Getting Between Atlanta’s International and Domestic Terminals: What You Need to Know

If you’re flying through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), it’s very common to wonder: “Can you get to the domestic terminal from the international terminal in Atlanta?”

Yes, you absolutely can—and you have several options, whether you’re connecting between flights, meeting someone, or leaving the airport for Atlanta.

This guide walks you through, step by step, how to move between the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F) and the Domestic Terminal (North and South).

Quick Answer: Ways to Get From International to Domestic at ATL

You can get from the International Terminal (Concourse F) to the Domestic Terminal at Atlanta’s airport by:

• Inside security (for connecting passengers):

  • Plane Train (automated underground train)
  • Walking tunnel between concourses

• Outside security (for people arriving or dropping off/picking up):

  • Free shuttle buses between the International Terminal and the Domestic Terminal
  • Driving or rideshare between the two terminal curbside areas

If you’re connecting from an international flight to a domestic flight, you will normally:

1. Arrive at Concourse F or E
2. Go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
3. Re-check any checked baggage (if required by your airline)
4. Clear TSA security again (if directed to do so)
5. Use the Plane Train or walk to your domestic concourse (T, A, B, C, D, E)

Understanding Atlanta’s Airport Layout

ATL is big, but it’s logically laid out:

• Domestic Terminal

  • Domestic Terminal – North (Delta and some partners)
  • Domestic Terminal – South (other U.S. carriers)
  • Connected to Concourse T, then concourses A–E

• International Terminal

  • Officially: Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal
  • Houses Concourse F and direct access to Concourse E
  • All international arrivals with customs processing happen here (or connect via E/F)

All concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F) are connected airside (inside security) by:

• The Plane Train
• A pedestrian tunnel with moving walkways

So once you’re past security, the entire airport feels like one large connected building.

Option 1: Using the Plane Train (Inside Security)

If you’re already inside security, the fastest way between the domestic and international sides is the Plane Train.

How the Plane Train Works

• It’s an automated underground train that runs continuously.
• It connects:
  • Domestic Terminal (T gate / Atrium)
  • Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, and F
• Trains arrive every couple of minutes, and rides are 2–5 minutes between most points.

Steps: From International (Concourse F) to Domestic (T/North/South)

1. Follow signs to “Plane Train” after exiting your arrival gate in Concourse F.
2. Take the escalator or elevator down to the Plane Train platform.
3. Board the train heading toward Domestic Terminal / Concourse T.
4. If your domestic flight leaves from a concourse (T, A, B, C, or D):
   • Get off at that concourse stop and follow signage to your gate.
5. If you specifically want the Domestic Terminal pre-security area (to meet someone, exit to MARTA, or go curbside):
   • Stay on the train until the stop labeled “Domestic Terminal / Baggage Claim / Ground Transportation”.
   • From there, follow signs to North or South Terminal, or to MARTA.

You do not need to exit security if you’re just going from one gate to another using the Plane Train.

Option 2: Walking Between Concourses (Inside Security)

If you prefer to walk or the Plane Train is crowded, there is a pedestrian tunnel connecting all concourses.

• The tunnel runs from Concourse F all the way to Domestic Terminal / T gate.
• There are moving walkways and clear signage.
• Many travelers say the walk between adjacent concourses can take 5–10 minutes; F to T is longer, so allow extra time.

This is a good option if:

• You want to stretch your legs between long flights.
• You’re not in a rush and enjoy walking.
• The Plane Train is temporarily delayed.

Option 3: Free Shuttle Buses (Outside Security)

If you’re not connecting flights and just need to move between the International Terminal curbside and the Domestic Terminal curbside, you can use the free airport shuttle buses.

These are especially useful for:

• Picking someone up at one terminal and dropping off at the other
• Park-Ride or off-airport parking connections that only serve one side
• Travelers who accidentally arrive at the wrong terminal for their airline

Where the Shuttle Runs

• Domestic Terminal ⇄ International Terminal (F)
  • Buses typically stop near Ground Transportation at both terminals.
  • They are clearly marked for “International Terminal” or similar wording.

What to Expect

• The ride is usually around 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic around the airport loop.
• Shuttles run frequently throughout the day, but allow extra time during very early or late hours.
• You do not need a boarding pass to use these shuttles; they operate in the public, pre-security area.

