Buses and Trains at Atlanta Airport (ATL)
MARTA and Long-Distance Transport Guide
The public transportation system is one of the most economical and direct ways to connect Atlanta Airport with the rest of the city and beyond. Here we offer a complete guide to the train and bus services available, enriched with the experiences and tips of other travelers.
Quick Questions about Public Transport at ATL
- 🚆 Is the MARTA train the best option for downtown? Yes, for most travelers. It is the fastest and cheapest way to get to Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead, avoiding Atlanta's famous traffic. The trip to downtown takes about 20 minutes and costs $2.50.
- 📍 Where is the MARTA station? Inside the Domestic Terminal, between the North and South baggage claim areas. Follow the signs for "MARTA" from the baggage claim area.
- ⚠️ How do I get to MARTA from the International Terminal? This is a critical point. You will need to take the external shuttle to the Domestic Terminal — it is slow and often crowded. Plan at least 45-60 extra minutes for this transfer before taking the train.
- 🧼 Is it clean and safe? The experience is mixed. Many travelers consider it safe during the day, but complaints about lack of cleanliness and the presence of homeless people are very common, especially at night. For nighttime arrivals, consider Uber, Lyft, or a taxi.
- 💳 How do you pay on MARTA now? The system changed in 2026. The old silver Breeze cards are no longer used. You can now pay directly with your bank card (credit or debit) or mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) by tapping the fare gate — no need to buy anything. There are also new orange Breeze cards available at vending machines.
Critical Points: Smart Traveler's Manual
New Better Breeze Payment System: What You Need to Know Before You Arrive
User Experience:
Since March 2026, MARTA's payment system has completely changed. The old silver Breeze cards no longer work. Several travelers who arrived without knowing this report confusion at the fare gates, especially at stations where new and old equipment coexist during the transition.
Strategy: The simplest way to pay now is to tap your bank card or mobile device directly on the new orange fare gates — no need to buy any card. If you prefer the physical orange Breeze card, you can get it at vending machines in any station for $1.00. Cash is still accepted on buses and at vending machines.
MARTA at Night: When It's Worth It and When It's Not
User Experience:
The most critical reviews of MARTA at ATL correspond to nighttime travel. The perception of insecurity in cars and intermediate stations is higher after 9 PM. Two stabbings in one week were reported by a 30-year-old frequent traveler in 2025-2026, although these situations are not the norm.
Strategy: For solo travelers with light luggage during the day, MARTA is an excellent option. For nighttime arrivals, families, or travelers with a lot of luggage, Uber, Lyft, or a hired taxi are more predictable alternatives. The last departure from the airport is at 1:00 AM (Monday to Friday) and 1:54 AM on weekends.
Luggage During Rush Hour: A Factor to Consider
User Experience:
Several travelers mention the difficulty of handling large suitcases on MARTA cars during rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM), when trains are very crowded and luggage space is limited.
Strategy: If you are traveling with bulky luggage, plan to arrive or leave outside of rush hours. The train is ideal for backpacks and carry-on luggage; for large suitcases during rush hour, a rideshare is usually more comfortable and the cost difference is smaller than it seems.
MARTA: Connecting ATL to the City
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) operates the city's local public transportation system.
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Photo by Dogancan Ozturan - Unsplash
MARTA Trains
The airport station is located inside the Domestic Terminal. The Red and Gold Lines travel directly to and from the station, with a stop at Five Points station in downtown Atlanta (15-minute trip).
The Red Line goes to College Park, East Point, West End, Garnett, Midtown, Lindbergh Center, Buckhead, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and North Springs, while the Gold Line goes to College Park, East Point, West End, Garnett, Midtown, Lindbergh Center, Lenox, Chamblee, and Doraville. They operate Monday through Friday between 4:45 AM and 1:00 AM and on weekends from 6:00 AM to 1:54 AM.
User Experience:
It is the preferred option for its speed and affordability. However, reviews warn about the lack of cleanliness and the feeling of insecurity during nighttime hours. During the day, it is an excellent option, but avoid rush hours if you are traveling with a lot of luggage.
Bus 191
This route operates north-south from Lakewood Station, the International Terminal arrivals area, passing through 50 other stops along Interstate 75, until it ends and restarts at the Justice Center Bus/Train Station. Departures every 40 minutes Monday through Friday between 5:10 AM and 12:00 AM, Saturdays from 6:30 AM to 11:45 PM, and Sundays from 7:40 AM to 11:40 PM. More information.
User Experience:
It is an economical but less popular option. Travelers report long wait times and delays due to driver shortages, so it is not recommended if you have a tight schedule.
MARTA Fares and Payment Methods
Since March 28, 2026, MARTA operates with the new Better Breeze system. The old silver Breeze cards no longer work. Current payment options are:
- Bank card or mobile wallet: tap your credit/debit card or Apple Pay / Google Pay / Samsung Pay directly on the new orange fare gates. It is the fastest option, with no lines at machines.
- New orange Breeze card (physical): available at vending machines in any station for $1.00. Account-based — the balance is stored in your profile, not on the card.
- Cash: accepted on buses and at the new station vending machines.
The standard fare is $2.50 with four free transfers within a three-hour period. Reduced fare of $1.00 for seniors and people with disabilities. Children up to 46 inches tall ride free (maximum two per paying adult). For multiple trips, passes are still available:
- 1 Day: $9.00
- 2 Days: $14.00
- 3 Days: $16.00
- 4 Days: $19.00
- 7 Days: $23.75
- 10 Days: $25.00
- 20 Days: $42.50
- 30 Days: $95.00
User Experience:
The option to pay directly with a bank card is well received by frequent travelers from other countries who are already familiar with tap-to-pay systems. For occasional travelers, the most common recommendation is to use your credit card directly at the fare gate — avoid lines at machines and it is the most modern method in the system.
Long-Distance Transport
AMTRAK
The Amtrak station is at 1688 Peachtree St. NW (Tel +1 800 872 7245). To get there from the airport, you will need to take a taxi, Uber, Lyft, or a door-to-door shuttle service, as there is no direct public transportation connection. For door-to-door service to the station, contact A-National Management Services at Tel +1 404 941 3440.
User Experience:
The main advice is to plan with plenty of extra time for the transfer between the airport and the Amtrak station, as Atlanta traffic can be unpredictable. The station itself is functional, but reviews indicate it could improve in terms of amenities.
Greyhound
Greyhound Flightlink offers services from the lower level of the North Terminal (door LN1) to different cities and states. Use the escalator from the North baggage claim area. For reservations, call Tel +1 800 231 2222 or visit the official website.
User Experience:
It is an economical and reliable option for long trips. However, travelers recommend arriving early to secure a good seat and warn that the cleanliness of the terminal and buses can be inconsistent. Confirm the exact boarding location directly with Greyhound before traveling, as airport facilities may change due to construction or reorganization.
Pros and Cons of Public Transport at ATL
Pros: MARTA is the most economical option to get downtown ($2.50 vs. $30-50 for rideshare); direct trip to downtown in 15-20 minutes with no traffic; new Better Breeze system with tap-to-pay using bank card or mobile — no need to buy a specific card; reduced fare for seniors and people with disabilities; children up to 46 inches free; Greyhound for long-distance trips directly from the airport.
Cons: cleanliness and perceived safety issues in cars and stations, especially at night; travelers from the International Terminal must take a shuttle before accessing MARTA; limited space for bulky luggage during rush hours; Bus 191 slow and irregular; transition to the new Breeze system may cause confusion with mixed fare gates (old and new); last departure at 1:00 AM on weekdays — no overnight service for very late flights.
