On one of my most recent trips to Atlanta, Georgia, I challenged myself to do exactly that — no car, no ride rentals, just public transportation, walking, and a bit of planning.
It turned out to be one of the smartest travel decisions I’ve ever made. Not only did I save money (goodbye, rental car fees and $35 hotel parking charges), but I also felt more connected to the city. I walked through local neighborhoods, hopped on MARTA like a true Atlantan, and found street food gems I would have otherwise driven past.
I’ll take you step by step through my experience — sharing packing tips, budgeting strategies, MARTA hacks, food recommendations, SIM card solutions, a full 5-day itinerary, and even travel insurance suggestions.
If you’re planning to visit Atlanta without renting a car, consider this your ultimate guide.
Travel Essentials: What I Packed for a Car-Free Atlanta
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from city travel: pack smarter, not heavier. Since I wouldn’t have the trunk of a rental car to stash things, my packing list was all about comfort, mobility, and practicality.
My Must-Have Packing List
- Lightweight Backpack or Crossbody Bag
Since I walked and took MARTA almost everywhere, my backpack was my lifeline. I used it to carry snacks, my camera, an umbrella, sunscreen, and sometimes a light jacket. - Comfortable Walking Shoes
This one is non-negotiable. Atlanta may not be as compact as New York, but neighborhoods like Midtown, Downtown, and the BeltLine are best explored on foot. I packed one pair of cushioned sneakers and one pair of breathable sandals. - Refillable Water Bottle
Atlanta gets hot and humid, especially in the summer. Having a bottle saved me money and kept me from dehydrating when walking between MARTA stops. - Portable Phone Charger
My phone drained quickly from using Google Maps, MARTA apps, and Lyft/Uber when needed. A small portable charger saved me more than once. - Compact Umbrella
Atlanta weather can change suddenly. I learned the hard way when I got caught in a 20-minute downpour outside the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.
Dressing for Atlanta: What to Wear
Atlanta’s weather is seasonal, and since I traveled in April, I needed a mix of spring layers.
• Spring (March–May): Mild, 60–75°F, light jackets and cardigans.
• Summer (June–August): Hot and sticky — shorts, light dresses, and breathable fabrics are key. Expect highs around 85–95°F.
• Fall (September–November): Gorgeous weather, around 65–75°F. Perfect for outdoor events on the BeltLine.
• Winter (December–February): Mild compared to the north, but you’ll still want a warm coat (35–55°F).
👉 My tip: Since I used public transport, I always wore layers. Stepping off a hot MARTA train into air-conditioned malls or shaded parks can be jarring.
Understanding Atlanta’s Culture
Traveling without a car let me experience Atlanta in a more authentic, local way. I noticed:
• Southern Hospitality is real. Strangers on MARTA gave me directions without hesitation.
• Food culture is central. From street food trucks to soul food diners, I found meals were a way to connect with locals.
• History is everywhere. Atlanta played a huge role in the Civil Rights Movement, and riding MARTA past murals of Martin Luther King Jr. felt powerful.
One thing I loved? Atlanta is a mix of modern and historic. I’d spend my morning in a sleek Midtown café and my afternoon walking through Victorian homes in Inman Park.
Money & Currency Exchange
Since I was traveling from Columbus, Ohio, I didn’t need currency exchange — but I did meet a European couple on MARTA who asked about it. Here’s what I learned:
• ATMs are everywhere in MARTA stations, hotels, and malls.
• Currency exchange offices are available at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Rates weren’t great, so I recommend withdrawing local cash with a debit card.
• Most places accept cards (Visa/MasterCard widely used), but I always carried $20–30 in cash for food trucks and small vendors.
Budgeting Without a Car
I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable Atlanta became once I skipped the rental car.
My Actual Costs (5 Days):
• MARTA Breeze 7-Day Unlimited Pass: $23.75
• Food (Mix of restaurants, cafés, and street food): $30–45 per day
• Attractions (Aquarium, MLK Park, Botanical Garden): Around $100 total
• Uber/Lyft (only for areas not covered by MARTA): $65 total
Total: About $350 for 5 days (not including hotel).
👉 If I had rented a car, just the rental, gas, and parking would have easily added another $300–400.
Navigating MARTA: My Experience
MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is the backbone of Atlanta’s public transportation system.
How I Got My Breeze Card
• I purchased a Breeze Card (reloadable transit card) at the North Avenue MARTA station. It cost $2 for the card + $23.75 for a 7-day pass.
• Machines accepted both cash and cards, and staff were nearby to help tourists.
MARTA Trains
• Four lines: Red, Gold, Blue, Green.
• Easy to navigate — I used Google Maps and the MARTA On the Go app.
• Trains ran every 10–15 minutes during the day.
My Favorite MARTA Ride
From Airport Station to Peachtree Center Station: just 20 minutes. Instead of stressing about traffic after my flight, I was already in downtown with my backpack.
