Stone mountain day trip

Question

Hi. We are in Atlanta for 2 days and want to spend one of them doing a day trip to stone mountain. We won't have a car and don't want to pay for an expensive day trip that is just about photo ops. Is there a way to get out there on public transport or another cost effective means that won't take too long?

Thanks

Answer

Stone Mountain is a great day trip from Atlanta, and it’s definitely doable without a car! The mountain offers more than just photo ops, with a variety of activities, including hiking, the Skyride, and attractions for kids, so it can be a fun day for the whole family. Here’s how you can get there from Atlanta without breaking the bank.

While there aren’t many direct public transportation options to Stone Mountain, there are a few cost-effective ways to get there using MARTA (the metro system) and other local options.

MARTA + Bus: One of the most affordable ways to reach Stone Mountain is by using MARTA and then taking a MARTA bus to the park. Here’s the plan:
- Take the MARTA Blue Line (East-West line) to the Indian Creek station, which is the easternmost station on the Blue Line.
- From Indian Creek station, you can catch the Stone Mountain Park Shuttle or a MARTA bus (Route 120) that goes directly to the park. The bus stop is near the station.
The bus ride to Stone Mountain from Indian Creek takes about 20 minutes. This option will cost you the regular MARTA fare ($2.50 for a one-way trip on the MARTA train) plus the cost of the bus ride ($2.50 for the bus).
Ridesharing (Uber/Lyft): If you prefer a quicker and more direct route, using ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft is another option. From the MARTA Indian Creek station, it’s about a 10-minute ride to the park. Depending on the time of day and demand, this can be a relatively inexpensive way to get there. However, prices may vary, so it’s good to check the app before deciding.
Shuttle Services or Tours: If you’re willing to spend a little more, there are private shuttles or tours that offer day trips from downtown Atlanta to Stone Mountain. While this may be more expensive than public transport, it could offer convenience, especially if you want a guided tour or don’t want to deal with any transfers. Some local hotels also offer shuttle services to Stone Mountain, so it’s worth checking with your accommodation for options.

If you’re not interested in paying for an organized tour and want to keep things affordable, the MARTA + bus option is probably your best bet. The whole journey should take you a little over an hour one-way, depending on waiting times and transfers.

Once you’re at Stone Mountain, there are plenty of activities to enjoy beyond just taking pictures. You can take the scenic Skyride to the top of the mountain for stunning views of the Atlanta skyline, or if you enjoy hiking, you can explore the many trails in the park. The park is also home to a variety of historical monuments and attractions for families, so you’ll have plenty to do without needing a car.

Hope this helps, and enjoy your day trip to Stone Mountain!