We all know the best options for getting to and from our home airports. At FLL Airport, using offsite airport parking is one of the most affordable and convenient ways for departing travelers. But, what are your transportation options at your arrival airport? Should you take a taxi? Request an Uber? Or risk the airport public transportation? Public transportation can be intimidating. Here are the airports you should consider using their public transportation and everything you need to know about it.
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport – (ATL)
It may come as a surprise, but the Atlanta Airport public transportation system, MARTA, is one of the easiest to use. The MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) has a dedicated metro station at the Atlanta Airport between the North and South baggage claims in the Domestic Terminal. If you’ve arrived in the International Terminal there is a free 24/7 shuttle that will take you just outside of the MARTA station. The wait for the train is usually no more than 10 minutes. The ride to downtown takes about 20 minutes and it’s around 25 minutes to get to Midtown. There are also several other stops along the way.
What You Need to Know: The MARTA runs 24 hours a day. A one-way ride costs $2.50. You can purchase a single ride ticket from the MARTA RideStore during business hours. At the station, travelers can purchase a Breeze Card for $2.00 at the vending kiosk. These are reloadable and a great option for travelers that frequently fly into Atlanta Airport. You can also purchase a non-reloadable paper ticket for $1.00 at the same kiosk. The airport is the last stop so you won’t have to worry about finding luggage space on your way out. If you are packing heavily you may want to consider an alternate method when returning to the airport, as ground luggage space is limited.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has a dedicated airport public transportation line that connects travelers to City Center. You will be able to find a station at each terminal and with only one stop between you and Downtown Philadelphia your ride clocks in at approximately 25 minutes. The SEPTA also runs three bus routes (37. 108. 115) from PHL Airport that you can find outside the baggage claim area in Zone 1.
What You Need to Know: The line runs daily from 5:00 am through midnight. The trains depart every 30 minutes. That may seem like a long wait, but we’ve seen the taxi line during a rush. A Quick Trip fare can be purchased for the train at kiosks located on each platform for $6.75. You can also purchase a ticket while onboard with cash for $8.00. A single-ride bus fare will cost $2.50. While the train offers luggage compartments and overhead storage, keep in mind that the buses do not offer storage for bulky luggage.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
MSP flyers are some of the luckiest when it comes to airport public transportation. They offer a Light Rail Transit (LRT) option as well as a bus service, depending on your final destination. You can board the Metro Blue Line LRT from both terminals. A ride to the Mall of America takes just 12 minutes and to downtown Minneapolis is only about 28 minutes. For travelers headed to St. Paul, the bus service on Route 54 runs daily and departs every 15 minutes.
What You Need to Know: The LRT runs from 4:20am to 2:15am each day. During peak times, the train departs every 10 minutes. Off peak times will see the train depart every 15 minutes. LRT tickets and bus fares on Route 54 both cost $2.00 during off peak times and $2.50 during peak hours. Peak hours are Monday through Friday (except for holidays) 6am to 9am and 3pm to 6:30pm. Tickets can be purchased from a kiosk at the station or through their Metro Transit mobile app. Children 5 and under (limit of 3) ride free with a fare-paying customer.
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