Overview
Atlanta's public transit system is operated primarily by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), which ranks as the eighth-busiest rapid transit system in the United States. To ride MARTA end-to-end, you'll use one of three main components: the heavy rail (subway) network, the light rail streetcar system, or the bus network. You start by obtaining a Breeze Card or Breeze Ticket at a station or online, tap it at the entry gate or card reader, ride to your destination, and tap again when exiting. All MARTA rides include up to four transfers within three hours, allowing you to change between buses or switch between rail and bus without paying again.
The network
Heavy Rail
MARTA's heavy rail system operates 47.6 miles of track serving 38 stations across four lines, with all lines converging at Five Points station in downtown Atlanta. Trains run daily from 5:00 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., with frequency varying by time of day: every 15 minutes during the 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. peak period, and every 20 minutes outside those hours.
- Red Line: Connects North Springs to Airport Station, serving major downtown and midtown stops including Midtown, Peachtree Center, and Five Points.
- Gold Line: Runs from Doraville to College Park, passing through downtown.
- Blue Line: Extends from Hamilton E. Holmes to Indian Creek, serving multiple downtown stations.
- Green Line: Connects Bankhead to Edgewood/Candler Park, also serving downtown.
Light Rail
The Atlanta Streetcar is a 2.7-mile loop that opened at the end of 2014 and has been operated by MARTA since July 2018. It runs primarily in mixed traffic through the downtown area, operating from Centennial Olympic Park along Edgewood and Auburn avenues to the King Center, with a stop at MARTA's Peachtree Center station.
Buses
MARTA operates over 101 bus routes with a fleet of 550 diesel and compressed natural gas buses, serving a wider geographic area than the rail system. Bus service runs daily from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. All bus lines connect to at least one heavy rail station. Routes extend to areas including Alpharetta to the north, Hampton to the south, Palmetto to the west, and Stonecrest to the east.
Other Transit Operators
Several other operators serve the greater Atlanta metro area. Xpress operates 15 regional commuter bus routes connecting outlying cities and towns to Downtown and Midtown Atlanta, with routes numbered in the 400s and fares starting at $3.00. CobbLinc serves Cobb County with local routes, and Ride Gwinnett covers Gwinnett County with fares of $1.25 and up. Emory University operates The Cliff shuttle bus system with over 50 buses and 21 routes, while Georgia Institute of Technology operates the Stinger shuttles serving its campus, Midtown MARTA station, and neighboring communities.
Tickets & fares
Payment Methods
MARTA accepts Breeze Cards (reloadable smartcards), single-use Breeze Tickets, and tap-to-pay bank cards or mobile wallets. When using tap-to-pay, you must use the same payment method for all transfers within your three-hour window; mixing payment methods (such as alternating between a physical card and a mobile wallet) will incur additional charges.
Single Rides and Trip Packages
A single MARTA ride costs $2.50 and includes up to four transfers valid for one-way trips within three hours of the initial tap. Children 46 inches tall or under ride free (maximum two per paying adult). Alternative trip options include a $1.00 single Breeze Ticket, Round Trip for $5.00, 10 trips for $25.00, and 20 trips for $42.50. A new Breeze Card costs $2.00.
Day and Multi-Day Passes
MARTA offers unlimited-ride passes at the following approximate rates: 1-day pass $9.00, 2-day pass $14.00, 3-day pass $16.00, 4-day pass $19.00, 7-day pass $23.75, and 30-day pass $95.00. These prices are approximate and subject to change.
Transfer Rules
All MARTA trips include up to four transfers, allowing you to change between bus routes or switch between bus and rail without additional payment. Transfers are valid for one-way trips only and cannot be used for round-trip travel or re-boarding the same route later. Transfers on the Atlanta Streetcar do not apply to the standard transfer policy.
Where to Buy Tickets
You can purchase Breeze Cards and passes at MARTA stations, online, or through authorized retailers. Breeze Tickets are available for single one-time use, while Breeze Cards are reloadable and required for multiple rides.
From the airport
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), located about 8 miles south of downtown, is the world's busiest airport. The most convenient public transit option is the Red Line of MARTA's heavy rail system, which connects directly from the airport to downtown and midtown Atlanta. The Red Line runs from Airport Station through Five Points (downtown's central hub) to North Springs, with service operating daily from 5:00 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. The Red Line provides direct access to major downtown stations including Peachtree Center and Midtown. The single fare from the airport to downtown is $2.50. Many suburban MARTA rail stations also offer free daily and paid long-term park and ride lots, as well as kiss and ride passenger drop-off areas if you prefer to be driven to a station.
Etiquette & customs
When riding MARTA, observe these local customs and etiquette practices. Queue in an orderly line when boarding buses or waiting at rail platforms. On escalators, stand on the right side to allow others to pass on the left if they wish to walk. Priority seating areas are designated for elderly passengers, people with disabilities, and pregnant riders; give up your seat if needed. Eating and drinking are permitted on MARTA, but be mindful of other passengers and dispose of waste properly. During rush hours, expect crowded trains and buses, particularly on the Red Line and central downtown routes during morning (around 7:00–9:00 a.m.) and evening (around 5:00–7:00 p.m.) commute times. Be courteous to fellow passengers and keep personal items close to avoid crowding others.
Official links
Download the MARTA mobile app or check the official website for real-time arrival information, service alerts, route maps, and journey planning to help you navigate the system efficiently.