How to get from Atlanta Airport to Downtown Atlanta

Landing at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and heading for Downtown Atlanta? This guide breaks down every way to make the short trip into the city, from the MARTA train to taxis, rideshares, shuttles, and rental cars.

At A Glance (Atlanta Airport to Downtown Atlanta)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚆 MARTA Rail (Airport Station → Downtown)	~20–30 minutes station-to-station	Budget travelers, solo visitors, avoiding traffic
🏷️ Cost: ~US$2.50–3 per person (single ride, plus Breeze card/ticket) » MARTA airport station info | MARTA how-to guide
🚕 Taxi or Ride-hailing (Uber/Lyft)	~20–30 minutes door-to-door (traffic-dependent)	Door-to-door comfort, late-night arrivals, lots of luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~US$35–45 per car to Downtown (flat-rate taxis; Uber/Lyft vary with demand) » official taxi zones | Uber price guide
🚐 Private Transfer & Shared Shuttles	~25–45 minutes (depending on hotel stops & traffic)	Groups, families, guaranteed pickup
🏷️ Cost: Shared shuttles from ~US$16.50 per person; private cars often ~US$60–120 per vehicle » prebook a private car | airport transfer listings
🚗 Rental Car / Self-drive	~20–30 minutes driving (+15–30 minutes to pick up car)	Road trips, exploring suburbs/regions around Atlanta
🏷️ Cost: Daily rentals from ~US$40+ (plus fuel/parking) » compare rental cars at ATL | check flights to/from ATL

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest / Most Convenient: For a quick, no-thinking-required ride straight to your hotel, choose a taxi or Uber/Lyft. They’re 24/7, good after long flights, and perfect if you have bulky luggage or young kids.
• Cheapest / Most Economical: The MARTA rail is easily the best value—just one ticket from the Airport Station to Downtown stations like Five Points, Peachtree Center, or Georgia State.
• Most Comfortable Door-to-Door: If you prefer to have a driver waiting with your name on a sign, go for a prebooked private transfer or hotel shuttle. These are ideal for late-night arrivals, business trips, or travelers who don’t want to navigate a new system while jet-lagged.
• Best for Road Trips & Exploring Beyond Downtown: If you plan to visit suburbs like Decatur or drive out to the mountains, renting a car at the airport via Booking.com car rentals makes the most sense.
• Already in the City? If you’re starting Downtown and heading back to ATL, you can reverse each option in this guide or use the MARTA rail straight from central stations.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Plan around rush hour: Atlanta traffic can be intense during weekday mornings (7–9am) and evenings (4–7pm). During these windows, MARTA rail is usually more predictable than the highway.
• Use contactless or Breeze cards for MARTA: Buy a Breeze card or Breeze ticket at the Airport Station vending machines and load single rides or day passes. Keep the card handy—you’ll tap in and out for rail and the Atlanta Streetcar.
• Prebook cars when arriving late: For arrivals after midnight or when traveling with kids or large groups, book a Welcome Pickups transfer or a ride via GetTransfer so you know exactly who’s picking you up.
• Compare airport transfers online: You can browse different private transfer and shuttle options on platforms like GetYourGuide and Trip.com activities, which often bundle transport with tours or attraction tickets.
• Bundle flights, hotels, and cars: If you’re still planning your trip, look for flight and hotel deals around downtown on Booking.com Flights and Atlanta hotels so your arrival and onward transport line up nicely.
• Travel light into Downtown: If your hotel check-in is hours away, consider dropping your bags at a luggage storage spot in the city center via Radical Storage in Atlanta before exploring.
• Check accessibility needs: MARTA trains and most airport shuttles are wheelchair-accessible. If you need a vehicle with extra assistance or child seats, specify this when booking a private transfer or rideshare upgrade.
• Explore by bike or scooter once downtown: After you arrive, you can rent bicycles, scooters, or even motorcycles using BikesBooking’s Atlanta listings to get around neighborhoods on two wheels.

