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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world and features an automated people mover system known as The Plane Train. Built by Westinghouse Electric Corporation, the system connects all terminals and concourses at the airport. The system operates in the secure area of the airport, with trains running in two outer tunnels and a middle tunnel that serves as a pedestrian pathway with moving walkways. The Plane Train has undergone various changes since its opening, including extensions, maintenance, and updates to accommodate international travellers. The Atlanta airport also has a subway system, commonly referred to as the train, which is part of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) network. The Red and Gold lines of the MARTA train connect the airport to the city of Atlanta, with stations located in the domestic terminal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | The Plane Train |
| Location | Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport |
| Operator | Alstom (since 2021) |
| Previous Operator | Bombardier Transportation |
| Builder | Westinghouse Electric Corporation |
| Type | Automated people mover system |
| Track Type | Underground |
| Number of Tunnels | 3 |
| Number of Stations | 8 |
| Concourses | A, B, C, D, E, F, T |
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What You'll Learn
- The Plane Train is an automated people mover system
- The system is underground to protect it from the elements
- The Atlanta subway system is commonly referred to as a train
- The MARTA train is the top value-for-money choice for rides from the airport
- The Atlanta airport train station has been recently renovated
The Plane Train is an automated people mover system
The Plane Train operates in the secure area of the airport, within the airport's Transportation Mall. This consists of three underground tunnels running through the centre of the airport, with the trains operating in the two outer tunnels. The middle tunnel contains an alternative pedestrian pathway with moving walkways. The system was designed to transport passengers over long distances within the airport, which includes hubs for Delta Air Lines and the now-defunct Eastern Air Lines.
The original plan for the people mover system included an east-west roadway system through the centre of the complex, with 16 terminals and perpendicular linear concourses on either side. An elevated people mover would have run in a loop, connecting the terminals. However, this design was eventually scrapped as it was more beneficial for passengers originating or terminating in Atlanta, rather than those connecting flights, which made up 70% of the airport's traffic.
The terminal's design was revised in 1973 to its current layout, which uses a landside/airside design. Construction began in 1977, and the terminal and Plane Train opened to the public on September 21, 1980. The Plane Train did not have an official name at the time of opening. In 1994, Concourse E for international flights was opened in preparation for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, and the system was extended with a new station. The trains were also lengthened from three to four cars, and large LED displays were added to complement the original English text-only dot-matrix red-LED displays.
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The system is underground to protect it from the elements
The Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport features an automated people mover system known as The Plane Train. The system connects all terminals and concourses within the airport's Transportation Mall, which consists of three underground tunnels running through its centre. The trains operate in the two outer tunnels, while the middle tunnel serves as a pedestrian pathway with moving walkways.
The decision to make the people mover system fully underground was made to protect it from the elements. This design choice was influenced by the winter storm in 1975 that temporarily disabled the exposed trench system at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). As Atlanta was susceptible to similar weather conditions, it was deemed necessary to have the system underground to ensure its operability and resilience against potential weather disruptions.
The underground design of the people mover system also offered additional benefits. It eliminated the need for taxiway bridges, streamlining the airport's infrastructure and potentially reducing construction and maintenance costs. Furthermore, by being underground, the system could efficiently connect the landside terminals with the airside concourses, facilitating seamless passenger movement within the secure area of the airport.
The Plane Train has been in operation since 1980 and has undergone several upgrades and expansions over the years. It is currently operated and maintained by Alstom, providing a convenient and efficient means of transportation for passengers navigating the vast Atlanta International Airport.
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The Atlanta subway system is commonly referred to as a train
The Atlanta subway system, or MARTA train, offers efficient and frequent service to and from the airport. The Atlanta Airport Train Station, located between the north and south baggage claim areas, has been recently renovated and features various works of art, including "Solar Prominences" by Dorothy Berge. The MARTA train provides a quick journey to downtown Atlanta, taking only about 15 minutes.
To pay for fares on the Atlanta subway or MARTA train, passengers can purchase a Breeze Card or Ticket. These rechargeable cards can be bought from automatic vendors or the Ridestore at the Atlanta airport train station for $2. They can be loaded with fares, passes, or cash (stored value). While you can add fares and passes through various methods, including online, loading stored value can only be done at the Ridestores or automatic machines. The Ridestores and automatic ticket vendors accept cash and credit/debit cards.