Option 4: Driving or Rideshare Between Terminals

You can also drive or take a rideshare/taxi between the terminals. This can be practical if:

• You’re already in a personal car.
• You’re using Uber, Lyft, or a taxi and it’s more convenient to go terminal-to-terminal directly.

Addresses (for GPS)

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

• International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr.)
  2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd
  Atlanta, GA 30354

Just know that:

• The driving loop around ATL can be busy, especially during rush hour.
• Make sure you or your driver choose the correct side: Domestic vs International in your GPS or rideshare app.

Connecting From an International Flight to a Domestic Flight

If you’re arriving from abroad and connecting to another U.S. destination, the process at ATL usually looks like this:

1. Arrival at Concourse F or E

• Your plane will arrive at Concourse F or sometimes Concourse E.
• You’ll follow signs for “Arrivals / Baggage Claim / Passport Control”.

2. Passport Control & Customs

You will:

• Go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
• Present your passport and any required documents.
• Collect your checked baggage, if instructed.

3. Re-checking Baggage

• Many airlines have baggage re-check counters just past customs.
• If your bags are tagged all the way to your final U.S. city, you will usually:
  • Hand them to the airline staff at the re-check area.
  • Then proceed to security screening.

4. Security Screening

• After customs and baggage re-check, you’ll typically go through TSA security again.
• Once cleared, you’re back inside security and can access:
  • Plane Train
  • Walking tunnel
  • All concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F)

5. Getting to Your Domestic Gate

• Check your boarding pass or airport screens to see your departure concourse and gate.
• Use the Plane Train or walk as described above.
• You do not need to exit to the public terminal areas unless you specifically want to go curbside, meet someone, or use ground transportation.

Going the Other Way: Domestic to International Terminal

If you’re starting in Atlanta or arriving domestically and then flying abroad, you can also go from Domestic to International easily.

If You’re Connecting Flights (Already Inside Security)

If you land at concourses T, A, B, C, or D and are connecting to an international flight at Concourse E or F:

1. Follow signs to the Plane Train.
2. Take the train toward Concourse E/F.
3. Get off at the correct stop and follow signs to your international gate.

You stay inside security the whole time.

If You’re Starting Your Trip in Atlanta

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta and starting a new international trip, check:

• Your airline’s instructions:
  • Some airlines check in at the Domestic Terminal, then you ride the Plane Train to E/F for departure.
  • Others use ticket counters at the International Terminal itself.

If you accidentally get dropped at the wrong terminal:

• Use the free shuttle bus between Domestic and International, or
• Take the Plane Train from Domestic’s security area to Concourse F (if you’re already checked in and have a boarding pass, you can often check bags and clear security at either side depending on your airline’s guidance).

Domestic vs. International Terminal: Which One Should You Use?

Here’s a simple guide that often helps Atlanta travelers:

Helpful Local Tips for Atlanta Travelers

A few Atlanta-specific pointers can make your terminal transfer smoother:

• Plan extra time for international–domestic connections.
  Customs, baggage re-check, and security can be time-consuming, especially during peak travel periods.

• MARTA is at the Domestic side only.
  If you plan to take MARTA (Atlanta’s rail transit) to Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, you’ll need to:

  • Get to the Domestic Terminal, then
  • Follow signs to the Airport MARTA Station at the end of the Domestic South terminal.

• Meeting someone? Clarify “Domestic” vs “International.”
  Locals often say “meet me at the airport” without specifying. Make sure you confirm:

  • Domestic Terminal – North or South
  • Or International Terminal arrivals level

• Check your airline’s terminal info in advance.
  Atlanta-based travelers often stick to the same airline, but if you switch airlines or book with an international carrier, verify whether they use:

  • Domestic check-in with departure from E/F, or
  • International Terminal check-in.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can get from the international terminal to the domestic terminal in Atlanta—easily and in more than one way.
• Inside security, use the Plane Train or walking tunnel to move between Concourse F (International) and all other concourses and the Domestic Terminal.
• Outside security, use the free terminal shuttle buses, drive, or use a rideshare/taxi between the two terminal complexes.
• For most connecting passengers, you’ll clear customs and security at the International Terminal, then ride the Plane Train to your domestic gate.

With a bit of planning—and by following the airport’s clear signage—you can move between the Domestic Terminal and International Terminal at ATL without stress, whether you’re an Atlanta resident, a frequent visitor, or just passing through.