Accessible Atlanta

Wheelchair Accessible Travel Guide: Atlanta, Georgia

Posted on by Chillie Falls

Written by Chillie Falls, AccessAdventure.net, August 12, 2025

Atlanta blends Southern charm, deep history, and a thriving modern culture — and the good news is, many of its attractions are designed with accessibility in mind. From world-class museums to scenic trails, the city offers plenty of adventures for wheelchair users.

Getting Around Atlanta

  • Accessible MARTA Transit: All MARTA rail stations have elevators, wide fare gates, and level boarding platforms. MARTA buses have wheelchair lifts or ramps. MARTA Subway System
  • The MARTA is a fully accessible subway system with four lines and 38 total stations within the city of Atlanta. With an annual ridership of more than 80 million, the system adequately serves the city’s people and visitors alike.
  • Trains are easily accessible from station platforms; both powered and manual wheelchair users are able to easily roll on and off the trains. Elevators are available at all stations in the network. Each train car has a designated area for wheelchair users.
  • Accessible Rideshare: Uber WAV and wheelchair-friendly taxis are available but should be booked in advance for convenience. Looking for an Atlanta wheelchair taxi? ADA compliant wheelchair taxi vans with either rear or side-entry wheelchair ramps are available within Atlanta and are charged at the same meter rates as a normal taxi. The city is slowly taking steps to increase the availability of wheelchair accessible cabs, but the existing fleet size is extremely small and unable to satisfy demand. Wheelchair taxis should be ordered hours in advance. Accessible taxis are unlikely to be available on demand. The contact information for the accessible taxi/transportation company in Atlanta is below:
  • Atlanta Checker Cab
  • (404) 351-1111
  • www.atlantacheckercab.com
  • Parking: Many attractions have designated accessible parking spaces near entrances.

Atlanta Sidewalk Accessibility

Atlanta’s sidewalks are well kept in most areas of the city. The smoothest sidewalks in the best condition are located in the Midtown district and in the areas surrounding Centennial Olympic Park. Due to the damaging effects of winter ice and snow, certain sidewalk areas may have large cracks or an uneven surface. Certain sidewalks may have large potholes and broken areas. Sidewalks are passable for users of all wheelchair or scooter types.

Some parts of the city are elevated, which may cause some difficulty for users of manual wheelchairs. Streets and sidewalks in the city, including within the downtown districts,can rise sharply, making for a steep grade. In these instances, wheelchair users may wish to take the city bus at times in order to prevent fatigue or save wheelchair battery power.

Accessible Things to Do in Atlanta

1. Georgia Aquarium

  • Why Visit: One of the world’s largest aquariums, home to whale sharks, manta rays, and more.
  • Accessibility: Elevators to all levels, wide pathways, companion seating in theaters, and wheelchair rentals available.
  • Tip: Book tickets online to skip lines.

2. Centennial Olympic Park

  • Why Visit: A 22-acre green space built for the 1996 Olympics, with fountains, sculptures, and skyline views.
  • Accessibility: Smooth, wide pathways, ramp access, and plenty of shaded seating.
  • Tip: The Fountain of Rings is accessible for rolling right up to the water displays.

3. National Center for Civil and Human Rights

  • Why Visit: A moving museum connecting civil rights history with today’s global human rights struggles.
  • Accessibility: Elevators, accessible restrooms, and audio/visual exhibits designed for multiple abilities.
  • Tip: Take your time in the Martin Luther King Jr. collection gallery — the seating is accessible and plentiful.

4. Atlanta Botanical Garden

  • Why Visit: 30 acres of gardens, seasonal flower displays, and art installations.
  • Accessibility: Step-free entrances, paved and wide paths, ramps to most garden areas, accessible restrooms.
  • Tip: Don’t miss the elevated Canopy Walk — a fully accessible treetop experience.

5. High Museum of Art

  • Why Visit: Atlanta’s premier art museum with works ranging from Renaissance to contemporary.
  • Accessibility: Power-assisted doors, spacious galleries, elevators, and complimentary wheelchairs.
  • Tip: Their free public tours are wheelchair-accessible.

6. Atlanta BeltLine – Eastside Trail

  • Why Visit: Scenic, car-free multi-use path lined with murals, sculptures, and cafés.
  • Accessibility: Smooth concrete surface, gradual slopes, ramps to businesses.
  • Tip: Start at Ponce City Market for accessible dining and shopping.

7. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

  • Why Visit: Learn about Dr. King’s life and legacy at multiple historic sites.
  • Accessibility: Visitor Center, historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and museum areas are wheelchair-accessible. Some older homes may have limited access due to preservation rules.
  • Tip: Call ahead for accessibility details on seasonal tours.

8. College Football Hall of Fame

  • Why Visit: Interactive exhibits for sports fans, including wheelchair-accessible games.
  • Accessibility: Wide aisles, ramps, elevators, and companion seating in all theaters.

9. Zoo Atlanta

  • Why Visit: Home to giant pandas and over 200 species.
  • Accessibility: Paved pathways throughout, accessible restrooms, wheelchair and ECV rentals.
  • Tip: Some hilly sections — power mobility devices recommended.

10. Sweet Auburn Curb Market

  • Why Visit: Indoor market with local food vendors and history dating back to 1924.
  • Accessibility: Step-free entry, wide aisles, and accessible seating at many vendors.

Accessible Hotels in Atlanta

  • Hotel Indigo Downtown – Roll-in showers, wide doorways, and close to MARTA.
  • Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center – Direct access to Centennial Olympic Park and connected to the Georgia World Congress Center.
  • Hyatt Regency Atlanta – Known for excellent accessibility features and service.

Atlanta Airport Accessibility

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) — the world’s busiest airport by passenger traffic, welcoming over 94 million travelers in 2013 — offers full accessibility for passengers with disabilities and wheelchair users.

The airport’s seven terminals (A, B, C, D, E, F, and T) are equipped with ADA-compliant, wheelchair-accessible restrooms. Travelers can move between terminals via accessible walking tunnels or the fully accessible underground Plane Train. Elevators connect the tunnels with the departures level in every terminal.

Because each terminal stretches over a mile in length, walking can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Passengers who cannot walk long distances are encouraged to request wheelchair assistance when traveling through ATL.

More information on accessibility and accommodations for disabled travelers can be found at atlanta-airport.com.

Accessibility Tips for Visiting Atlanta

  • Plan for Hills: Downtown Atlanta is fairly flat, but other neighborhoods can have steep inclines.
  • Book Ahead: Especially for events, accessible seating can sell out quickly.
  • Hydration: Atlanta summers are hot and humid — carry water and take shade breaks.