Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the United States. According to Stratojets.com, the airport handles 53.4 million passengers on 362,713 flights per year. If you fly somewhere in the United States, there’s a very good chance that you’ve probably, at some point, taken a trip through this airport.
If you find yourself traveling through the Airport with your final destination being Atlanta, you’re probably wondering what ground transportation options are available to you. Well, in this post we’re going to provide exactly that so you can get a quick and reliable ride.
Atlanta Airport Transportation Options
There are multiple transportation options available to passengers leaving the Atlanta airport. Each option is great, but the one you should choose simply depends on where you are going and how much you are looking to pay.
Jump to:
- Rideshare Services
- Hotel Shuttles
- Shuttles
- Limos and Taxis
- Busses and Trains
- Rental Cars
- Other Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
Rideshare Services
If you are a regular users of rideshare services, you’ll be happy to know that both Uber and Lyft operate at the Atlanta aiport.
- Great for: travelers looking for a reliable, safe, and flexible ride option
- Downsides: choosing to take am Uber or Lyft from the Atlanta airport will likely result in moderate wait times, as well as higher costs than a shuttle or taxi
- Recommended alternative: taxi or shuttle
Pickups and dropoffs occur at the North and South economy lots. Both of these lots are a very short walk from the baggage claim. Here’s a quick video of how to get to the lot from the South Terminal:
[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/O4F6MVXZ2Ok”]
As a note, Uber and Lyft drivers must pick you up from this area, and cannot pick you up from a different part of the aiport. Follow the instructions on your app, and do as it says. The driver will not be able to pick you up if you are not at the designated rideshare lots.
Hotel Shuttles
Hotel shuttles are the most straight forward transportation option, and are oftentimes free, provided by the hotel you are staying at.
- Great for: travelers staying at a hotel near the airport
- Downsides: possible increased wait times that companies use to maximize efficiency
- Recommended alternative: rideshare service, taxi, or shared shuttle
Hotel shuttle service is available on the Purple aisle in the Ground Transportation area at the west end of the Domestic Terminal (West curb). The West curb is outside between the Domestic North and Domestic South terminals.
For arrival or departure times of your shuttle, pick up a courtesy phone inside the Airport near baggage claim or outside in the Ground Transportation area.
Hotels Offering Shuttle Service to Their Properties
- Baymont Inn & Suites: (404) 684-9898
- Best Western Airport East: (404) 763-8777
- Best Western Hotel & Suites Atlanta Airport South: (770) 996-5800
- Best Western Plus Fairburn Atlanta Southwest: (678) 782-4700
- Comfort Inn & Suites Airport North: (404) 768-7800
- Comfort Inn & Suites Atlanta Airport South: (404) 684-9898
- Comfort Suites Atlanta Airport: (404) 209-7299
Shared Shuttles
For those looking for a less expensive ride option, there are various shared shuttles available. These shuttles run specific routes at timed intervals. If you are heading to one of these areas already, such as a region in Atlanta or a hotel, a shuttle is your best option.
- Great for: riders on a budget or going to a specific location the shuttle already runs to
- Downsides: limited routes, longer wait times than a private ride
- Recommended alternative: taxi
There is a variety of shuttle options at the Atlanta airport, so make sure you pick the one that travels to your destination. Do not just hop on the first one you see and expect it to take you to wherever you are trying to go.
Shared-Ride Shuttle Routes
The shuttles operate for three different destinations, Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead.
Providers that provide services to these areas include:
Shared-Ride Shuttle Providers
- A & M Limousine Corporation: 770-955-4565
- Atlanta Airport Superior Shuttle: 770-457-4794
- Atlanta Gwinnett Airport Shuttle: 770-638-0666
- Atlanta Hotels Connection: 404-312-2479
- Airport Perimeter Connection: 404-761-0260
- ATL Airport Shuttle: 770-801-8000
- Galleria Direct, Inc: 770-955-7550
- Greater Atlanta Shuttle: 678-851-7063
- North Express Airport Shuttle: 404-354-9746
- Relax and Ride Shuttle Transport, LLC: 770-912-8705
- Train Xpress: 770-374-5066
Shared-Ride Shuttle Routes
Shared-Ride Van Service provides transportation services to and from the Atlanta central business district: Downtown, Midtown and Buckhead. Shuttles leave every 15 minutes from the Airport from stalls 3 through 10.
