Planning a trip to Atlanta and catching an event at either State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium? Excellent choice! Atlanta's downtown sports and entertainment district is incredibly vibrant, and these two world-class venues are practically neighbors. But exactly how close are they, and what's the best way to get between them? Let's dive in and make sure your visit is smooth and stress-free!
How Far is State Farm Arena from Mercedes-Benz Stadium? A Comprehensive Guide
The good news is that State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium are extremely close to each other, making it very convenient to attend events at both on the same trip, or even if you're just exploring the area.
Step 1: Visualize the Proximity – You're Practically There!
Imagine stepping out of State Farm Arena after an Atlanta Hawks game or a concert. Now, picture yourself just a short stroll away from the magnificent Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC. That's how close they are! They are part of the same major entertainment complex in downtown Atlanta.
To be precise, the distance between State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium is roughly 0.2 to 0.7 miles (approximately 300 meters to 1.1 kilometers), depending on your exact starting and ending points within each complex. This makes them easily accessible on foot, which is often the most practical and enjoyable way to travel between the two.
Step 2: Navigating Your Way - Options Galore
Because of their close proximity, you have several convenient options for getting from State Farm Arena to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Let's break them down:
Sub-heading: The Power of Your Own Two Feet - Walking!
This is by far the most recommended method. The walk between the two venues is very short, scenic, and safe, especially on event days when there's a buzz of activity.
Time Commitment: A leisurely walk will take you between 5 to 10 minutes. This can vary slightly depending on your pace and where exactly you're entering/exiting each venue.
The Route:
From State Farm Arena, you'll generally head southwest on Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW.
Then, you'll turn right onto M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, and another quick right onto Northside Dr SW, which will lead you directly to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Tip: Follow the crowds! On event days, there will be plenty of people walking the same path.
Sub-heading: Public Transportation - MARTA Made Easy
Atlanta's public transportation system, MARTA, offers a very efficient way to travel around the city, and it's well-connected to both arenas. While walking is often quicker for this specific route, MARTA is a great option if you're coming from further out or prefer not to walk.
Closest MARTA Station to State Farm Arena: The GWCC/CNN Center Station is literally steps away from State Farm Arena.
Closest MARTA Station to Mercedes-Benz Stadium: The GWCC/CNN Center Station also serves Mercedes-Benz Stadium, as well as the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) and the CNN Center.
The Journey (if you really want to take MARTA between them):
From the GWCC/CNN Center Station, you might take a very short one-stop ride on the Blue or Green line to the Five Points Station and then transfer to the Blue or Green line again to get to the GWCC/CNN Center Station (which is already where you started). This highlights just how close they are – the MARTA journey between them isn't truly necessary.
Realistically, if you're already at the GWCC/CNN Center MARTA station for State Farm Arena, you're practically at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Just follow the signs from the station exit to your desired arena.
Cost: A single MARTA fare is typically around $2.50.
Sub-heading: Ride-Sharing Services - Uber/Lyft
For those who prefer the convenience of door-to-door service, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are readily available.
Time Commitment: A ride-share will take approximately 1-3 minutes for this short distance, depending on traffic and driver availability.
Cost: Expect the fare to be in the range of $5-$10, but this can fluctuate based on demand (surge pricing) and the specific ride option you choose.
Pickup/Drop-off Points: Both venues have designated ride-share pick-up and drop-off zones. It's always best to check your app for the most up-to-date locations. State Farm Arena's rideshare pickup zone is located next to the International Plaza and State Farm Drive, accessible from Andrew Young International Blvd.
Sub-heading: Taxis
Traditional taxis are also an option, readily found in downtown Atlanta. The cost will be comparable to ride-sharing services for this short trip.
Step 3: Planning Your Visit - Event Day Considerations
Arrive Early: Especially on major event days, the downtown area will be bustling. Arriving early gives you time to navigate crowds, grab a bite, and soak in the atmosphere.
Check Event Schedules: While the venues are close, make sure you know the exact start times for your events to allow ample travel time between them if you're attending multiple.
Bag Policy: Both State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium have strict bag policies. Always check their respective websites before you go to avoid any last-minute surprises or delays at security.
Cashless Transactions: Many vendors within the arenas are cashless, so be prepared to use credit/debit cards or mobile payment options.
Step 4: Parking Strategies (If Driving is Necessary)
While walking and public transport are highly encouraged due to the proximity, if you must drive, here are some parking considerations:
Official Parking: Both venues offer official parking decks and lots.
State Farm Arena Parking: Options include the Diamond Deck, Sapphire Deck, Ruby Lot, and the State Farm Drive parking lot. The State Farm Drive Parking Lot is very close to Mercedes-Benz Stadium as well.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Parking: Multiple lots and garages surround the stadium.
Pre-Booking Parking: It is highly recommended to pre-book parking online through the venues' official websites or reputable parking apps. This guarantees you a spot and often saves you time and money.
Parking Near One, Walking to the Other: Given the short distance, you can often park at a lot serving one venue and easily walk to the other. For instance, if you find good parking near State Farm Arena, you can confidently walk to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Cost: Parking costs can vary widely depending on the event and proximity, but expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $60+ for event parking.
Step 5: Beyond the Arenas - Exploring the Neighborhood
The area surrounding State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium is part of Atlanta's vibrant downtown and offers more than just sports and concerts.
Centennial Olympic Park: This beautiful park, a legacy of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, is situated between the two venues and is a great place to relax, grab a bite from a food truck, or simply enjoy the open space.
Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC): A massive convention center adjacent to both venues.
CNN Center: Located right next to State Farm Arena, you can often take a studio tour.
Georgia Aquarium & World of Coca-Cola: These popular attractions are also within walking distance, making the area a fantastic hub for a full day of activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 10 common questions related to traveling between State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with quick answers:
How to get from State Farm Arena to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on foot?
Simply walk southwest on Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW, turn right onto M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, and then right onto Northside Dr SW. It's a quick 5-10 minute stroll.
How to use MARTA to travel between the arenas?
While both arenas are served by the GWCC/CNN Center MARTA Station, the walk between them is usually quicker and more direct than taking the train for just one stop.
How to estimate the cost of an Uber from State Farm Arena to Mercedes-Benz Stadium?
Expect an Uber ride to cost between $5-$10, but prices can fluctuate based on demand and surge pricing. Always check the app for a real-time estimate.
How to find parking near both State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium?
Both venues have official parking decks and lots. It's highly recommended to pre-book parking online via their websites or parking apps. Parking near one venue often allows for an easy walk to the other.
How to determine the exact distance between the two venues?
The distance varies slightly depending on your exact starting and ending points within each complex, but it's generally between 0.2 to 0.7 miles (300 meters to 1.1 kilometers).
How to plan for events at both venues on the same day?
Allow ample time for travel between the venues (though it's quick), consider the bag policies for each, and factor in potential crowds, especially during peak event times.
How to find designated ride-share pick-up and drop-off zones?
Both State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium have clearly marked ride-share zones. Check your Uber or Lyft app for the precise locations when requesting your ride.
How to navigate the area around the stadiums if I'm unfamiliar with Atlanta?
The area is very pedestrian-friendly. Look for clear signage, follow the flow of event-goers, and utilize mapping apps on your phone for easy navigation.
How to find food and drink options near the arenas?
There are numerous restaurants, bars, and food stalls around Centennial Olympic Park, the CNN Center, and within the arenas themselves. Explore the surrounding blocks for a variety of choices.
How to check for upcoming events at State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium?
Visit the official websites of State Farm Arena (statefarmarena.com) and Mercedes-Benz Stadium (mercedesbenzstadium.com) for their full event calendars and ticketing information.