Flying To Atlanta: How To Choose, Book, and Navigate Your Flight

Whether you live in metro Atlanta and fly often, or you’re planning your first visit, understanding how flights to Atlanta work will save you time, stress, and often money. This guide focuses on Atlanta, Georgia, and what you need to know to get here—and get around—by air.

Atlanta’s Main Airport: What To Expect

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Most air travelers to Atlanta use Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), located just south of downtown.

Basic details:

• Name: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Airport code:ATL
• Location: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Distance to Downtown: About 10–15 miles (roughly 15–30 minutes by car, depending on traffic)

ATL is one of the world’s busiest airports and a major connecting hub, which means:

• Frequent flights from most major U.S. cities and many international destinations
• Lots of nonstop options, especially from within the United States
• Crowds and lines during peak times, so it helps to know the layout and plan ahead

Terminals, Concourses, and How ATL Is Laid Out

Atlanta’s airport can seem huge, but the layout is fairly straightforward.

Domestic vs. International

• Domestic Terminal (North & South):
  Used for most U.S. flights. The South side is primarily associated with Delta; the North side serves several other airlines.
• Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F):
  Used for many international arrivals and departures, and some domestic connections.

Concourses (A–F & T)

Once you pass security, you’ll reach the Airport Plane Train, an underground train that quickly moves you between concourses:

• Concourse T: Closest to Domestic Terminal, mainly domestic flights
• Concourses A–E: Large concourses serving mostly domestic and some international routes
• Concourse F: Primary international concourse (connected to the International Terminal)

You can walk between concourses via underground walkways, but most people use the train.

Major Airlines Serving Atlanta

Because Delta Air Lines has a primary hub at ATL, you’ll see many of their flights, but multiple airlines serve Atlanta, including most major U.S. carriers and international airlines.

Typical options include:

• Delta Air Lines: Extensive network of domestic and international flights
• American, United, Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, JetBlue, and others: Regular domestic service
• International carriers: Vary by season but often include flights from Europe, Latin America, and other regions

For travelers, this means:

• More nonstop choices to and from Atlanta
• Competitive pricing on many routes
• Frequent connections if ATL is your layover city

Finding the Right Flight To Atlanta

1. Decide Which Atlanta-Area Airport You Mean

Most people mean ATL, but there are also smaller nearby airports:

If you’re booking a commercial airline flight, you are almost always looking for ATL. PDK and FTY are mainly for private, charter, and corporate aviation.

2. Domestic Flights To Atlanta

If you’re flying from within the United States:

• Expect nonstop service to ATL from most medium-to-large cities
• Smaller airports may offer connecting flights through ATL or another hub
• Early morning and late evening flights can sometimes be less crowded or more affordable

3. International Flights To Atlanta

Atlanta has direct international flights from multiple continents, though options vary by season and airline. Typical patterns:

• Europe and Latin America: Most common nonstop international routes
• Asia and Africa: Available to some major cities, depending on airline schedules

If you don’t see a nonstop option listed from your home airport, you may find one-stop routes via another hub city in the U.S. or abroad.

When To Arrive at ATL for Your Flight

Because ATL is so busy, arrival timing matters.

General guidance for departure from Atlanta:

• Domestic flights: Plan to be at the airport 2 hours before departure
• International flights: Plan for 3 hours before departure

Allow extra time if:

• You’re checking bags
• You’re traveling during holidays, major events (like large conventions or sporting events), or Monday morning rush times
• You’re unfamiliar with the airport and want a cushion for navigation

Security Screening and TSA at Atlanta

ATL uses standard TSA security screening and may also offer:

• TSA PreCheck lanes for eligible passengers
• Occasional CLEAR lanes (if you’re enrolled in that separate service)

To make security smoother:

• Have your ID and boarding pass (or mobile pass) ready
• Pack carry-on liquids in a quart-sized bag, following general TSA rules
• Wear easily removable shoes if you’re not in a trusted traveler program

If you have questions about screening requirements, you can contact:

• TSA Contact Center: 866-289-9673 (national)
• Local procedures and wait times can vary by day and time, so build in buffer time.

Getting From the Airport Into Atlanta

Landing in Atlanta is only half the journey. Here’s how to get from ATL to where you’re going.

1. MARTA (Train and Bus)

MARTA is Atlanta’s public transit system and one of the easiest ways to reach the city from the airport.

• Airport MARTA Station: Located inside the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim
• Lines: Typically Red and Gold lines serve the airport station
• Destinations: Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, and connections to many bus routes

MARTA is especially helpful if:

• You’re staying near a MARTA rail station
• You want to avoid traffic and parking fees
• You’re traveling light or don’t mind rolling luggage

For route planning and schedule info, MARTA offers phone and on-site assistance:

• MARTA Customer Information: 404-848-5000

2. Rideshare and Taxis

ATL has designated rideshare pickup zones and a taxi stand.

