6 ways to navigate Atlanta

Atlanta has yet to address calls for a more integrated public transit system that would better link its neighborhoods and expand into the broader metropolitan area. As a result, visitors might need to be resourceful, combining trains, buses, and the occasional Uber or taxi to explore fully. For maximum flexibility, having your own vehicle is ideal.

Maximize your budget with MARTA

MARTA’s trains operate in four directions from downtown: north, south, east, and west. While these train stops reach some neighborhoods like West End, Midtown, Buckhead, and Inman Park, they don’t service areas like Old 4th Ward, Virginia Highland, and Blandtown. A combination of train routes, MARTA’s bus system, renting an e-bike or scooter, and occasional Uber rides is the most economical and efficient way to get around.

To pay for MARTA services, you’ll need a Breeze card, which costs $2 plus the amount you wish to load onto it. The fare is $2.50 for a single ride on a bus or train, allowing for up to four transfers within three hours.

After reaching your stop, you can combine your journey with an e-bike or scooter ride to your final destination. Lime and Bird provide e-bikes and scooters at 200 locations across the city; use their apps to locate their dockless options. Renting typically begins with a base fare (recently, it was $1) plus a per-minute charge (around $0.39) while in use.

Explore major tourist spots with the Atlanta Streetcar

For those aiming to visit significant attractions in downtown Atlanta and the Sweet Auburn area, the Atlanta Streetcar offers a convenient and quick way to travel. Begin at the Centennial Olympic Park stop, which places you next to the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. With a fare of $1 one way or $3 for an all-day pass, passengers can enjoy a 2.7-mile loop that also includes stops at the Sweet Auburn Market and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park. The streetcar also connects to the Peachtree Center subway station.

Discover Atlanta's neighborhoods by biking the BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine connects walkers and cyclists through the city's most beloved neighborhoods, offering a closer look at Atlanta's top living and recreational spots. This 22-mile loop follows an old rail line. If you're short on time, focus on the Southside and Eastside trails for easy access to local eateries and shops.

Atlanta features bike lanes on various streets across the city. The dedicated cycle track on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive between Northside Drive and James P. Brawley Drive is separated by a concrete barrier, while most lanes run alongside vehicular traffic.

Reserve car trips for nature excursions and dining in the districts

Atlanta's suburbs boast a wealth of dining and hiking options. If you want to explore the culinary districts in downtown Marietta or Chamblee along Buford Highway, driving will be the most convenient way to get around.

Atlanta's traffic is infamous, but there are some tricks to navigating the congestion. The segments of Interstates 75 and 85 that run through downtown are perpetually busy, and alternate street routes can also get clogged. To avoid the worst of the traffic, consider carpooling or driving an electric vehicle to use the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane, which is located on the far left and has its own exits. This lane, available on I-75, I-85, and I-20, typically offers quicker passage during rush hours. Be sure to watch the signs! North of downtown on I-85, the HOV lane converts into a Peach Pass lane, which drivers can pay for to expedite their journey.

Given the high number of drivers, you'll find ample parking at metro Atlanta's outdoor recreation spots, such as the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, Arabia Mountain, and Stone Mountain.

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