Atlanta Business Travel Guide

How to Get Around Atlanta for Business Travelers

Atlanta's transportation options include the MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), taxis/rideshares, and rental cars. During rush hours (6:30-9 am and 4-7 pm), MARTA can be significantly faster than driving due to the city’s notorious traffic congestion.

MARTA Service Hours: 

• Train: Weekdays: 4:45 am to 1:00 am; Weekends: 6:00 am to 1:00 am.
• Bus: Weekdays: 5:00 am to 1:30 am; Weekends: 5:00 am to 12:30 am. 

Atlanta Road Navigation

I-285 (the Perimeter) encircles Atlanta, with areas inside referred to as "ITP" (Inside the Perimeter). The Downtown Connector is where I-75 and I-85 merge through the city center. I-75 runs north-south while I-85 runs northeast-southwest. 

Atlanta has over 70 streets with "Peachtree" in their names, so always verify complete addresses before traveling.

For airport transfers to Buckhead:

• From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: MARTA Airport Station (inside the Domestic Terminal) via the Red Line to Buckhead Station (30 min) or taxi/rideshare (30-45 min depending on traffic).
• From DeKalb–Peachtree Airport: Taxi/ride share to Buckhead (20-30 min). Alternatively, taxi/ride share (5-10 min) to MARTA Gold Line (Chamblee Station), transfer to the Red Line at Lindbergh Station to reach Buckhead Station (15-20 min).
• From Fulton County Executive Airport: Taxi/ride share to Buckhead (20-30 min). 

Atlanta Airports & Best Arrival Strategies

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – 10 miles south of Downtown. Best for international travelers & major airline hubs.
DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK): – 10 miles northeast of Downtown. Serves as a general aviation reliever for Hartsfield-Jackson. Best for general aviation, charter, and corporate aviation.
Fulton County Executive Airport (FTY) – 7 miles west of Downtown. Best for corporate and private flights.

Atlanta Quick Guide by Industry

Atlanta Business Travel Dos & Don'ts

Dos (For a Smooth Business Trip)

• Plan for Transit Delays – Always give yourself extra time when heading to meetings. Atlanta traffic can be unpredictable. 
• Consider MARTA for Key Routes – The train is often faster than driving during rush hour, especially to/from the airport and between Downtown and Midtown.
• Book Business Dinners in Advance – Top restaurants in Buckhead and Midtown fill up quickly. Make reservations ahead of time using OpenTable or phone for reservations.
• Dress for the Weather – Atlanta can be very hot and humid in the summer. Lightweight business attire is advisable. 
• Use Hotel Meeting Spaces – Many Atlanta hotels offer excellent meeting facilities if you need a professional environment.
• Stay Hydrated – Atlanta's climate, especially in summer, requires consistent hydration.
• Tip Generously – In Atlanta, tipping is expected (20% for restaurants, $1-2 for coffee, 15% for rideshares).

Don'ts (Avoid These Business Faux Pas)

• Don't Miss Networking Opportunities – Atlanta's business community values relationship-building. A little personal conversation—about the city, sports, or even the weather—goes a long way before diving into business.
• Don't Call it "Hotlanta" – Locals don't use this term, so you'll out yourself as a visitor.
• Don’t Mistake Southern Hospitality For Lack Of Urgency – Politeness is part of the culture, but that doesn’t mean people aren’t serious about business. Be courteous, but stay sharp and punctual.
• Don’t Show Up Underdressed – Even in the startup and tech scenes, Atlanta leans toward polished business casual. For corporate or finance meetings, a sharp suit still plays well.
• Don’t Assume Marta Goes Everywhere – While MARTA is useful for reaching key business hubs like Buckhead and Midtown, Atlanta is still a car-dependent city. Always confirm transit options and parking ahead of time.
• Don’t Plan Important Meetings During Big Events – Atlanta hosts major conferences, sporting events, and festivals, which can snarl traffic and book out hotels. Check the city calendar before scheduling important in-person meetings.

Best Atlanta Neighborhoods for Business Travelers

When choosing where to stay in Atlanta for business travel, consider these top neighborhoods:

• Downtown: Ideal for convention attendees and those with business at government offices or major corporations; home to Georgia World Congress Center—the world's largest LEED-certified convention center.
• Midtown: Perfect for tech industry meetings with a vibrant atmosphere and excellent dining options; the second-largest business district in Atlanta, with over 15.5 million square feet of office space.
• Buckhead: Best for finance and luxury accommodations with upscale shopping and dining; easily accessible via MARTA's Red Line.
• Perimeter Center: Convenient for suburban office parks and companies headquartered outside the city center; home to Fortune 500 companies like UPS, First Data Corporation, and Newell Rubbermaid.

