Navigate to State Farm Arena by MARTA: Your Ultimate Train Guide!
Hey there, Atlanta explorers and event-goers! Are you ready to ditch the traffic headaches and parking woes when heading to State Farm Arena? Good, because you're in for a treat! Taking MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) by train is by far one of the most efficient, affordable, and stress-free ways to get to your favorite concerts, Hawks games, and other exciting events at State Farm Arena. This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish. Let's get you there!
Step 1: Know Your Starting Point and Map Your Route
Before you even leave your house, take a moment to figure out where you're starting from on the MARTA rail system. MARTA has four main rail lines: the Red, Gold, Blue, and Green lines. State Farm Arena is conveniently located right next to the GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station, which is served by both the Blue and Green lines.
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| How To Get To State Farm Arena On Marta By Train |
Sub-heading: Understanding the MARTA Lines
Red Line (North Springs to Airport): Runs north-south.
Gold Line (Doraville to Airport): Also runs north-south, diverging from the Red Line north of Lindbergh Center.
Blue Line (Indian Creek to Hamilton E. Holmes): Runs east-west.
Green Line (Edgewood/Candler Park to Bankhead): Also runs east-west, shorter than the Blue Line.
No matter which line you start on, your ultimate goal is to get to the GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station.
Step 2: Acquire Your Breeze Card/Ticket
To ride MARTA, you'll need a Breeze Card or a Breeze Ticket. Think of it as your passport to convenient public transportation in Atlanta!
Sub-heading: Purchasing Your Breeze Card
QuickTip: Look for lists — they simplify complex points.
At a MARTA Station: You can easily purchase a Breeze Card ($2 fee for the card itself, then load fare) or a single-use Breeze Ticket ($2.50 per ride) from any Breeze Vending Machine located at every MARTA rail station. These machines accept cash, credit, and debit cards.
Online: For added convenience, you can purchase and reload Breeze Cards online at breezecard.com.
RideStores: MARTA also has RideStores at select stations (like Airport and Five Points) where you can purchase cards and get assistance.
Pro Tip: If you plan on using MARTA more than once, investing in a reloadable Breeze Card is more economical as it avoids the $2 card fee each time and allows for free transfers.
Step 3: Navigate to the Correct Train Platform
Once you have your Breeze Card, it's time to find your train!
Sub-heading: Getting Through the Fare Gate
Tap and Go: At the fare gate, simply tap your Breeze Card or Ticket on the blue Breeze target. The gate will open, allowing you to pass through.
Listen for the Beep: A successful tap will usually be accompanied by a beep and the gate opening. If it doesn't work, try repositioning your card or check the display for an error message.
Sub-heading: Finding Your Platform Based on Your Starting Point
This is where knowing your route comes in handy!
If you're on the Blue or Green Line (Eastbound or Westbound):
Simply board the train heading in the direction of GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station. This station is a direct stop on both the Blue (Hamilton E. Holmes) and Green (Bankhead) lines.
For example, if you're coming from Indian Creek (east), take the Blue Line westbound.
If you're coming from Bankhead (west), take the Green Line eastbound.
If you're on the Red or Gold Line (Northbound or Southbound):
You'll need to transfer at Five Points Station. Five Points is the central hub of the MARTA system where all four lines intersect.
Southbound (from North Springs or Doraville): Take your Red or Gold line train to Five Points Station.
Northbound (from Airport): Take your Red or Gold line train to Five Points Station.
Once at Five Points, follow the signs to transfer to a Westbound Blue (Hamilton E. Holmes) or Green (Bankhead) train. The GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station is just one stop west of Five Points on both of these lines. The transfer is free with your Breeze Card.
Step 4: Ride the Train and Listen for Announcements
Once you're on the correct train, sit back and enjoy the ride!
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
Sub-heading: Paying Attention to Your Stop
Announcements: MARTA trains have automated announcements for each upcoming station. Listen carefully for "GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station."
Station Signs: You'll also see the station names displayed inside the train and on the platform as you pull in.
MARTA Map: Keep a physical or digital MARTA map handy to track your progress and confirm your stops.
Step 5: Exit at GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station and Walk to State Farm Arena
Congratulations, you've arrived at your destination station!
Sub-heading: Exiting the Station
Follow the Signs: Once you exit the train, follow the clear signage within the station pointing towards State Farm Arena, the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC), or CNN Center.
Escalators/Elevators: The station has escalators and elevators to take you up to street level.
Sub-heading: The Short Walk to the Arena
The GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station is literally just steps away from State Farm Arena. You'll exit the station directly into the complex that houses the arena, the CNN Center, and the Georgia World Congress Center.
Look for the iconic State Farm Arena signage, and you'll be there in no time! The walk is very short, usually less than 5 minutes.
Important Note: State Farm Arena is a cashless venue. Be sure to bring a debit or credit card for any purchases you plan to make inside.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to use a Breeze Card?
QuickTip: A careful read saves time later.
To use a Breeze Card, simply tap it on the blue Breeze target at the MARTA fare gate or bus farebox. The fare will be deducted, and the gate will open.
How to find the correct MARTA line for State Farm Arena?
To get to State Farm Arena, you'll ultimately need to take either the Blue Line (Hamilton E. Holmes) or the Green Line (Bankhead) to the GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station. If you're on the Red or Gold line, transfer at Five Points Station to a westbound Blue or Green train.
How to transfer between MARTA lines?
Transfers between MARTA rail lines at Five Points Station are free as long as you use a Breeze Card or Ticket. Just exit your initial train and follow the signs to your connecting line's platform.
How to purchase a MARTA ticket?
You can purchase MARTA tickets (Breeze Cards or Breeze Tickets) at Breeze Vending Machines located in every MARTA rail station using cash, credit, or debit cards, or online at breezecard.com.
How to know which direction the train is going?
MARTA trains are clearly marked with their destination (e.g., "North Springs," "Airport," "Indian Creek," "Hamilton E. Holmes," "Doraville," "Bankhead"). Always confirm the destination displayed on the front of the train and overhead signs on the platform before boarding.
QuickTip: Note key words you want to remember.
How to get to State Farm Arena from the Airport via MARTA?
From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, take either the Red (North Springs) or Gold (Doraville) line northbound to Five Points Station. Then, transfer to a westbound Blue (Hamilton E. Holmes) or Green (Bankhead) train and ride one stop to the GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station.
How to find the GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station exit to State Farm Arena?
Once you exit the train at GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station, simply follow the overhead signs that point towards "State Farm Arena," "Georgia World Congress Center," or "CNN Center." The arena is directly adjacent to the station.
How to check MARTA train schedules?
You can check MARTA train schedules on the official MARTA website (itsmarta.com) or by using various transit apps that provide real-time train information.
How to pay for MARTA fare?
MARTA fares are paid using a Breeze Card or Breeze Ticket. You load money or passes onto these cards, and then tap them at the fare gate to enter the system.
How to get assistance if I'm lost or confused on MARTA?
If you're lost or need assistance, look for MARTA staff members in the station or on the platforms. You can also call MARTA Customer Service at 404-848-5000. Many stations also have information desks.
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