Atlanta, Georgia - Getting Around
From wiki.travel.com
Get aroundBy footWalking is a reasonable way to get around within pedestrian-friendly areas of Midtown, Downtown, Decatur and the Virginia Highlands. If travelling outside of those areas, renting a car is recommended. By transitAtlanta is served by MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), +1 404-848-4711, [1], which operates both rapid rail and bus networks in the city of Atlanta and the counties of Fulton and Dekalb. For out-of-town visitors, MARTA is a convenient way to travel from the airport to downtown or midtown, or to travel between downtown and midtown. Those who want to travel out of those areas or at night, however, may be better served by taking taxis or renting a car, as the city often becomes empty at nighttime or in other areas, and travel may feel unsafe to those who do not know the city. The rail network is comprised of two principal lines making up a cross. One line runs north-south across the city, while the other runs east-west. The north-south line runs from a southern terminus at Hartsfield-Jackson airport through downtown and midtown Atlanta, before splitting into two branches running north, one which terminates in north metro Atlanta at the North Springs station and the other which terminates at the Doraville station. The east-west line runs from an western terminal at Hamilton E. Holmes to an eastern terminal at Indian Creek. The Five Points station in downtown Atlanta is the only station where passengers may change trains between the north-south and east-west lines. Trains run from 5 a.m. until 1 a.m. Monday-Friday, and from 5 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays. Trains run on all lines every 10 minutes during peak periods, reducing to every 20 minutes on Sundays. The bus network comprises over one hundred different bus routes, with many routes operating approximately every 20 minutes. Buses run from 5 a.m. until 1:30 a.m. Monday-Friday and from 5 a.m. until 1 a.m. on the weekends and holidays. One feature of MARTA is the close integration of rail and bus services. Many rail stations have integral bus stations, and in some cases the buses enter the station's 'paid area' thus avoiding the need to use transfers. A single ride on MARTA costs $1.75. The fare includes transfers. Single use Breeze Cards are sold in vending machines at all rail stations or at RideStores at Airport and Five Points stations. When starting the journey by bus, swipe the card at the fare post next to the driver. When starting the journey by train, swipe the car at the fare gate, your now cash depleted card will act as your transfer. When transferring to a bus, give the operator your breeze card. When transferring to a train, swipe the transfer ticket through the reader on the turnstile. Note for Weekend Travel: MARTA has a tendency to run slower on the weekends. Typical wait times are 30 minutes for trains and up to an hour for buses. Be sure to accommodate for this. By taxiIt is usually possible to flag taxicabs down near tourist attractions and in Midtown and Downtown. However, calling ahead is recommended. 24-Hour Taxicab Services:
Flat rates to and from the airport are listed on Hartfield-Jackson International Airport's website. By carCars are the most popular form of transport in and around Atlanta, and in order to get around the sprawling city and to experience Atlanta's various unique neighborhoods, renting a car is recommended. Rush hour runs from around 7-10am and 4-7pm on weekdays and often results in congestion when travelling intown in the mornings and outbound in the afternoons. Major shopping districts such as Buckhead can also get crowded on weekends. Most restaurants and shops in the area offer complimentary or low-cost valet services ($1-2 tip expected) and on the rare occasion where parking is scarce, public lots are usually nearby for a reasonable fee. Free road maps are available at [4]. Car Rental Companies:
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