Get There
What is the best way to get to Atlanta?
Flying: Atlanta's main airport is Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which carries the distinction as being the world's busiest airport since 1998. Fortunately, it boasts an efficient layout that’s easy to navigate and doesn’t suffer from delays like many other heavily trafficked airports.
Train: Amtrak's Crescent train, which serves New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Gainesville, Birmingham, and New Orleans, stops in Atlanta.
Car: The principal interstates serving Atlanta are I-75 (which runs from Detroit to Florida), I-85 (connecting the Mid-Atlantic region to Montgomery, Alabama), and I-20 (which connects Texas to South Carolina). Expect the "Connector" (where I-75 and I-85 merge through Atlanta’s midtown and downtown) to be congested throughout the day.
What is the best time to visit Atlanta?
The spring and fall seasons are considered the best times to visit Atlanta. The summer is generally hot and humid and remains the peak season for tourists. The city also often experiences the effects of hurricane season (which runs from the start of June to the end of November) with heavy rains and sometimes high winds, which is why some consider the time between March to May to be the best time to plan a visit to the city. Expect music and food festivals throughout the year including the Atlanta Jazz Festival in May, the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival in May and June, Dragon Con from August to September, and the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in either December or January.
Get Around
Walking: Although Atlanta is considered a car-dependent city, most of its intown neighborhoods can be explored on foot, thanks to their concentration of bars, restaurants, and shops. Also, the Ambassador Force of Downtown Atlanta is available to help guide travelers around the convention and entertainment district.
Transit: Atlanta is served by MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), which operates both rapid rail and bus networks, plus a streetcar that loops around downtown. MARTA offers six stations that service the convention and entertainment district.
Taxi: Travelers can usually flag down cabs near tourist attractions in the midtown and downtown areas. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are also available and may be preferable to traditional taxis, depending on your location.