A long layover in Marietta is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Dobbins Air Reserve Base for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 40 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at MGE:
First, verify that you can enter United States — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the local transport takes about 40 minutes into Marietta, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — USD is the currency here. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
What to See and Do in Marietta
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Marietta, two standouts are:
- Marietta Square — It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Marietta.
- Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park — Great for a short stroll — bring a coffee and take it easy.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside MGE, you can spend time at Cobb Parkway Retail or try Starbucks (Cobb Pkwy). Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Grab a Meal
For food in Marietta, local travelers recommend Glover Park Brewery. If you have time for a second stop, Stock & Frame is another popular pick.
Back at MGE, Waffle House (Cobb Pkwy) is the go-to. LongHorn Steakhouse (Cobb Pkwy) rounds out your in-terminal options.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
You have two main options for getting from Dobbins Air Reserve Base into town:
- local transport: About 40 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 60 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Marietta, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Marietta.
What to Do With Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at MGE aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Marietta itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at MGE, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Marietta itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United States that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Taking a Break at MGE
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at MGE.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Marietta with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Marietta 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.