Uber Pickups at Atlanta’s International Terminal: Exactly How It Works
If you’re flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) on an international flight, you might wonder: can Uber pick up at the Atlanta International Terminal (Concourse F)?
Yes — Uber and other rideshare services can pick up at the International Terminal, but the process is a little different from the Domestic Terminal and can be confusing if you’re not prepared.
This guide walks you through step-by-step where to go, what to look for, and how pickup works specifically at ATL’s International Terminal.
Key Takeaway: Yes, Uber Can Pick Up at the Atlanta International Terminal
At ATL, Uber is allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at the International Terminal (Concourse F).
However:
- You must go to the designated Rideshare / App-Based Ride Services area.
- This area is separate from regular passenger pickup and not at the arrivals curb.
- The Uber app will guide you, but knowing the layout of the International Terminal helps you avoid wandering around with luggage.
Understanding ATL’s International Terminal Layout
Domestic vs. International at ATL
ATL operates with two main terminal areas:
- Domestic Terminal (North and South) – for most U.S. flights
- International Terminal / Concourse F – for most international arrivals and departures
These areas are on opposite sides of the airport and are not in the same building. If your flight lands at Concourse F, you’ll typically exit through the International Arrivals area, which has its own curbside, parking deck, and rideshare area.
Where You’ll Exit After an International Flight
Most international passengers arriving in Atlanta will:
- Deplane at Concourse F (or sometimes Concourse E, then routed to F).
- Go through passport control and customs.
- Collect any checked luggage.
- Exit into the International Arrivals hall on the Arrivals level of the International Terminal.
From this arrivals hall, you can follow signs for Ground Transportation, which includes Rideshare / App-Based Ride Services such as Uber.
Where to Meet Your Uber at the Atlanta International Terminal
Follow Signs: “Rideshare” or “App-Based Ride Services”
Inside the International Terminal, look for these signs:
- Ground Transportation
- Rideshare
- App-Based Ride Services
- Sometimes icons showing a smartphone + car
These signs will direct you from the Arrivals level to the correct pickup area, usually located in or near the International Terminal parking deck.
Typical Uber Pickup Location at International (Concourse F)
While exact wording on signage can change, in general:
- Uber pickups are in a designated rideshare zone near the International Terminal parking garage.
- You will not wait directly at the main arrivals curb where private cars and hotel shuttles pull up.
- Instead, you’ll usually:
- Take an elevator, escalator, or short walkway from Arrivals toward the parking deck, then
- Follow “Rideshare” or “Uber/Lyft” signs to the marked pickup lanes.
Once outside, you’ll see:
- Numbered or lettered pickup zones or signs
- Lanes specifically marked for App-Based Ride Services
📌 Tip: Don’t request your Uber until you are near or at the designated rideshare pickup area. This reduces waiting fees and makes it easier for your driver to find you.
Step-by-Step: How to Request Uber from the International Terminal
Collect your bags and clear customs.
You must complete all arrival procedures first, including passport control and baggage claim.Head toward Ground Transportation.
Follow signs for Ground Transportation, then look specifically for Rideshare / App-Based Ride Services.Walk to the Rideshare pickup area.
Follow the signage to the rideshare pickup zone near the International Terminal parking deck.Open the Uber app.
- Make sure your location settings are on.
- Confirm that the app recognizes your pickup as “International Terminal” or a similar notation.
- If needed, manually set the pickup point to the International Terminal Rideshare area shown on the map.
Choose your ride type.
Based on your needs, select UberX, UberXL, Uber Black, or other options available in Atlanta.Check your pickup zone.
The app may give a specific zone or door number where your driver will meet you. Match this with the signs in the rideshare area.Confirm the car and driver.
Before getting in:- Check the license plate.
- Check the car make/model.
- Confirm the driver’s name matches the app.
Load your luggage and go.
Let the driver know if you have a preferred route (for example, using I-75/I-85 North into Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead).
What If You Arrive at Concourse E?
Some international flights park at Concourse E, but Atlanta typically routes international arrivals through Customs and Immigration at Concourse F.
- In many cases, you’ll follow airport guidance (trains or walkways) to Concourse F for passport control and exit there.
- Once you exit into the International Terminal Arrivals hall (Concourse F), the rideshare instructions are the same as above.
If you’re unsure, follow “Baggage Claim” and “Ground Transportation” signs and airport staff directions. Everyone with checked luggage or international entry processing will be heading the same way.
