Understanding Concourse A Gates at Atlanta Airport (ATL)

If you’re flying through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and see “A Gate Atlanta Airport” on your ticket or app, it’s referring to Concourse A, one of the main domestic concourses at ATL. Knowing what that means—and how to get there quickly—can make a big difference in how smooth your trip feels.

This guide walks you through:

• What “A Gate” means at Atlanta’s airport
• How to get to Concourse A from check-in, MARTA, rideshare, or parking
• What to expect once you’re at A gates (layout, amenities, timing)
• Tips for connections between A and other concourses

What Does “A Gate” Mean at Atlanta Airport?

At ATL, “A Gate” simply means your flight departs from a gate on Concourse A.

Key points to know:

• Concourse A = A Gates
  Every gate labeled with an A (A1, A2, A3, etc.) is on Concourse A.
• Domestic focus
  Concourse A mainly serves domestic flights, especially for major carriers with hubs in Atlanta.
• Inside the secure area
  You must clear security first. Then you’ll ride the airport’s Plane Train or walk underground to reach Concourse A.

In practical terms, if your boarding pass says Gate A12, you are looking for Concourse A, Gate 12.

Basic Layout of Atlanta Airport and Where Concourse A Fits

Atlanta’s airport is organized like a spine with ribs:

• The Domestic Terminal (North and South) and International Terminal (Concourse F) sit on one side.
• A central T Concourse is directly behind the Domestic Terminal (inside security).
• Then a line of concourses runs parallel: T – A – B – C – D – E – F.

Concourse A is the first concourse past T, moving away from the Domestic Terminal.

You can move between these using:

• The Plane Train (underground automated train) 🚆
• The underground pedestrian tunnel, with moving walkways 🚶

You never have to re-clear security when going from T to A, or A to B, C, D, E, or F, as long as you stay inside the secure area.

Getting to A Gates from Different Starting Points

From the Domestic Terminal (North or South)

1. Check in at:
   • North Terminal (often used by certain carriers like Delta and others)
   • South Terminal (often used by other domestic airlines)
2. Go through TSA security in your terminal.
3. Once you pass security, you’ll be in Concourse T.
4. Follow signs for “Plane Train” or “Concourse A”.
   • Take the Plane Train one stop to Concourse A,
     or
   • Walk through the pedestrian tunnel (usually around 5–10 minutes from T to A, depending on walking speed).

Tip: If you’re in a hurry, the Plane Train is usually fastest.

From the International Terminal / Concourse F

If you arrive or depart from the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F):

• Arriving internationally and connecting to an A gate:
  1. Clear immigration and customs in Concourse F.
  2. Re-check any checked bags at the recheck belt, if required for your itinerary.
  3. Follow signs to “Plane Train”.
  4. Take the Plane Train toward T/North/South and get off at Concourse A.
• Departing from A but checking in at International Terminal:
  1. Check in and clear security at the International Terminal.
  2. After security, you’ll already be in Concourse F.
  3. Take the Plane Train toward T and get off at Concourse A.

Plane Train ride from F to A is several stops, so allow a little extra time.

From MARTA (Airport Station)

If you’re coming from MARTA (for example, from Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead):

1. Exit the train at Airport Station, which is directly attached to the Domestic Terminal.
2. Walk into the Domestic Terminal atrium.
3. Head to your airline’s side (North or South) for check-in.
4. Go through TSA security.
5. After security, follow signs to the Plane Train or Concourse A.
6. Take the Plane Train one stop to Concourse A.

Good to know: The MARTA station is at 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320 (attached to the airport).

From Rideshare, Taxi, or Drop-Off

Most rideshare and taxi services drop off at:

• Domestic Terminal North or South curbside, or
• International Terminal F curbside, depending on your airline.

From there:

1. Enter the terminal building.
2. Use check-in counters or kiosks for your airline.
3. Go through security.
4. Use the Plane Train or pedestrian tunnel to reach Concourse A.

If you’re not sure which curbside to use, your airline confirmation usually lists Domestic North, Domestic South, or International.

