Alright, fellow adventurer! Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey to State Farm Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks and countless unforgettable concerts and events, all while navigating the fantastic public transit system of Atlanta – MARTA? Forget the traffic, the endless search for parking, and the hassle of navigating unfamiliar streets. We're going to show you exactly how to get there smoothly and efficiently, making your trip stress-free and enjoyable. Let's dive in!
Taking MARTA to State Farm Arena: Your Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide
Getting to State Farm Arena via MARTA is not only convenient but often the most recommended way to reach the venue, especially during major events when downtown Atlanta can be bustling. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from buying your fare to finding the right exit.
Step 1: Plan Your Trip and Know Your Lines
Before you even leave your house, a little planning goes a long way. This is where you become a MARTA master!
Sub-heading: Identify Your Starting Point
First things first: where are you starting from? MARTA has four main rail lines: Red, Gold, Blue, and Green. Knowing which line you're closest to will determine your initial route.
Red Line (North Springs to Airport)
Gold Line (Doraville to Airport)
Blue Line (Indian Creek to Hamilton E. Holmes)
Green Line (Edgewood/Candler Park to Bankhead)
Sub-heading: The Destination Station: GWCC/CNN Center
The good news is that State Farm Arena has a dedicated MARTA station right at its doorstep. You're aiming for the GWCC/CNN Center Station (Georgia World Congress Center/CNN Center). This station is served by both the Blue and Green Lines.
Sub-heading: Utilize MARTA's Trip Planner
MARTA's official website (itsmarta.com) has an excellent "Plan a Trip" tool. Simply enter your starting address and "State Farm Arena" as your destination, and it will give you the most efficient route, including any necessary transfers. This is your secret weapon for real-time updates and precise directions. Google Maps' transit option is also a fantastic resource.
Step 2: Acquire Your Breeze Card/Ticket
You can't ride MARTA without a fare! MARTA uses a reloadable card system called the "Breeze Card."
Sub-heading: Where to Purchase
Breeze Vending Machines: These are located at every MARTA rail station. They accept cash and credit/debit cards.
RideStores: For more personalized assistance, you can visit a MARTA RideStore.
Online: You can purchase a Breeze Card online at breezecard.com, though this requires shipping time.
Breeze Mobile 2 App: Download the Breeze Mobile 2 app to turn your phone into your transit pass, allowing you to load funds digitally.
Sub-heading: Understanding Fares
One-Way Trip: A standard one-way fare is $2.50.
Transfers: Your fare includes four free transfers within a three-hour period, which is crucial if your journey requires switching train lines.
Breeze Card vs. Breeze Ticket:
A Breeze Card costs $2 initially but is reloadable for up to three years, making it ideal for multiple trips or future visits.
A Breeze Ticket costs $1 and is for single-use only. If you plan on taking a round trip, a Breeze Card is more economical.
Passes: If you're staying in Atlanta for a few days and plan to use MARTA frequently, consider a 1-day, 2-day, or even a 7-day pass for unlimited rides within that period. These can offer significant savings.
Sub-heading: Loading Value
At a Breeze Vending Machine:
Select "Reload."
Tap your Breeze Card/Ticket on the blue target.
Choose your desired value (e.g., "Trip Value" for a single ride, or "Stored Value" to add a cash amount).
Insert payment (cash/coins or credit/debit card).
IMPORTANT: Tap your card on the blue target again to load the value. Don't forget this step!
Step 3: Navigating the MARTA Rail System
Now that you have your fare, it's time to ride!
Sub-heading: Entering the Station
At the fare gate, tap your Breeze Card or Ticket on the blue Breeze target. The gate will open, allowing you to proceed to the platform.
Sub-heading: Finding Your Train
Look for the signs indicating the direction of the trains. Remember, you're heading to GWCC/CNN Center Station.
If you're on the Red or Gold Line (North/South lines): You'll need to go to Five Points Station. This is the main transfer hub downtown. At Five Points, you'll transfer for FREE onto a Westbound Blue (Hamilton E. Holmes) or Green (Bankhead) train.
If you're on the Blue or Green Line (East/West lines): Simply board a train heading towards GWCC/CNN Center.
