Downtown Atlanta is one of the most diverse metropolitan areas in the Southeast, and so getting from one point to another can be a challenge.
The good news is that when you consider the historic landmarks, cool restaurants and other venues, it’s well worth exploring. But how do you get around?
We’re going to show you how you can get around downtown Atlanta (actually this works for Midtown, too).
How To Get Around Downtown Atlanta
If you’re driving into downtown Atlanta, you’re going to have to pay for parking. Here’s where you can park and how much it costs and for how long.
Getting around downtown Atlanta is fairly easy, thanks to various transportation options:
MARTA
MARTA offers both bus and rail services. The rail system has several stations downtown, including Peachtree Center, Five Points (a central hub), and Civic Center. The trains can take you to key areas, including the airport, Midtown, and Buckhead.
You may also wish to take MARTA. Rail prices are $2.50 for a one-way trip. Here are fare prices for trains and buses.
Streetcar
The Atlanta Streetcar runs a 2.7-mile loop through downtown, connecting major attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, and Georgia State University.
Walking
Downtown Atlanta is pedestrian-friendly with wide sidewalks and plenty of crosswalks. Popular attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and State Farm Arena are within walking distance of each other.
Read up on where to jog or walk in Atlanta.
Scooters and Bikes
E-scooters and bikes from companies like Lime and Bird are available for short trips. They’re a quick option for navigating crowded areas.
There are some rules you need to know before you ride. Lime and Bird are the two most prevalent scooters you’ll along downtown and Midtown streets.
Key Points:
- Two Operators: Lime and Bird hold the city’s permits for shared micromobility devices.
- Active in Downtown: You’ll find their e-bikes and e-scooters available for rent in downtown Atlanta and other areas like Midtown and the BeltLine.
- High Demand: Ridership has increased significantly, with Lime launching new e-bike models and both companies seeing record usage.
- Rules & Regulations: Riders must follow city rules, including riding in bike lanes or streets (not sidewalks) and proper parking, with nighttime restrictions sometimes in effect.
- App-Based: Use the Lime or Bird app to find, unlock, and pay for rides.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in downtown Atlanta and offer a convenient way to get around.
Uber & Lyft: If you want to take advantage of a ridesharing service, you can do that too. Here are the peak times for ridesharing in Atlanta:
Weekdays
Morning Commute Hours, 6am-9am
- Evening Commute Hours, 4pm-8pm
Weeknights
- Before and after sporting events and concerts.
- Late night, 11pm-3am
Atlanta Shuttle Services
Some hotels and attractions offer free or paid shuttle services that circulate within downtown or nearby neighborhoods.
You can also get around by using the Atlanta Streetcar. Call 404-848-5000 for help with the latest schedule updates or you can click here to log into MARTA’s Accessibility Services.
Driving/Parking
If you’re driving, there are multiple parking decks and lots, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours. Apps like ParkMobile can help you find parking spots.
Tuk Tuks
Tuk Tuks are small electric vehicles that provide a unique and eco-friendly way to explore downtown. They usually operate on a tip basis.
Explore Atlanta at your own pace
First, to find all the good things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are.
Centennial Park is often has something cool going on! Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend
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