How To Get From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Downtown Atlanta

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the world’s busiest airport and serves as a hub for both Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines.

The airport sees thousands of passengers connect daily on their way to destinations across the world, and there’s a similar number of passengers whose final destination is Atlanta.

If you’re visiting Atlanta for business or pleasure, there are a few ways to reach the city center from the airport — let’s take a look at which are best.

Overview of Cost Estimates

Before we discuss each option, here’s a brief overview of the various methods for getting between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the city center.

MARTA

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) offers service on the Red and Gold lines from ATL airport to downtown Atlanta. While there are a number of stations downtown, most customers will likely disembark at Five Points station, in the heart of downtown.

Trains depart regularly from the domestic terminal. You’ll see the station very clearly marked, situated on the west end of the building. As you exit security and see baggage claim, make a right, and it will be at the far end of the building.

You can use a reloadable Breeze transit card (there’s a $2 issuing fee that does not include your fare) or purchase a single-journey ticket at any of the ticket vending machines in the station. The one-way trip downtown costs $2.50 and takes around 45 minutes. The train is a typical subway, so there aren’t any good options for luggage storage.

Taxis

You can catch a taxi at the domestic terminal between curbs W1 and W2 at the ground transport pickup area. If you’re at the international terminal, head to door A1 outside the baggage claim, and you’ll find taxis staged there.

Fares are fixed at $32 from the airport to Midtown Atlanta, and you’ll be charged $2 for each additional passenger.

The stretch between the airport and Midtown is notoriously jammed with traffic, so if traffic looks bad, you may want to consider taking MARTA.

Ride-Share

At the domestic terminal, proceed to the North Economy Lot, accessible between doors N2 and N3, for the ride-share pickup area. Drivers can only pick up at the designated zone within the North Economy Lot, so you won’t be able to call a car directly to the terminal itself.

Fares from the airport to Midtown Atlanta are, on average, $36, which is comparable to a taxi. Ride-share prices can fluctuate with demand, and you can be charged even more when there’s heavy traffic or waiting.

Shared Vans and Hired Cars

There are a few companies, like Super Shuttle, that operate shared vans to and from the airport. These pickups are on the ground transportation level at the designated pickup zones. You won’t necessarily save much by taking a shared van or limousine, but they can take a large group, which may be ideal if you’re traveling in a group with a lot of luggage.

Here’s what you can expect to pay:

• Around $16 for a one-way shared van trip per person
• $196 for a Cadillac Escalade
• $581 for a Sprinter van
• $696 for a stretch limousine

Clearly, these prices are high, unless you’re buying a single seat in a shared van. With this in mind, you’re likely better off taking multiple taxis or ride-share vehicles, though hiring a car does mean that your group can usually travel together in a single vehicle.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to connectivity, there are really 3 options to get you from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport into downtown Atlanta: MARTA, taxi, or ride-share. Depending on the traffic, MARTA will usually be your best bet, though ride-shares and taxis do charge a reasonable fee, which may be worth splitting if you’re with a group.