Staying in Dunwoody? Here’s Your Guide to Navigating MARTA.
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is Atlanta’s bus and rail system, transporting almost 450,000 passengers a day. In fact, the most convenient way to get to and from Downtown Atlanta or the airport from Dunwoody, GA, is by MARTA train route from the Dunwoody train station on the Red Line, which takes riders directly to popular stations in Atlanta, including Midtown, Buckhead, and Peachtree Center, in less than 15 minutes.
Just as convenient, passengers traveling on MARTA from Dunwoody to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport never have to switch trains; the Red Line train can make the trip in under 40 minutes.
In this guide, we’ll take you through Atlanta’s MARTA transit map and show you what there is to do around the Dunwoody train station.
Airport-to-Hotel Navigation Tips
Travelers heading to Dunwoody can skip the stress of Atlanta’s famous traffic by hopping on the MARTA train route directly from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The Red Line takes you straight from the airport to the Dunwoody train station without transfers.
- Travel Time: The ride takes under 40 minutes, making it one of the fastest and easiest ways to reach your hotel. Use the MARTA trip planner to help plan your ride.
- MARTA Train Schedule: Trains arrive every 10–15 minutes on weekdays and every 20 minutes on weekends, so you’ll never have to wait long. Check out the rail line schedule here.
- Cost: A single ride is just $2.50, with discounted options available when purchasing multiple trips. Round-trip tickets are $5.00. Frequent travelers can also get unlimited day passes.
- How to pay: MARTA offers several convenient ways to pay your fare, including contactless credit or debit cards, mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Wallet, and Breeze Cards or Tickets. Contactless payments can be used at rail station fare gates and on buses, while Breeze Cards can be purchased and reloaded for frequent trips. Cash is also accepted at ticket vending machines and on buses with exact change.
- Routes: There are four MARTA rail lines. The Red and Gold lines travel North to South, while the Blue and Green lines travel East to West. To get to Downtown Atlanta from the MARTA in Dunwoody, take the Red line South toward the airport and stop at the Arts Center, Midtown, North Avenue, Civic Center, Peachtree Center, or Five Points stops.
- Parking: Adjacent to the Dunwoody train station is a garage for day or overnight parking.
- Children: Children ride free (up to two per parent).
Top Hotels Near Dunwoody Train Station
After checking Atlanta’s MARTA transit map, you’ll arrive in Dunwoody and find several top hotels just steps from the Dunwoody train station.
- Element Atlanta Perimeter Center: A modern, eco-friendly hotel inspired by Westin, with spacious rooms, smart design, and complimentary healthy breakfasts. Walkable to the Dunwoody MARTA Station.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Perimeter Center: All-suite hotel near Perimeter Mall with a daily breakfast, evening receptions, and a fitness center.
- Hyatt Place Atlanta Perimeter Center: Located in the Perimeter Business District with direct skywalk access to the Dunwoody MARTA Station, this hotel offers modern rooms and easy access to shopping and dining.
- Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center: Just one block from Perimeter Mall and the Dunwoody station, featuring a heated indoor/outdoor pool and on-site dining.
- Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter Ravinia: A TripAdvisor favorite with flexible event space, coworking areas, indoor pool, and dining options including Parkwoods Bistro and Lightwell Bar.
Some of the hotels near the Dunwoody MARTA station offer shuttle services. Be sure to check with each hotel before booking to see if they do!
Attractions Near MARTA Stations
One of the best parts about staying in Dunwoody is how easily MARTA connects you to top attractions on the MARTA transit map in Atlanta, including local favorites and Atlanta’s biggest landmarks. With the Red Line at your doorstep, you can spend less time in traffic and more time exploring.
Dunwoody Area Attractions (Walking Distance From Dunwoody MARTA Station)
- Perimeter Mall: A premier shopping destination with upscale brands and everyday essentials. Learn about the best restaurants in Perimeter Mall here.
- Louisiana Bistreaux Seafood Kitchen: Cajun-Creole flavors and live music nights.
- Seasons 52: Seasonal menus, curated wines, and live piano music.
