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How to Get Around Atlanta on the Cheap

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(3 Ratings)

Atlanta is home to the CNN studios, the Coca-Cola empire, a wealth of historical attractions and much more. It also has an excellent rapid transit system, which can help you avoid traffic congestion and stay within your transportation budget.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Walking Shoes
  • Maps
  • Travel Guides
  • Drinking Waters
  • Travel Services
  • Maps
  1. Step 1

    Get a good guidebook that contains transportation information for the specific attractions you plan to visit. Some guides will tell you which bus or train to take to get where you need to go, or will provide a sample walking itinerary.

  2. Step 2

    Take advantage of the Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) system. Bus and rail routes are operational from early morning to late night, and fares are comparable with rapid transit systems in other major cities.

  3. Step 3

    Get a MARTA visitor's pass, which allows you unlimited use of the MARTA system for a predetermined number of days. It's an economical alternative to single-ticket travel.

  4. Step 4

    Leave the car somewhere and look for alternate methods of transportation. Atlanta is notorious for its heavy traffic, and it may be easier to enjoy your sightseeing if you don't have to be behind the wheel.

  5. Step 5

    Take a walking tour. There are a number of affordable options for walking tours in and around Atlanta, including various historical tours. Check your guidebook, ask at the local visitor's bureau, or do an online search for tour information.

  6. Step 6

    Ride a bike! The Metro Atlanta Cycling Club offers a variety of recreational rides for seasoned cyclists, and the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign (whose newsletter is available at Atlanta bike shops) can give you all the information you need about cycling in the city.

Tips & Warnings
  • If you take a walking tour, remember to bring along a bottle of water to keep yourself hydrated, especially in warmer weather.
  • Don't forget to take the usual precautions against pickpockets on trains and buses, as you would in any major city. Keep your wallet in an inside or front pocket, or wear a purse across your body.

Comments  

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on 2/24/2007 I am an Atlanta native and I would like to state some positive things about my city! There are many places to see and explore with and without much cash! We have Six Flags and Stone Mtn. We have the newly renovated High Muesum of Art. There are also many many bars and nightclubs - anyone who says there isn't doesn't know where to look. We have the eclectic Little five points and East Atlanta neighborhoods. Not to mention Decatur. Fernbank is a lovely museum to spend the day in. We have a zoo with a newborn Panda! Don't get me started on all the places to eat in and around Atlanta! BBQ lovers come one and all! You can't come to Atlanta and not eat at The Varsity! There is ample shopping for all budgets and tastes. However, it is true that Atlanta (and the metro area) are easiest accessed through automobile - I believe that doesn't mean you should exclude MY city as one worth visiting!
Come experience some southern friendliness - visit Atlanta!

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I attend school here in Atlanta. I am originally from New York City. If I didn't go to school here, I would only stay here for about 4 days. It is so boring here. You really need a car to get everywhere, because their Marta System doesn't go everywhere and its service is horrible. You may wait a whole hour just to get one train or bus. Then if you have a car you have to hope you don't get into a car accident from all the reckless drivers.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 To be honest, Atlanta is a bad city to visit. The traffic is awful and the public transportation is sporadic and expensive. The best way to get anywhere is sadly by car, which means that you'll have to pay to park in parking garages. Don't park near your destination. These places will charge up $20 to park for a few hours...it is ridiculous. If you go a few blocks away, you can find places that will only charge around $5 for the whole day. Try to stay above I-20 because anything south of there is not considered a safe area of town. There is no nightlife downtown. It is best to venture into Buckhead or the Highlands, which you'll have to drive to.

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