Airport
Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport is only a few miles south of downtown Atlanta and is one of the world’s busiest airports, handling tens of millions of passengers every year. The airport has two terminals (North and South) that are linked by an underground train as well as a travelator. The North Terminal serves most international and domestic carriers and the South Terminal specifically serves Delta Airlines, Aeromexico, Air France, Sabena and South African Airways.

Cash machines and bureaux de change are located in both arrivals areas and there is also a full-service bank in the North Terminal. Other facilities include lost property and left luggage services, a faith chapel, medical facilities, business facilities and a huge selection of shops, cafés and restaurants. The main duty-free store is one of the best and most extensive of all US airports.

There are short and long-term parking options at Atlanta’s Airport, with short-term car parks in front of either terminal or long-term parking options located farther away. The long-term car parks are fed by courtesy shuttle buses and can be booked online in advance.

Atlanta’s MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) operates a 15-minute train service connecting the airport with the metro-Atlanta every eight minutes. Services run from the western end of the airport. MARTA website: www.itsmarta.com. You can also get to the city centre by bus as well as to the nearby counties of Cobb, DeKalb and Fulton, while an airport shuttle service connects to downtown Atlanta every 15 minutes. In addition, most hotels provide their guests with either a paid or courtesy shuttle bus service which can be found at the ground transportation area near the Arrivals areas.

Those hiring cars can be in downtown Atlanta within minutes owing to the nearby I-85. Head north out of the airport for on-ramp 72 and continue northeast towards the city and I-75. Interstate 75 then runs directly into downtown Atlanta and also links up with the Atlanta ring road and the east-west I-20. Metered taxis and limousines can be found outside of each terminal, although rates to the city will be set and may incur an airport surcharge, a tariff for extra baggage and passengers and if it is late at night.

Driving while in Atlanta is not particularly recommended as inner-city roads, especially within the downtown area, tend to get very congested, notwithstanding rush hour times. Parking options are however very good and if you are staying away from the town centre, having a car is a definite asset.

Trains
The main public transport system in Atlanta is the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), which runs rapid rail and bus networks within the city and to the counties of Fulton and DeKalb. MARTA is okay and not extensive, yet the strange scheduling may leave you twiddling your thumbs.

There are two main lines on the MARTA network forming a cross through the city and environs. With the north/south line you can run out to the airport, Midtown and suburbs, while the east-west also serves the suburbs and many major sights. Services usually run every 10 minutes on both lines during peak periods; every 20 minutes at other times.

Buses
MARTA also operates the buses in Atlanta with over 100 routes running about every 20 minutes. The best thing about this set-up is that MARTA trains are timed to coincide with bus arrivals and some train stations even have integrated bus terminals.

Taxis
Taxis can be tough to find anywhere other than the main streets and train stations of the downtown and midtown districts. Sometimes the only option is to call for one. Be prepared for expensive prices.