MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) operates a single rail station inside Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, with direct service on the Red Line. For travelers heading to Perimeter Center / Dunwoody, the train is by far the cheapest option — $2.50 versus $40–$78 for an Uber — and during rush hour it's often faster than driving thanks to its dedicated track. It's a single direct ride with no transfers.
MARTA route from ATL to Perimeter Center / Dunwoody
Total trip time is approximately 45 minutes from boarding at the airport to arriving at Dunwoody Station. It's a single direct train, no transfers.
- 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 Red Line train heading north (signs say "Northbound — North Springs / Doraville").
- Stay onboard for 45 minutes until you reach Dunwoody Station.
- Exit at Dunwoody Station — your Perimeter Center destination is a short walk or rideshare from there.
Dunwoody Station: what to expect
Dunwoody Station is one of MARTA's busier stops, with multiple exits leading to different parts of Perimeter Center / Dunwoody. 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 Perimeter Mall and Concourse Corporate Center.
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 Perimeter Center: which should you choose?
MARTA wins on price by a huge margin: $2.50 vs $40–$78 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.