- Woodhouse Day Spa: Luxury spa with 70+ rejuvenating treatments.
- Mikata: Modern sushi spot, featuring a sprawling menu of rolls, seafood, sake, and beer.
- The Hampton Social: coastal-inspired American cuisine, fresh seafood, brunch, craft cocktails, and a lively atmosphere perfect for dining, happy hour, and celebrations.
- Cuddlefish: specializing in sushi hand rolls, along with specialty coffee, fresh-baked pastries, and a curated market.
- Rosetta Bakery: an Italian bakery and café offering freshly baked focaccia, sandwiches, pastries, desserts, cakes, and espresso drinks.
- CT Cantina & Taqueria: Familiar Mexican fare such as tamales, tacos, and margaritas.
Dunwoody Area Attractions (Driving Distance From Dunwoody MARTA Station)
- Ashford Lane & Ashford Place: Dining hot spots with options like Culinary Dropout, Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream, Brownbag Seafood, Grana, Hobnob, and Stoneage Korean Steakhouse.
- Spruill Gallery & Gift Shop: Local art, exhibits, and unique souvenirs.
- Game Show Battle Room: An interactive game show experience with lively hosts, perfect for team building, parties, and a fun night out.
- Putt Shack: A tech-infused mini golf experience with world-class food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere.
You can dive deeper into Dunwoody’s booming restaurant scene here.
Exploring Atlanta by MARTA
Staying in Dunwoody doesn’t mean missing out on Atlanta’s big-ticket experiences. Hop on the Red Line, and you’ll be connected to Midtown and Downtown within minutes. From there, world-class attractions are right at your fingertips, including:
- Georgia Aquarium (Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station): One of the largest aquariums in the world.
- World of Coca-Cola (Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station): A bubbly journey through Atlanta’s most famous brand.
- Skyline Park (Inman Park-Reynoldstown Station): Rooftop fun at Ponce City Market with games, rides, and stunning city views.
- SkyView Atlanta (Peachtree Center Station): See the skyline of Atlanta from a Ferris wheel in the heart of Downtown.
- High Museum of Art (Midtown Arts Station): A must for art lovers, featuring both classic and contemporary works.
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights (Civic Center Station): An inspiring and educational museum dedicated to equality and justice.
- Atlanta Botanical Garden (Midtown Station): A 30-acre urban oasis with themed gardens, seasonal events, and the famous canopy walk.
- Centennial Olympic Park (Peachtree Center Station): Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, this downtown green space features fountains, concerts, and festivals.
- College Football Hall of Fame (Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station): Interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and a shrine to the sport’s greatest players and coaches.
- Fernbank Museum of Natural History (Candler Park Station): Dinosaurs, cultural exhibits, and an immersive giant screen theater.
- Piedmont Park (Midtown Station): Atlanta’s signature park with trails, playgrounds, and year-round festivals, right next to the Botanical Garden.
FAQs
What is MARTA in Atlanta?
The MARTA in Atlanta stands for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority. It is the organization that runs and operates Atlanta’s public transportation system, including buses and high-speed rail.
Is the MARTA safe in Atlanta?
The MARTA in Atlanta is generally considered safe. However, it is important to stick to all safety procedures set forth by the MARTA. MARTA stations and trains are equipped with security cameras and personnel. To stay safe, keep your belongings with you, avoid isolated areas, and report any activity deemed suspicious to MARTA security. To see the safety of MARTA, check out the Atlanta police department’s 5-year report of MARTA crime.
Can I take MARTA to Atlanta International Terminal?
Yes, but it depends. If your airline does not allow you to check in for your international service from the domestic terminal, you will have to take a free shuttle outside of Baggage Claim to the International Terminal. If your airline does allow you to check in for your international flight from the domestic terminal, you can take the “Plane Train” to the International terminal at Concourse F.
How late does MARTA run in Atlanta?
MARTA train service runs from 4:45 a.m. – 1 a.m. on weekdays and from 6 a.m. - 1 a.m. on weekends.
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