Atlanta is a vibrant city, and if you're flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with plans to catch an event at State Farm Arena, one of your first questions is likely, "How far is State Farm Arena from the airport?" You're in luck! It's remarkably close and well-connected, making your journey from plane to event seat a breeze.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting from ATL to State Farm Arena, ensuring a smooth and stress-free arrival.
Navigating from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to State Farm Arena: Your Ultimate Guide
Are you ready to dive into the heart of Atlanta's entertainment scene? Let's get you from the bustling Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to the electrifying atmosphere of State Farm Arena! Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, knowing your options beforehand will save you time and hassle.
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| How Far Is State Farm Arena From Airport |
Step 1: Understanding the Distance and Estimated Travel Time
First things first, let's address the core question: How far is State Farm Arena from the airport?
The State Farm Arena is located in downtown Atlanta, approximately 9.6 to 11.4 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), depending on the exact route taken. This relatively short distance means your travel time won't be extensive, even with typical city traffic.
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By Car/Taxi/Rideshare: Under normal traffic conditions, the drive usually takes anywhere from 16 to 25 minutes. However, during peak hours (rush hour traffic, or immediately before/after a major event), this can easily extend to 30-45 minutes, or even longer.
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By MARTA (Subway): This is often the fastest and most cost-effective option. A direct subway ride typically takes around 17 to 26 minutes.
Now that you have an idea of the journey, let's explore your transportation choices in detail!
Step 2: Choosing Your Mode of Transportation
Atlanta offers several convenient ways to get from the airport to State Farm Arena. Your choice will depend on your budget, time constraints, and preference for comfort.
QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
Option A: Taking the MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) - The Smart Choice
Why MARTA is a top pick: It's affordable, efficient, and avoids traffic congestion. For many, it's the best way to get to State Farm Arena.
Sub-heading: Step-by-Step MARTA Guide
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Locate the MARTA Station at ATL: Upon arrival at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, follow the signs for "Ground Transportation" and then "MARTA Train." The MARTA station is located within the airport, accessible from both the Domestic and International Terminals. If you're at the International Terminal, you'll need to take the free International Shuttle Connector to the Domestic Terminal's Ground Transportation Center to access the MARTA station.
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Purchase Your Breeze Card/Ticket: MARTA uses a Breeze Card system. You can purchase a reusable Breeze Card at any MARTA station from vending machines. A single fare is typically around $2.50 to $3.00. You can also load multiple rides or a day pass onto your card if you plan on using MARTA more during your stay.
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Board the Correct Train: From the Airport Station, you will take either the Red Line (North Springs) or the Gold Line (Doraville) heading northbound towards "Five Points Station." Both lines go to Five Points.
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Transfer at Five Points Station: Five Points Station is a major transfer hub. Once you arrive at Five Points, you'll need to transfer.
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Look for trains heading westbound: either the Blue Line (Hamilton E. Holmes) or the Green Line (Bankhead).
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Board either the Blue or Green Line.
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Exit at GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station: Your destination is the GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station. This station is directly connected to State Farm Arena via a covered walkway. Once you exit the train, follow the signs for State Farm Arena. You'll simply head up the escalator, and you're practically there!
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Travel Time Estimation: Expect the entire MARTA journey, including transfers, to take approximately 20-30 minutes. This can vary slightly based on train schedules.
Option B: Rideshare Services (Uber/Lyft) - Convenience at Your Fingertips
Rideshare services offer a convenient door-to-door experience, especially if you're traveling with luggage or a group.
Sub-heading: How to Use Rideshare from ATL
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Exit the Terminal and Head to the Designated Rideshare Pickup Area: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has specific areas for rideshare pickups. Follow the signs for "Rideshare" or "App-Based Ride Services." These areas are typically well-marked outside the baggage claim level of the Domestic Terminal.
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Request Your Ride: Open your preferred rideshare app (Uber or Lyft) and input "State Farm Arena" as your destination. The app will provide an estimated fare and estimated arrival time for your driver.
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Confirm Your Driver: Once a driver accepts your request, the app will show their car make, model, license plate number, and driver's name. Always verify this information before getting into the vehicle to ensure you're getting into the correct car.
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Cost Estimation: Fares can vary significantly based on demand (surge pricing), time of day, and the type of service you select (e.g., UberX, Uber Black, Lyft Standard, Lyft XL). Expect to pay anywhere from $30-$60+.
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Travel Time Estimation: As mentioned, driving time is typically 16-25 minutes without heavy traffic.
Option C: Taxi Services - The Traditional Choice
Taxis are readily available at the airport and offer a direct, albeit sometimes pricier, option.
Sub-heading: Finding a Taxi at ATL
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Locate the Taxi Stands: Follow the "Taxi" signs from the Domestic Terminal. Taxi stands are usually located in the ground transportation area.
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Hail a Cab: Taxis operate on a metered fare system, so the cost will depend on the distance and time taken.
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Cost Estimation: A taxi ride from ATL to State Farm Arena typically costs around $35-$45, not including tip.
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Travel Time Estimation: Similar to rideshares, expect 16-25 minutes under normal conditions.
