MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) operates a single rail station inside Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, with direct service on the Blue Line. For travelers heading to Decatur, the train is by far the cheapest option — $2.50 versus $30–$60 for an Uber — and during rush hour it's often faster than driving thanks to its dedicated track. One transfer is required at Five Points Station to reach Decatur, but the connection is straightforward and well-signed.
MARTA route from ATL to Decatur
Total trip time is approximately 50 minutes from boarding at the airport to arriving at Decatur Station. You'll change trains once at Five Points — Atlanta's main MARTA hub.
- From baggage claim at the Domestic Terminal, follow signs for "MARTA" — the station is at the far west end of the terminal, a 5-minute walk.
- Buy a Breeze Card from the kiosk ($2 card fee + $2.50 fare = $4.50 total for one trip).
- Tap your Breeze Card at the gate and take the escalator down to the platform.
- Board the next Blue Line train heading north (signs say "Northbound — North Springs / Doraville").
- Ride to Five Points Station (~15 min), exit the train, and follow signs to the Blue/Green Line eastbound.
- Board your connecting train and ride to Decatur Station.
Decatur Station: what to expect
Decatur Station is one of MARTA's busier stops, with multiple exits leading to different parts of Decatur. Look at the in-station map before exiting to choose the right side — the wrong exit can mean an extra 10-minute walk. Common landmarks within walking distance of the station include Decatur Square and Emory University (nearby).
MARTA fares, Breeze Cards & passes
- Single ride: $2.50 (one-way, includes free transfers within 3 hours).
- Breeze Card: $2 one-time card fee, reloadable at any station kiosk.
- 1-Day Pass: $9 (unlimited rides for 24 hours — great for tourists).
- 4-Day Pass: $19 (unlimited rides — best value for a long weekend in Atlanta).
- 7-Day Pass: $25 (unlimited rides for a week).
- Children under 46 inches tall ride free with a paying adult.
MARTA vs Uber from ATL to Decatur: which should you choose?
MARTA wins on price by a huge margin: $2.50 vs $30–$60 for Uber. It also wins on reliability during rush hour, since trains run on dedicated track and aren't affected by I-75/I-85 traffic.
Uber wins on door-to-door convenience and luggage capacity. If you're traveling with 2+ checked bags, multiple kids, or need to arrive late at night (MARTA runs 4:45 AM–1:00 AM weekdays, slightly less on weekends), Uber is the better call.
Safety tips for MARTA at night
MARTA is generally safe but, like any urban transit system, has a few common-sense rules:
- Stick to the front car of the train near the operator after 9 PM.
- Avoid empty stations late at night — wait near the station agent booth.
- Keep luggage between your feet, not in the aisle.
- Use the "See Something, Say Something" call boxes on every platform.
- Download the MARTA On the Go app for live arrival times.