Ways to Get Around Atlanta

Atlanta’s a city that doesn’t always make it easy on visitors, especially when it comes to getting around. Traffic, urban sprawl and challenging highway interchanges are real here. But once you know a few local tricks, navigating the city gets a whole lot easier.

Whether you’re staying downtown, travelling between neighborhoods, or heading to an event, this can serve as your travel primer offering the best options, including MARTA, scooters, bikes, rideshares, and more.

1. MARTA: Atlanta’s Main Public Transit System

If you’re sticking to the main tourist zones (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead), MARTA can be your best friend. It’s affordable, generally reliable, and hits most of the major tourist sites.

There are two main parts: the rail system and bus routes. For visitors, the  trains are user-friendly with four color-coded lines (Red, Gold, Blue, and Green). If you're flying into Hartsfield-Jackson, the MARTA train will take you straight from the airport into the heart of the city in about 20 minutes. No need to deal with taxis or shuttles.

Most major event spaces near the city center are within walking distance of a station, and stations are marked clearly with signs. Just keep in mind: MARTA doesn’t reach everywhere, so if you’re heading to a more residential or outer area, you’ll probably need to supplement with a rideshare.

Helpful tip: Get a Breeze Card if you plan to ride more than a couple of times. It’ll save you money and time fumbling with ticket machines.

2. Rideshare: Easy and Efficient Travel

Uber and Lyft are everywhere in Atlanta. If you’re traveling between neighborhoods that aren’t well connected by transit, say, Inman Park to West Midtown, a rideshare is often the fastest, easiest option.

That said, prices can spike hard during rush hour, after big events, or late at night. If you're visiting during a festival or game day, expect longer wait times and potentially higher pricing.

Pro tip: MARTA to a nearby stop + short rideshare combo can save you time and cash.

3. Scooters and E-Bikes: Quick and Fun (When They Work)

You’ll see scooters and e-bikes scattered around most neighborhoods near the BeltLine and in Midtown or Downtown. Companies like Bird and Lime let you rent one with an app and drop it off almost anywhere when you’re finished.

They’re a fun way to cruise between coffee shops or hop from one end of Piedmont Park to the other. But Atlanta's scooter rules change often, helmets are encouraged, and you're technically supposed to ride in bike lanes or streets, not sidewalks.

Heads up: They’re not always in great shape so double-check the battery level and brakes before you go.

4. Biking: Consider Getting Around on Two Wheels

Atlanta has made progress when it comes to being bike-friendly, especially around the BeltLine, Piedmont Park, and certain parts of Midtown. If you’re looking for a scenic ride, rent a bike and hit the Eastside Trail on the BeltLine, with no shortage of stops for food, drinks, and art along the way.

That said, cycling outside those pockets can be hit or miss. Some roads just aren’t designed with bikes in mind, and drivers don’t always give cyclists the space they deserve.

Still, for short scenic rides or casual exploring near the BeltLine, biking is a solid option that keeps you close to the action.

Best move: Stick to known trails, shared-use paths, and areas near parks.

5. The Atlanta Streetcar: Good in a Pinch (But Limited)

This 2.7-mile loop connects a few big tourist stops like Centennial Olympic Park, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, and the Sweet Auburn Market. It’s cheap (just $1 per ride) and works well if you're staying downtown.

But it doesn’t cover much ground. If you’re trying to get across the city or into trendier neighborhoods, the streetcar won’t help you. Think of it as a little bonus, not a full solution.

Worth it if: You’re downtown and want a breezy way to check out nearby sights without walking too much.

6. Walking: Great in Some Spots, Not So Much in Others

Atlanta’s not known as a walkable city, but there are definitely areas where walking makes sense. Midtown, Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, and parts of the Westside are all easy to explore on foot. If you’re staying near the BeltLine, even better.

Be mindful, though, before heading out. Some roads lack sidewalks, busy crosswalks can feel daunting, and the summer heat will absolutely exhaust you on long treks. Plan your walking routes ahead of time and stay hydrated if you’re visiting during the warmer months.

And don’t forget comfortable shoes. Atlanta’s sidewalks can be uneven in some spots, especially around older neighborhoods.

7. Driving and Parking: Manageable, But Be Ready

Driving in Atlanta is doable… but not always easy. The highways are wide and fast, and traffic jams can happen at random times of day. If you’re comfortable behind the wheel, it gives you the most freedom. But factor in time for parking and traffic, especially if you're headed downtown or to Buckhead.

Parking can be expensive or limited in popular areas, but apps like ParkMobile help you find and pay for spots ahead of time.

Insider tip: If you’re only venturing out once or twice, skip the car rental. It’ll save you stress (and probably a few parking tickets).

Pick Your Ride and Go

Atlanta has no shortage of options for ways to get around, and knowing how to mix and match them makes all the difference. Use MARTA when you can, walk and bike where it’s safe, and fill in the gaps with rideshares or scooters.

With a little planning, you can skip the rental car entirely and still see everything you came for. Just remember: Atlanta rewards flexibility, and maybe a backup plan or two.

Book your stay at FORTH and be at the center of all that Atlanta has to offer. We can help you explore your ways to get around too.