Other Types of Transportation in Atlanta
MARTA | Hartsfield International Airport | Ground Transportation from the Airport
Atlanta's mass transit system is called MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority). MARTA is one of the most advanced rapid transit systems in the United States.
Today MARTA serves the 800-square-mile district at the heart of the metro area. The first MARTA rail stations opened in June 1979. When the Airport station opened in June 1988, Atlanta became one of the few U.S. cities to offer direct rail service from the airport to downtown.
MARTA operates 240 electric rail cars on 46 miles of track with regular service to 36 rapid rail stations. In addition, 785 buses traverse 150 routes covering 1,500 miles. On an average weekday, the system records 500,000 passenger boardings.
Weekdays, trains run every 4 to 8 minutes between 5 AM and 7 PM; from 7 PM until 1 AM, they run every 10 minutes. On Saturday, trains run every 10 minutes between 5 AM and 7 PM; from 7 PM until 1 AM, they run every 15 minutes. On Sunday and holidays, trains run every 15 minutes from 5:30 to 12:30 AM. Extra trains are typically called into service during big downtown events.
Bus schedules vary, but there's a printed timetable for every route. You can get free schedules at Five Points station and at MARTA information kiosks. Each bus usually has a supply of its own schedule; ask your driver.
A single MARTA fare (required for each passenger older than 3) is currently $1.50, including two free transfers. (This means you can take a bus to the train, change at Five Points to a train on the other line, ride to another station, then take a bus from the station to your destination -- all for a single fare. You can't, however, use a transfer as your return fare in a round trip.)
MARTA route and schedule information is available by phone from 6 AM to 10 PM Monday through Friday and from 8 AM to 4 PM Saturdays, Sundays and holidays; call (404) 848-4711. Tell the operator your location and destination; she or he will tell you which bus to take, where to catch it, whether you need to transfer and when the bus runs.
(Please note: Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, but MARTA's services, schedules and fares are subject to change.)
MARTA's rail lines intersect at the huge Five Points station, where you can transfer between east/west and north/south lines. You can also pick up the north line to Dunwoody at the Lindbergh station. You don't need a transfer to go from one train line to the other, as they're both inside the station. Five Points station has its own entrance to Underground Atlanta via a tunnel under Peachtree Street; it's on your right just before you exit the station on the Peachtree side.
Rail station turnstiles accept exact change in coin (but not pennies, half-dollars or dollar bills) and MARTA tokens, which are sold in vending machines at all stations. Token machines take $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills; and, although generally reliable, these machines can sometimes be excessively picky about wrinkled money. If this happens, try another machine. If no machine will cooperate (or if one eats your money) don't panic. Pick up the nearby white courtesy phone and tell your troubles to the MARTA employee who answers. She or he will give you permission to enter through the "Handicapped" gate (just ignore that loud alarm).
Take the appropriate escalator to the train boarding area. In stations where the platform is between the tracks, the escalator is marked, "To All Trains." Other stations have two platforms with the tracks in-between. In these, you must use the escalator marked with the direction in which you're traveling.
Signs on the front and side of each train indicate its final stop. The opening of the new north line created some confusion, since every northbound train could no longer be counted on to go to Lenox Square. Here's how to tell where a train is headed:
An "Airport" train is southbound and will take you all the way to Hartsfield at the end of the south line. An "Indian Creek" train is eastbound and will take you through Decatur out to the end of the east line. The westbound "Hamilton E. Holmes" trains go to the end of the west line, while "Bankhead" trains (also westbound) branch off on the northwest Proctor Creek line. A "Doraville" train goes on to the end of the northeast line (this is also the train to Lenox station). "Dunwoody" trains service the new Buckhead, Medical Center and Dunwoody (near Perimeter Mall) stations on the north line. "Doraville" and "Dunwoody" trains alternate in their service along the central portion of the north line. The northernmost station at which to transfer between these two trains is Lindbergh Center.
In the MARTA station, wait well behind the white strip at the edge of the platform until the arriving train has come to a complete stop. When the doors open, allow departing passengers the opportunity to exit the train before you board. MARTA's electric trains are speedy: As soon as you board, sit down or grab the nearest handrail to avoid losing your balance as the train whisks away.