• Rideshare (e.g., app-based services):
  Follow airport signs to the rideshare pickup area (usually outside the terminal and well-marked).
• Taxis:
  Official taxis queue outside the terminal in a designated zone.

Many travelers find:

• Rideshare: Convenient for trips to specific neighborhoods
• Taxi: Simple and straightforward if you don’t want to deal with an app or surge pricing

3. Rental Cars

Rental car operations at ATL are centered in the Rental Car Center (RCC).

• Connected to the terminals by the SkyTrain, a free elevated train
• Houses multiple major rental car companies

You may choose a rental car if:

• You’re planning to explore Metro Atlanta or suburban areas
• Your destination is not easily served by MARTA or other transit
• You’ll be traveling at odd hours when transit is less frequent

4. Hotel Shuttles and Private Shuttles

Many airport-area hotels along Camp Creek Parkway, Virginia Avenue, and near the airport offer complimentary shuttles.

There are also private shuttle companies that may serve:

• Convention centers
• Specific colleges or universities in the region
• Nearby cities or towns outside central Atlanta

Check directly with your hotel or event organizer for specific shuttle details.

Tips for Connecting Through ATL

Even if you’re not starting or ending your trip in Atlanta, you might have a connection here.

Connection basics:

• Most domestic-to-domestic connections are designed to be doable within 45–90 minutes, but more time is safer, especially if you prefer a relaxed pace.
• Use the Plane Train to move quickly between concourses.
• If you’re arriving on an international flight and connecting domestically, you’ll usually:
  • Go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
  • Reclaim your checked bags,
  • Clear security again, then
  • Head to your next concourse.

Follow airport signage closely; ATL is well-marked but busy.

Parking at ATL

If you live in or near Atlanta and are driving to the airport, you have several parking options:

• Hourly / Daily Parking: Closest to the terminals; more expensive; best for short trips or drop-offs with extended time
• Economy and Park-Ride Lots: More budget-friendly and connected via shuttle
• International Terminal Parking: Separate decks and lots near the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal

General tips:

• Plan extra time if you’re using remote or economy lots; shuttles can be frequent but may add 15–30 minutes to your total time.
• Keep track of your deck, row, and level—the airport is large, and finding your car can be confusing after a long trip.

Special Travel Situations

Traveling With Children or Groups

Atlanta’s airport is accustomed to families and large groups:

• Look for family restrooms in many concourses
• Allow extra time for strollers, car seats, and group check-ins
• If you’re coordinating with a large group, set a specific meeting spot, such as a particular baggage claim carousel or a named restaurant in the concourse

Accessibility and Assistance

If you or someone in your party needs wheelchair assistance, mobility help, or other accommodations, request this through your airline as early as possible.

The airport and airlines can typically help with:

• Wheelchair escorts from curbside to gate
• Boarding assistance
• Guidance to accessible restrooms and services

Arrivals: Meeting Someone at the Atlanta Airport

If you’re picking someone up:

• Use the signed Arrivals / Baggage Claim areas in either the Domestic or International terminal, depending on the flight.
• Consider waiting in the Cell Phone Lot, a free parking area where you can wait until your passenger calls to say they’re at curbside.
• Confirm your traveler’s airline and terminal before you leave home—this avoids circling the airport or going to the wrong side.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights To Atlanta

Is ATL the only airport where I can land if I’m visiting Atlanta?
For commercial flights, yes, almost always. Smaller airports like DeKalb-Peachtree (PDK) are typically used for private or charter flights, not standard airline service.

How long does it usually take to get from ATL to downtown Atlanta?
In typical conditions, 15–30 minutes by car, longer during rush hours. On MARTA, the train ride to central downtown stations usually takes around 20 minutes, plus walking or transfers.

Is Atlanta a good city for layovers?
Many travelers use ATL for connections. With multiple concourses full of restaurants and shops, there are plenty of ways to pass time between flights. Just be sure you understand where your next gate is and leave enough time to reach it.

What if my flight to Atlanta is delayed or canceled?
Airline policies vary, but you’ll generally work with your airline’s customer service—either via app, phone, or an airport service desk—to rebook. In large hubs like ATL, there are often multiple alternative flights, which can make rebooking easier than in smaller airports.

Understanding how a flight to Atlanta works—from booking the right airport and airline to navigating ATL’s terminals and getting into the city—can make your trip smoother and less stressful. With a little planning, flying into and out of Atlanta fits naturally into both local life and visits to the city.