By Air in Atlanta

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By Air

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, the busiest passenger airport in the world, is served by more than 26 airlines, including AirTran, America West, American, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, Midway, Midwest Express, Northwest, United, and US Airways. Although an underground train and moving walkways help you reach your gate more quickly, budget a little extra time for negotiating the massive facility. Because of the airport's size, security lines can be long, especially during peak travel periods. The airport typically suggests arriving 1 1/2 hours before your flight.

The airport is 13 mi south of downtown. There are large parking facilities, which tend to fill up quickly. Check their current capacity, which is available on the airport's Web site. Locals know that MARTA, the regional subway system, is the fastest and cheapest way to and from the airport, but taxis are available. The fare to downtown is $25 for one person, $26 for two, and $30 for three. From the airport to Buckhead, the fare is $35 for one person, $36 for two, and $39 for three. Buckhead Safety Cab and Checker Cab offer 24-hour service.

Atlanta Airport Superior Shuttle vans run daily every 15 minutes between 6 AM and 11:30 PM to Perimeter Center offices, hotels, and residences. The trip can take 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the traffic. The cost ranges from $27 to $32 one-way. Atlanta Link operates vans every 15 minutes between 6 AM and midnight to downtown, Midtown, and the Buckhead-Lenox area. Vans heading downtown cost $17 for the 20-minute trip. Vans to Midtown cost $19 for the 40-minute trip, and vans to the Buckhead-Lenox area cost $21 for the 45-minute trip.

Airport Metro Shuttle operates shuttles around-the-clock to destinations around the region. Reservation must be made at least 12 hours in advance. Typical fees are $55 for two passengers to Marietta or Roswell.

Airport Contacts

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (6000 N. Terminal Pkwy., Hapeville. 404/530-7300. www.atlanta-airport.com).

Taxis & Shuttles

Atlanta Airport Superior Shuttle (404/766-5312. atlsuperiorshuttle.com). Atlanta Link (404/524-3400. www.theatlantalink.com). Airport Metro Shuttle (404/766-6666. airportmetro.com). Buckhead Safety Cab (404/233-1152). Checker Cab (404/351-1111). MARTA (404/848-5000. www.itsmarta.com).