Atlanta Transit System

You can jump on a train in the airport to get to a station which is right across the street from the hotel!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's how to do it:

1. Atlanta's transit system is called MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), and its airport station is adjacent to baggage claim. It's right in the terminal building -- you don't even have to go outside.

2. There are fare machines in the station, or you can buy in advance online (see one of the links below). Get a Breeze Card, which can be loaded multiple times with cash or credit card, and re-used during your entire stay. As long as you load some fare value at the same time, the card only costs $1.  IMPORTANT: Each rider MUST have his/her own Breeze Card. There are MARTA employees in the airport station to assist you.

3. The fare, system-wide, is $2.50. So let's say you want to go to the hotel, then into the downtown area and back to the hotel on Saturday, then back to the airport on Sunday. That's $2.50 times 4 for the rides, and $1 for the Breeze Card -- total of $11. If you are only riding once, that's $3.50 (including that dollar for the card).

4. The train trip from the hotel back to downtown Atlanta, where most of the sightseeing is, only takes about 12 minutes -- so it's a great idea to load up that Breeze Card for several trips, or buy a multi-day pass. The basic fare is good across the entire network, which includes transfers between trains and buses.

5. Once you have your card loaded up, tap it on the blue circle at the turnstile and go up the escalator or elevator to the platform. You want the train labeled "Doraville". It generally leaves from the platform next to the windows (not the platform against the wall). It is also referred to as the "Gold Line" or "NorthEast Line". Get on one of the cars at the back of the train. There are storage areas at the middle and end of each car for your luggage.

6. After about a 30-minute ride, get off the train at Lenox Station (Station Number NE7), and proceed to the exit towards the back of the train. When you emerge onto the street, the hotel will be directly across that street.

7.  The blue, yellow and orange stripe motif is found on all MARTA trains, buses, train stations and bus stops. MARTA is police-patrolled, and generally safe. As in any big city, you don't want to be on the train alone late at night, and you may encounter a panhandler or "local preacher", or our own special brand of local "Georgia Redneck" who has had too much to drink at the Braves game. Stay cool and you'll be fine!

 

Click Here for MARTA's main page, with more information.

Click Here  for "How To Ride MARTA" guidance, including a "Rookie's Guide" and instructions specific to the airport station.

Scroll down for a map of the rail system: