Top 10 Tips for Traveling Downtown Atlanta

Top 10 Tips for Traveling Downtown Atlanta During Major Events – Lessons from Messi’s Visit to the ATL 

A large stadium filled with people watching a football game. EVENTS.LIMO

Lionel Messi’s visit to Atlanta last night was unforgettable, but for many, the biggest challenge was navigating downtown amid the excitement. 


Traffic jams, crowded parking lots, and surge pricing on rideshares created a stressful situation for many attendees. 


Whether it’s another major event, an Atlanta United match, or a sold-out concert, knowing how to get around downtown Atlanta can make all the difference. 


Lionel Messi's was in Atlanta 😯

An aerial view of a Atlanta Ga. traffic at night with a lot of traffic. EVENTS>LIMO

Top 10 Tips for Traveling Downtown Atlanta

This guide is all about making your experience unforgettable, whether you choose luxury travel with EVENTS.LIMO, drive or take advantage of easy public transportation. These top tips will ensure you're ready for any big downtown event!

1. Expect Traffic and Plan Extra Time

As seen last night, Atlanta’s roads can get overwhelmed during major events. According to the AJC, traffic on I-75 and I-85 was backed up for miles, and surface streets near Mercedes-Benz Stadium were heavily congested.


  • Plan ahead: Always build in extra travel time—at least 30-60 minutes—for large events. 


  • Use real-time traffic apps: Google Maps or Waze can help navigate traffic and find alternative routes. 


  • Know your event: Check official websites or social media for potential street closures or delays related to the event. 

2. Uber and Lyft: Convenient but Pricey

Last night, many fans experienced significant surge pricing on Uber and Lyft. While these services can be convenient, they’re often subject to long wait times and high costs after large events. 


  • Check fares before booking: Be sure to check surge pricing estimates on your app before confirming a ride.


  • Alternatives: Services like Alto (where available) offer a more consistent pricing model and a higher-quality ride. 


  • Split the fare: If you’re with friends, sharing the cost of an UberXL or Lyft XL can make the trip more affordable. 

For those who prefer to skip the unpredictability of rideshare, EVENTS.LIMO offers a premium alternative with luxury SUVs or Sprinters. With guaranteed pick-up and no surprise fees, our professional chauffeurs ensure a seamless experience from start to finish. 

A man and a woman are standing on a street looking waiting on ride share company. EVENTS.LIMO

3. Know the Pro Routes to Avoid Traffic 

Experienced drivers know that the usual downtown routes are packed during big events. Streets like Northside Drive and Marietta Street often see gridlock, but the pros know the shortcuts. 


  • Use back roads: Try alternative streets such as Mitchell Street or West Peachtree Place to bypass heavy traffic. 



  • Book professional transportation: With EVENTS.LIMO, our drivers have inside knowledge of the city’s traffic patterns, ensuring you take the quickest route possible without stress.

4. Avoid the Parking Headache New Title

Parking near Mercedes-Benz Stadium was a challenge last night, with many lots filling up hours before the game and prices skyrocketing. To avoid the headache, it’s crucial to plan ahead. 



  • Consider off-site lots: Park farther from the stadium and use a shuttle or walk to avoid the most crowded areas. 


  • Premium drop-off service: Want to skip parking altogether? With EVENTS.LIMO, you’ll be dropped off at the stadium entrance and picked up after the event, so you never have to worry about finding a spot. 
Atlanta Ga. MARTA train is sitting at a subway station. EVENTS.LIMO

5. MARTA: A Smart, Budget-Friendly Option 

Many fans used MARTA last night, taking advantage of the train system to bypass traffic and parking fees. MARTA is a cost-effective option, but it can get crowded during major events. 


  • Park and ride: Stations like North Springs and Dunwoody offer parking facilities, so you can leave your car and take the train into downtown. 


  • Get a Breeze Card: Buy a Breeze Card in advance to avoid waiting in line for tickets. 


  • Check schedules: The MARTA On the Go App provides real-time updates on train schedules, ensuring you don’t miss your ride. 

If you prefer a quieter, more private ride, EVENTS.LIMO offers luxury SUVs and Sprinters that take the hassle out of public transit. You can relax in a spacious, comfortable vehicle while your professional chauffeur navigates the city. 

6. Value Your Time and Experience 

What we learned last night is that time is a precious commodity on event days. Whether it’s navigating traffic, waiting for a rideshare, or hunting for parking, the more time you save, the better your experience. 


