MARTA
Getting around Atlanta is a breeze with MARTA
MARTA’s trains, buses and para-transit vehicles provide more than 500,000 passenger trips within the city of Atlanta and in Fulton and DeKalb counties every weekday. Accessible directly from the airport, MARTA provides public transportation that is convenient, safe and clean.
Note: MARTA has upgraded to a MARTA new fare system, making it easier than ever to ride! You no longer need to purchase a physical transit card. Riders can now use MARTA tap to pay directly at any rail station gate or bus validator using a contactless credit card, debit card, or mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Wallet). If you prefer a dedicated transit app, you can also download the new MARTA app (Breeze Mobile) to set up and manage a virtual card.
Reasons to choose MARTA
- MARTA is a quick and easy way to get to some of Atlanta’s favorite special event venues. A single trip costs only $2.50 and lets you travel to popular Atlanta neighborhoods for shopping, dining and special events.
- MARTA’s contactless fare gates make getting on and off the train simple. Just tap your phone, smartwatch, or credit card and be on your way. If you prefer, you can still purchase anything from an individual trip or one-day pass to a full-month pass at the station kiosks, or use the new MARTA app to load funds digitally.
- MARTA offers special service hours during major events. Trains may run later or more frequently to help you get to your next stop.
- Don’t want to try your hand driving Downtown? Most MARTA stations offer ample parking and then you can take the train into the center of the action.
- The MARTA app makes it easy to see real-time train, bus and streetcar arrivals. Schedules and maps can also be found in the app to navigate wherever you’re trying to go.
Tips for taking MARTA from the airport to downtown
The MARTA Airport Station is located right by baggage claim so it’s easy to hop on the train and head to various locations, including Downtown (less than a 30 minute ride). You can skip the ticket kiosk lines entirely by using MARTA tap to pay right at the gate, or purchase a digital pass using the new MARTA app.
Know before you go
What are the operation hours of MARTA?
The bus runs from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. on weekdays, 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. during weekends. Check bus routes and schedules.
The train runs from 4:45 a.m. to 1 a.m. on weekdays, 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. during weekends. Check train stations and schedules.
What is the train frequency?
Weekday Train Frequencies:
- 5-6 a.m.: Approximately 20 minutes
- 6-9 a.m.: Approximately 12 minutes
- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Approximately 15 minutes
- 3-7 p.m.: Approximately 12 minutes
- 7 p.m. and later: Approximately 20 minutes
Weekend Train Frequencies:
- 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.: Approximately 20 minutes
How much is the ride?
MARTA fare is $2.50 for a one-way trip, which includes up to four free transfers within a three-hour period. With the recent system upgrades, there are now several convenient ways to pay:
- MARTA Tap to Pay: Skip the ticket machines completely! Tap your contactless credit card, debit card, or mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Wallet) directly at the rail gates or bus validators.
- The New App: Download the new MARTA app (Breeze Mobile) to add a virtual transit card to your phone and manage your funds digitally.
- Physical Cards: Occasional riders can buy a single-use paper Breeze ticket ($1 fee), while frequent riders can purchase the new orange Breeze card ($2 fee) at any station kiosk.
Use our Ultimate MARTA Guide to find must-visit attractions and restaurants by stations.
Important Note for Returning Visitors: Do you still have an old silver Breeze card in your wallet? You can easily transfer your old Breeze card balance to a new, upgraded account at breezecard.com, but you must do so before October 30, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you ride MARTA without a physical Breeze card?
Yes, absolutely! Thanks to open payment options, you can easily ride using MARTA tap to pay by tapping your contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, or smartwatch (via Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet) directly at the rail station fare gates or bus validators.
Are original MARTA Breeze cards still accepted?
No. With the rollout of the MARTA new fare system, older legacy Breeze cards and paper tickets are no longer compatible with the updated equipment. Riders now need to use the updated Breeze cards, virtual cards, or contactless payment methods.
What app do I need to ride MARTA?
The old Breeze Mobile 2.0 app has been retired. To manage your account, register physical cards, and handle digital ticketing under the updated system, you will need the new MARTO app (frequently referred to as the Better Breeze app).
What happens to the balance on an old or discontinued Breeze card?
If you had leftover funds on a discontinued card, don’t worry—unspent value is not necessarily lost. You can transfer your legacy Breeze card balance by signing up online at breezecard.com, linking your new card, and completing a balance transfer request during the designated transition window (by Friday, October 30, 2026).
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