Uber from the International Terminal vs. Domestic Terminal
If someone is picking the best place to meet an Uber in Atlanta, it helps to understand the difference between the two sides of the airport.
Quick Comparison
| Location | Can Uber Pick Up? | Where You Go | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Terminal (F) | Yes | Rideshare area near International parking deck | Best for international arrivals/departures |
| Domestic Terminal North/South | Yes | Designated Rideshare pickup zones by Domestic Terminal parking areas | Used for most U.S. flights |
If you land internationally but your ride plan is based at the Domestic Terminal, be aware:
- The Domestic Terminal is not walking distance from the International Terminal.
- There is a shuttle connecting Domestic and International, but it adds extra time.
- Most travelers simply request Uber directly from the International Terminal, since Uber is allowed to pick up there.
Typical Wait Times and Traffic Considerations
When It’s Busiest
At ATL’s International Terminal, Uber wait times and traffic can be longer:
- Evenings when many transatlantic flights arrive
- Early mornings with multiple international arrivals
- Holiday periods or major Atlanta events (sports, conventions, festivals)
What this means for you:
- You may see slightly higher prices during peak times due to surge pricing.
- There may be a short line of cars in the rideshare pickup area, but the app will tell you exactly which car is yours.
Tips to Make Pickup Smoother
- 🕐 Give yourself extra time if you have tight plans in Atlanta (dinner reservations, meetings, etc.).
- 📍 Stand under a clearly marked sign or number and mention it in the chat with your driver.
- 🧳 If you have lots of luggage or oversized bags, consider choosing UberXL or a larger vehicle type.
Common Questions About Uber at the International Terminal
Can Uber Drop Me Off at the International Terminal for Departure?
Yes. If you’re departing Atlanta on an international flight from Concourse F, you can:
- Set your destination in the Uber app as “Atlanta International Terminal” or “Concourse F”.
- Your driver can drop you at the Departures curb in front of the International Terminal, just like any other car.
What If I Accidentally Go to the Domestic Terminal?
If you end up at the Domestic Terminal but your flight or pickup is at the International Terminal:
- You can:
- Take the airport-operated shuttle between Domestic and International, or
- Request an Uber from Domestic to International, though this is a short but paid trip.
- For international flights, always double-check your ticket to see if you depart from Concourse F and plan your Uber destination accordingly.
Can I Use Uber to Go From the International Terminal to Downtown Atlanta?
Yes. Many visitors use Uber from the International Terminal to:
- Downtown Atlanta (Georgia State area, State Capitol, Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
- Midtown (Ponce City Market area, Arts Center, tech offices)
- Buckhead (Lenox, Peachtree Road corridor)
- Nearby suburbs and business areas like College Park, East Point, Smyrna, or Sandy Springs
Your route will usually involve I-75/I-85 North or nearby highways, depending on your final destination.
Other Ground Transportation Options at the International Terminal
Even if you plan to use Uber, it helps to know what else is available at ATL’s International Terminal:
- Taxis – Available at designated taxi stands near Ground Transportation.
- Hotel shuttles – Many major hotels in Downtown, Midtown, and near the airport operate shuttles from the airport.
- Rental cars – Accessible via the Rental Car Center, which is reached by the ATL SkyTrain from the Domestic side. If you’re at the International Terminal, airport staff and signs will direct you toward the shuttle or path to the SkyTrain connection.
- Shuttles to the Domestic Terminal / MARTA – To reach Atlanta’s rail system (MARTA), you’ll generally need to transfer to the Domestic Terminal, where the Airport MARTA Station is located.
If you prefer a door-to-door ride directly from the International Terminal, Uber is a common choice for both Atlanta residents and visitors.
Who to Contact If You’re Confused at the Airport
If you’re at the International Terminal in Atlanta and unsure where to find your Uber pickup location:
- Look for airport information desks in the International Arrivals hall.
- Ask any airport employee or uniformed customer service representative for directions to “Rideshare pickup” or “App-Based Ride Services.”
- You can also use posted terminal maps inside the building or in the parking deck.
For general airport questions, you can reach Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport:
- Address:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 North Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320
(From the International side, just follow the International Terminal / Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal signs on roadways and within the airport.)
In summary, Uber absolutely can pick up at Atlanta’s International Terminal. As long as you follow signs to the designated rideshare pickup area near the International Terminal parking deck and set your location correctly in the app, meeting your driver at ATL’s Concourse F is straightforward and commonly done by both locals returning home and visitors arriving in Atlanta.
