Do You Need a Car to Get Around Atlanta?

Are you planning a trip to Atlanta and wondering do you need a car to get around Atlanta?  Atlanta is famous for being a car-centric city, but the answer is, “Yes and No – it depends.”  If you are planning to stay in Atlanta proper and visit the main attractions, then you DO NOT need to rent a car.  You can easily get around using Atlanta’s public transportation called MARTA. 

If you are open to using a ride share such as Uber of Lyft then you can extend your range.  If you want to go further afield to Stone Mountain Park, locations on the outer edges of metro Atlanta or the North Georgia Mountains, then renting a car is a must. 

Follow along below to learn about how to get around Atlanta without a car.

What parts of Atlanta can you Visit Without a Car?

You can easily get around central Atlanta without a car.  These areas include downtown, midtown, and adjacent historic intown Atlanta neighborhoods where MARTA operates. 

What are the Best Atlanta Neighborhoods to visit Without a Car?

Downtown and Midtown are the best neighborhoods to visit without a car in Atlanta.  Both neighborhoods are serviced by MARTA trains.  Each neighborhood boasts an impressive collection of visit-worthy attractions. Plus, there are plenty of hotels to choose from.  If you are willing to pair MARTA with ride shares, then you can go further.

MARTA offers two destinations guides for easily accessible destinations from the train lines.  The first guide outlines Sites Worth Seeing near MARTA Stations.  The second guide shares Good Restaurants and Bars near MARTA Stations.

Downtown Atlanta Attractions:

Visit my post on How to Spend One Day in Atlanta for the best of downtown Atlanta and how to access this neighborhood without a car.  Most of the attractions listed below are reached from the SEC District Station, Peachtree Center Station, and the Streetcar.  SEC District Station was previously called the Georgia World Congress Center Station.

• Mercedes Benz Stadium – avoid driving to an event here at all costs!
• State Farm Arena – avoid driving to an event here at all costs!
• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• College Football Hall of Fame
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Skyview Atlanta – Ferris Wheel

Midtown Atlanta Attractions:

Visit my post on the Perfect Atlanta 3-Day Itinerary for how to spend a day in Midtown without a car.  Attractions in Midtown are a little bit more spread out than downtown attractions, so you may want to grab a ride share if you think the distance is too far to walk.  Midtown boasts three MARTA Train Stations: North Avenue Station, Midtown Station and Arts Center Station.

Check out this Midtown Walking Map for the lay of the land. 

• Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Piedmont Park
• High Museum of Art
• Center for the Puppetry Arts
• Museum of Design Atlanta – known as MODA
• SCAD Fash Museum of Fashion + Film
• The Margaret Mitchell House
• Fabulous Fox Theatre
• The Bremen or the William Bremen Jewish Heritage & Holocaust Museum
• The Varsity – Atlanta’s famous drive in

Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward Attractions:

• Oakland Cemetery – King Memorial Station
• Sweet Auburn Curb Market – Atlanta Streetcar
• Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park – Atlanta Streetcar
• Little 5 Points – Inman Park-Reynoldstown Station
• Free Inman Park Self-Guided Walking Tour – Inman Park-Reynoldstown Station

Intown Atlanta Neighborhoods are Easily Accessible Without a Car

Intown Atlanta is comprised of historic walkable neighborhoods close to downtown Atlanta.  They are all located within the I-285 loop, locally known as the Perimeter.  MARTA and the Atlanta Beltline frequently provide access to more urban intown neighborhoods. 

Expect to find Victorian and Craftsman architecture, paired with culture destinations and outdoor recreation in these pre-World War II neighborhoods.  You can easily navigate these neighborhoods with a combination of public transportation and ride shares. 

Examples of Intown Neighborhoods (Click the link for my neighborhood guide)

• Downtown
• Midtown
• Old Fourth Ward
• Castleberry Hill
• Summerhill
• Grant Park
• Cabbagetown
• Inman Park
• Virginia-Highland
• East Atlanta
• Reynoldstown
• Decatur

Please note that the affluent and more car-centric Buckhead area is not considered an intown neighborhood. If you are interested in renting an AirBnB in any of these areas, please explore my guide to the Top Atlanta Neighborhoods for Vacation Rentals: VRBO or AirBnB.

How does MARTA help Visitors Get Around Atlanta?

What is MARTA and how does it work?

MARTA is Atlanta’s local public transportation system.  It is short for Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority.  The system operates heavy rail or trains, a Streetcar, and buses throughout the City of Atlanta, Fulton County, Dekalb County, and Clayton County.  MARTA’s most reliable services are the trains and streetcar, which are perfect for Atlanta visitors. Explore the online MARTA Rail Map.

How Can I buy a Ticket to Ride MARTA?

MARTA currently operates on the Breeze Card system.  You can purchase a reloadable Breeze Card or a paper Breeze ticket at any Vending Machine located at all MARTA Rail Stations including Airport Station.  Simply tap your Breeze Card or ticket on the blue circle at the rail turnstile, on the bus, or streetcar.  Have your card ready to tap again to exit the rail station at your destination.  For more information, read MARTA’s How to Ride Guide.

