6 Ways To Get Around Atlanta

By Nayra Mendoza on April 7, 2016

This article is brought to you by One12 Courtland, a dynamic community steps away from the Georgia State University campus in beautiful Atlanta. To learn more about One12 Courtland, please call us at 855-265-9112 and visit us here.

Getting around Atlanta may be a difficult transition to get used to for out-of-state college students or people that have to commute to campus. Many options to safely navigate the city may not be obvious at first, but you’ll eventually figure out the best and fastest route to class.

Here is a list of public transportation services that are available for you, as well as alternatives to take.

Railway Stations

getting around atlanta

Image via (ajc.com)

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority is the main public transportation operator in the city. It offers the convenience and accessibility of 38 rail stations that provide four service lines to get around the city. If you are riding your bicycle around and decide you want to catch a faster ride, the trains allow bikes to come on board. If you are a commuter coming into the city and want to avoid major traffic, several stations offer paid long-term park-and-ride lots.

getting around atlanta

Image via (MARTA)

Five Points Station is the connecting hub for all railway stations. If you get lost, just follow the yellow brick road back to Five Points and start anew. MARTA also offers a connecting station to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport among other Atlantan attractive destinations.

The trains run faster during rush hours —  6-9 a.m. and 3-7 p.m. — every 10 minutes. At midday and early evening, trains frequent every 15 minutes. After 8:30 p.m., they’ll stop every 20 minutes. For more information on the stations’ hours of operation, click here.

Buses

getting around atlanta

Image via (MARTA)

MARTA also provides 91 bus routes around the city to help anyone get around with less difficulty. Many of the same services provided by the railway stations can be found at bus stations. There are five park-and-ride lots as well as free parking near bus stops. The buses also have a front mount with enough space for two bikes if you want to hop on.

MARTA buses operate on weekdays from 5 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., and until 12:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays. Bus schedules may vary by neighborhood.

Paratransit

MARTA provides ADA Complementary Paratransit Service to those with disabilities who are unable to independently arrive and board the trains or buses. Service is provided with special lift-equipped vans on a curb-to-curb, shared ride basis. Individuals need to be certified to access paratransit transportation with a MARTA ADA Photo Identification Card. Service hours are available from 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

getting around atlanta

Image via (atlanta.curbed.com)

The paratransit service is based on advanced reservations. The downside to this is that same-day reservations are not acceptable.

Call the MARTA Mobility Reservation Office at (404) 848-5000 to get certified, or visit their webpage to learn more.

Taxis

Taxis offer a more personal transportation experience than public transit. Taxis also provide safer driving on the roads and a hands-free car ride around the city.

getting around atlanta

Image via (Pixabay)

Buckhead Safety Cab Co. offers rides around the clock, seven days a week — even on holidays. They also offer to take you to a destination outside of MARTA’s reach. Click here for more information about their services.

College students are Uber’s happiest passengers. Uber in Atlanta provides cheaper ride rates than most taxi companies in the city. You can also forget about keeping a friend from having a good night out because they have to be DD. The rate of drunk driving is going down all over the country thanks to Uber’s easy-to-use app. Don’t forget to thank your next Uber driver!

Biking

getting around atlanta

Image via (The Columbus Dispatch)

Atlanta has 45 miles of bike trails in the city. While there is much improvement to be done for safe cycling downtown, there has been a rise in bike commuting. This is in part due to the flat topography of heavier populated areas and an increase in nice weather over the years.

Social norms and advocacy groups are also pushing the residents of Atlanta to consider sharing the roads. Atlanta Streets Alive and monthly Critical Mass rides are two cycling events held that generate thousands of people in attendance and block major car streets. Perhaps, with more awareness and support, Atlanta can become a bike-friendly city.

Walking

getting around atlanta

Image via (One12 Courtland)

Students can also find housing a few blocks’ distance from campus. One12 Courtland is an easy five minute walk to the Georgia State campus, convenient for those who want to stay on campus a little longer without actually living there. And who could say no to a rooftop pool overlooking downtown? Other apartments can be found with GSU’s help.

Walking to campus also offers other benefits. You’re unconsciously getting a good leg workout in; you’re cutting off the carbon emissions in the city and world; you’re preventing health problems such as heart disease. Spend a few more minutes of your day on your feet and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Not to mention, it costs $0 to walk.

getting around atlanta

Image via (Shutterstock)

Whether you’re riding on a seat or getting around Atlanta by foot, there are many ways to get to your destination. Keep in mind that you’re in a big city, where traffic and bodies tend to chaotically rush through. Get to know Atlanta and its many transportation options.

Looking for a great place to live off-campus within a stone’s throw of campus? Please visit One12 Courtland to see our dynamic community in action. To visit our website, please click here or call us at 855-265-9112 to get more information and schedule a tour.

Follow Uloop

Apply to Write for Uloop News

Join the Uloop News Team

Discuss This Article

Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly

Back to Top

Log In

Contact Us

Upload An Image

Please select an image to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format
OR
Provide URL where image can be downloaded
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format

By clicking this button,
you agree to the terms of use

By clicking "Create Alert" I agree to the Uloop Terms of Use.

Image not available.

Add a Photo

Please select a photo to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format