Atlanta Airport Terminals: How Many Are There and How Do They Work?

If you’re flying in or out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), it’s natural to wonder: how many terminals does Atlanta airport have, and how are they set up?

The quick answer:
Atlanta’s airport has two main terminals — the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal — connected to seven concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, and F).

Understanding how these pieces fit together can save you time, stress, and unnecessary walking, whether you live in metro Atlanta or are just passing through.

How Many Terminals Does Atlanta Airport Have?

Atlanta Airport has:

• 1 Domestic Terminal (on the west side of the airport)
• 1 International Terminal (on the east side of the airport)

These two terminals are the main entry and exit points for passengers. Between them, they serve all airlines and all flights, using a system of concourses that branch out like a spine.

Domestic vs. International Terminal at ATL

Domestic Terminal (West side)

• Handles most flights within the United States
• Has two sides:
  • North Terminal – serves many non-Delta airlines
  • South Terminal – primarily Delta Air Lines check-in
• Connected directly to Concourse T and to Concourses A–D via the Plane Train and walkways

International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal, East side)

• Handles most international departures and arrivals
• Directly connected to Concourse F (the main international concourse)
• Also connects to Concourse E and the rest of the concourse system via the Plane Train and walkways

Even though there are only two terminals, the concourses are where most boarding gates are located.

Understanding Atlanta Airport’s Concourses

Once you pass security in either terminal, you’ll access your gate through one of the concourses.

List of ATL Concourses

ATL has seven concourses, labeled:

• Concourse T – closest to the Domestic Terminal
• Concourse A
• Concourse B
• Concourse C
• Concourse D
• Concourse E – often used for international flights
• Concourse F – connected directly to the International Terminal

All of these concourses are connected underground by:

• The Plane Train (automated people mover)
• Pedestrian tunnels with moving walkways

You can move between concourses without leaving security, which is important if you’re connecting through Atlanta.

Quick Reference: Terminals and Concourses at ATL

Here’s a simple overview to keep things straight:

Getting Around: Plane Train, Walking, and Signs

Navigating ATL is easier if you know how the terminals and concourses connect.

The Plane Train 🚈

• An underground tram that runs between:
  • Domestic Terminal (T)
  • Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, and F
  • International Terminal (via Concourse F station)
• Trains run frequently and the ride between stops is usually 1–2 minutes.
• Ideal if:
  • You have a tight connection
  • You’re traveling with kids, luggage, or mobility limitations

Walking Between Concourses

• Beneath the concourses is a pedestrian walkway with moving sidewalks and art displays.
• Many Atlanta travelers like walking between:
  • T and A
  • A and B
• Walking can sometimes be faster than waiting for a crowded train, especially during peak times.

Following the Signs

Inside ATL, look for:

• “Domestic Terminal” or “International Terminal” direction signs
• Concourse labels (T, A, B, C, D, E, F) overhead
• Gate numbers to help you zero in on your boarding area

If you live in Atlanta and fly often, getting familiar with these signs can make your trips feel much smoother.

Which Terminal Should You Use in Atlanta?

The terminal you use usually depends on:

1. Where your flight is going (domestic vs. international)
2. Which airline you’re flying
3. Where you’re starting your trip (Atlanta resident vs. connecting passenger)

If You’re Starting Your Trip in Atlanta

For most domestic flights:

• You’ll go to the Domestic Terminal:
  • Check which side (North or South) based on your airline.
  • Many Atlanta residents flying within the U.S. never need to visit the International Terminal at all.

For most international flights:

• You’ll usually go to the International Terminal (Concourse F) to:
  • Check in
  • Drop baggage
  • Clear security

Some international flights may also use Concourse E, but you still typically start at the International Terminal if you’re departing Atlanta.

If You’re Connecting Through Atlanta

If your plane lands at ATL and you’re catching a second flight:

• You’ll usually stay inside security.
• Follow signs to your next concourse (as listed on your boarding pass or the monitors).
• The Plane Train is often the fastest way between gates.

You do not need to visit the main terminal building between flights unless:

• You are collecting baggage and ending your trip in Atlanta
• You need to exit the airport for any reason

Parking and Ground Transportation by Terminal

If you’re driving to the Atlanta airport from anywhere in the metro area, knowing which terminal you need will help you pick the right parking or drop-off area.

Domestic Terminal Access

Address (general area):
6000 North Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320

Common options include:

• Domestic Terminal North Parking – closer to North check-in
• Domestic Terminal South Parking – closer to Delta check-in
• Hourly and daily parking decks near each side
• Rideshare pick-up and drop-off zones clearly marked

International Terminal Access

Address (general area):
2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354

Key points:

• Separate entrance from the east side of the airport
• Has its own parking deck and curbside drop-off
• Useful if you’re picking up or dropping off travelers on international flights

If you’re an Atlanta resident picking someone up from overseas, make sure you go to the International Terminal, not the Domestic side. This is a common local mix-up.

MARTA and Public Transit to the Terminals

For many people in the city of Atlanta, MARTA is the easiest way to reach the airport.

• The Airport Station is located inside the Domestic Terminal, near the baggage claim area.
• From MARTA’s Airport Station, you can:
  • Walk directly into the Domestic Terminal
  • Take the Plane Train to other concourses
  • Use the airport’s International Terminal shuttle if your flight uses that terminal

If you’re flying internationally and starting your trip in Atlanta, some travelers prefer:

1. Taking MARTA to the Domestic Terminal
2. Then using the free airport shuttle from the Domestic side to the International Terminal

Baggage Claim: Where to Go After You Land

Where you pick up your bags depends on:

• Whether your flight is domestic or international
• Where your flight arrives (Domestic vs. International side)

For Domestic Arrivals

• You’ll usually arrive at Concourses T–D and then:
  • Take the Plane Train or walkway back to the Domestic Terminal
  • Follow signs to Baggage Claim (North or South, depending on your airline)

For International Arrivals

• Many international flights arrive at Concourse E or F.
• You’ll:
  • Go through passport control and customs
  • Claim your bags in the international arrivals area
• If Atlanta is your final destination, you exit through the International Terminal.
• If you’re connecting onward domestically, you’ll follow airport instructions for re-checking bags and going to your next gate.

Key Tips for Using Atlanta Airport’s Terminals

To make your time at ATL smoother, especially if you’re an Atlanta-based traveler who uses this airport often, keep these points in mind:

• Know your terminal before you leave home.
  Check your airline’s confirmation or app to see if you’re using the Domestic or International Terminal.

• Leave extra time for traffic.
  Atlanta interstates and airport approaches can back up, especially around rush hour.

• Use the Plane Train for tight connections.
  It’s usually the fastest way between concourses.

• Remember: Two terminals, one system.
  Even though there are only two terminals, they connect you to seven concourses, all inside one integrated airport.

• Ask for help if you’re unsure.
  ATL has information desks and airport staff throughout both terminals and concourses.

Understanding that Atlanta Airport has two main terminals and seven concourses makes the whole layout easier to navigate. Whether you’re an Atlanta local catching a quick flight to another U.S. city or a visitor arriving from overseas, knowing how the Domestic and International Terminals fit together will help you move through the airport with confidence.