Getting Around Atlanta
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) operates a rail (subway) and bus network, making it possible, though not always convenient, to reach just about any part of town by public transportation. While the system is fairly extensive within the city limits, outside the city (except for areas in DeKalb, Fulton, and Clayton counties) the service is quite limited. Even in some areas served by bus and rail lines, it's often necessary to walk a bit to a station or stop.
Cobb County, a suburban county that includes the city of Marietta, operates a bus system separate from MARTA. Cobb Community Transit (CCT) has five local routes and express routes that operate between Cobb and the Arts Center, Dunwoody, and H. E. Holmes MARTA stations. Transfers are free between CCT and MARTA.
The Buckhead Area Transportation Management Association (BATMA) operates "the buc," free shuttle buses that run every 8 to 15 minutes between the two MARTA rail stations in the area -- Lenox and Buckhead -- and the hotels, malls, and other businesses along Piedmont and Peachtree roads. The buses operate Monday through Friday from 7am to 9pm, Saturday from 10am to 9pm. For more information, inquire at your hotel or go to www.bucride.com.
MARTA Rapid Rail
MARTA's rapid-rail (subway) system has been running since 1979. The stations are clean and modern, and the service is reliable. Although MARTA has a good safety record, there is the perception here -- as in many big cities -- that subway travel is unsafe. MARTA moves more than half a million people every day, and regular riders seem to have more confidence in the security of the trains and stations than infrequent riders do. Visitors should find the subway most pleasant during the day and during early-evening hours, when usage is heavy.
The major problem with MARTA is that not enough parts of the city are served by rail (which is much faster overall than the bus). MARTA will eventually have 45 stations, but the system currently includes only 40 stations. There are two lines: South-north trains (orange lines on the MARTA maps) travel between the airport and Doraville and North Springs; east-west trains (blue lines on the maps) travel between Indian Creek (east of Decatur) and Hamilton E. Holmes. They intersect at Five Points Station in downtown Atlanta, where you can transfer to another train for free. The system's two newest station additions -- Sandy Springs and North Springs -- were added in late 2000 to the north line that parallels Georgia Highway 400.
The fare is $1.75 for any ride, and passengers must purchase the new Breeze Card from the station vending machines to ride. Multitrip passes as well as 7- and 30-day passes are also available.
MARTA trains generally arrive and depart every 8 to 10 minutes, 7 days a week, from 5am to 1am. Free transfers between bus and rail are available when you board a bus or enter a rail station. Parking is free but limited at about half the rail stations. If you wish to park overnight, you must use the long-term secured parking available at the Doraville, Dunwoody, Medical Center, Lenox, Brookhaven, Lindbergh, North Springs, Sandy Springs, and College Park stations. Cost is $3 per day.
For MARTA schedule and route information, go to www.itsmarta.com or call tel. 404/848-4711 Monday through Friday from 6am to midnight, Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 10pm. Printed schedules are available from racks at Five Points and several other stations; instructions are printed in English, French, Japanese, German, and Spanish. All stations and rail cars are fully accessible to passengers with disabilities.
MARTA Buses
It's possible, but not always efficient, to get anywhere within the city limits by bus. The routes will deliver you to most major attractions and sightseeing stops, but travel can be slow, with long wait times between buses. MARTA buses operate on a 1,550-mile network of 150 routes, and the fare system is the same as described above for rail service. To find out what bus to take, call tel. 404/848-4711 for route information (same hours as listed above for rail information). You must have exact change ($1.75) or a Breeze Card. Special shuttle buses operate from downtown in conjunction with major stadium sports events and conventions; call the above number for details.