Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport: where to stay…

In Atlanta the decision is simpler than elsewhere: MARTA leaves from inside the domestic terminal and reaches downtown in a quarter of an hour, so sleeping in the city costs little time even on the day of the flight. Staying near the airport makes sense for a flight before 7, a late-night arrival or a one-night layover, as long as the hotel can be reached by the free SkyTrain. Those leaving from or arriving at international Terminal F must allow for one extra step, because the train and the SkyTrain depart from the domestic side.

Gateway Center (linked by SkyTrain)

Airport area · Free ATL SkyTrain, running 24 hours a day: about 2 minutes to the domestic terminal; from Terminal F you first need the shuttle to the domestic side.

Best for: Those with a dawn flight or an overnight layover who don't want to depend on hotel shuttles.

Pros

Free SkyTrain at any hour, with no shuttles to wait for
Hotels connected to each other and to the convention center, without crossing streets
You reach downtown with SkyTrain plus MARTA, no car needed

Cons

Only the convention center and car parks around: little choice for dinner
From international Terminal F the transfer takes one extra step

Recommended hotels in this area

Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway: First SkyTrain stop, under two minutes from the airport; heated indoor pool, useful during a long layover.
Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel: In the same complex as the Gateway Center, served by the free SkyTrain running 24 hours; rooms with soundproofed windows.

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Downtown and Centennial Park

City centre · Direct MARTA Red/Gold line from the airport: about 15 minutes to Five Points, one more stop to Peachtree Center; for Centennial Park you change at Five Points.

Best for: Those visiting the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola or attending an event at the stadium or State Farm Arena.

Pros

Direct train, flat fare and no highway traffic
Aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park and stadium within walking distance
Large hotels connected directly to MARTA stations

Cons

Outside office hours and events some streets empty out
On game and convention days rates rise sharply

Recommended hotels in this area

Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park: Connected to State Farm Arena and the Georgia World Congress Center, with an adjacent MARTA station and the aquarium two blocks away.
Hyatt Regency Atlanta: Connected to Peachtree Center station through the Peachtree Center Mall: from the airport you reach the hotel with a single train.

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Midtown

Neighbourhood · Direct MARTA Red/Gold line, no changes: a few stops after Five Points (Midtown or Arts Center).

Best for: Those who want restaurants, Piedmont Park and evenings on foot, with the direct train to the airport.

Pros

A lively neighbourhood in the evening, with bars and restaurants on foot
Piedmont Park, High Museum and Fox Theatre close by
Two MARTA stations on the direct line to the airport

Cons

A few more minutes by train than Downtown
Hotels are a few blocks from the stations: you walk with luggage

Recommended hotels in this area

Loews Atlanta Hotel: Two blocks from Midtown MARTA station and a few steps from Piedmont Park; it has an on-site spa to recover after the flight.
Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Midtown: One block from Arts Center station, on the direct line to the airport; hot breakfast included.

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Buckhead

Neighbourhood · Direct MARTA from the airport, no changes: about 30 minutes (Red line for Buckhead, Gold for Lenox).

Best for: Those combining the trip with shopping at Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza or looking for upscale hotels.

Pros

Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza on foot from the hotels
Direct train to the airport, useful to avoid I-75/I-85 at rush hour

Cons

Twice the train time of Downtown
Upscale hotels predominate

Recommended hotels in this area

JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead: Has a private entrance to Lenox Square and is a few steps from Lenox MARTA station, on the Gold line direct to the airport.
Hyatt Centric Buckhead Atlanta: About half a kilometre from Lenox MARTA station; reviews appreciate the spacious rooms and the outdoor pool.

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