When the train begins slowing down for your stop, gather up your belongings and your group and prepare to disembark. Atlanta is not Tokyo, but the trains are fast-paced. If you're in the middle of a crowded rail car and take your time getting to the exit, the doors may close before you have a chance to get off.
Signs inside all MARTA stations indicate bus stops, surrounding streets and major buildings. If you need directions, pick up a white courtesy phone and ask the operator for assistance.
Riding
the Bus
To
board a MARTA bus, wait at a bus stop (indicated by either a white concrete
obelisk or a tricolor pole-mounted MARTA sign). The front of each bus
is marked with the route number and the route name. Different bus routes
use the same bus stops -- make sure to board the right bus. (Express bus
routes include stretches along which passengers are neither picked up
nor discharged. Before boarding a bus marked "express," ask the driver
whether you'll be able to disembark at your desired stop.) When you see
your bus approaching, raise your hand to signal to the driver that you
wish to board.
Enter through the front door. Drop your fare into the fare box, hand your transfer to the driver, or pass your TransCard through the card reader. Fare boxes accept cash (including dollar bills and any combination of coins) and MARTA tokens, but drivers do not make change. If you'd like a transfer, you must request it when you pay your fare. Using the local shorthand, just say "train" if you'd like a rail transfer or "bus" if you're changing buses. Some bus routes terminate inside stations, where you won't need a transfer to board the train. Your driver will let you know if this is the case.
If you're unsure about directions, tell the driver your destination as you board; sit up front and you'll be let off at the closest stop. Pressing the yellow stop request strip or pulling the cord will signal the driver that you want off at the next scheduled stop. Use the rear door when exiting.
Special
Events
Shuttle service
from the Five Points station to Turner Field, home of the Braves, begins
90 minutes before the start of games and runs continuously until an hour
after the game. You'll need a transfer to board the shuttle, so remember
to get one when you pay your fare as you enter the MARTA system.
Especially if the weather is nice, lots of Braves fans take the train to the Georgia State station and walk to the stadium; it's less than three-quarters of a mile. The extra effort really pays off after the game: If you take the train from Georgia State, you'll be back in your car and on your way home long before traffic clears out around the stadium.
During the summer concert season, shuttle service from the Lakewood/Ft. McPherson station to the Lakewood Amphitheater begins 90 minutes before showtime and continues after the show until the venue is empty.
Special
Services
For MARTA
schedule information, call (404) 848-4711. Call anytime for recorded information
on rail and airport service, (404) 848-3450; stadium shuttle, (404) 848-3457;
and elderly and handicapped services, (404) 848-3452.
To make a suggestion or report a problem, or for any other information, call MARTA's customer service center at (404) 848-4800.
All MARTA buses and trains have seats designated as "reserved" for any elderly or handicapped persons on board. Disabled persons and those 65 and older are eligible for a special reduced 75¢ fare. The required half-fare card may be obtained free of charge at any RideStore. All MARTA stations have at least one entrance that is fully accessible to the elderly and those with disabilities.
Almost all of MARTA's buses are handicapped accessible and have lifts. However, MARTA also operates L-VANS, which provide door-to-door service. A single fare on these buses is $3. For more information, call (404) 848-4800. Handicapped patrons who make use of buses along MARTA's regular routes are not charged extra.
Deaf persons may use MARTA's TTY schedule information line, (404) 848-5665.
Parking
MARTA has
thousands of parking spaces for use by system passengers, including more
than 22,000 spaces at rail stations and 2,800 spaces at park and ride
lots. Parking is free at all times in all MARTA lots except the following.
There is a $1 charge to park in the covered decks at the Lenox and Lindbergh stations. Deposit $1 in the appropriate numbered slot in the parking fee box; you pay in advance. For airport patrons, the Brookhaven and Medical Center stations offer fenced parking lots with 24-hour security. Parking is $3 per day, payable upon exiting the lot.
MARTA
to the Airport
Hartsfield
Atlanta Airport is the last stop on the south rail line; board the train
marked "Airport." North/south train cars have a designated space where
you may stow your luggage; of course, you should keep an eye on it at
all times. The ride from Five Points station to the airport is about 15
minutes. As you exit Airport station, follow the signs to your airline's
ticketing area. South terminal is to your right; north terminal is to
your left. There is no extra charge for the trip to the airport; the fare
is $1.50. Taking MARTA back to the city after your trip is a breeze: The
station is adjacent to baggage claim.
