What You’ll Spend on Transit in Roswell

For residents and newcomers alike, understanding public transportation costs in Roswell is key to budgeting for local life. In this midsize Georgia city, a standard one-way bus fare runs about $2.50, with a 30-day pass typically costing around $95. Seniors, students, and lower-income riders often qualify for reduced fares of up to 50% off.

While Roswell lacks an extensive rail system, its network of bus routes provides service across much of the northern Atlanta suburbs. For car-free households or those looking to trim transportation costs, public transit can be an economical alternative to driving—if you live and work along major routes.

To help you navigate the system and anticipate your expenses, we’ve broken down the typical costs of riding public transportation in Roswell. Plus, get our take on whether going car-free makes financial sense in this commuter-heavy suburb.

Transit Options Available

The primary public transportation provider in Roswell is the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). MARTA operates a network of bus routes that connect Roswell to downtown Atlanta and surrounding cities like Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, and Marietta.

Key transit options in Roswell include:

• MARTA local buses (Routes 85, 87, 140, 142, 185)
• MARTA express buses to Atlanta (Route 185)
• CobbLinc regional buses to Marietta (Routes 10, 45)

MARTA buses run daily, with most routes operating from around 5:00 AM to midnight on weekdays and slightly reduced hours on weekends. Frequencies vary by route and time of day, but most buses arrive every 15-30 minutes during peak commuting times.

Monthly Cost Breakdown

Your monthly public transportation costs in Roswell will depend on how often you ride and which fare option you choose. Here’s a quick comparison for common commuting scenarios:

Rider Profile	Fare Type	Monthly Cost
5-day weekly commuter	30-day pass	$95
Weekend-only rider	Round-trip fare x 8 trips	$40
Heavy daily user	30-day pass	$95

🏆 Winner: For most Roswell commuters, a 30-day MARTA pass offers the best value. At $95 for unlimited rides, the pass breaks even after about 19 round trips—making it a smart choice for anyone riding more than 2-3 times per week.

Is Public Transit Worth It in Roswell?

Choosing transit over driving can mean significant savings, especially when you factor in the high costs of gas, parking, and car ownership in Roswell’s spread-out suburbs. The average annual cost of vehicle ownership in Georgia is over $5,000, while a year of MARTA passes runs just $1,140.

However, relying solely on public transportation in Roswell does have trade-offs. The average bus commute in Roswell clocks in around 45 minutes, compared to a 25-30 minute drive. And with buses running only every 15-30 minutes, transit riders have less flexibility than drivers.

Ultimately, whether going car-free makes sense for you depends on your commute, budget, and lifestyle. If you live and work along a well-served bus route, riding transit can free up cash for other goals. But in Roswell’s more far-flung neighborhoods, the added time and hassle may not be worth the savings.

Ways to Save on Transit

Even if riding transit full-time isn’t practical, Roswell commuters can still save by replacing a few driving trips with bus rides. MARTA offers several discounts that can lower your per-trip costs:

• Seniors 65+ ride for half price
• Students at participating colleges get unlimited rides with a U-Pass
• Lower-income riders qualify for MARTA’s Reduced Fare Program
• Some employers offer discounted or pre-tax MARTA passes

By planning ahead and taking advantage of available discounts, you can keep your transit costs low while still enjoying the convenience of driving when needed. Even replacing one weekly round trip with bus rides can add up to hundreds in savings over the course of a year.

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to get around Roswell?
In general, riding the bus is the most affordable way to get around Roswell. MARTA bus fares start at $2.50 per ride, with even lower costs available through discounts and monthly passes.

Are there monthly transit passes in Roswell?
Yes, MARTA offers a 30-day unlimited ride pass for $95. Reduced fare passes are available for seniors, students, and lower-income riders.

Is public transit reliable for work commutes?

MARTA prides itself on reliability, but buses can be delayed by traffic just like cars. Still, with some planning, taking transit is a viable option for many Roswell commuters. Just be sure to check schedules and allow extra time to ensure you arrive on time.

Getting Around Smarter in Roswell

As Roswell grows, so do the options for getting around without a car. By understanding the costs and trade-offs of public transportation, residents can make informed choices about how to balance their budgets and commutes.

While going completely car-free in Roswell’s suburbs may be a stretch for some, even replacing a few driving trips with transit can mean more cash for your other financial goals. Explore our guide to typical monthly budget examples for Roswell residents to see how transportation fits into the bigger picture of living comfortably in this vibrant Atlanta suburb.