Getting to State Farm Arena for an exciting game or concert is a breeze if you know how to navigate Atlanta's public transportation system, MARTA! Forget the stress of traffic and expensive parking – the train is your ticket to a smooth and enjoyable experience. Let's get you there, step-by-step!
Your Ultimate Guide to Getting to State Farm Arena on MARTA
Step 1: Let's Get Ready to Ride!
So, you're heading to State Farm Arena? Awesome choice! Taking MARTA is by far the most efficient and often the most fun way to get there. Before we dive into the logistics, let's make sure you're prepared.
Check the Event Schedule: While MARTA runs regularly, it's always a good idea to know when your event starts so you can plan your arrival with enough buffer time. You can find event schedules on the State Farm Arena website (
livenation.com/venue/KovZpa2Xke/state-farm-arena-events Know Your Starting Point: Where are you beginning your MARTA journey? This will determine which lines you'll primarily use.
Consider Your Return Trip: Especially for evening events, it's wise to be aware of MARTA's operating hours to ensure you don't miss the last train.
Step 2: Acquiring Your MARTA Fare
To ride MARTA, you'll need a Breeze Card or a Breeze Ticket. Think of it as your passport to Atlanta's public transit.
Sub-heading: Breeze Card vs. Breeze Ticket
Breeze Card: This is a rechargeable plastic card that costs $2. It's ideal if you plan on using MARTA more than once, as you can reload it with fares as needed. Breeze Cards are valid for up to 3 years.
Breeze Ticket: A single-use paper ticket that costs $1 for the ticket itself, plus the fare. If you're just making a round trip to State Farm Arena and don't anticipate using MARTA again soon, this might be a simpler option, though slightly more expensive per trip due to the ticket cost.
Sub-heading: Where to Purchase Your Fare
You have a few convenient options for buying your Breeze Card or Ticket:
Breeze Vending Machines: These are located at every single MARTA rail station. They're user-friendly and accept cash, credit, and debit cards. This is often the quickest way for same-day travel.
MARTA RideStores: For more personalized assistance or if you have specific fare questions, you can visit a MARTA RideStore.
Online: You can purchase Breeze Cards online at breezecard.com. However, keep in mind that online orders typically take about a week to deliver, so this isn't suitable for immediate travel.
Breeze Mobile 2 App: You can purchase fares directly on the Breeze Mobile 2 App, turning your phone into your transit pass! This is a super convenient option for tech-savvy travelers.
Sub-heading: Understanding Fares
A one-way trip on MARTA costs $2.50. A round trip will therefore be $5.
Step 3: Navigating the MARTA Rail Lines to State Farm Arena
State Farm Arena is conveniently located right next to a MARTA station, making your journey incredibly straightforward. The station you're aiming for is GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station.
Sub-heading: Identifying Your Starting Line
MARTA has four main rail lines: Red, Gold, Blue, and Green. All lines converge at Five Points Station, which is a major transfer hub downtown.
If you're on the Red or Gold Line (North Springs/Doraville to Airport):
Take your train southbound (towards Airport) to Five Points Station.
Transfer for FREE onto either a westbound Blue Line (towards Hamilton E. Holmes) or a westbound Green Line (towards Bankhead).
Your next stop will be GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station.
If you're on the Blue Line (Indian Creek to Hamilton E. Holmes):
If you're coming from the east (Indian Creek), take the train westbound directly to GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station. No transfer needed!
If you're coming from the west (Hamilton E. Holmes), take the train eastbound directly to GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station. No transfer needed!
If you're on the Green Line (Edgewood/Candler Park to Bankhead):
If you're coming from the east (Edgewood/Candler Park), take the train westbound directly to GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station. No transfer needed!
If you're coming from the west (Bankhead), take the train eastbound directly to GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station. No transfer needed!
Step 4: Arriving at GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station and Walking to State Farm Arena
Once your train pulls into GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station, you're practically there!
Exit the train and follow the signs for State Farm Arena.
You'll head up the escalator from the station.
State Farm Arena is just a short walk from the station exit. You'll emerge right into the heart of the Centennial Olympic Park area, with the arena clearly visible.
Step 5: Planning Your Return Trip
After an exhilarating event, getting back on MARTA is just as easy as getting there.
Head back to the GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station.
Southbound: If you need to go south (towards Airport), take the Blue (Indian Creek) or Green (Edgewood/Candler Park) lines to Five Points Station. From there, transfer for free to the Red (Airport) or Gold (Airport) lines.
Northbound: If you need to go north (towards North Springs or Doraville), take the Blue (Indian Creek) or Green (Edgewood/Candler Park) lines to Five Points Station. From there, transfer for free to the Red (North Springs) or Gold (Doraville) lines. Be mindful that Red and Gold lines diverge after Lindbergh Center Station, so know your final destination.
Eastbound/Westbound: If your starting station was on the Blue or Green lines and you didn't need to transfer to get to the arena, simply take the train in the appropriate direction (eastbound or westbound) back to your original station. Note: The Blue and Green lines diverge after Ashby Station, so confirm your destination if you're on these lines.
Important Considerations:
MARTA Hours of Operation:
Train Service:
Weekdays: 4:45 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Weekends: 6 a.m. – 1 a.m.
After 9 p.m., the Red Line typically travels only between Lindbergh and North Springs, and the Green Line between Bankhead and Vine City. Be sure to check real-time schedules, especially for late-night events.
Safety: MARTA is generally considered safe, but as with any public transportation, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Travel with a group if possible, and keep valuables out of sight.
Accessibility: MARTA stations and trains are generally ADA accessible. If you require assistance, you can always contact MARTA customer service.
By following these steps, you'll be able to enjoy your event at State Farm Arena without the hassle of driving and parking. Happy travels!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to purchase a Breeze Card?
You can purchase a Breeze Card at any MARTA rail station from a Breeze Vending Machine, at a MARTA RideStore, or online at breezecard.com (allow for shipping time).
How to check MARTA train schedules?
You can check MARTA train schedules on the official MARTA website (itsmarta.com), through their "MARTA On The Go" app, or by using trip planning apps like Google Maps.
How to know which MARTA line to take?
Identify your starting station and look at the MARTA system map. Most lines will connect to Five Points Station, where you can transfer to the Blue or Green lines going to GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station.
How to transfer between MARTA lines?
Transfers between MARTA rail lines at Five Points Station are free and straightforward. Simply exit one train and board another on a different track, usually on the same platform level.
How to exit the GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station for State Farm Arena?
Once you exit the train at GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station, follow the clear signage directing you to State Farm Arena, which involves taking an escalator up to the street level.
How to find the nearest MARTA station to my location?
You can use Google Maps and select the "transit" option for directions, or visit the MARTA website and use their "Plan Your Trip" feature to find the closest station.
How to reload a Breeze Card?
You can reload your Breeze Card at any Breeze Vending Machine at MARTA rail stations, at a RideStore, or online via breezecard.com.
How to get back from State Farm Arena late at night?
Check the MARTA operating hours for the specific day of your event, especially for weekend or late-night events. MARTA generally runs until 1 AM on weekdays and weekends, but specific line operations may change after 9 PM.
How to avoid long lines when buying MARTA tickets?
Consider purchasing your Breeze Card or loading fare onto it before the day of your event, or use the Breeze Mobile 2 App for quick digital fare purchase.
How to ensure a safe trip on MARTA?
Travel with a group if possible, especially at night. Be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables out of sight, and if you ever feel unsafe, move to a more populated area or contact MARTA police.