Subway vs. Bus in Atlanta
I used both and here’s my honest take:
• MARTA Subway: Fast, safe, reliable, perfect for major attractions.
• MARTA Buses: Slower, but they reached neighborhoods like Little Five Points and Grant Park.
Tip: Download the Transit App for real-time bus schedules.
Street Food in Atlanta
One of the best parts of not renting a car was eating like a local pedestrian.
My Top Picks:
- King of Pops – Popsicles found across the city ($3.50 each). My favorite: Chocolate Sea Salt.
- Food Trucks at Piedmont Park – Korean tacos from Yumbii ($6).
- The Varsity – Famous chili dogs, easy walk from North Avenue MARTA Station.
Food Safety Tips
• Stick to vendors with long lines (locals know best).
• In summer, avoid dairy-heavy food from trucks.
• Carry hand sanitizer, especially if eating in parks.
Staying Connected: SIM Cards
I needed reliable internet to check MARTA schedules, maps, and food spots.
• T-Mobile prepaid SIM: Bought at a store in Midtown for $40 (unlimited data for 10 days).
• Alternative: AT&T and Verizon also sell prepaid SIMs at the airport.
This was worth every penny — I used GPS constantly.
My 5-Day Car-Free Atlanta Itinerary
Here’s exactly how I spent my days:
Day 1: Arrival & Downtown
• Took MARTA from Airport to Peachtree Center.
• Checked into hotel.
• Walked to Georgia Aquarium ($39 ticket).
• Dinner at The Varsity.
Day 2: Civil Rights & History
• MARTA to King Memorial Station.
• Explored MLK Jr. National Historical Park (free).
• Afternoon: Center for Civil and Human Rights ($20).
• Evening: Walked BeltLine Eastside Trail.
Day 3: Midtown & Parks
• MARTA to Arts Center Station.
• Morning: High Museum of Art ($16.50).
• Afternoon: Atlanta Botanical Garden ($25).
• Street food dinner at Piedmont Park trucks.
Day 4: Local Neighborhoods
• MARTA + bus to Little Five Points.
• Explored vintage shops and street murals.
• Lunch: Soul food at The Busy Bee Café.
• Evening: Rooftop drinks in Midtown.
Day 5: Last Day & Shopping
• MARTA to Lenox Station for Lenox Square Mall.
• Souvenir shopping.
• MARTA back to airport — no stress about rental returns!
Day Trips Without a Car
Even without driving, I managed some fantastic day trip experiences:
- Stone Mountain Park – MARTA + Uber (35 min). Hiking & laser show.
- Decatur – MARTA Blue Line. Artsy downtown with cafés.
- East Point Farmers Market – Easy via MARTA Red Line.
Travel Insurance: My Recommendation
For this trip, I used Allianz Travel Insurance – OneTrip Prime Plan.
• Cost: Around $75 for 5 days.
• Coverage:
o Trip cancellation (up to $1,000)
o Medical emergencies ($25,000)
o Baggage loss/delay
o Emergency transportation
Why it mattered: I caught a nasty stomach bug on day 3. I didn’t need hospitalization, but just knowing I was covered for urgent care made me feel secure.
Traveling Atlanta without renting a car isn’t just possible — it’s enjoyable, affordable, and immersive. I walked neighborhoods I would have driven past, ate food from trucks I might not have noticed, and saved enough money to treat myself to extra attractions.
Sure, MARTA doesn’t reach every corner, and I occasionally relied on Uber, but overall, I felt like a traveler, not just a tourist.
If you want to experience the real Atlanta, pack your walking shoes, load up a Breeze Card, and dive in car-free. You might just find, like I did, that the journey itself becomes part of the adventure.
What stood out to me most wasn’t just the savings on rental fees or parking tickets — it was how traveling without a car forced me to slow down and look around. Instead of zipping past murals in Little Five Points, I stopped to admire them. Instead of circling for parking in Midtown, I sat on MARTA with locals chatting about the Hawks’ basketball game. Without the bubble of a car, Atlanta became more personal, human, and approachable.
Another unexpected benefit was how stress-free it felt. No worrying about traffic on I-75, no gas stations, no expensive valet charges at hotels. My only job each day was to hop on a train, stroll through parks, or grab a meal from a food truck. I could focus on the joy of discovery instead of logistics.
For families, students, or even solo travelers like me, this approach makes Atlanta not only more affordable but also more memorable. Whether it was eating King of Pops on the BeltLine or standing in awe at the MLK Jr. Historic Site, each moment felt richer because I was traveling at a pace that let me actually see and feel the city.
So if you’re considering Atlanta, let me be the first to tell you: don’t stress about the car keys. Atlanta rewards the curious, the walkers, the explorers. All you need is a Breeze Card, good shoes, and a sense of adventure. Trust me — the city will open up to you in ways you never expected.