Best Hotels for Business Travelers

Luxury Hotels

• Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta (Midtown) – Timeless luxury with upscale amenities and a full-service spa, ideal for discerning business travelers.
• The St. Regis Atlanta (Buckhead) – Elegant accommodations with butler service and excellent meeting facilities.
• The Whitley, a Luxury Collection Hotel (Buckhead) – Upscale accommodations with Southern hospitality and business amenities.

Conference-Friendly Hotels

• Atlanta Marriott Marquis (Downtown) – Massive atrium and extensive meeting space near the convention center, with an indoor connection to MARTA’s Peachtree Center Station.
• Hyatt Regency Atlanta (Downtown) – Historic hotel with modern conference facilities and central location.
• The Westin Peachtree Plaza (Downtown) – Iconic cylindrical tower with panoramic views from The Sun Dial Restaurant 73 floors up, and meeting spaces of various sizes.

Budget-Friendly Hotels

• Aloft Atlanta Downtown – Stylish, affordable rooms with efficient workspaces near major business centers.
• AC Hotel by Marriott Atlanta Midtown – Modern, cost-effective accommodations with minimalist design.
• Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Downtown – Reliable business amenities at reasonable rates in a central location.

Walkable & Convenient Hotels

• Hotel Indigo Atlanta Midtown – Located on Peachtree Street NE, with easy access to MARTA, the historic Fox Theater, and Midtown businesses.
• Glenn Hotel, Autograph Collection (Downtown) – Boutique hotel within walking distance to major attractions such as the CNN Center, State Farm Arena, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
• Loews Atlanta Hotel (Midtown) – Central Midtown location with walkable access to tech companies, restaurants, and attractions such as Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine, and the Woodruff Arts Center.

Top Restaurants & Networking Spots

Client Meetings

• Atlas (Buckhead) – Upscale dining with art-filled ambiance, perfect for impressing important clients.
• South City Kitchen (Multiple locations) – Sophisticated Southern cuisine in elegant settings, a staple for business meetings during the week.
• Chops Lobster Bar (Buckhead) – Part of Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, offering exceptional food with private dining options for high-profile meetings.

Networking Cocktails

• The Garden Room (Buckhead) – Lush, botanical-themed bar with a see-and-be-seen atmosphere.
• Skylounge at the Glenn Hotel (Downtown) – Rooftop bar with panoramic city views, intimate setting perfect for business conversations.
• Bar Margot (Four Seasons) – Sophisticated lounge with craft cocktails and a relaxed business vibe.

Team Dinners

• South City Kitchen (Multiple locations) – Upscale Southern cuisine with private dining options.
• Fogo de Chão (Buckhead) – Brazilian steakhouse with an interactive dining experience perfect for groups.
• Two Urban Licks – Industrial-chic space with live music and shareable dishes ideal for team bonding.

Quick Coffee Meetings

• Foxtail Coffee (Multiple locations) – A local favorite offering quality coffee, spacious seating, and a cozy atmosphere.
• Land of a Thousand Hills (Various locations) – Socially conscious coffee shop with reliable Wi-Fi.
• Dancing Goats Coffee Bar (Ponce City Market, Midtown) – Spacious seating with excellent coffee and central locations.

Best Co-Working Spaces & Remote Work Spots

• WeWork (Multiple locations) – Flexible passes available for business travelers needing temporary workspace.
• Industrious (Midtown & Buckhead) – Upscale co-working spaces with premium amenities and professional atmosphere.
• Atlanta Tech Village (Buckhead, Downtown) – Tech-focused workspace with networking opportunities and event programming.
• Roam (Buckhead-Piedmont) – Blends the ambiance of an upscale coffee shop with the professionalism of a traditional office, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the Buckhead skyline.
• Constellations (Sweet Auburn/Downtown) – Culturally-based workspace providing a welcoming environment within walking distance of Downtown.

After-Work & Bleisure Plans

• Rooftop Networking: Skylounge at the Glenn Hotel – Panoramic city views with a relaxed setting perfect for business conversations.
• Cultural Experience: High Museum of Art – World-class art collections in Midtown, walkable from many business hotels.
• Client Entertaining: The Fox Theatre – Historic venue for shows and performances, impressive for out-of-town guests.
• Quick Unwind: Piedmont Park – Urban oasis in Midtown for a refreshing walk between meetings or after work.
• Atlanta BeltLine – A network of trails and pathways that connect various neighborhoods, offering a scenic route for walking or biking.

Atlanta Business Travelers Frequently Asked Questions