Option D: Rental Cars - For Maximum Flexibility
Tip: Skim once, study twice.
If you plan on exploring more of Atlanta or the surrounding areas beyond State Farm Arena, a rental car might be a good option.
Sub-heading: Renting a Car at ATL
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Take the SkyTrain to the Rental Car Center: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has a consolidated Rental Car Center (RCC). From the airport terminals, take the free SkyTrain to the RCC. It's a quick and easy ride.
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Pick Up Your Vehicle: Once at the RCC, proceed to your chosen rental car company's counter to pick up your reserved vehicle.
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Drive to State Farm Arena: The address for State Farm Arena is 1 State Farm Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30303. You can use GPS navigation (Google Maps, Waze, etc.) for real-time directions.
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Driving Directions from ATL: Generally, you'll take I-85 N/I-75 N from the airport. Look for downtown exits that lead to the State Farm Arena area. A common route is to take Exit 249C (Williams Street) or Exit 246 (Central Ave), and then follow signs for the arena.
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Parking: State Farm Arena offers various parking options, including several nearby lots and garages (e.g., Sapphire, Diamond Deck, Ruby Lot). Pre-booking parking online is highly recommended, especially for events, as spaces can fill up quickly and prices vary ($20-$40+).
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Cost Estimation: This will include rental car fees, gas, and parking fees.
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Travel Time Estimation: Driving time is typically 16-25 minutes without heavy traffic.
Step 3: Arriving at State Farm Arena
No matter which mode of transportation you choose, arriving at State Farm Arena is a straightforward process.
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MARTA: As mentioned, the GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station exits directly into the arena complex. Follow the signs, and you'll be right there.
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Rideshare/Taxi: Drivers will drop you off at designated rideshare/taxi zones near the arena entrance. Check your app or listen to your driver for the exact drop-off point. The rideshare pickup zone is typically located next to the International Plaza and State Farm Dr, accessible from Andrew Young International Blvd.
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Personal Car/Rental Car: If you've parked in one of the arena's official lots or nearby public garages, follow the pedestrian signs to the arena entrance.
Key Considerations for Your Journey
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Event Days: If you're traveling on an event day (especially for a major concert or an Atlanta Hawks game), always factor in extra time for travel, security, and finding your seats. Traffic will be heavier, and MARTA trains will be more crowded.
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Traffic Apps: Utilize real-time traffic apps like Google Maps or Waze if you're driving or taking a rideshare/taxi. They can help you navigate around unexpected delays.
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Luggage: If you have a lot of luggage, rideshare or taxi might be more comfortable than MARTA, although MARTA trains are generally spacious.
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Accessibility: All MARTA stations and trains are ADA compliant. State Farm Arena also offers accessible parking and entrances.
By following this guide, your journey from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to State Farm Arena will be efficient and enjoyable, leaving you more time to savor the excitement of your event!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to further assist you with your journey:
How to get from Atlanta Airport to State Farm Arena using MARTA?
Tip: Write down what you learned.
Take the Red or Gold Line from Airport Station to Five Points Station, then transfer to the Blue or Green Line westbound and exit at GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station.
How to determine the fastest way to get from ATL to State Farm Arena?
The fastest way can vary. During heavy traffic, MARTA is typically the fastest (around 17-26 minutes). Outside of peak hours, a taxi or rideshare can also be very quick (16-25 minutes).
How to find the rideshare pickup area at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport?
Follow the signs for "Rideshare" or "App-Based Ride Services" at the Domestic Terminal. The designated pickup areas are typically outside the baggage claim level.
How to estimate the cost of an Uber or Lyft from Atlanta Airport to State Farm Arena?
Open your Uber or Lyft app and input "State Farm Arena" as your destination. The app will provide an estimated fare based on current demand and traffic conditions. Expect $30-$60+.
How to navigate parking at State Farm Arena if I drive from the airport?
State Farm Arena has several parking lots and garages. It's highly recommended to pre-book parking online through the arena's website, especially for events, as spaces fill quickly.
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
How to access the MARTA station from the International Terminal at Atlanta Airport?
From the International Terminal, take the free International Shuttle Connector to the Domestic Terminal's Ground Transportation Center, where the MARTA station is located.
How to pay for a MARTA fare to get to State Farm Arena?
You can purchase a reusable Breeze Card from vending machines at any MARTA station and load a single fare or multiple rides onto it.
How to avoid traffic when traveling from ATL to State Farm Arena?
The best way to avoid traffic is to take the MARTA train, as it operates on a separate rail system and is not affected by road congestion.
How to find detailed driving directions from Atlanta Airport to State Farm Arena?
Use a GPS navigation app like Google Maps or Waze and input the arena's address: 1 State Farm Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30303. Generally, you'll take I-85 N/I-75 N, then follow downtown exits.
How to determine if a shuttle service is available from the airport to State Farm Arena?
While direct shuttles specifically for State Farm Arena events might be offered by certain hotels or private companies, the most common and reliable shared shuttle service from ATL is Groome Transportation, though it may not drop off directly at the arena. Check their website or inquire with your hotel.
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