Getting From the Domestic Terminal to the International Terminal at Atlanta’s Airport

If you’re flying through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and wondering, “Can I get to the international terminal from the domestic side?” the answer is yes—and you have several options.

This guide walks you through exactly how to go between the Domestic Terminal and the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F), what to expect, and how to choose the best route based on whether you’re driving, connecting between flights, or picking someone up.

First: Know the Layout of Atlanta’s Airport

Atlanta’s airport has two main landside terminals:

  • Domestic Terminal (ATL Domestic)

    • Split into North and South sides
    • Serves most domestic flights (Concourse T, A, B, C, D, E)
  • Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (ATL International)

    • Serves most international departures and arrivals
    • Connected to Concourse F (and also linked airside to Concourse E)

Even though they feel like different airports, they are part of the same complex and are connected inside security by train and walkable tunnels, and outside security by a free shuttle roadway.

If You’re Already Inside Security (Connecting Flights)

If you landed at the domestic side and are continuing on an international flight out of Concourse F or E, you do not need to exit the airport.

Use the Plane Train (Fastest Option)

The Plane Train is the underground automated train that connects all concourses.

  1. Follow signs for “Plane Train” / “Transportation Mall.”
  2. Board the train in your arrival concourse (T, A, B, C, D, or E).
  3. Ride toward Concourse F (International).
  4. Exit at Concourse F for the International Terminal.

Key points:

  • The Plane Train runs frequently, usually every couple of minutes.
  • The ride from the domestic concourses to Concourse F usually takes only a few minutes.
  • You stay inside security the entire time, which is ideal for tight connections.

Walking Between Concourses (Backup Option)

There is also a walkway tunnel (Transportation Mall) that connects all concourses.

  • Follow signs for the walking corridors instead of the Plane Train.
  • You can walk from T/A/B/C/D/E all the way to F.
  • Allow extra time; this is much slower than the train but helpful if:
    • The train is very crowded
    • You prefer to stretch your legs between flights

If You’re Outside Security at the Domestic Terminal

If you’re starting at the Domestic Terminal (for example, dropped off by a friend, or you just picked up your bag and exited) and you actually need the International Terminal, you have a separate set of options.

This is common if:

  • You drove to the Domestic Terminal by mistake for an international flight
  • You’re meeting an arriving international passenger at Concourse F
  • You left security on the domestic side but your next departure is from the International Terminal

Option 1: Free Shuttle Between Domestic & International Terminals

The airport offers a 24/7 free shuttle between the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal.

Where to find it on the Domestic side:

  • Look for signs for “International Terminal Shuttle” or “International Shuttle Connector.”
  • Shuttles typically pick up outside the Domestic Terminal near the Ground Transportation area.
  • Follow the overhead signs once you exit baggage claim.

Where it goes:

  • Directly to the International Terminal (Concourse F curbside).

Good to know:

  • The ride typically takes 10–15 minutes, but allow extra time during heavy traffic.
  • This is the simplest option if you’re already outside security at Domestic and need to check in or pick someone up at the International side.
  • The shuttle is designed exactly for this situation, so airport staff are used to helping travelers find it.

Option 2: Drive Between Domestic and International Terminals

If you have your own car or are using rideshare, taxi, or a pickup, you can drive between the terminals.

General Driving Directions

The Domestic Terminal is at:

  • 6000 North Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320 (North)
  • 6000 South Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320 (South)

The Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal is at:

  • 2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354

From the Domestic side to the International side, you’ll:

  1. Exit the Domestic Terminal roadway and follow signs for I-75.
  2. Follow signs for “International Terminal” or “International / Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd.”
  3. Take the marked exit that leads directly to the International Terminal and parking.

Important notes:

  • The International Terminal is not directly accessible from I-85; it is mainly served via I-75.
  • Road signs near the airport are very clear; follow the “International Terminal” icons, even if your GPS is slow to update.
  • If you’re dropping off an international traveler, it is usually easier to go straight to the International Terminal rather than dropping them at Domestic and having them shuttle over.

Option 3: MARTA + Airport Connections (For Local Transit Riders)

If you’re using MARTA (Atlanta’s rail transit), all trains serving the airport stop at the Domestic Terminal MARTA Station.