  • Arrive early: Plan to get downtown at least 2 hours before the event. This gives you time to enjoy pre-game activities or a relaxing meal. 


  • Use time-saving apps: SpotAngels can help you find nearby parking, and OpenTable makes it easy to reserve a restaurant for before or after the game. 


  • Choose convenience over cost: While budget options are available, it’s often worth spending a bit more to ensure a seamless, stress-free experience. 

Booking with EVENTS.LIMO gives you the peace of mind that your ride is waiting for you—whether you want to grab dinner after the game or stay for post-event festivities. Your chauffeur will be ready when you are, without the rush or hassle of a rideshare app. 

7. Group Travel: It’s More Fun Together 

Traveling with a group? Whether you’re going with friends or bringing out-of-town guests, group travel can make your experience more fun and cost-effective. 


  • Carpool with friends: Share the ride and split the costs of parking and gas. 


  • Group rideshares: Use UberXL or Lyft XL for larger groups to travel together at a shared cost. 


  • Luxury for groups: EVENTS.LIMO offers spacious Sprinters and Chartered Buses perfect for group travel. Whether it's a luxury van for a smaller party or a bus for a large group, you can travel in comfort and style with plenty of room for everyone.
A group of women are sitting in a limousine.
A group of women are sitting in a party bus from EVENTS.LIMO.

8. Avoid the Post-Game Rush

Leaving the stadium after a big event can be chaotic. Last night, traffic backed up for miles as fans left Mercedes-Benz Stadium all at once. Rideshares were in short supply, and surge pricing kicked in again. 


  • Wait out the rush: Grab a post-game drink or meal at a nearby restaurant and wait for traffic to die down. 


  • Schedule rides ahead of time: Pre-arrange a pick-up time with your rideshare or professional driver. 


  • Know the exits: Familiarize yourself with alternative exits from the stadium to avoid the worst traffic bottlenecks.

EVENTS.LIMO offers the added benefit of having your chauffeur waiting in a luxury SUV, Sprinter, or Chartered Bus. There’s no need to fight for a ride or wait for a driver—you can relax and enjoy the post-game atmosphere without worrying about how you’ll get home. 

9. Have a Backup Plan 

  • Monitor real-time updates: Follow @WSBTV on Twitter for updates on traffic and closures. 


  • Be flexible: If your original plan falls through, be ready to adapt. Consider alternatives like MARTA or walking to a nearby pick-up point. 


  • Stay patient: With large crowds and heavy traffic, a little patience goes a long way. 

10. Make the Most of Your Experience 

At the end of the day, it’s all about enjoying the event. Whether it’s Messi on the field or your favorite artist in concert, the key is to ensure that logistics don’t get in the way of the experience. 


  • Arrive early, stay late: Give yourself time to enjoy the full experience, from pre-event festivities to the post-game atmosphere. 


  • Relax and have fun: Don’t let the details stress you out. Plan ahead, use helpful apps, and choose transportation that makes your day easier. 


  • Capture the memories: Take plenty of photos and make the most of your time downtown. 

With EVENTS.LIMO, you can focus on enjoying the event, knowing that your transportation is taken care of. From pick-up to drop-off in a luxury SUV, Sprinter, or Chartered Bus, our service ensures that your day is smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable. 

A group of people are toasting with champagne glasses riding in style with EVENTS.LIMO

Why Choose EVENTS.LIMO for Your Next Big Event? 

Messi’s visit to Atlanta gave us a clear picture of how chaotic transportation can get during major events. Whether you’re heading to a game, concert, or festival, planning your transportation is key to making the experience memorable for the right reasons. 


While options like Uber, Lyft, and MARTA work for many, EVENTS.LIMO offers the ultimate solution for those who want a first-class experience.


Whether you need a luxury SUV, a Sprinter, for group travel, or a Chartered Bus for larger parties, our professional chauffeurs provide a seamless, luxury journey from pick-up to drop-off.


No surge pricing, no waiting for a ride—just premium service designed to make your event day stress-free and enjoyable. 


For the next big event downtown, book with EVENTS.LIMO and experience transportation at its finest. 

Useful Apps and Resources: 

  • Google Maps and Waze: For real-time traffic updates and alternate routes. 


  • ParkMobile and SpotHero: Reserve parking ahead of time. 


  • MARTA On the Go: Check train schedules and station updates. 


  • Uber and Lyft: Convenient rideshare options (but watch out for surge pricing). 


  • SpotAngels: Find parking deals and available spaces near your venue. 


  • OpenTable: To wait out traffic. Make restaurant reservations before or after the event.


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