MARTA — Gold and Red Lines
Atlanta's heavy rail system — the cheapest, fastest way to downtown Atlanta, with a station integrated directly into the Domestic Terminal.
- Type
- Public Transit Rail
- Pickup
- Domestic Terminal, lower level (signed 'MARTA')
- Estimated cost
- $2.50 base fare with Breeze Card
- Travel time
- 20 min to downtown Atlanta (Five Points), 35 min to Midtown, 50 min to Sandy Springs
- · Cheapest option ($2.50 vs. $30–60 for rideshare)
- · Fastest option to downtown during rush hour (no traffic)
- · Integrated directly into Domestic Terminal
- · Reliable schedule
- · Doesn't serve all parts of metro Atlanta
- · Limited late-night service (last train ~12:30 a.m.)
- · Long walks at some stations (especially Five Points to specific downtown destinations)
MARTA's Gold and Red Lines both terminate at the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport station, which is integrated directly into the Domestic Terminal. To reach the station from baggage claim or the terminal's main level, follow signs marked 'MARTA' down the escalator or elevator on the west end of the terminal.
The base fare is $2.50 with a Breeze Card (a $2 one-time card cost, refillable at vending machines at the station). Cash is not accepted at faregates. The Breeze Card can be reloaded with stored value or with day/week passes; a Day Pass runs $9 and pays for itself with three or more rides.
Trains operate roughly every 12–20 minutes from approximately 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. weekdays, with reduced frequency on weekends and the last train departing the airport around 12:30 a.m. The Gold Line runs to Doraville (north of Atlanta via Midtown and Brookhaven), while the Red Line runs to North Springs (via Midtown, Buckhead, and Sandy Springs).
Travel times: Downtown Atlanta (Five Points station) 20 minutes; Midtown 35 minutes; Buckhead/Lenox 45 minutes; Sandy Springs/North Springs 50–55 minutes. Trains are accessible to wheelchair users and have luggage racks near the doors.
Safety: MARTA is generally safe during operating hours but can feel deserted during very late or very early service. Ride in cars with other passengers when possible and avoid the rear cars at off-peak times.