Security
MARTA maintains
its own 290-member police force. Armed uniformed and plain-clothes officers
heavily patrol the system. Surveillance cameras are also used to deter
vandals, gate-jumpers and other criminals.
All stations include white-colored passenger-assistance telephones, which connect riders with helpful MARTA operators, and blue police emergency telephones, which connect callers to the MARTA police. Both are located near the fare gates and on the platforms. Every rail car has an intercom that connects passengers with the train conductor.
One word of caution: In spite of the vigilance of the MARTA police, crime does occur in the system. Especially when traveling alone or at night, keep your guard up. Access to many stations is by long stairways and pedestrian overpasses, which can be scary. If you feel you're being followed, avoid walking alone into these areas. If you're frightened, stay in the main part of the station, in plain view of the security cameras, and use the blue telephone to request assistance from the MARTA police. Avoid strangers in the parking lot; have your keys ready and walk briskly to your car.
Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport
Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport is 10 miles south of downtown on I-85. It compares in size and population to a small city. Including airline, City of Atlanta, Federal Aviation Administration Airport and concession tenants and employees, some 35,000 people earn a payroll totaling $1.5 billion at 3,750-acre Hartsfield. The airport's direct and indirect impact on the Georgia economy is more than $15 billion per year, making it the largest employment center in the state.
Hartsfield handled more than 63 million passengers in 1996 and is expecting volume to jump to 121 million annually by 2015. Hartsfield has 24 international gates and 158 domestic gates. Its four parallel runways are laid out east to west; the longest is 11,889 feet (more than 2.25 miles) long.
In October 1995, Hartsfield unveiled its latest addition: a 225,000-square-foot, four-story atrium (referred to as The Atrium). Topped with a 60-foot-wide skylight and encompassing some 40 restaurants, shops and services, the $24 million atrium provides an aesthetic focus for the airport as it connects the north and south terminals. A two-story glass clock tower at the atrium's center can be programmed to play more than 1,000 songs. The Atrium was envisioned as a place for people to rendezvous at the airport. Spaced throughout it are planters and comfortable living room-style seating for approximately 100 people.
The Atrium's many amenities include a 20,000-square-foot conference center (with the capability to run 15 simultaneous meetings), the offices of the United Service Organization and Travelers' Aid, a 9,000-square-foot Houlihan's restaurant and piano bar, a 2,100-square-foot Buckhead Bread Co. cafe, as well as Paschal's (famous local soul food), Wendy's, Domino's Pizza, Edy's Ice Cream and more shops included in what is now known as The Shops at Hartsfield (a name picked from a public contest).
Throughout the airport, generic food concessions are being replaced with name-brand restaurants, such as Chick-fil-A, Burger King, Ben and Jerry's and Starbuck's Coffee. It's all part of the Hartsfield Improvement Project, a $170 million list of 60 different upgrade projects brought about by the 1996 Olympic Games presence in Atlanta.
After the international gates were switched to Concourse E, their former concourse was moved to domestic use. The new Concourse T is quite convenient: It's the only concourse you access directly from the terminal without using the 1.75-mile-long transportation mall connecting the terminal to the concourses.
Arrivals
Your domestic
flight will taxi in to concourse A, B, C, D or T. In welcoming you to
Atlanta, your flight attendant will likely tell you the number of the
carousel where the flight's checked baggage will be delivered. A flashing
sign at your arrival gate in the concourse will also show the carousel
number.
Follow the signs for Terminal/Baggage Claim. You'll go down an escalator or elevator to the transportation mall, Hartsfield's 1.75-mile-long backbone that connects the concourses to the terminal. Computer-operated trains (free of charge) run about every two minutes, traveling between all concourses and the terminal. Automated announcements will direct you onboard.
If you like, you may walk through the transportation mall or take the moving sidewalk, but we don't recommend this unless you are going only between near concourses. If your plane comes in at the last domestic gate on Concourse D and you take the train, you'll be at baggage claim in less than 15 minutes. The moving sidewalk route, which also involves long stretches of nonmoving sidewalk, will take closer to 30 minutes.
