MARTA Train from Atlanta Airport
The efficient MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) provides bus and train connections all over the capital of Georgia. Its rail network can be regarded as an effective train and subway system, as trains mainly run underground, but they also operate above-ground in some parts of their routes. The MARTA train from Atlanta Airport is the most- sought-after transit option and the top value-for-money choice for rides from Hartsfield Jackson Airport. Hence, the Atlanta airport subway (or train as it is commonly referred to) is highly likely to be your mode of transit from ATL Airport to your accommodation in Atlanta.
Atlanta Airport Train Lines
Two MARTA trains depart from Atlanta Airport Station. Both head to the city center, but they end their routes in different parts of the city. Hence, the Gold and the Red Lines (out of the four MARTA train lines) link the airport to the city of Atlanta. Overall, they take around 20 minutes to reach the Atlanta Business District, specifically, its Downtown and Midtown areas.
ATL Airport is the south end of the Red Line, departing from North Springs. Thus, this Atlanta airport train connects the airport to downtown, ending its route to North Springs. Its northbound route runs from 04:50 am to 08:50 pm on a 12-20-minute frequency, depending on the time of the day. During weekends, it operates every 20 minutes from 05:50 am to 08:50 pm. The Red Line makes several stops on its way. Some of the most popular stops are:
- College Park
- Lakewood
- Oakland City
- Garnett
- Five Points
- Peachtree Center
- Civic Center
- Midtown
- Buckhead
- Dunwoody
- Sandy Springs
On the other hand, the Gold Line runs from the airport (the line’s south end) to Doraville. Its northbound itinerary operates from 04:40 am to 01:20 am every 12-20 minutes, while on Saturdays and Sundays, it runs from 06:00 am to 01:00 am every 20 minutes. The MARTA Gold Line makes several stops around Atlanta. Some of them are:
- College Park
- East Point
- Lakewood
- Garnett
- Five Points
- Peachtree Center
- Midtown
- Lindbergh Center
- Lenox
- Brookhaven
- Chamblee
The two Atlanta airport trains follow the same route until Lindbergh Center. However, from that point on, their routes diverge. For example, the Red Line reaches Buckhead (the northern part of the Business District), while the Gold Line travels to Lenox.
All MARTA train stations are conveniently located around the city, close to major hotels, sites, attractions, and other transit hubs. The two Atlanta airport train lines stop at four of the most convenient stations in the city center.
- Peachtree Center: right in the heart of the Downtown part of the Business District, it is the deepest station in Atlanta, lying close to major attractions, such as the Georgia Aquarium and the Skyview.
- Civic Center: The station is located at the borders between Midtown and Downtown. It is the most suitable stop to get to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
- Five Points: Atlanta’s central station. It serves all MARTA subway lines (Blue, Green, Gold, and Red), being the major transit hub in the city. That being said, if you don’t plan to change to another line, you won’t find various things to do in that city’s area.
- Garnett: Lying in Midtown, Garnett Station is situated slightly south of the Five Points Station. It lies adjacent to the Greyhound Bus Station.
Where is the Atlanta Airport Train Station
Atlanta Airport Train Station is to be found on the domestic terminal, right between the north and south baggage claim areas. Thus, travelers landing at terminals S and N (the south and north parts of domestic terminals) head to the baggage claim areas to retrieve their luggage and can easily reach the MARTA Station from that point. In detail, it is located at the west end of the terminal. Please note that the airport’s staff is always available at the Atlanta Airport Train Station to assist passengers with any questions or demands.
On the other hand, international passengers have to reach the domestic terminal to catch one of the two Atlanta airport trains. The courtesy Airport Shuttle Connector departs every 15 minutes from the bus stop on the international terminal’s Arrivals level (close to Doors A1 and A2), heading to the Ground Transportation Center/West Curb of the domestic terminal. On the other hand, the two terminals are also airside connected via the complimentary Plane Train. Finally, international travelers can also walk through the airside area to get between terminals. Still, it usually takes about 40 minutes to get to the domestic terminal, a tedious task, especially if traveling with children or heavy luggage.
Our Tip: Atlanta Airport Train Station has recently been renovated. As a result, it is a modern and efficient hub for travelers. Please note that all MARTA Stations feature various works of art. The Airport MARTA Station boasts the magnificent Solar Prominences created by Dorothy Berge.
Atlanta Airport Train Fares and Passes
You’ll have to buy a Breeze Card or Ticket to pay for your Atlanta airport train fares. Breeze Cards are rechargeable cards that can be bought from the Atlanta airport train station’s automatic vendors or the Ridestore. They cost $2/€1,84. They can be loaded with fares, passes, or cash (stored value). However, although you can top the Breeze Card with fares and passes through the MARTA Ridestores, the automatic machines, and online (as long as you create a Breeze account and link it to your card), you can’t load it with stored value online. In any case, Ridestores and automatic ticket vendors accept both cash and credit-debit cards.
Alternatively, you can buy a Breeze Ticket. Breeze Tickets are single-use tickets. Hence, you can load them with one-way, round-trip tickets or 1-Day Passes, but use them only once. They cost $1/€0,92, and up to 8 eight tickets can be bought simultaneously.
You’ll find blue Breeze targets to tap your Breeze Card or Ticket when you enter the Atlanta Airport Train Station (the platforms area) and at the exit fare gates of your alighting station.
Either way (with a Breeze Card or a Breeze Ticket), single trips cost $2,50/€2,30, and round trips $5/€4,60. If you want to load your Breeze Card with ten tickets, you’ll pay $25/€23, while twenty trips will cost you $42,50/€39,06. Although Breeze Tickets can be topped up only with 1-Day Passes, Breeze Cards can be loaded with several other options. Thus, you can load your Breeze Card with a 1-Day Pass, costing $9/€8,27, a 2-Day Pass, at a $14/€12,87 price, a 3-Day Pass, paying $16/€14,71, or a 4-Day Pass, priced at $19/€17,46. On the other hand, 7-Day Passes cost $23,75/€21,83, and 30-Day Passes are priced at $95/€87,32.
Once you catch the Atlanta airport train, you should keep in mind that as long as you tap on and off the Breeze Card or Ticket at all train stations and buses, you are entitled to four transfers within a 3-hour time frame. However, you can only change to a bus or subway line (not to Atlanta Streetcar). Moreover, it’s important to keep in mind that round trips (with the same train or bus) don’t count as transfers. Thus, you’ll have to buy a round-trip ticket if you plan to catch the same train to return to the airport after your visit to Atlanta.
Each adult passenger can travel with up to two children shorter than 46 inches/116cm, free of charge.
FAQs
Is MARTA connected to the Atlanta Airport?
Yes, a MARTA Station is to be found inside the domestic terminal of Hartsfield Jackson Airport. In detail, two MARTA Lines link the airport to downtown and other city regions. The Red and Gold lines are the two Atlanta airport subway lines serving the busiest airport in the world.
Can I catch the MARTA at Atlanta Airport?
The two MARTA trains from Atlanta Airport (Red and Gold Lines) depart from the train station of the domestic terminal. It is to be found at the terminal’s west end, right between the north and south baggage claim zones.
Does the Atlanta airport train go to the International terminal?
No, MARTA trains at Atlanta Airport call at the train station of the domestic terminal. Thus, international passengers have to catch the free International Terminal Shuttle to reach the domestic terminal and the rail station or walk their way through the Transportation Mall connecting the two terminals (which requires a 40-minute walk). On the other hand, the Plane Train also links the two terminals, yet airside.