From there:

  • MARTA does not have a separate stop at the International Terminal.
  • Once you arrive at the Domestic Terminal via MARTA, you must:
    • Take the free shuttle outside the Domestic Terminal to the International Terminal, or
    • Go inside security at Domestic and use the Plane Train to Concourse F, if your ticket and timing allow.

When this works well:

  • If you’re connecting to an international flight and already have a boarding pass and no checked bags, you may be able to clear security at the Domestic Terminal and take the Plane Train airside to Concourse F.
  • If you’re meeting an arriving international passenger at baggage claim in the International Terminal, you’ll need to:
    • Take MARTA to Domestic
    • Exit to Ground Transportation
    • Ride the free International Terminal shuttle to the F terminal arrivals area.

If You Land Domestic but Your Bag or Flight Is at the International Terminal

Scenario 1: Domestic Arrival → International Departure

If you land from a domestic flight in T, A, B, C, D, or E and have a same-day international connection out of Concourse F or E:

  • Stay inside security.
  • Use the Plane Train to go directly to Concourse F.
  • Follow signs for your gate and international departure.

You usually do not need to go out to the curb or use the outside shuttle in this case.

Scenario 2: Mixed Confusion With Terminals on Your Ticket

Sometimes your airline or itinerary may list either:

  • “ATL – Domestic Terminal”
  • “ATL – Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal” or “Terminal I/F”

If you’re unsure:

  • If your first flight is international, it is usually easier to start at the International Terminal.
  • If you’re flying domestic-only, you almost always use the Domestic Terminal.
  • If you start at the wrong side, remember:
    • You can still reach the other terminal using the free shuttle or by going inside security and using the Plane Train (if your situation allows).

Picking Up or Dropping Off Passengers: Domestic vs. International

Atlanta locals often ask whether they can pick up international passengers at the Domestic Terminal. In most cases, the answer is no—you need the International Terminal.

Picking Up an Arriving International Passenger

If their final arrival is at Atlanta (not continuing onward), they typically:

  • Clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the International Terminal.
  • Collect baggage and exit into the International arrivals hall (Concourse F side).

To meet them:

  • Drive or rideshare to:
    Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal
    2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354
  • Follow signs for Arrivals and Passenger Pickup.

If you are already at the Domestic Terminal, take the free shuttle over to the International Terminal.

Dropping Off a Passenger for an International Flight

If their flight departs from Concourse F, the easiest option is to:

  • Drop them directly at the International Terminal departure curb.

If you accidentally go to the Domestic Terminal:

  • They can still:
    • Take the free outside shuttle to the International Terminal, or
    • If already checked in and traveling light, they can go through security at Domestic and ride the Plane Train to Concourse F.

Quick Reference: Ways to Get Between Domestic & International at ATL

Use this as a fast decision guide:

SituationBest OptionInside or Outside Security?Notes
Connecting from domestic flight to international flightPlane Train to Concourse FInsideFastest for connections, stay airside
You’re outside at Domestic but need InternationalFree International Terminal shuttleOutsideDirect curb-to-curb transfer
You drove/rode to wrong terminalDrive or rideshare around to International or take shuttleOutsideFollow “International Terminal” road signs
Arriving via MARTA, flying internationalEnter security at Domestic, use Plane Train, or shuttle outsideBoth possibleDepends on check-in/bags situation
Picking up arriving international passengerGo to International Terminal arrivalsOutsideThey exit on the International side

Useful Airport Contact and Location Details

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

  • Main general address (Domestic side):
    6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal

  • Address:
    2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354

For current shuttle details, terminal maps, and parking info, you can contact:

  • Airport Information Line (general inquiries):
    Phone numbers are typically listed prominently on airport materials; if you’re unsure, you can call Atlanta’s City Information/311 or check airport signage and printed brochures once on-site.

In Atlanta, you can always get between the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal—either inside security via the Plane Train or outside via the free shuttle or roadway. The best method depends on whether you’re connecting flights, driving, using MARTA, or meeting someone at the airport, but there is always a workable path between the two sides.