It is important to note that the Atlanta subway system or MARTA train allows for four transfers within a 3-hour time frame when tapping a Breeze Card or Ticket at all train stations and buses. However, round trips on the same train or bus are not considered transfers, so a separate ticket must be purchased for the return journey. Additionally, transfers to the Atlanta Streetcar are not permitted. Each adult passenger can travel with up to two children under 46 inches (116 cm) free of charge.
The Atlanta airport train system is also known as "The Plane Train." It is an automated people mover system that connects all terminals and concourses at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The Plane Train operates in the secure area of the airport, with trains running through three underground tunnels in the Transportation Mall. The system has eight stations, serving both domestic and international terminals and concourses.
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The MARTA train is the top value-for-money choice for rides from the airport
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, or MARTA, provides bus and train connections all over Atlanta, Georgia. Its rail network can be regarded as an effective train and subway system, with trains running both underground and above ground. The MARTA train from Atlanta Airport is the most sought-after transit option and the top value-for-money choice for rides from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.
The Atlanta airport subway, or train, is likely to be the mode of transit from ATL Airport to your accommodation in Atlanta. Two MARTA trains depart from Atlanta Airport Station, both heading to the city centre but ending in different parts of the city. The Gold and Red Lines are the two Atlanta airport subway lines serving the world's busiest airport. The Red Line connects the airport to downtown, ending its route in North Springs, while the Gold Line runs from the airport to Doraville.
The MARTA train is a quick, easy, and affordable way to get to popular Atlanta neighbourhoods for shopping, dining, and special events. A single trip costs $2.50, and you can travel to various parts of the city. All MARTA stations are conveniently located around the city, close to major hotels, sites, attractions, and other transit hubs. For example, the Peachtree Center station is in the heart of the Downtown Business District, while the Civic Center station is located between Midtown and Downtown, providing easy access to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
To ride the MARTA train, you need to purchase a Breeze Card or Ticket. These can be bought from the Atlanta airport train station's automatic vendors or the Ridestore. The cards are rechargeable and cost $2, while the tickets are $1 for single-use. You can load your Breeze Card with fares, passes, or cash (stored value) at Ridestores, automatic machines, or online (after creating an account and linking your card). Additionally, with a Breeze Card, you are entitled to four transfers within a 3-hour time frame when you tap on and off at train stations and buses.
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The Atlanta airport train station has been recently renovated
The Atlanta airport train station has recently been renovated, transforming it into a modern and efficient hub for travellers. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) provides bus and train connections all over Georgia's capital. Its rail network can be considered a hybrid of a train and subway system, with trains running both underground and above ground. The Atlanta airport subway is a highly sought-after transit option for travellers due to its convenience and value for money.
The Atlanta Airport Train Station is conveniently located inside the domestic terminal of Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, between the north and south baggage claim areas. Two MARTA trains depart from the airport station, both heading towards the city centre but ending in different parts of Atlanta. The Red and Gold lines are the two subway lines serving the airport, connecting it to the downtown area and other regions of the city. The Red Line, for example, stops at the Civic Center Station, which is located between Midtown and Downtown, providing easy access to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
The Atlanta airport train station boasts a modern and efficient design, featuring various works of art, including the magnificent Solar Prominences created by Dorothy Berge. To pay for train fares, passengers can purchase a Breeze Card or Ticket from the station's automatic vendors or the Ridestore. These rechargeable cards offer flexibility and convenience, allowing travellers to load them with fares, passes, or cash (stored value). The Atlanta airport train station's recent renovation has enhanced its functionality and aesthetic appeal, making it a welcoming gateway to the city for visitors.
The Atlanta airport train is a popular choice for travellers, with four transfers allowed within a 3-hour time frame when tapping on and off with a Breeze Card or Ticket. The system provides excellent connectivity not only to the airport but also to major hotels, sites, attractions, and other transit hubs throughout the city. The MARTA train network is well-integrated, with the Five Points Station serving as the central hub and intersecting all four subway lines: Blue, Green, Gold, and Red. This comprehensive network ensures that travellers can efficiently navigate Atlanta and reach their desired destinations with ease.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the subway system at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is automated. It is called The Plane Train and it connects all the airport's terminals and concourses.
The Plane Train was built by the Westinghouse Electric Corporation and opened in 1980.
The system has eight stations: one at each of Concourses A, B, C, D, E and F (International Terminal), and two in the Domestic Terminal.
Yes, there is a Subway restaurant at 11700 Spine Road, Atlanta, GA.
One-way trips on the MARTA subway cost $2.50 with a Breeze Card, which can be purchased from a vending machine in any station.
