARTA rail network can be mostly regarded as a subway system, MARTA Trains are the most commonly used term.
The Atlanta Airport Train Station lies in the domestic terminal, between the north and south baggage claim zones, on its west end. Thus, passengers arriving at the international terminal can catch the free International Terminal Shuttle from the Arrivals level (close to Doors A1 and A2) to reach the Ground Transportation Center and the MARTA Station. Alternatively, they can walk airside from one terminal to the other. However, it can be a challenging option as the two terminals are a 40-minute walk from each other. Finally, the courtesy Plane Train also travels between the terminals, operating within the airside area.
Two Atlanta airport train lines run from MARTA Station. Thus, the Red and the Gold Lines provide connections from ATL Airport to Downtown. They both follow the same route up to the Downtown part of the city. Thus, you can catch either of the trains. The Red Line (North Springs to Airport) operates from 04:50 am to 08:50 pm every 12-20 minutes. On weekends, it has available routes every 20 minutes from 05:50 am to 08:50 pm. On the other hand, the Gold Line (Doraville to Airport) runs every 12-20 minutes from 04:40 am to 01:20 am. However, on Saturdays and Sundays, it operates from 06:00 am to 01:00 am at a 20-minute frequency.
Either way, you’ll catch the northbound trains traveling from Atlanta Airport to Downtown Atlanta. There are a few stops scattered around the Downtown part of the city. Two of the most convenient options in the area are the Peachtree Center Station and the Five Points Station. The Peachtree Center lies close to several attractions, such as the Skyview Atlanta and the Georgia Aquarium. Train rides from ATL to the Peachtree Center last 18 minutes. Alternatively, the Five Points Station is a 17-minute ride from the airport. It is the central Atlanta’s rail hub. All four MARTA lines call at that station. Nevertheless, there aren’t many things to do in the nearby area.
A Breeze Card or Ticket is required to travel with Atlanta airport train lines. Breeze Cards are rechargeable cards that cost $2/€1,84 and can be purchased from the station’s automatic machines or the Ridestore. Passengers can load them with fares, passes, or cash using the Ridestores, the automatic vendors, or even online. However, it’s important to remember that they can’t be topped up with cash (stored value) online. On the other hand, Breeze Tickets can be used only once. Nevertheless, they can be loaded with single or round-trip tickets or even a 1-Day Pass. They are priced at $1/€0,92.
The train stations are equipped with blue Breeze targets. You must always tap your Breeze Card or Ticket once entering and exiting each station.
Single trips come with a $2,50/€2,30 price, and round trips cost $5/€4,60. Thus, your subway ride from ATL to downtown Atlanta will cost you just $2,50/€2,30. If you plan to use the MARTA network frequently during your stay in Atlanta, you can load your Breeze Card (Breeze Tickets can be topped up only with 1-Day Passes) with various passes (a 1-Day, 2-Day, 3-Day, 4-Day, 7-Day, or even a 30-Day Pass).
Children up to 46 inches/116cm (up to two per adult passenger) travel for free.
Have you traveled from Atlanta Airport to Downtown but want to make an onward trip? As long as you tap on and off your Breeze Card or Ticket, you can make four onward rides with MARTA buses and trains (but not with the Atlanta Streetcar) without being charged, within 3 hours from the airport train journey. That being said, round trips are charged extra.
Atlanta Airport to Downtown Atlanta by Shuttle
You won’t find a MARTA bus traveling from Atlanta Airport to Downtown Atlanta. Still, various shared-ride shuttles depart from ATL Airport to Downtown. The pick-up location at the domestic terminal (the Shared-Ride Shuttle Aisle) lies at the Ground Transportation Center. A few Atlanta airport shuttles pick up passengers from the international terminal as well (at the Arrivals, close to Exit A3).
The following shared-ride shuttle companies offer their services at Hartsfield Jackson Airport. Their fares for the ride from Atlanta Airport to Downtown is around $16,50/€15,10. Each company comes with its own prices and timetables.
- Airport Perimeter Connection
- Atlanta Hotels Connection
- Galleria Direct
- Greater Atlanta Shuttle
- North Express Airport Shuttle
- ATL Airport Shuttle
- Train Xpress
Our Tip: Several hotels in Downtown Atlanta provide airport shuttle services. Most of them pick up their passengers from the domestic terminal (at the Ground Transportation Center), but a few others also call at the international terminal (at the Arrivals level, close to Door A3).
Car Rental from Atlanta Airport to Downtown Atlanta
Do you consider independence a top priority during your travels? Are you planning to explore many other destinations in Georgia besides the capital? In all cases, an Atlanta airport car rental should be the perfect choice for you. The Rental Car Center (RCC) is a short ride via the courtesy Skytrain from the domestic terminal and the free Shuttle Connector from the international terminal. Twelve car hire companies are present there, whereas various agencies provide their services even though they don’t have onsite desks. Do your search, ferret out the top deals depending on your needs and budget, and enjoy seamless rides around Atlanta.
Your ride from ATL Airport to Downtown Atlanta should last 15-20 minutes. However, during rush hours, roads tend to get congested. Hence, you should expect a longer journey during those times (up to 35 minutes). As soon as you reach the city center, you’ll have to park your Atlanta rental car. Hopefully, your accommodation will offer parking services. If that isn’t the case, you should bear in mind that street parking is limited, paid, and comes with time restrictions. Therefore, you won’t be able to park for more than 2-4 hours. Fortunately, various car parks are to be found scattered around the Atlanta Business District.
Our Parking Tip: All MARTA Stations have parking facilities. Some of them offer long-term options as well. Thus, if your hotel lies close to one of those rail stations, you should consider parking your car there.
Private Airport Transfers from ATL Airport to Downtown Atlanta
Private airport transfers are the most expensive but also the most comfortable way to travel from Atlanta Airport to Downtown Atlanta. They offer premium services (more elevated than the ordinary airport taxis). That’s the reason why they are slightly pricier. Their main advantage -besides the quality of services- is their tailored rides. Passengers can set the details of the transfer to enjoy a seamless and relaxed journey to the city center. Welcome services at the airport, door-to-door rides, well-maintained and as-good-as-new car models, and highly skilled drivers who know the area and can share useful advice are also among their major perks. All in all, if you want to travel in comfort and style, you should settle on a private airport transfer for your ride from ATL Airport.
FAQs
How close is Atlanta Airport to Downtown?
The distance from Atlanta Airport to Downtown Atlanta is about 10 miles/16km. Thus, car rides from ATL to Downtown last around 15 minutes under normal traffic conditions and about 35 minutes during rush hours.
How do I go from Atlanta Airport to city center?
The most convenient options for the ride from Atlanta Airport to Downtown Atlanta are airport taxis and private airport transfers. What’s more, airport car rentals are recommended to travelers who want to explore Atlanta’s surrounding areas as well. On the other hand, Atlanta airport shuttles provide connections to the city center. Nevertheless, the fastest and most affordable transit option is the cheap and traffic-independent MARTA Re and Gold Lines.
How much is a taxi from Atlanta Airport to Downtown?
Atlanta airport taxis provide set fares for the ride from ATL Airport to Downtown Atlanta. Thus, the taxi journey to Downtown for one passenger costs $36/€33,17, plus the $1,50/€1,38 airport fee, regardless of the roads’ congestion. Each additional passenger comes with a $2/€1,84 surcharge.