At the last stop, "Terminal/Baggage Claim," you'll be directed up the escalator or elevator to baggage claim and all ground transportation. Here you'll also find the rental car counters. Signs will direct you to the appropriate baggage area for your airline: North terminal baggage claim is to your right; south terminal baggage claim is to your left. Flight numbers flash over the various baggage carousels as the bags roll up the conveyor belt. Passengers are required to present their half of the baggage check ticket for each checked bag before leaving baggage claim; uniformed employees near the exits will ask for your check tickets. If you don't have the check tickets, you'll be asked to show identification.
If you're being picked up by a friend, exit through the glass doors to the curbside area. Since there are two baggage claim areas (one on either side of the terminal), it's important to let your friend know what airline you're flying.
For all other transportation -- taxi, limo, shuttle bus or MARTA train -- follow the signs to ground transportation at the west curb.
Special note for arriving American Airlines passengers: American Airlines flights use Concourse T. You won't need to ride the train to the terminal; you're already there. From your arriving gate, follow the signs downstairs to American baggage claim. Directly outside, American has its own curb where you can get a cab. If friends are picking you up, tell them to take the lanes for the north terminal, then follow the signs to American baggage claim. This curb is much less crowded than the main ones upstairs, so getting out of the airport is a snap. If you're taking MARTA or catching a shuttle bus, you'll need to go back upstairs to the main baggage claim and follow the signs to ground transportation.
Departure
As you approach
Hartsfield from I-85, large signs will direct you to either the north
or south terminal, depending on your airline. (All Delta flights use the
south terminal.)
Most airlines have curbside check-in for ticketed passengers, and all have ticket agents inside the terminal. If you have your boarding pass and no luggage to check, you may be able to learn your concourse and gate from one of the TV monitors near the ticket counters and in the transportation mall. However, not all airlines are listed on the monitors, so you may need to ask your airline's agent.
Everyone going from the terminal to any concourse must pass through the central security screening checkpoint. From security, take the train or moving sidewalk to your concourse; follow the signs to your gate.
Smoking
Smoking lounges
are located throughout the airport; these are open to persons 18 and older.
Feel free to smoke in the following lounges:
- Concourse A near gates 14 and 23
- Concourse B near gates 7 and 24
- Concourse C near gates 17 and 26
- Concourse T near gates 3 and 13
- Concourse E near gates 33 and 34
Security
Security
alerts have become routine at U.S. airports. When a security alert is
in force, getting into the airport and onto your plane is certain to take
longer, so allow yourself plenty of time. Exactly what's involved in a
security alert is top-secret, of course, but during a security alert,
expect the following:
- Each passenger will likely be required to show a photo ID with a name matching the name on the ticket before being allowed to board.
- Agents will ask if you packed your own bag, whether you left it unattended at any time and whether anyone asked you to transport a package for them.
- Security checkpoint inspections may become more thorough; to avoid delay, drop your keys and any metal pens or accessories in your purse or briefcase before passing through the metal detector.
- During an alert, only vehicles that can drive under a 5-foot 5-inch metal bar are allowed to park in the short-term lots near the terminal. Vans and large vehicles may park in the airport's other lots.
- Your car may be towed away if you leave it unattended in the drop-off/pickup lanes for even one minute.
Airport
Parking
Hartsfield
has more than 26,000 parking spaces. Lots near the terminal are for short-term
parking ($1 an hour for the first and second hours; $2 per hour for each
additional hour; maximum $24 per 24 hours). The economy lots are for long-term
parking ($1 per hour; maximum $5 per 24 hours). Long-term deck parking
is $1 per hour; maximum $9 per 24 hours. The park-and-ride lots at Hartsfield
are $1 per hour; maximum $6 per 24 hours. You may access all these lots
from either side (north or south) of the terminal. You may pay with cash,
a credit card or a check. If you have to lug your luggage very far, you
may wish to rent a cart, but they are hard to come by, for $1.50 from
the stands in baggage claim.
