How to Take MARTA to Atlanta’s International Terminal at Hartsfield–Jackson

Yes, you can use MARTA to get to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s International Terminal (Concourse F)—but it’s not a direct train-to-door situation. The train takes you to the Domestic Terminal, and from there you transfer to a free airport shuttle to reach the International Terminal.

This guide walks you through the full process step by step, so you know exactly what to expect if you live in Atlanta or are visiting and want to avoid driving or parking.

Quick Answer: MARTA + Airport Shuttle

Here’s the basic flow:

  1. Ride MARTA to Airport Station (inside the Domestic Terminal).
  2. Exit the station into the Domestic Terminal – North Baggage Claim area.
  3. Follow signs for “International Terminal / Concourse F Shuttle.”
  4. Take the free shuttle bus from the Domestic side to the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal.
  5. Get dropped off right at the International Terminal.

You never have to leave airport property, and you don’t pay extra for the shuttle.

Step-by-Step: Taking MARTA to the International Terminal

1. Get on the Correct MARTA Line

The Airport Station is at the south end of the Red and Gold lines.

You can reach the airport from many major Atlanta areas:

  • Downtown Atlanta
  • Midtown (Arts Center, Midtown, North Avenue)
  • Buckhead (Lenox, Buckhead, Medical Center, etc.)
  • Doraville / Chamblee (Gold Line north)
  • Sandy Springs / Dunwoody (Red Line north)
  • College Park / East Point (south of the airport on the way in)

If you’re not already on the Red or Gold Line, you’ll transfer at Five Points Station to a southbound train marked “Airport.”

2. Arrive at Airport Station (Domestic Terminal)

Airport Station is located inside Hartsfield–Jackson, connected directly to the Domestic Terminal – North.

What to expect:

  • When the train arrives, you’ll go up the escalators or elevators from the platform.
  • You’ll pass through the fare gates into the airport concourse.
  • You will be in the Domestic Terminal, near the North baggage claim and ticketing areas.

At this point, you’re at the Domestic side, not yet at the International Terminal.

3. Follow Signs to the International Terminal Shuttle

From the MARTA exit area:

  1. Look for overhead signs that say “International Terminal” or “International Shuttle Connector.”
  2. You will walk through the Domestic Terminal public areas to the ground transportation zone where the shuttles depart.

Airport signage is usually clear, but you can always ask any airport staff:

They’ll point you toward the correct shuttle area on the Domestic side.

4. Ride the Free Shuttle to the International Terminal

The airport operates a free shuttle between:

  • Domestic Terminal
  • Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F)

Key things to know:

  • The shuttle runs on airport roads, not on MARTA tracks.
  • It is free—no payment or ticket is required.
  • It’s designed specifically to connect passengers between the two terminals.
  • The ride time typically ranges around 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Can You Walk or Take the Plane Train Instead?

Passengers often wonder whether they can walk or use the underground Plane Train from Domestic to International after getting off MARTA.

Here’s how it works:

  • The Plane Train connects the Domestic Terminal to all concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F) after security.
  • You must have a boarding pass and clear security at the Domestic Terminal to use it.
  • If your international airline checks in only at the International Terminal, you may prefer or be required to check in and check bags there.

So your options look like this:

SituationWhat You Can Do
Already checked in online, carry-on only, airline allows Domestic securityGo through Domestic security, take Plane Train to Concourse F
Need to check bags at International TerminalTake the free shuttle from Domestic to International Terminal before security
UnsureAsk your airline which terminal you should check in at

For many travelers, especially with checked bags, the shuttle is the simplest and most reliable option from MARTA.

Travel Time: How Long Will It Take?

Your total travel time depends on:

  • Where you start on MARTA
  • Train frequency at the time of day
  • Shuttle wait + ride time

Rough estimates from popular Atlanta areas:

  • Downtown (Five Points) → Airport Station: ~15–20 minutes
  • Midtown → Airport Station: ~20–25 minutes
  • Buckhead → Airport Station: ~30–35 minutes

Add:

  • 5–10 minutes to walk from the MARTA platform to the shuttle pick-up area
  • 10–20 minutes for shuttle wait and ride to the International Terminal

In total, many travelers plan on:

  • Around 45–60 minutes from Midtown/Buckhead to the International Terminal
  • Around 30–45 minutes from Downtown to the International Terminal

Where You’re Actually Going: International Terminal Details

The Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal handles many international departures and arrivals.

International Terminal Address:
6000 North Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320
(Physical signage will refer to Concourse F and the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal.)

General airport information line:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Phone: (800) 897-1910 (commonly used information number)

Using MARTA to the airport plus the shuttle means:

  • You avoid airport parking fees.
  • You don’t have to navigate I-75/I-85 traffic to the south side of Atlanta.
  • You can travel directly from many in-town and suburban MARTA stations.

Buying MARTA Fare and Airport Tips

MARTA Fare Basics for Airport Trips

  • You’ll need a Breeze Card or Breeze Ticket to ride.
  • The fare is typically a flat rate per trip on MARTA rail and bus.
  • You can purchase or reload at any MARTA rail station, including:
    • Airport Station
    • Five Points
    • Peachtree Center
    • Most other in-system stations

When Coming Back to Atlanta from the International Terminal

When you land back in Atlanta:

  • If you arrive at Concourse F, you will clear customs and enter the International Terminal.
  • From there you have two main options to get to MARTA:
  1. Take the Airport’s Shuttle from International → Domestic Terminal, then walk inside to Airport Station and board MARTA.
  2. If directed by airport staff, you may use the Plane Train to move within concourses and eventually exit on the Domestic side, then walk to MARTA.

Most returning international passengers who want MARTA will end up using the shuttle back to the Domestic Terminal first.

Is MARTA a Good Choice for International Flights?

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is a very practical way to reach the airport, even for international travel:

Advantages:

  • Avoids traffic and parking
  • Predictable cost
  • Direct rail access into the airport building
  • Frequent service on the Red and Gold lines

Things to consider:

  • You must transfer to the free shuttle to reach the International Terminal itself.
  • If you’re traveling with very heavy luggage or multiple large bags, handling bags on the train and shuttle can be more effort than a direct car drop-off.
  • Early morning or very late-night departures may require checking MARTA service hours and train frequency.

If you’re comfortable using public transit, MARTA plus the airport shuttle is one of the most straightforward ways to reach the Atlanta International Terminal without driving.