🚆 Option #1 — MARTA Rail from the Airport (Cheapest, Very Reliable)

Low cost Avoids traffic Light luggage best

• Overview: Take the MARTA Red or Gold line directly from Airport Station (inside the Domestic Terminal) to Downtown stations such as Five Points, Peachtree Center, or Georgia State. Trains run frequently, and the ride is usually around 20–25 minutes.
• How to book (with price): No advance booking is needed. Buy a Breeze card (reusable) or Breeze ticket from vending machines at the Airport Station. Expect about US$2.50–3 per ride, plus a small one-time card fee. You can check current fares and airport station info on the official MARTA site.
• Pros: Very cheap, avoids highway traffic, runs from early morning until late night, and drops you directly into central Atlanta. Great for solo travelers or anyone comfortable with public transit.
• Cons: Less convenient with extremely large or multiple suitcases, and you’ll still need to walk or transfer to a rideshare or hotel shuttle once you reach your downtown station.

Step-by-step: Using MARTA Rail from ATL to Downtown

1. Follow signs to “Ground Transportation / MARTA” after leaving your gate. From Domestic baggage claim, look for the MARTA icons and directional signs.
2. Enter the Airport Station located between the North and South baggage claim areas. You’ll see Breeze ticket machines just before the fare gates.
3. Buy a Breeze card or ticket and load a one-way trip or day pass. Keep the card for tapping in and out.
4. Tap in at the fare gates and head down to the platform for the Red or Gold line northbound (toward North Springs or Doraville).
5. Ride to your Downtown stop: Most visitors use Five Points (for transfers), Peachtree Center (for many downtown hotels and attractions), or Georgia State (for Georgia State University area).
6. Exit the station by tapping your card at the exit gates, then follow signs to the correct street exit for your hotel or meeting point.
7. Combine with other transport if needed: From downtown stations, you can walk, use the Atlanta Streetcar, or take a short Uber/Lyft ride to your final destination.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Station on MARTA)

• From Domestic Arrivals: After collecting bags, follow the MARTA signs toward the west end of the terminal between the North and South baggage claims. The station entrance is clearly marked.
• From the International Terminal: Take the free airport shuttle from the International Terminal to the Domestic Terminal, then follow signs to the MARTA Airport Station.
• From the Rental Car Center: Ride the free ATL SkyTrain back to the Domestic Terminal, then follow signs inside to the MARTA Station if you decide to park the car and ride transit into Downtown.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚕 Option #2 — Taxi or Ride-hailing (Fastest Door-to-Door)

No transfers 24/7 availability Higher cost

• Overview: Official Atlanta taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft run from ATL to Downtown around the clock. In light traffic, the ride can be as quick as 20 minutes; at rush hour, allow 35–45 minutes.
• How to book (with price):
  • Taxi: Follow airport signs to the taxi rank outside the terminal. Downtown rides use a flat rate (roughly US$35–40 for the first passenger, plus a small surcharge for extra passengers). Check current official flat rates on the ATL ground transportation page.
  • Uber/Lyft: Request a ride in the app and follow signs to the Rideshare Pickup Zone in the North Economy lot. Typical fares to Downtown are often around US$30–40 depending on demand and time of day; you can see a live estimate in the app or on Uber’s route page.
• Pros: Door-to-door, easiest with heavy luggage, no need to understand transit maps, and good if you’re traveling as a small group.
• Cons: More expensive than MARTA, subject to traffic, and rideshare prices can surge during big events or storms.