In addition, satellite lots around the airport have thousands more parking spaces. These lots run vans or buses to the airline curbsides and pick up returning passengers at ground transportation -- eliminating that long walk back to the car when you're dead-tired from your trip.
Hartsfield's lots can fill up at peak travel times such as holidays, some weekends and whenever the airlines slash fares to whip up business. If all the airport lots are filled, you'll have to backtrack and park at one of the satellites. To avoid this delay, call the airport parking office, (404) 530-6725, before you leave and ask whether parking is adequate.
Satellite lots provide an additional 10,000 spaces. Here are some companies; call for directions. Ask about return procedures: Some companies note your returning flight and meet you outside ground transportation; others require you to call when you arrive.
Airport Valet Parking, $8 per day, (404) 761-4133.
Park Air Express, $6.75 per day, $5.75 per day with AAA membership or a business card; seventh day free, (404) 762-0966.
Park N Fly, $8.75 per day, (404) 763-3185.
Park N Fly Plus, daily rates: valet, covered: $13; valet, uncovered: $11; self-park: $7.75; (404) 761-0364, (404) 761-6220.
Park N Go, daily rates: covered: $8.75; uncovered: $7.50; (404) 669-9300.
Park N Ticket, $8.00 per day, (404) 669-3800.
Prestige Parking, $8 per day, (404) 559-4475.
Value Rent-a-Car, $7.50 per day, (404) 763-0220.
Rental
Cars
Rental car
counters are in the corridor between north and south baggage claim. The
numbers given are for the airport offices unless otherwise noted. From
left to right, you'll find Value, (404) 763-0220, in College Park;
Alamo, (404) 768-4161; Dollar, (404) 766-0244, in College
Park; Budget, (404) 530-3000; Hertz, (404) 530-2925; Avis,
(404) 530-2725; and National, (404) 530-2800. Check with individual
companies for car rental policies and procedures.
Ground Transportation Directory
A lighted directory listing ground transportation alternatives is at the west curb, just before you exit the terminal. As you exit at west curb and walk away from the terminal, you'll encounter the following types of vehicles in this order: taxis, rental car shuttles, downtown and metro area buses, non-metro area buses, courtesy vehicles and prearranged limousines.
MARTA
The easiest,
fastest and cheapest transportation into the city is the MARTA train.
The station entrance is near baggage claim at the west curb, just before
you reach the outside doors. You can enter the MARTA station from either
the north or the south terminal. MARTA trains run from early in the morning
until past midnight. The fare is $1.50, and an attendant is on hand to
answer your questions. Stairs, escalators and elevators are available
for getting from the airport entrance up to the platform.
Taxis
Taxis line
up in the first lane at the west curb at Hartsfield. Follow the ground
transportation signs. If you like, an agent outside will arrange for you
to share a cab into the city.
Atlanta's approximately 2,000 cabs operate under a limited flat rate structure. From the airport to the downtown business and convention district, the fare is $18 for one passenger; $10 each for two; and $8 each for three or more passengers all plus tax of 7 percent. The rate is not to exceed $24.
From the airport to the Buckhead business district, the fare is $28 for one passenger; $15 each for two; and $10 per person for three or more. The fare is not to exceed $30; add $1 to the fare for each additional Buckhead destination.
A flat fare is also used for travel within downtown and Buckhead districts. The flat rate is $5 for one person; $1 for each additional person. At these rates, the fare adds up fast. If four people take a taxi from the Westin Peachtree Plaza to the Omni hotel, the fare will be $8, even though they only traveled about five blocks.
The downtown business and convention district is bounded by Boulevard, 14th Street, Northside Drive and Memorial Drive (extended to Turner Field during Braves games). The Buckhead business district is harder to explain, but it's basically the heart of Buckhead, from Pharr Road up to Wieuca Road (that's just north of Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza).
For all other destinations, rates are $1.60 for the first seventh of a mile, 21¢ for each additional seventh of a mile and $1 per each extra passenger all of which include the tax. Per-hour waiting time is $15; use of additional space for luggage is $5. Add 7 percent sales tax to all fares. Disabled persons and senior citizens with ID who are residents of the City of Atlanta are eligible for a 20 percent discount off the total fare, and they must purchase a $5 card that is renewed on their birthday.
