There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Atlanta into a quick city adventure. From FTY, the Rideshare/Taxi can get you into town in around 50 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
A few things to sort out before you leave FTY:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for United States. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Atlanta takes about 50 minutes by Rideshare/Taxi. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rideshare/Taxi | ~50 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~70 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Rideshare/Taxi is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Storing Your Luggage at Fulton County Airport Brown Field
Dedicated luggage storage at FTY may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Atlanta’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Quick budget math for your Atlanta layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$8 |
| Meal | ~$15 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$33 |
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Exploring Atlanta on a Layover
If you head into Atlanta, here are two things worth checking out:
Centennial Olympic Park is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Nice green space that’s easy to enjoy without a tight schedule.
World of Coca-Cola is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Atlanta.
If you’d rather stay inside FTY — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Signature Flight Support FTY Lounge
- FTY Aircraft Observation
Where to Grab a Meal
- In the city: The Varsity Downtown and Paschal’s Restaurant are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Atlanta.
- At the airport: Signature Flight Support FTY Refreshments and Atlanta Executive Jet Centre Lounge Refreshments will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and FTY is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Atlanta and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Sleep & Lounge Options at FTY
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at FTY, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Atlanta with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Atlanta may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.