Current ticket prices at the Georgia Aquarium

General admission to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta costs $39.95 for adults and $34.95 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 enter without charge. These are the standard walk-up prices at the ticket window or online, though the aquarium occasionally runs promotions that lower the cost for a day or two.

The aquarium also sells multi-day passes and annual memberships. A two-day pass costs $59.95 per adult and $54.95 per child, which breaks down to about $30 per person per day. Annual membership starts at $149.95 for a single adult and goes up depending on how many people you want to include and what benefits matter to you.

Prices can shift without notice, so check the Georgia Aquarium website directly before you visit. The aquarium is located at 225 Baker Street Northwest in downtown Atlanta, and it is open most days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by season.

Key Takeaways

  • Adult general admission is $39.95 and child admission (ages 3–12) is $34.95 at the ticket window or online.
  • A two-day pass costs $59.95 per adult and $54.95 per child, which works out cheaper per day than buying single-day tickets.
  • Annual memberships start at $149.95 for one adult and include perks like free parking and discounts on food and gifts.
  • The aquarium runs occasional promotions that reduce ticket prices, so checking the website before your visit can save money.
  • Parking at the Georgia Aquarium costs $15 for a standard car, though members park without charge.

What's included in your ticket

Your admission covers access to all the main galleries and exhibits, including the Beluga whales, whale sharks, manta rays, and sea otters. You can spend as much time as you want in each area—there's no time limit on your visit. Most people spend three to four hours walking through the galleries at a comfortable pace, though you can move faster or slower depending on your interest.

The ticket does not cover special experiences like the dolphin encounter, sea lion show, or behind-the-scenes tours. Those cost extra and must be booked separately. Food and beverages are also separate—the aquarium has a café and snack stands inside, and prices run higher than outside restaurants.

Parking and transportation costs

Parking at the Georgia Aquarium lot costs $15 for a standard passenger vehicle. The lot is on-site and convenient, but it fills up on busy days, especially weekends and school holidays. If you arrive early in the morning, parking is easier to find.

If you prefer not to drive, the aquarium is accessible by MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), Atlanta's public transit system. A round-trip MARTA fare from most parts of the city costs $5 to $10 depending on where you start. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft also serve the location, though costs vary by time of day and demand.

Annual membership versus single-day tickets

An annual membership makes sense if you plan to visit more than four times in a year. A single adult membership costs $149.95, which equals the cost of about 3.75 single-day tickets. If you visit four times, you break even; a fifth visit is essentially free. Members also get free parking ($15 saved per visit), discounts on food, and the ability to bring a guest at a reduced rate.

Family memberships cost more but cover multiple people. A household membership (up to four people) runs $299.95, which works out to about $75 per person per year. If all four people visit just twice, the membership pays for itself compared to buying single-day tickets.

The aquarium also offers reciprocal membership benefits with other zoos and aquariums across the country, so if you travel and visit similar attractions, membership can save money in multiple places.

Special experiences and add-on costs

Beyond general admission, the Georgia Aquarium offers paid experiences. The Beluga encounter lets you interact with beluga whales in a shallow pool and costs around $200 to $250 per person. The sea lion show is included with admission, but reserved seating costs extra. Behind-the-scenes tours run $50 to $100 depending on which area you explore.

These add-ons are optional—you do not need them to have a full day at the aquarium. Most visitors skip them and spend their time in the main galleries, which offer plenty to see without extra charges.

Ways to reduce your ticket cost

The Georgia Aquarium runs seasonal promotions, particularly in the fall and winter months when attendance drops. Sign up for their email list or follow their social media to catch discounts before they end. Some promotions offer $5 to $10 off per ticket or discounted multi-day passes.

If you are a member of certain organizations—military, AAA, or specific employers—you may receive a discount. Ask at the ticket window or check the aquarium website for current partnerships. Some Atlanta hotels also include aquarium discounts with room bookings, so if you are visiting from out of town, ask your hotel about package deals.

Buying tickets online in advance is sometimes cheaper than buying at the gate, though the savings are usually small. The main advantage of online purchase is skipping the ticket line on busy days.

Planning your visit around crowds and seasons

The Georgia Aquarium is busiest on weekends, school holidays, and summer vacation. If you visit on a weekday during the school year, you will encounter fewer crowds and shorter lines. Visiting on a rainy day also tends to be less crowded than sunny days, even though the weather outside does not affect your experience inside.

Ticket prices do not change based on the day or season—you pay the same amount whether you visit in July or January. However, the experience changes: summer means more school groups and families, while winter offers a more relaxed pace. If you dislike crowds, plan your visit for a Tuesday or Wednesday in the fall or winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do children under 3 really enter without paying?

Yes. Children under 3 do not need a ticket. You just bring them in with your group. This applies whether you buy tickets online or at the gate.

Can I buy a ticket at the gate, or do I have to buy online?

You can buy at either place. Buying online sometimes saves a few dollars and lets you skip the ticket line, but both options are available. If you buy online, you still need to show your confirmation at the entrance.

What if I want to visit multiple times—is membership really worth it?

If you visit four or more times in a year, membership saves money. A single adult membership ($149.95) costs less than four single-day tickets ($159.80). Members also get free parking and food discounts, which add up over time.

Are there discounts for military, students, or seniors?

The aquarium offers discounts for active military and AAA members, though the discount amount varies. Ask at the ticket window or check the website for current rates. Senior discounts are not standard, but some promotions include them during specific periods.

What if I buy a ticket but can't go on the day I planned?

Most tickets are valid for a specific date, but the aquarium allows you to change your date if you contact them in advance. Check the ticket terms when you purchase to see what flexibility you have.