What Is the MARTA Breeze Card and How Does It Work in 2026

If you're traveling to Atlanta for FIFA World Cup 2026, you'll use MARTA to get around. MARTA's payment system is called Breeze. As of March 28, 2026, MARTA has launched an entirely new Breeze platform with new hardware, a new app, and new faregates. This guide explains exactly how the new system works and what to set up before you arrive.

What Is the Breeze Card?

The Breeze Card is MARTA's tap-to-ride transit card — similar to London's Oyster card, Tokyo's Suica, or New York's OMNY card. You tap it at the faregate, and $2.50 is deducted per ride. One fare covers any journey on any MARTA rail line. No zones, no distance pricing — flat $2.50 anywhere.

The Breeze Card is MARTA's tap-to-ride transit card — like London's Oyster or Tokyo's Suica. Each ride costs $2.50 flat, covering any journey on any line.

On March 28, 2026, MARTA launched a completely new Breeze system. Old machines are no longer operational. Here's what replaced them:

New Breeze app — download before you land, pay from your phone directly at faregates. Available at itsmarta.com/betterbreeze.aspx

Contactless bank cards — Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay, and Google Pay all work directly at new faregates. No card needed.

Physical Breeze Card — available from new touchscreen machines at every station including Airport Station. Cards cost $2 plus loaded fare. Load at least $10 for daily use.

The system is fully cashless. No coins or banknotes accepted.

If you have an old Breeze Card with a remaining balance, transfer it to a new registered account between May 5 and October 30, 2026.

The full ATL Match Mode guide covers the complete Breeze setup, MARTA rail map, line guide, and all station directions.