From Parking (Airport Garages and ATL West)

If you park at or near the airport:

• Domestic Terminal parking (North, South, or Economy):
  1. Walk or ride the shuttle to the connected terminal.
  2. Go through security.
  3. Take the Plane Train to Concourse A.
• ATL West Parking Deck:
  1. Park in the deck at 4199 Skytrain Way, College Park, GA 30337.
  2. Take the SkyTrain from ATL West to the Domestic Terminal (Airport Station).
  3. Follow signs to your airline check-in area.
  4. Clear security and take the Plane Train to Concourse A.

How Long Does It Take to Get to an A Gate?

Times vary depending on lines and walking speed, but common rough ranges for someone already in ATL are:

• From Domestic security to Concourse A (Plane Train):
  About 5–10 minutes once you’re through security.
• From T to A by walking tunnel:
  About 5–15 minutes, depending on pace and crowds.
• From Concourse F (International) to Concourse A via Plane Train:
  Often 10–20 minutes of transit time once you’re past immigration/security.

If you’re just landing in Atlanta and connecting to an A gate, many travelers aim for at least 45–60 minutes between flights if they’re changing concourses, especially during busy times.

What to Expect in Concourse A

Concourse A is one of ATL’s busier domestic concourses, with:

• Multiple gate areas (A1, A2, A3, etc.)
• Restaurants and quick-service food
• Coffee spots and grab-and-go markets
• Restrooms and nursing rooms
• Charging outlets and seating areas
• Shops for snacks, travel essentials, and reading material

Some general tips:

• Food and drink: Options are spread along the concourse; if one area is crowded, walk a bit farther down.
• Restrooms: They are located at intervals; overhead signs show nearest locations.
• Seating: Gates near popular flight times can get full; look a few gates away for quieter spots.

A Gates and Connections: What You Need to Know

Connecting Between A and Other Concourses

If you’re connecting flights at ATL:

• A to A:
  Usually just a short walk on the same concourse.
• A to T:
  You can walk the tunnel or take the Plane Train one stop.
• A to B, C, D, E, or F:
  Easiest way is the Plane Train. Each concourse is a separate stop.

You do not need to exit and re-enter security when changing concourses, as long as you stay airside.

Tight Connections at A Gates

If your first flight is late and you have a tight connection:

• Check gate info on airport monitors or your airline’s app as you taxi in.
• If your next flight is also departing from an A gate, you may save time by staying in Concourse A rather than going anywhere else in the terminal.
• If you must change concourses, head directly to the Plane Train; it’s usually faster than walking long distances between far-apart concourses.

If you need help, gate agents and airport staff in blue or branded uniforms are usually positioned near gate podiums and main walkway intersections on each concourse.

Simple Reference: Getting to A Gates at ATL

Helpful Local Contacts and Info

For questions about gates, concourses, or airport services, you can use:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – General Info
  Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  Main phone: (800) 897-1910 (airport information line)

For public transit to or from the airport:

• MARTA Customer Information Center
  Phone: (404) 848-5000
  Common access point: Airport Station, attached to the Domestic Terminal.

These resources can help if you are unsure about where to check in, how to connect between concourses, or what the best route is from your Atlanta neighborhood to catch a flight from an A gate.

Quick Tips for Using A Gates at Atlanta Airport

• 📲 Check your gate before you leave home. Gates sometimes change; confirm in your airline app or at the airport monitors.
• ⏰ Build in extra time for security. ATL is busy; aim to arrive early, especially during mornings and evenings.
• 🚆 Use the Plane Train for speed. It’s usually the fastest way to reach Concourse A from any other concourse.
• 🚶 Consider the tunnel if it’s crowded. The pedestrian tunnel has moving walkways and can be a more predictable option when the train is very full.
• 🍽 Eat before your tightest leg. If you have a short connection at A, grab something quick along the concourse so you’re not rushing between flights.

With this in mind, when you see “A Gate Atlanta Airport,” you now know: you’re headed to Concourse A at Hartsfield-Jackson, one Plane Train stop from the Domestic Terminal and easy to reach from anywhere in the airport once you’re through security.