For more information on Atlanta's taxis or to report a problem, call (404) 658-7600. Some cab company numbers are Atlanta Yellow Cab, (404) 521-0200; Buckhead Safety Cab, (404) 233-1152; Checker Cab, (404) 351-1111; and Style Taxi, (404) 522-8294.
Hotel
Courtesy Vehicles
Some 30 Atlanta
hotels provide airport transportation for their guests. These hotels and
their phone numbers are listed on the ground transportation directory.
Limousines
and Hired Cars
If you'd
prefer to arrive at your Atlanta destination in high style, you may wish
to hire a limousine or sedan; some 127 limo companies serve Hartsfield
Airport. Although it's best to reserve your car a day before your arrival,
companies can often accommodate you with less notice.
Rates vary by company and by destination. Rates for a sedan to downtown are in the $55-to-$75 range; for a stretch limo, expect to pay about $65 to $90. Rates do not include tax and gratuity.
When you make your reservation, ask about pickup arrangements. Most drivers meet their arriving passengers outside in the ground transportation area. There's typically an additional charge of around $10 to be met at your arrival gate; international gate service may add $20 to $30.
Following are some Atlanta hired car companies: Atlanta Limousine, (404) 351-LIMO; Carey Limousine, (404) 223-2000; First Corporate Limo, (770) 933-9000; Limousines Service, (770) 414-8999; London Livery Ltd., (404) 351-1996, (800) 351-1997 (rate includes gate service); and Superior Limousine Inc., (770) 532-3115, (800) 932-3115 (specializing in service to north Georgia). All accept major credit cards. Check the Yellow Pages for a more complete listing.
Metro
Area Shuttles
Here's a
partial listing of airport shuttle services. Reservations may be required;
call for complete information. When two rates are shown, the second is
for a round trip.
AAA Airport Express offers scheduled service to Northlake-Airport, $17 one-way, $30 round-trip; Norcross, Gwinnett, Suwanee and Lawrenceville, $19, $35; Lake Lanier, Gainesville, Château Élan, Braselton and Athens, $25, $45. Call for departure times and reservations, (800) 354-7874; local (404) 767-2000. Shuttles run from 6 AM to 11:30 PM.
Airport Connection offers scheduled service: from the airport (6 AM to 11:30 PM); to the airport (6 AM to 5 PM; later by reservation). Rates are $19 one-way, $32 round-trip, to Galleria, Norcross and Perimeter Center. Reservations are not required, and tickets may be purchased from the driver. Service departs on the half-hour to most locations. An add-on fee of $1 each way is required of credit card payees. Call (770) 457-5757, (800) 457-5756 for more information.
Atlanta Airport Shuttle offers scheduled service to all downtown hotels for $10 one-way, $17 round-trip; Buckhead, $15, $24; and Emory, $15, $24. Hours are 7 AM to 11 PM. Call for departure times and reservations, (404) 524-3400, (800) 842-2770.
Interstate Airport Jitney departs 54 times a day from Hartsfield between 8:15 AM and 11:15 PM to Perimeter Center, Windy Hill and Delk Road ($19 one-way, $32 round-trip). Call for special arrangements to Lake Lanier and other destinations. A 24-passenger minibus, limos and hired sedans are also available. Call (770) 932-6757.
Non-Metro Shuttles These firms transport passengers out of town or out of state. When two rates are shown, the second is for a round trip.
Alabama Limousine departs for Anniston, Alabama, and Ft. McClellan weekdays at 11 AM and 9:30 PM, Saturday at 5 PM and Sunday at 8:30 PM. One-way fare is $25. Reservations are required, (800) 824-6463.
Groome Transportation offers service to Macon, $24, $42; Warner Robins, $27, $50; and Fort Valley, $45, $80. On weekdays shuttles depart on the hour from 9 AM to 9 PM. On Saturdays they depart every two hours between 9 AM and 9 PM. On Sunday shuttles depart every two hours between 9 AM and 3 PM and every hour from 3 to 9 PM. Reservations are not accepted. Shuttles depart from the second island ground transportation. Call (800) 537-7903 or (912) 741-3636.
--from The Insider's Guide Atlanta, http://www.insiders.com/atlanta/