Atlanta's transit system is one of the easiest rail systems to use. There are only four main rail lines: red and gold (north/south) and blue and green (east/west). All trains are also labeled with the final stop of the train so commuters can easily idenity routes.  Once you know these basics, follow the steps below.

1. First you must start your trip at a MARTA rail station.  You can walk to a station, drive and park, have someone drop you off or take a bus (almost all bus routes connect to one or more stations).
    
2. If you aren't sure of your nearest station, view this map or see the MARTA Station Street Guide.  Another option is to use Google Transit to type in your start and end address, which will show you your bus and train route.
    
3. Once you get to a rail station, look for a Breeze Card vending machine.  You can use cash or credit card to purchase a train fare.  Riders should always purchase a roundtrip fare unless only a one-way trip is needed. A disposable Breeze ticket is best if you don't ride MARTA often, or get a plastic Breeze Card that is reloadable if you plan to ride in the future. Children under 46" ride free (limit two children per paying adult). See MARTA's fare table for more information.
4. Tap your ticket or card on the blue circle to the right of a fare gate to enter. It will beep and open.  Be sure not to tap a second time or you might lose a fare.  There is one extra wide gate available at every station, which can be used by families with children under 46" and people in wheelchairs, with bikes or with luggage.
    
5. Signs are located in all stations that provide direction to the train platforms.  Platforms are labeled as Northbound, Southbound, Eastbound or Westbound, based on the direction of train travel.  Look at a MARTA map ahead of time to know your direction, or look for a rail map in the station.  Common directions are:
   Airport - South
   North Springs/Doraville - North
   Decatur, Indian Creek - East 
   Georgia Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena - West
    
6. Board the train when it arrives, paying attention to the destination marked on the train and announcements made by the train operater. Keep in mind that two different trains may share the same tracks.  See MARTA terms to know for tips on identifying trains.
    
7. Trains stop at every station on the line.  If you need to transfer to a different line, you can transfer between all rail lines at Five Points or between the red and gold lines at the Lindbergh Station.
    
8. After exiting the train at your destination, you will need to tap your Breeze card or ticket again for the fare gate to open.  Tapping your card when you exit also puts a free transfer to a bus route on your card.