Fares: (Maximum trip fee)
Downtown: $16.50/person
Midtown: $18.50/person
Buckhead: $30/person
Shared-Ride Shuttle Providers Contact Number Contact Email
A & M Limousine Corporation 770-955-4565 markee.squire@aandmlimo.com
Atlanta Airport Superior Shuttle 770-457-4794 atlantasuperior@aol.com
Atlanta Gwinnett Airport Shuttle 770-638-0666 info@gashuttle.com
Atlanta Hotels Connection 404-312-2479 ahcshuttle@comcast.net
Airport Perimeter Connection 404-761-0260 info@airportperimeterconnection.com
ATL Airport Shuttle 770-801-8000 lasfaw@shuttleplus.com
Galleria Direct, Inc. 770-955-7550 zack@galleriadirect.net
Greater Atlanta Shuttle 678-851-7063 stanleymadu@bellsouth.net
North Express Airport Shuttle 404-354-9746 omarskandri@gmail.com
Relax and Ride Shuttle Transport, LLC 770-912-8705 rrshuttle2008@att.net
Train Xpress 770-374-5066 demetriousallen@hotmail.com
Local
Local Shared-Ride Shuttles run approximately 15 minutes in between trips and provide service to cities in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties. For a list of communities, click here. Most shared-ride shuttles pick up on the Green Bus Aisle, which is outside in the Ground Transportation area between the Domestic North and Domestic South Terminals. Contact the company directly to ask questions or make reservations.
Regional
Regional shared-ride shuttles, which depart every 30 minutes to an hour, provide service to areas outside of the five metro Atlanta counties and states bordering Georgia. For a list of locations, click here.
Outside Georgia Shared-Ride Shuttles Providers List
Service Area Company Phone
Alabama
Auburn, Lanett, Opelika, Phenix City, Tuskegee, Valley Groome Transportation 334-821-3399
North Carolina
Asheville, Cashiers, Charlotte, Highlands Airport Shuttle of Clemson 800-669-6463
South Carolina
Anderson, Clemson, Greenville, Seneca Airport Shuttle of Clemson 800-669-6463
Tennessee
Chattanooga, Nashville Groome Transportation 423-954-1400
Limo and Taxi
Limousines
More than 300 companies provide limousine service to and from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as well as to areas surrounding the Airport. Many companies offer stretch limousine and executive car service, while others provide executive car service only. Contact the company directly to make reservations or to ask about additional services. Once you have made a reservation, your driver will either meet you inside the terminal near the atrium or curbside on the south lower level. The pickup process should be explained when you call to make the reservation. All limousine service must be arranged in advance. Any state-licensed limousine company is allowed to drop off passengers at the terminal curbside.
Taxis
A set fee applies between the Airport and the central business district. A special per-person rate applies for two or more passengers. Fares originating from a business and concluding at a business within downtown, Buckhead and Midtown are at a rate of $8 ($2 for each additional person). Taxicab service at the Airport is located in the Yellow Bus aisle. For additional information, call (404) 530-3485. The fee structure is as follows:
Taxi Fee Structure – Atlanta Business District
Flat rate zone to and from the Airport. $2 charge for each additional person. Flag Drop Fee $ 1.50.
Downtown: $30.00
Buckhead: $40.00
Midtown: $32.00
Taxi Fee Structure – Outside Atlanta Business District
Rates computed by a meter. Flag Drop Fee $1.50.
$ 2.50 for the first 1/8 mile
$ 0.25 for each additional 1/8 mile
$ 21/hour wait time
Bus and Train
Local Public Transit
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) operates Atlanta’s local public transportation system. For information on how to ride MARTA, download a copy of MARTA’s Ride Guide. Or, click any of the links below for specific information:
MARTA Trains
MARTA Buses
How to Ride MARTA to and from the Airport
AMTRAK
Amtrak is at 1688 Peachtree St. NW in Atlanta. The phone number is (800) 872-7245. For door-to-door services to Amtrak, call A-National Management Services at (404) 941-3440. To schedule reservations, call (404) 941-3441.