Step-by-step: Taking a Taxi, Uber, or Lyft from ATL

1. Exit to baggage claim and collect your luggage.
2. For taxis: Follow signs for Taxi or Ground Transportation. Join the official taxi queue outside the terminal and tell the dispatcher you’re going to Downtown Atlanta. Confirm the flat rate before you get in.
3. For Uber/Lyft: Open the app once you’re in the terminal, set your destination (hotel or address in Downtown Atlanta), and confirm the pickup point as the airport’s rideshare pickup zone.
4. Walk to the Rideshare Pickup Zone: From baggage claim, follow signs for Rideshare / Uber / Lyft. You’ll generally take the escalators or elevator down to the lower level and walk to the North Economy parking lot, where drivers meet passengers.
5. Verify your vehicle: Check the license plate, car model, and driver name against the app before getting into any car.
6. Ride into Downtown: Your route will usually follow I-85/I-75 northbound into the city. Travel time will vary based on traffic and your exact destination.

Getting to the main embarking points (Taxi Stand & Rideshare Zone)

• Taxi ranks: Located outside the terminal on the arrivals level, clearly signed as “Taxi” or “Cab” areas. Use only licensed cabs from the official queue.
• Rideshare pickup (Uber/Lyft): After leaving baggage claim, follow orange Rideshare signs toward the North Economy lot. You’ll walk about 5 minutes to the designated pickup lanes.
• Late-night safety: Stay in well-lit areas, keep valuables close, and always confirm the driver details in your app before boarding.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #3 — Private Transfers & Shared Shuttles

Meet-and-greet Great for groups Prebooking recommended

• Overview: If you prefer to have everything arranged before you land, you can book a private transfer or shared shuttle. A driver meets you at arrivals, helps with luggage, and drives you straight to your hotel in Downtown Atlanta. Shared vans are cheaper per person but may make extra stops.
• How to book (with price):
  • Private transfers: Expect roughly US$60–120 per vehicle depending on car size, time of day, and extras such as child seats. You can prebook with services like Welcome Pickups, GetTransfer, or through platforms like GetYourGuide’s ATL transfers or Trip.com private car options.
  • Shared-ride shuttles: Official shared shuttles from the airport’s Ground Transportation Center typically start from around US$16.50 per person to Downtown. Check current partners and fares on the ATL ground transportation page.
• Pros: Stress-free arrival, fixed price agreed in advance, and especially good for families, elderly travelers, or anyone arriving with lots of luggage or gear.
• Cons: More expensive than MARTA (and sometimes more than a standard Uber/Lyft), and shared shuttles may take longer due to multiple hotel stops.

Step-by-step: Using a Private Transfer or Shared Shuttle

1. Book in advance: Before your trip, reserve a transfer with your chosen provider, sharing your flight number and arrival time so they can track delays.
2. Receive confirmation: You’ll get a voucher or confirmation email with meeting-point details (for example, near baggage claim or a specific door in arrivals).
3. On arrival, clear immigration and customs (for international flights) or head straight to baggage claim for domestic arrivals.
4. Meet your driver or shuttle representative: Look for your name on a sign or check your app for contact details and exact pickup location.
5. Walk to the vehicle: Private cars usually wait in a designated car service area; shared shuttles depart from the Ground Transportation Center.
6. Ride to Downtown: Sit back and relax—most drivers will help with luggage at drop-off and confirm your hotel before departing.

Getting to the main embarking points (Ground Transportation Center & Meeting Points)

• Ground Transportation Center: From baggage claim, follow signs for Ground Transportation / Shuttles. You’ll exit the terminal and follow overhead signs to the shared-ride and hotel-shuttle areas.
• Meet-and-greet drivers: Some private transfer services meet inside the terminal near baggage claim; others wait outside. Your booking confirmation will specify exactly where to go.
• Hotel shuttles: Many airport-area hotels (and a few Downtown hotels) run free or paid shuttles. Confirm the timetable with your hotel when booking—sites like Trip.com’s shuttle-friendly hotels list and Booking.com can help you compare options.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #4 — Rental Car / Self-drive

Flexible itinerary Best for road trips Parking costs apply

• Overview: If Atlanta is just the start of a wider road trip, picking up a rental car at the airport can be convenient. The ATL SkyTrain links the main terminal to the Rental Car Center, where most major agencies operate. Driving to Downtown takes about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
• How to book (with price): Daily rates for compact cars often start around US$40–60, but prices vary by season and demand. Compare options and pick-up times using Booking.com’s ATL car rental search. If you’re flying in and out of Atlanta, you can also coordinate your flights via Booking.com Flights and Trip.com’s ATL flight info.
• Pros: Total flexibility, easy access to suburbs and attractions outside the city center, and very convenient if you’re traveling with family or lots of gear.
• Cons: Downtown parking can be expensive, traffic can be heavy at peak times, and you won’t need a car much if you stay only in central neighborhoods.

