MARTA at a Glance
MARTA, or the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, is the primary rapid transit operator in the city of Atlanta and serves Fulton, DeKalb, and Clayton counties. Its network combines heavy rail lines with a bus system, linking major employment centers, educational institutions, and neighborhoods. This guide provides a durable overview of every rail station, service basics, and practical details useful for regular riders and first-time visitors alike.
How the MARTA Rail Network Is Built
MARTA rail operates two main lines that share tracks in the downtown core and then diverge. Understanding this layout makes it easier to identify which stations serve which destinations and how transfers work.
Red and Gold Lines: Shared Core, Diverging Routes
The Red and Gold lines run together from North Springs through downtown and into the airport, then split. The Red line continues to the southwest, while the Gold line branches eastward. This shared segment reduces wait times for transfers and simplifies train frequency management.
Blue and Green Lines: Shared Core, Different Termini
The Blue and Green lines share tracks from the eastern edge of the system inward, splitting near Decatur. The Blue line heads toward Indian Creek, while the Green line terminates at Bankhead. This pairing helps move passengers efficiently between east-side neighborhoods and downtown.
All MARTA Rail Stations by Line
The table below lists each rail station, the line(s) it serves, and its general area. This reflects the standard configuration as of the most recent system map and is intended as a long-term reference rather than a promotional guide.
| Station | Line(s) | Neighborhood / Area |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Red, Gold | Atlanta Airport |
| Atlantic | Blue | Virginia Highland |
| Avondale | Blue | Avondale |
| Bankhead | Green | Bankhead |
| Brookhaven/Oglethorpe | Gold | Brookhaven |
| Civic Center | Red, Gold | Downtown |
| College Park | Red | College Park |
| Decatur | Blue, Green | Decatur |
| Doraville | Gold | Doraville |
| East Point | Red, Gold | East Point |
| Five Points | Red, Gold, Blue, Green | Downtown |
| Georgia State | Blue, Green | Downtown |
| Hamilton E. Holmes | Blue | West End |
| Hines Hill | Red | College Park |
| Lindbergh Center | Red, Gold | Lindbergh/Morningside |
| North Springs | Red | Sandy Springs |
| Peachtree Center | Red, Gold | Downtown |
| Perkerson | Blue | Perkerson |
| Arts Center | Red, Gold | Midtown |
| Sandy Springs | Red | Sandy Springs |
| Vine City | Red, Gold | Vine City |
| West End | Blue | West End |
Service Basics and Frequency
MARTA will sometimes adjust schedules for service improvements or special events, so checking real-time arrivals before you travel is recommended. Typical weekday headways vary by line and time of day, with trains arriving most frequently during morning and evening peaks. Weekend service often runs on a modified schedule with slightly longer waits between trains.
Fares and Payment
MARTA uses a fare structure based on distance for rail trips, with a flat fee for bus-only trips in many cases. Payment is typically handled through a Breeze Card or contactless mobile payments, depending on availability at the station. Fare gates at stations enforce payment, and fares are enforced through regular and random inspections.
How MARTA Stations Connect to Other Transit
Many MARTA stations act as transfer points for MARTA bus routes, CobbLinc, GRTA Xpress, and other regional services. This makes stations such as Five Points, Civic Center, and Lindbergh Center important hubs for people traveling across the metro area. If you are using more than one mode of transit, plan your route in advance to confirm connections and service times.
Accessibility and Amenities
Most MARTA rail stations include elevators or ramps to support accessible travel, though a few older stations may have limited access. All trains are designed to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. Station amenities vary but commonly include benches, lighting, public art, and vendor offerings in some locations.
Planning Your Trip and Real-Time Information
For the most reliable trip planning, use MARTA’s official trip planner or real-time arrival tools, which account for delays, track changes, and temporary adjustments. If you are unfamiliar with a station, arrive with extra time, especially during weekday rush hours when trains are close together and platforms can be crowded.