Getting around in Atlanta

Getting around Atlanta isn't difficult thanks to the city's established public transport system, which includes buses, trains, and streetcars. That said, most residents still rely on their own vehicles. Though it's possible to live in the city without a car, it’s not always convenient, so it's well worth considering buying or renting a car in Atlanta.

Driving in Atlanta

The majority of Atlanta residents rely on cars to get around the city. This reliance on personal motor vehicles has contributed to heavy traffic congestion. In fact, Atlanta has consistently performed badly in traffic surveys, with the city having some of the worst traffic in the US.

Atlanta is a sprawling metropolis that isn't always easy to navigate. The main thoroughfare, which runs through the city centre, is Peachtree Street, but more than 70 streets in Atlanta have the word 'Peachtree' in them, so finding the right one can be confusing.

New arrivals should note that Atlanta drivers are known for their speed and impatience, and driving in Atlanta can be scary. It's therefore important to stay alert and plan routes carefully before setting out.

Newcomers from countries with reciprocal agreements with Georgia can drive legally in Atlanta with their driver's licence from home, as long as it hasn't expired. Those from countries without such an agreement must obtain a Georgia driver's licence. This process involves passing written and practical driving tests, as well as a vision test. 

Useful links

• Georgia Department of Driver Services 

Public transport in Atlanta

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) manages public transport in Atlanta, including bus, rail, and streetcar services that connect all parts of the city.

Tickets for MARTA trains, buses, or streetcars can be bought online, at the station, or via a smartcard known as the Breeze Card. Breeze cards can be purchased at Breeze vending machines at MARTA rail stations, at MARTA Ridestores, and online.

Buses

MARTA operates over 100 bus routes within the boundaries of Atlanta's Fulton, Clayton and DeKalb counties. Buses operate from 5am to 1am weekdays and until 12.30am on weekends and holidays.

MARTA bus stations are linked to outlying areas in the wider Atlanta Metropolitan area via local bus services such as CobbLinc and Gwinnett County Transit.

Trains

Atlanta has a reliable rapid-transit railway system. Although trains are a much faster way to get around Atlanta, rail routes are much more limited in comparison. Trains operate between 4.45am and 1am on weekdays and between 6am and 1am on weekends. Depending on the time of day, trains arrive every 10 to 20 minutes.

Train services operate along four lines: red, gold, blue, and green. The red and gold lines run between the north and south, while the blue and green lines run between the east and west of the city. These lines intersect at the main train station, Five Points Station, in downtown Atlanta.

Streetcars

Streetcars in Atlanta follow a circular route known as the 'Downtown Loop'. With only 12 stops, it's not a comprehensive service. Still, it's useful for travelling between the major attractions in downtown Atlanta, such as the Centennial Olympic Park area and the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site. Further expansion is planned for the future.

Useful links

• MARTA

Taxis in Atlanta

Although they are not as visible as in other larger US cities, taxis are available in Atlanta. It is usually possible to flag one down from the street, but it's recommended to phone for a taxi ahead of time or to book online. Within certain districts, common routes are charged at a flat rate. Outside these areas, taxis use a meter.

An alternative to regular taxis is ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft, both of which can be accessed via their respective smartphone applications.

Useful links

• Atlanta Checker Cab
• Lyft
• Uber

Cycling in Atlanta

Though historically a car-centric city, Atlanta has made strides in increasing pedestrian and cycling access. It has converted 22 miles (35 km) of railroad track into multi-use trails and a light rail transport system known as the Beltline. To date, the city has developed more than 120 miles (193 km) of cycle-accessible paths, with more expansions currently in the works.

Useful links

• AtlantaBeltline

Walking in Atlanta

The city has also put a lot of effort into increasing pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, crossings and trails as part of their Vision Zero initiative, and the results are paying off. In 2023, the Foot Traffic Ahead study ranked Atlanta the 8th most walkable of the 30 largest US metros, similar in walkability to Seattle and Charlotte.