MARTA
When you're visiting Atlanta, you might seriously consider foregoing the rental car and instead rely on MARTA, the metro's public transportation service. (The acronym itself stands for "Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority.̶ 
Here's where the city planners got it right. Taking MARTA from the airport is so simple that you'll actually be grateful you didn't stand in line waiting for a rental car. The MARTA train will take you directly to downtown Decatur, where you'll step off into our charming downtown core of boutiques and cafes.
It's easy to get to Atlanta's most popular neighborhoods and attractions on MARTA. And by taking Atlanta's public transportation system, you'll avoid the city's notorious traffic. And let me tell you folks, Atlanta traffic is no joke. Consistently ranked as the worst congestion in the nation, it can often take many times longer to get to your destination than you'd planned. Let me put it this way--it was a shock when I first moved here--and I came from Los Angeles!!!
Not only will MARTA help you avoid traffic, but will keep you from hunting for parking at each place you want to go. Parking in the city can be difficult to find, and when you do, you will pay a premium for it.
If you're in town on business, MARTA conveniently travels directly to major conference centers, such as the Georgia World Congress Arena, Philips Arena, the Georgia Dome and America's Mart.
For the easiest and most enjoyable trip to Atlanta, I cannot encourage you enough to do two things: Stay in Downtown Decatur, in a peaceful and inviting setting. Then take advantage of MARTA as an affordable and easily navigable method of traversing the city.
Fellow travelers, what do you think? Do you consider taking public transportation when you travel? Or do you have to have a car? Any past visitors to Atlanta want to comment on MARTA as an alternative to the rental car? Let us know!
