Are you thinking of moving to Atlanta? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled everything you need to know about living in Atlanta and navigating Atlanta public transportation. Learn about the primary public transit options and find information on passes and fares to make getting around Atlanta as easy as possible. 

Choosing your neighborhood

he first thing you’ll need to know about moving to and getting around Atlanta is the difference between living “ITP” and “OTP.” These acronyms stand for living “inside the Perimeter” or “outside the Perimeter.” The Perimeter, of course, is the nickname given to Interstate 285, the major highway that circles the city.

Atlanta residents will tell you that once you pick one Perimeter to move to, you’ll rarely cross into the other. But the fact that I-285 is one of the most heavily traveled roads in the United States proves that this isn’t much more than a joke between the locals.

Neighborhoods ITP include Morningside, Midtown, Buckhead, and Virginia Highland. OTP, you’ll find communities that include Marietta, Smyrna, and Dunwoody. These tend to be more suburban areas, with lower taxes, less traffic, and more tranquility.

No matter which area you choose to live in, you’ll be able to get around thanks to the accessible and efficient Atlanta public transportation system.

Navigating MARTA

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is the main form of public transportation in The Big Peach. Made up of a fleet of trains and buses, MARTA operates within the entirety of the city of Atlanta and its surrounding neighborhoods every weekday. You can take it from one end of the city to the other, down the block, or to the airport. The main train lines that travel through the city of Atlanta are the Gold Line, Red Line, Blue Line, and Green Line.

• Red and Gold Lines: Service North and South Atlanta, from the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to North Springs and Doraville 
• Blue and Green Lines: Service West and East Atlanta, from Bankhead to Indian Creek

A single fare on MARTA costs a modest $2.50, which you can place onto a Breeze card. Once you have one of these reusable cards, which cost $2, you can load up to 20 trips for $42.50 or purchase a daily, weekly, or monthly pass. Monthly passes for MARTA cost $95. Passes give you unlimited rides for the time frame for which you purchased the pass. When using the train, you can tap your card once when you enter and once again when you exit the station. For the bus, you only need to tap when you board.

MARTA also conveniently provides a mobile app that encompasses everything from trip planning to fare purchasing. MARTA even provides trip ideas such as the Food and Beer Crawl and History Tour, which gives you station information and a list of must-see spots around Atlanta. 

The Atlanta Streetcar

The Atlanta Streetcar is Atlanta’s newest public transit option and a great way to travel around downtown when living in Atlanta. The Streetcar takes a 2.7-mile loop and makes 12 stops along the way throughout downtown Atlanta. If you find yourself in need of MARTA but near the Streetcar, never fear; you can take the Streetcar directly to MARTA’s Peachtree Center station and catch the rail. 

Riding the Atlanta Streetcar gives you access to all downtown Atlanta has to offer, including popular restaurants and spots for entertainment. Consider riding the Streetcar to The Skyview Atlanta, where you can take in the city’s sights from a bird’s-eye view. Fares for the Atlanta Streetcar cost $1 one way or $3 for a day pass. Streetcars run approximately every 10 to 15 minutes. 

The Atlanta BeltLine

For a bike-friendly way to get around Atlanta, check out the Atlanta BeltLine. This unique project aims to connect the city’s in-town neighborhoods with trails, transit, and green space. It encompasses 22 miles of old railroad tracks to allow Atlanta residents to move around the city. Bike paths, public art, and parks are just some of what you’ll encounter along the route. If you get hungry, restaurants are easy to access from the BeltLine in specific neighborhoods. It’s the perfect way to exercise and be close to everything Atlanta has to offer.

Whether walking your pet or meeting up with friends, you’re sure to enjoy your time on the Atlanta BeltLine. With a laid-back, Southern vibe and plenty of fresh air, getting around Atlanta on the BeltLine is appealing. Some areas the BeltLine provides easy access to include the Historic Fourth Ward via the Fourth Ward Skate Park, westside neighborhoods via the Westside Trail, and Midtown near Piedmont Park to Reynolds just east of the city via the Eastside Trail.

Living in Atlanta gives you access to dynamic food, nightlife, and entertainment. If you’re considering moving to ATL, you’ll want to take advantage of the Atlanta public transportation options available to experience the city like a local. Use our guide to help you plan your next night out or day trip into the city. 

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