Greyhound
Greyhound Flightlink provides transportation services from the Airport to selected cities and states. For pick-up locations, go to the lower level of Terminal North (use the escalator down from the North baggage claim area). For reservations, call (888) 287-6359 or visit www.greyhound.com
Greyhound Hours
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Rental Cars
Rental Car Center (RCC) Hours
The Rental Car Center (RCC) is a one-stop facility that houses 13 rental car brands and vehicles for ATL guests. Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the RCC is just a few minutes away from ATL via the SkyTrain, an electric-powered automated people mover system that connects the Rental Car Center to additional parking and the Airport.
The SkyTrain also serves the Georgia International Convention Center,the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway ,SpringHill Suites Atlanta Airport Gateway , and opening in May 2017, the Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel.
In addition, the International Terminal Shuttle provides service between the International Terminal and the Rental Car Center, and runs approximately every 15 minutes.
RCC Company Listing RCC Company Phone Number
Advantage (404) 767-8863
Airport Rent a Car (404) 209-1222
Alamo (404) 530-2800
Avis (404) 763-6333
Budget Car Rental (404) 530-3000
Dollar Rent A Car (866) 434-2226
EZ Rent a Car (404) 767-8863
The center is located at 2200 Rental Car Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30337. To access the center from the Airport, walk out of the West end of the terminal under the covered walkway. Take the escalator up to the SkyTrain station and take the train to the Rental Car Center.
From southbound I-85
Take Atlanta Airport / Camp Creek Parkway Exit (exit 72)
Stay to the left to enter the Airport (Airport Boulevard)
Travel south on Airport Boulevard
Once past the exit to the north terminal, get in the right lane to take Airport Boulevard to Jet Road
Turn right on Jet Road
Stay straight through traffic signal and continue across Rental Car Center bridge
From northbound I-85
Take Atlanta Airport / Riverdale Road Exit (exit 71)
Stay in the right lane to access Airport (Terminal Parkway)
Stay to the right to merge onto South Terminal Parkway
From South Terminal Parkway, turn right onto Crosswind Road
From Crosswind Road, turn right at traffic signal and proceed across Rental Car Center bridge
From westbound I-285
Take I-85 North Exit (exit 61)
From northbound I-85, take Atlanta Airport / Riverdale Road Exit (exit 71)
Stay in the right lane to access Airport (Terminal Parkway)
Stay to the right to merge onto South Terminal Parkway
From South Terminal Parkway turn right onto Crosswind Road
From Crosswind Road, turn right at traffic signal and proceed across Rental Car Center bridge
From eastbound I-285
Take I-85 North Exit (exit 61)
From northbound I-85, take Atlanta Airport / Riverdale Road Exit (exit 71)
Stay in the right lane to access Airport (Terminal Parkway)
Stay to the right to merge onto South Terminal Parkway
From South Terminal Parkway, turn right onto Crosswind Road
From Crosswind Road, turn right at traffic signal and proceed across Rental Car Center bridge
From northbound Riverdale Road
Turn right onto Terminal Parkway
Stay to the right to merge onto South Terminal Parkway
From South Terminal Parkway, turn right onto Crosswind Road
From Crosswind Road, turn right at traffic signal and proceed across Rental Car Center bridge
Other Options
The ATL SkyTrain provides complimentary transportation for more than 5 million guests annually. Powered by electricity, this automated people mover system operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It connects to the GICC, the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway, SpringHill Suites Atlanta Airport Gateway , and the Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel.
In 2009, the SkyTrain replaced diesel-powered shuttle buses, resulting in reduced traffic on area roadways, reduced vehicle emissions and convenient transportation.
Directions:
Ridesharing
Passengers will proceed through baggage claim toward the Georgia Lottery booth for access to the lower-level escalators. Once downstairs, follow the orange signs to the Economy lot and request a ride only after arrival at the pick-up location.
Brett Helling is the owner of Ridester.com. He has been a rideshare driver since early 2012, having completed hundreds of trips for companies including Uber, Lyft, and Postmates. In 2014 he acquired Ridester.com to share his experiences with other drivers. His insights are regularly quoted by publications such as Forbes, Vice, CNBC, and more. He is currently working on a book about working in the Gig Economy, expanding his skill set beyond the rideshare niche. Read more about Brett here.