Marta from airport to midtown
Does Marta have step free access on this route? . We’ll be flying in for a 3.5 week roadtrip next week so have quite large luggage. Staying at the Indigo midtown where I believe north avenue station is nearest. Trying to weigh up whether it’s worth the cost saving for 2 of us to use Marta or better to use a taxi
Taking MARTA from the Atlanta airport to Midtown is a great and affordable option, especially for your 3.5-week road trip. However, when traveling with large luggage, you’ll want to consider both convenience and comfort, especially regarding accessibility and ease of transfer. Here’s what you should know about the MARTA route and whether it’s a good option for your trip:
1. MARTA Step-Free Access MARTA does have some stations with step-free access, but unfortunately, the system is not fully step-free on all routes. In particular, the stations that are accessible to those with large luggage (or mobility needs) might not be as convenient at all points along your journey. For example:
- Airport Station (ATL) – The Airport station is equipped with elevators and is fully accessible for those with mobility challenges, so it's easy to get from the airport to the train platform with your luggage.
- North Avenue Station – North Avenue Station, which is the nearest station to your hotel (Hotel Indigo Midtown), does not have an elevator and requires navigating stairs to get to the platform. This could be a challenge with large luggage.
- Alternative Option: Midtown Station – The Midtown station (which is one stop away from North Avenue) is also a good option for you and has elevators for easier access to the platform. It might be worth considering if you’re willing to walk a short distance from the station to your hotel.
2. Cost Comparison MARTA is an affordable choice for getting from the airport to Midtown. A one-way fare on MARTA is $2.50, and you can buy a Breeze Card (or use a one-way ticket) to ride. Compare this to a taxi fare, which can range from $30 to $40 depending on traffic, plus tips. Taking MARTA will save you money, but you’ll need to factor in the ease of handling your large luggage and any transfers you might need to make.
3. MARTA vs. Taxi: Which is Better? If you are concerned about the accessibility of the MARTA system with your large luggage, a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) would be a more comfortable option. Here’s a breakdown:
- Taxi/Ride-Share: A direct, door-to-door service from the airport to your hotel, no stairs to navigate, and more space for your luggage. Expect a more comfortable ride but at a higher cost (typically $30-$40).
- MARTA: While cheaper, you will need to manage your luggage and possibly carry it up stairs at North Avenue station unless you opt to get off at Midtown Station. If you don’t mind a short walk, MARTA can be a good choice for saving money.
4. Conclusion Given your large luggage and the lack of step-free access at North Avenue Station, MARTA might be a bit of a hassle, especially if you have a lot of heavy bags to manage. The station at Midtown is more accessible and might be a better alternative if you’re comfortable walking a short distance to your hotel. However, if you prefer a more direct and hassle-free journey, a taxi or ride-share service might be worth the extra cost, especially after a long flight.
In summary, if you're looking for cost savings and don’t mind handling your luggage a bit, MARTA is a great option, but if convenience and ease of access are your priorities, you might want to consider a taxi or ride-share instead.
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