Discover the best of Atlanta’s MARTA Station at King Memorial. Explore the downtown Atlanta neighborhood, walk to nearby parks and attractions ðŸ§
The King Memorial MARTA Station in Atlanta: A Guide for Riders
The King Memorial MARTA station is an important hub for Atlanta’s rail transit and bus systems. Located just south of downtown near historic neighborhoods, the station provides access to MARTA rail lines as well as bus service connecting riders to key destinations around the city. This article provides an overview of the station, how to ride MARTA from there, and tips for visitors.
Station Layout and Lines Served
The King Memorial station is an elevated rapid transit station located at 377 Decatur Street NE in Atlanta, Georgia. The station opened in 1979 as part of the original Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) system.
King Memorial station serves both the blue and green lines. The Blue Line provides service from Hamilton E. Holmes station in northwest Atlanta to Indian Creek station in eastern DeKalb County. The Green Line runs between Bankhead station in northwest Atlanta and Edgewood/Candler Park station in southeast Atlanta.
On the weekends, the Green Line terminates at King Memorial train station rather than continuing to Edgewood/Candler Park. The elevated station platforms are located on the third level up. Stairs, escalators, and elevators provide access between the street level, mezzanine, and platforms.
How to Ride MARTA Trains from King Memorial
To ride MARTA trains from King Memorial station, travelers can either purchase a Breeze card loaded with stored value or pay using cash for a paper ticket. Breeze cards can be loaded at station kiosks while cash payments are made at the fare gates.
The current one-way fare for MARTA trains cost $2.50. Breeze cards offer discounted fares compared to cash payments. Reduced fares are also available for seniors 65+, people with disabilities, and children ages 3-11. Kids under 3 ride for free with a paying adult.
On weekdays, MARTA trains start running as early as 4:45 AM and run until 1:00 AM. Weekend and holiday service runs from 6:00 AM until 1:00 AM. Check the MARTA website for complete schedule details.
When boarding, tap your Breeze card or dip your paper ticket at the fare gate. Some stations have gates that accept credit/debit cards as well. Don’t forget to tap your card again when you exit!
Bus Service at King Memorial Station
In addition to rail service, King Memorial station serves as a transfer hub for several MARTA bus routes:
- Route 3 – MLK Jr. Drive/Auburn Avenue
- Route 809 – Boulevard/Monroe Drive
- Route 899 – Old Fourth Ward/Boulevard
These buses provide connections to key destinations including downtown, Midtown, the Atlanta University Center, Ponce City Market, and more. The bus boarding area is located on the ground level of the station. Check route maps and timetables on the MARTA website before riding.
Station Amenities and Parking
King Memorial provides basic amenities for riders including seating, restrooms, station agents during service hours, and security cameras. The station also has 21 daily parking spaces available, though parking is very limited compared to other stations.
Paid daily parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis for $3 per day. Parking at most MARTA stations ranges from $4-8 per day. The parking entrance is located on Hilliard St.
Neighborhood and Attractions Nearby
The King Memorial station is located just southeast of downtown Atlanta near several historic districts and attractions:
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site – Includes MLK’s birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and his grave site.
- Historic Sweet Auburn – Home to the Sweet Auburn Curb Market, shops, and restaurants along Auburn Ave.
- Historic Oakland Cemetery – Atlanta’s oldest cemetery, founded in 1850. Features elaborate Victorian-era gravesites.
- Grant Park – Large public park with zoo, cyclorama, and outdoor attractions.
- Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail – Multiuse walking/biking path and greenspace.
So in summary, the King Memorial MARTA station provides transit access near key sites like MLK’s history, Oakland Cemetery, and the popular BeltLine trail. Riders can take the train or bus to reach downtown Atlanta and other destinations across the metro area.
Tips for Visiting the Station
- Try to stay away from weekday rush hours between 6-9 AM and 3-7 PM if possible, when station crowds are largest.
- Purchase a Breeze card at the station to save money over paper tickets. Load at least $20 for a card purchase.
- Plan your trip in advance on the MARTA website or using the apps like CityMapper. Know when the last train departure is.
- Use the MARTA Safety App to request escorts, report issues, and access station info.
- Bring cash for fare payment or station parking. The machines don’t accept credit/debit cards.
- Allow extra time getting to/from the station when using street parking or bus transfers.
The King Memorial station makes it convenient to navigate Atlanta without a car. With both train and bus transportations, riders can get around the city efficiently from this important south downtown hub.
