Travel Info

Getting to Atlanta

Atlanta is easily accessible from nearly anywhere in the United States. Located in the heart of the Southeast, Atlanta serves as a major transportation hub and gateway to the region. The city is approximately 250 miles northwest of Savannah, 250 miles south of Nashville, and 145 miles west of Augusta. With Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport — one of the busiest airports in the world — Atlanta offers nonstop flights to hundreds of domestic and international destinations. More than 80% of the U.S. population is within a two-hour flight of the city, making it a convenient meeting and travel destination.

Atlanta By Air

  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): The world's busiest airport, ATL is served by numerous airlines, making it a convenient option from many domestic and international locations. 
  • Search for flights: Use flight comparison tools to find the cheapest and fastest options. 

Atlanta By Car

  • Interstates: Major highways I-75, I-85, and I-20 are the main routes into Atlanta. Be prepared for traffic congestion, especially where highways merge or split.
  • I-285 Perimeter: This highway encircles the city and connects to the major interstates.
  • Surface streets: Familiarize yourself with the surface street network to navigate around the city, as it can sometimes be faster than using the highways. 

Atlanta By Bus or Train

  • Bus: Companies such as Greyhound operate long-distance routes to Atlanta. 
  • Train: Amtrak offers service to the Atlanta station, located between Midtown and Buckhead. 
  • Connecting services: Be prepared for potential transfers when using buses or trains, and check specific routes and schedules

 

Getting Around Atlanta

Stretch your budget by taking the train

If you're looking for a low-stress way to explore, MARTA trains run north, south, east and west from downtown.

These budget-friendly trains can take you to neighborhoods including West End, Midtown, Buckhead, and Inman Park. However, there is no service to Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland, or Blandtown.

The four lines connect at Five Points Station, and the Red and Gold lines run to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Use MARTA buses for shorter hops

MARTA's bus network covers 91 routes, traversing 1,000 miles of Atlanta's streets. City buses offer convenient options within and between neighborhoods, and combining MARTA trains and buses can get you to major sights, including Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden. 

Check off the major tourist attractions with the Atlanta Streetcar

If you’re looking to tick off some of the major tourist attractions in downtown Atlanta and the Sweet Auburn neighborhoods, the MARTA-operated Atlanta Streetcar is the easiest and fastest way to get around. Start at the Centennial Olympic Park stop, which is near the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

For a $1 one-way fare, or a $3 all-day fare, streetcar passengers can make a 2.7-mile loop that will also drop you next to the Sweet Auburn Market and Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Park. The streetcar connects directly to the Peachtree Center MARTA station.

Get around locally on a rented e-bike or scooter

Once you've arrived at your bus or train stop, consider taking a ride on an e-bike or scooter to get to your final destination. Lime and Bird offer e-bikes and scooters at 200 different stations throughout the city; use their apps to find their dockless bikes and scooters.

Renting an e-bike or scooter usually starts with a base fee ($1 on Bird, $3.50 on Lime, including the first seven minutes) plus a per-minute charge (about 39 cents) during the rental period. 

Explore local neighborhoods by biking the BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine leads walkers and cyclists through many of the city’s most popular neighborhoods. The 22-mile loop follows the path of an old rail line, offering intimate views of local restaurants, shops and green spaces.

Use taxis and Uber to save time

It's easy to hire an Uber in Atlanta, and this is a cost-effective way to cover medium-length journeys in town. Lyft also has plenty of Atlanta drivers. You can also use rideshares to get to and from the airport if you don't fancy navigating the MARTA train or bus network with your luggage. 

Conventional taxis are easy to find downtown, with taxi stands near popular hotels, malls and key MARTA stations and tourist sights. Flat-rate fares apply to some popular trips, including travel to or from the airport and short rides within     the Atlanta Business District. 

Accessibility

Atlanta offers multiple accessible transportation options, including the MARTA, and rail system and its complementary paratransit service, MARTA Mobility.

Additional options include ride-share services with accessible vehicles, private accessible van services, and accessible charter buses for group events. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport also provides dedicated accessibility services