Westbound trains on the Blue (Hamilton E. Holmes) or Green (Bankhead) lines will take you directly to GWCC/CNN Center.
Eastbound trains on the Blue (Indian Creek) or Green (Edgewood/Candler Park) lines will also take you to GWCC/CNN Center.
Pro-Tip: Pay attention to the announcements on the train and the signs on the platform. Many trains will even announce "Next stop: GWCC/CNN Center, for State Farm Arena."
Step 4: Arriving at GWCC/CNN Center Station
You've made it to your stop!
Sub-heading: Exiting the Train
Once the train arrives at GWCC/CNN Center Station, exit the train and follow the crowd. You'll likely notice a large number of people heading in the same direction, especially on game or event days.
Sub-heading: Following the Signs to State Farm Arena
The station is directly connected to State Farm Arena. Look for prominent signs pointing towards "State Farm Arena" or "Georgia World Congress Center/CNN Center." You'll typically head up an escalator directly into the arena's Gate 4 entrance. It's incredibly convenient!
Step 5: Enjoy the Event!
You've successfully navigated MARTA and arrived at State Farm Arena! Now you can relax and enjoy your game, concert, or event. Remember to check the State Farm Arena's bag policy before you go to avoid any delays at security.
Step 6: The Return Journey
Leaving the arena is just as easy as arriving.
Sub-heading: Finding the MARTA Entrance
After the event, exit State Farm Arena via Gates 2, 4, or 5, and follow the signs back to the GWCC/CNN Center MARTA station.
Sub-heading: Boarding Your Return Train
If you need to transfer at Five Points: Take an Eastbound Blue (Indian Creek) or Green (Edgewood/Candler Park) train to Five Points. From there, transfer to your appropriate Red or Gold line train (Airport for Southbound, North Springs or Doraville for Northbound).
If you started on the Blue or Green Line: Take the train heading in the direction of your original starting station (Eastbound for Indian Creek/Edgewood, Westbound for Hamilton E. Holmes/Bankhead).
Always remember to tap your Breeze Card/Ticket again to exit the fare gates at your destination station.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Buy a Breeze Card?
You can buy a Breeze Card at any MARTA rail station from a Breeze Vending Machine (accepts cash, credit/debit), at a RideStore, or by downloading and using the Breeze Mobile 2 app.
How to Find the Closest MARTA Station to Me?
Use the "Plan a Trip" feature on itsmarta.com or the transit option on Google Maps. Enter your current location, and it will show you the nearest station and directions.
How to Know Which MARTA Line to Take to State Farm Arena?
The State Farm Arena is directly accessible from the GWCC/CNN Center Station, which is on both the Blue and Green Lines. If you're on the Red or Gold Line, you'll transfer at Five Points Station to a Westbound Blue or Green Line train.
How to Check MARTA Train Schedules?
You can check real-time train schedules and frequencies on the MARTA website (itsmarta.com) or via the MARTA On The Go app. Train frequencies generally range from 10-20 minutes, depending on the time of day.
How to Avoid Crowds on MARTA When Going to State Farm Arena?
For major events, try to arrive earlier than usual to beat the peak crowds. Also, consider parking at a station further out on the line if you prefer less crowded trains.
How to Pay for MARTA if I Don't Have Cash?
Breeze Vending Machines accept credit and debit cards. You can also load funds digitally onto the Breeze Mobile 2 app using a credit/debit card.
How to Transfer Between MARTA Train Lines?
Transfers between train lines at Five Points Station are free, provided you use your Breeze Card/Ticket. Simply follow the signs within the station to find your connecting train.
How to Know if My MARTA Fare Includes Transfers?
Yes, a standard MARTA fare of $2.50 includes four free transfers within a three-hour period, provided you use a Breeze Card or Ticket.
How to Find Parking at MARTA Stations?
Many MARTA stations offer free daily parking for riders. Check itsmarta.com for a list of stations with parking facilities and any associated fees for long-term parking.
How to Get Help if I'm Lost on MARTA?
MARTA stations are generally well-signed, and there are customer service agents at some larger stations. You can also call MARTA customer service or ask a station attendant for assistance.
