MARTA question
 

My son and his friend are flying in to Atlanta. They will have to take the MARTA to the Northsprings station. They are flying South West. They will have to get there luggage first. How far is the North Springs station from the airport? Will it be difficult for them to find the train once they get there baggage? Thank You for your help

I just did this exact same thing last week. There is a train platform right next to baggage claim. You collect your bags walk over to train platform buy your MARTA card and get on the train. It couldn't have been simpler. It will take 45-50 minutes to get to North Springs.

The airport is at one end and North Springs at the other, so he will be on the train for a while, but won't have to switch. The train is right in the airport, he should see the signs...not sure how to describe it...it is at the end of the hall after the carousels for luggage. see the website for more details: http://www.itsmarta.com/getthere/sch...index-rail.htm

Not hard at all. Great advice already.

As he leaves baggage claim, he'll see MARTA signs at ground transportation.

MARTA only has a North-South and East-West line. So, VERY easy to navigate. He'll just get on and head north.

The only "little" glitch. (Look at the map) The north line splits at Lindburgh. There will be announcements. If he happens to be on a "Doraville" bound North train, he'll need to get off at Lindburgh and wait for a North Springs train. He's got a 50-50 shot that the train he gets on will be a North Springs train.

It will take about 45 minutes from airport to North Springs.

I believe that when I was there there are 2 tracks from the airport. One side goes to Doraville and the other goes to North Springs. Just ask the conductor (is that what you call them) which train to get on.

It's the same track until it splits at Lindburgh. You can see when you get on the train if it's a North Springs or Doraville train - and you'll know if you'll have to switch trains at Lindburgh. There are announcements on the train to let you know.

Dont' be afraid to ask someone for help with the MARTA ticket machines. I was there in October and I'm used to the old token-based MARTA, so it took a minute to get re-oriented. It's very easy to go from baggage claim to the MARTA station.

The station at the airport only seems like there are two tracks -- since it's the end of the line, the tracks on either side of the platform are both heading north. The trains should say Doraville or North Springs on the outside of the car, if I'm remembering right.

Thanks everyone for your help. it's sounds pretty easy.
Happy Holidays

This has nothing to do with the Marta part of the question, but the comment on "They are flying South West".....

I didn't think Southwest flew into ATL so I checked and according to their website, they don't.

So, you may want to check the tickets because you either have the wrong airline, or are flying into the wrong airport.

As for MARTA, it is very easy to navigate as there is only the one line headed north from the airport. The train will either be the North Springs train, which means you don't have to get off until your stop, or the Doraville train which means you'll have to get off at any station up to Lindburgh to change to the North Springs train.

Keith

You are right KE1TH he is flying AirTran. He is flying on SW the 31st to Ft. Lauderdale. Thanks for your help. I am going to direct him to get on the North Springs train.

sorry about that..the last time I used Marta there was only a Doraville train, the North Springs is new to me :-) Have fun ! I'm glad the connection is easy

Thanks again everyone for your help. he made it there safe and sound. He said it was a breeze.

Good to know, bethsmall. I am glad he had safe travels.