At the beginning of May 2026, MARTA is implementing the Better Breeze System.  Visitors will be able to pay MARTA fares by tapping a physical bank card or by using a mobile wallet on a smartphone.  You will still be able to purchase reloadable Breeze Cards at on-site vending machines. MARTA will introduce a new app compatible with the new system.

Which MARTA Rail Lines are most Useful to Visitors?

Most of Atlanta’s major attractions including the Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport are accessible from the North/South Red Line or Gold Line and the East/West Blue Line or Green Line.  The Atlanta Streetcar circles the downtown area and connects it to the Sweet Auburn neighborhood and the MLK Jr. National Historical Park. 

When can you Ride MARTA?

MARTA runs trains and buses from 5:00am until 1:30am on weekdays and from 5:00am until 12:30pm on weekends and holidays.  Officially during weekdays, MARTA trains arrive every 10-12 minutes during peak hours and every 20 minutes in the evening.  On weekends, MARTA trains arrive every 20 minutes.  Visit the MARTA website for Official Train Schedules.

When Should You Absolutely Avoid Driving in Atlanta?

If you are attending an event at Mercedes Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena, then riding MARTA is a must.  Event parking is complicated and expensive.  Downtown Atlanta is built on two levels.  Trains and some roads run below the present city surface.  Event parking takes advantage of downtown Atlanta’s multiple levels.  It is impossible for navigation apps to know which level you are on.  If you drive, I recommend that you roll down your window and ask traffic attendants for directions to your parking lot.

If you take a ride share to an event at Mercedes Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena, you should arrive without too many problems – expect to get stuck in event traffic.  However, it will be impossible to get pick up by a ride share service.  Plan on riding MARTA to Inman Park Station or another station and call your ride share to pick you up away from the event.

What if I drive my own car to Atlanta?

If you are driving to Atlanta, MARTA offers parking at many train stations for commuters.  Simply park at a MARTA station and ride the train to the event.  MARTA offers free parking for periods of less than 24-hours.  Take a ticket when you park and present that ticket to the ticket machine when you exit and you will not have to pay. Visit this site for Parking Availability at MARTA Stations by line.

MARTA has a list of stations and parking availability.  If you are driving and you can choose the station where you park, I will tell you a secret.  SEC Station and Vine City Station that service Mercedes Benz Stadium are both on the East/West Blue & Green lines.  You will already be on the train when the majority of people attending the event change trains at Five Points Station downtown.  SEC Station is the best stop for State Farm Arena. 

When do You need to use Ride Shares Along with MARTA?

Consider using a Ride Share Late at Night

Theoretically MARTA trains arrive every 20-minutes after 9:30pm, however in reality that time might stretch out longer.  I’ve ridden MARTA to North Ave Station to attend events at the Fox Theater and it was very simple and timely to get there in the early evening.  However, waiting for my train on the return trip seemed like it took forever.  Then I changed trains at Five Points Station downtown and that also took an interminable amount of time. 

If you are not comfortable waiting at an almost empty MARTA station late at night or if you are on a tight schedule, taking a rideshare after 9:00pm may be your best option.    

Use Ride Shares for Unwalkable Distances

You can use a ride share to bridge the gap between MARTA and destinations that are not easily walkable.  To reduce the cost of a ride share, take MARTA to the station closest to your destination and call the ride share to take you the final leg. 

For example, to visit a legacy pub or restaurant in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood, I recommend taking MARTA to Inman Park-Reynoldstown Station or to North Avenue Station and then calling a ride share to take you the rest of the way.

Or if you are in Midtown and you feel like it is too far to walk from the High Museum of Art to the SCAD Fash Museum, then call an Uber or Lyft to make it easier on yourself!

Use Ride Shares to visit Atlanta’s Close In Suburbs

Are you planning an outing to Sandy Springs, Marietta, or Norcross?  Really anywhere outside of the Perimeter (I-285).  A ride share will take you directly to your destination in the areas where MARTA does not operate.  In some areas, MARTA is primarily for commuters who drive to the parking lot and ride the train into town. 

Ride Shares should be plentiful when it is time to return to your accommodations in intown Atlanta.  It is a good idea to check ride share driver availability at your destination before you venture out. 

However, if you plan to spend the majority of your time in suburban Atlanta areas, then I think it is important for you to have a car.    

Autonomous Waymo Rides via Uber

When you visit Atlanta, you can have the unique experience of riding in an all-electric autonomous Waymo with Uber!  You must opt in for autonomous rides on your Uber profile.  If there is a Waymo available, then you may be matched with one.  I frequently see Waymos in Grant Park taking riders to and from Zoo Atlanta.  Uber prices Waymos the same as regular Uber rides, however there isn’t a driver to tip!

When do you Actually Need a Car in Atlanta?

Ride share drivers tend to cluster in areas of town where rides are frequently requested.  If you venture to a location in Atlanta where people don’t typically request rides, then you may not be able to book a return driver.  I recommend that you check driver availability at your destination before you depart.  You can also schedule a return trip in advance – although this is not a fail-safe strategy. 

