Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) sits 10 miles (16 km) south of downtown Atlanta in the city of Hapeville. The drive takes 15–30 minutes depending on traffic, the MARTA train takes 18–22 minutes for a flat $2.50, and a flat-rate taxi costs $32. This page covers the exact distance, the fastest routes by car, MARTA schedule, and the cost of every transportation option between ATL and downtown.
Exact distance from ATL to downtown Atlanta
Distance varies slightly depending on where in downtown you're headed:
- ATL to Five Points (geographic center of downtown) — 10.2 miles
- ATL to Mercedes-Benz Stadium — 9.8 miles
- ATL to Georgia World Congress Center — 9.9 miles
- ATL to State Farm Arena — 10.1 miles
- ATL to Centennial Olympic Park — 10.3 miles
- ATL to Georgia Aquarium — 10.4 miles
How long does it take to get from ATL to downtown?
Travel time depends entirely on your transportation choice and the time of day:
- MARTA train — 18–22 minutes, runs every 8–12 minutes
- Taxi or private car (off-peak) — 15–20 minutes via I-75/I-85
- Taxi or private car (morning rush 7–9am) — 30–45 minutes
- Taxi or private car (evening rush 4–7pm) — 30–50 minutes
- Uber or Lyft (off-peak) — 15–25 minutes
- Shared shuttle van — 30–60 minutes (multiple stops)
Fastest route from ATL to downtown Atlanta
By car, the fastest route is north on I-75/I-85 (the 'Downtown Connector'), exiting at Williams Street, Spring Street, or Courtland Street depending on your downtown destination. This is the main route every taxi and Uber driver takes — and the route that backs up badly during rush hour.
By MARTA, the Red and Gold lines both run directly from inside the Domestic Terminal to downtown. Both lines stop at Garnett, Five Points (the downtown transfer hub), and Peachtree Center. From Peachtree Center, you're within walking distance of the Georgia World Congress Center, Centennial Olympic Park, World of Coca-Cola, and most downtown hotels.
During a major weather event or accident on I-75/I-85, MARTA is the only reliable option to and from downtown — the highway can be completely shut for hours.
Cost of getting from ATL to downtown Atlanta
From cheapest to most expensive:
- MARTA train — $2.50 (Breeze Card or contactless tap)
- Shared shuttle — $26–32 per person
- Uber / Lyft (off-peak) — $28–35
- Taxi flat rate — $32
- Private sedan transfer — $65–75 (with meet-and-greet)
- Private SUV transfer — $85–105
- Uber / Lyft during surge — $50–75