Step-by-step: Renting a Car at ATL and Driving Downtown

1. Follow signs to “Rental Car Center / SkyTrain” after baggage claim. The SkyTrain is a free, elevated train that runs between the terminal and the Rental Car Center 24/7.
2. Ride the ATL SkyTrain to the Rental Car Center and follow signs for your chosen rental company’s desk.
3. Pick up your car: Show your reservation, driver’s license, and payment card. Inspect the vehicle and note any existing damage before leaving.
4. Drive toward Downtown: Set your GPS or mapping app for your hotel or landmark in Downtown Atlanta. Most routes use I-85/I-75 northbound.
5. Park smart: Many downtown hotels charge nightly parking fees; public garages and lots can be cheaper further from the main attractions. Check parking options when booking your hotel.
6. Consider mixing modes: You could drive from the airport to your hotel, park the car, and then use MARTA, walking, or bikes/scooters (found via BikesBooking’s scooter rentals) to move around the city.

Getting to the main embarking points (ATL Rental Car Center)

• Rental Car Center: Accessed via the free ATL SkyTrain from the Domestic Terminal. Just follow the “Rental Car Center” and “SkyTrain” signs after baggage claim.
• Fuel & tolls: Gas stations are available near both the airport and Downtown. Atlanta does not currently use toll roads for the direct airport–downtown route, but always check your GPS for any changes.
• Returning the car: When leaving Atlanta, drive back to the Rental Car Center, drop off the vehicle, and ride the ATL SkyTrain back to the terminal.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Atlanta Airport to Downtown Atlanta)

What is the easiest way to get from Atlanta Airport to Downtown?
For most visitors, the MARTA rail is the easiest and most budget-friendly: the Airport Station is inside the terminal, and trains run directly to Downtown stops like Five Points and Peachtree Center. If you prefer to avoid transit or are arriving late, a taxi, Uber, or Lyft offers simple door-to-door service.

How long does it take to travel from ATL to Downtown?
MARTA trains take roughly 20–30 minutes from Airport Station to central stations. Taxis, rideshares, and private transfers usually take 20–30 minutes in light traffic, but at rush hour you should allow 35–45 minutes.

How much should I budget for the transfer?
A single MARTA ride is around US$2.50–3 per person (plus a small Breeze card/ticket fee). Taxis and ride-hail services typically cost around US$30–45 per car to Downtown, depending on flat-rate zones and demand. Shared shuttles start from about US$16.50 per person, while private transfers are usually US$60+ per vehicle.

Is it safe to take MARTA from the airport with luggage?
Yes, many locals and visitors use MARTA daily, including airport travelers. As with any big city, keep an eye on your bags, avoid displaying valuables, and choose train cars with other passengers. If you’re uncomfortable using transit late at night, opt for a taxi or rideshare instead.

Do I need a rental car if I’m staying in Downtown Atlanta?
Not necessarily. Downtown is walkable, well-served by MARTA, and easy to reach by taxi or rideshare. A rental car makes more sense if you plan to explore further afield (like Stone Mountain, the suburbs, or regional road trips). Otherwise, you can save money on parking by skipping the car and relying on transit, bikes/scooters, and occasional rideshares.

Can I store my luggage somewhere in Downtown if my hotel check-in is later?
Yes. If your room isn’t ready, you can often leave bags at your hotel, or you can book short-term storage at central locations via Radical Storage in Downtown Atlanta while you explore.