Stone Mountain Park

Atlanta’s Stone Mountain Park is a wonderful destination for locals and tourists alike.  It is easy to spend an entire day exploring the grounds.  You won’t have any problems taking a ride share to Stone Mountain Park, however there won’t be any around when it is time to come back to Atlanta.  It is the return trip that will get you into trouble.

Other parks include Arabia Mountain or Panola Mountain State Park.

Far Flung Suburbs and Rural Edges of Metro Atlanta

If you plan to go to Atlanta suburbs outside of Atlanta or go somewhere late at night, it may be difficult to get a return ride.  This issue applies to affluent areas where most people have their own cars including Alpharetta, Milton, John’s Creek, Woodstock, and Canton.   

Lack of drivers for a return ride is especially a problem south of Atlanta in South Fulton County, McDonough, Locust Grove, Fayetteville, and Peachtree City. 

I attended a wedding in Paulding County.  One of the guests scheduled an Uber ride back to the airport.  Just before it was time for him to be picked up, the Uber canceled.  Another guest with a car took him to the airport, so he didn’t miss his flight. 

North Georgia Mountains

If you want to spend the day in Dahlonega or Helen or visit a Georgia State Park to hike a trail or two, then you should drive yourself.  While you may be able to get to this destination with ride share, it is unlikely that you will be able to find a return ride.

How to Get to Atlanta without a Car

Flying to Atlanta via Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Most Atlanta visitors drive their own cars or fly into Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.  The airport is located south of downtown Atlanta.  MARTA’s Airport Station is conveniently located at Hartsfield-Jackson.  There is also a designated Ride Share Pick Up location and a Taxi Stand.  Follow the signs for Ground Transportation options posted in the terminal.

Airport Shuttles to Atlanta

One of the best kept secrets for getting to Atlanta from nearby regional cities without driving yourself is Groome Transportation!  Technically Groome offers transportation to Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.  However, there is no reason why Atlanta can’t be your final destination.  You can book a shuttle with Groome in advance and ride it to the Atlanta Airport.  Once you arrive in the Ground Transportation area, simply ride MARTA from Airport Station into Atlanta!  Skip the section where they ask you for your flight information when booking. 

Groome Transportation connects Atlanta to Athens, GA, Auburn, AL, Augusta, GA, Birmingham, AL, Chattanooga, TN, Columbus, GA, Fort Benning, GA, Gainesville, GA, Macon, GA, Montogomery, AL, Tuscaloosa, AL, and Warner Robins, GA.  Maybe one day we will have regional train service again, but until then think outside the box!

Amtrak Train

While Atlanta was once a mighty passenger rail hub, those days are over.  Amtrak is currently housed in Buckhead’s historic commuter station – Brookwood Station.  Today it is known as Peachtree Station.  The station is safe, but small.  The Crescent line, which runs between New York and New Orleans services in Atlanta.  The train comes through Atlanta once per day in each direction.

Trains heading north toward New York depart Atlanta around 11:30pm, so you need to be prepared for overnight travel. Trains traveling south toward New Orleans depart Atlanta around 9:00am.

Peachtree Station is not well connected to public transportation, however it is in a safe area. Using a ride share to get to and from the station with your luggage is your best option. MARTA Bus Route 110 stops at the Amtrak Station and will take you to Buckhead Station heading north or Midtown’s Arts Center Station heading south.

Long Distance Bus

You can ride a long-distance bus, such as Greyhound of Flix Bus to the Atlanta Bus Station.  This station is not in the best area of town as it is across the street from the jail.  If you arrive at the bus station, promptly take MARTA from immediately adjacent Garnett Station to a safer area of town.

To Rent a Car or Not to Rent a Car in Atlanta?

You don’t have to take an all or nothing approach to renting a car in Atlanta.  If you want to visit a few far-flung destinations that require access to a car, you can rent a car for a few days and rely on public transportation and ride shares in Atlanta proper for the rest of your trip.  If you decide to rent a car, make sure to research parking availability.  Parking costs can be steep in urban areas where MARTA operates. 

You Can Get Around Atlanta without Renting a Car

You can absolutely visit Atlanta without renting a car, but your trip must be concentrated in intown Atlanta neighborhoods with access to MARTA – Atlanta’s public transportation system.  Ideal home bases include Downtown, Midtown, Inman Park, and Decatur.  I recommend supplementing MARTA with ride shares such as Uber of Lyft to go the extra mile or for late nights. 

If you are traveling from nearly regional cities in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, don’t overlook airport shuttle services such as Groome Transportation.  Let the shuttle do the driving for you and then take MARTA into Atlanta from the airport!

If your trip to Atlanta is focused on intown neighborhoods, major attractions, and Atlanta’s incredible food scene, then you can easily skip renting a car.  You will save money and miss out on the stress of Atlanta’s notorious traffic.  If your plans include exploring beyond the city, then renting a car – even for a day or two – may be a better choice. 

Check out my Perfect Atlanta 3-Day Itinerary for a complete plan to explore Atlanta without driving.  To learn more about Intown neighborhoods, explore my Atlanta Neighborhood Guides.  Where are you planning to stay in Atlanta?