Walking Between Concourses at Atlanta Airport: What You Need to Know

If you’re flying through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and wondering whether you can walk between concourses instead of taking the Plane Train, the answer is yes—you can walk between every concourse in the main domestic terminal area.

Below is a clear guide tailored to getting around Atlanta’s airport on foot, whether you live in metro Atlanta, are visiting family here, or are just connecting through.

Quick Answer: Can You Walk Between Concourses at Atlanta Airport?

Yes. At ATL, you can walk between:

• Domestic Terminal (North and South)
• Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, and F

All of these are connected by an underground pedestrian walkway that runs parallel to the Plane Train.

The only exception is the International Terminal roadway access (Concourse F’s landside side), which is separate from the Domestic Terminal on the surface. You cannot walk outside along the roadway between the Domestic Terminal and the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal; you must use a shuttle, car, or get there via the secure side of the airport.

How the Walking Path at ATL Is Laid Out

The Basic Layout

Think of ATL as a straight line underground:

Domestic Terminal → T → A → B → C → D → E → F

Between each of these, there is:

• A Plane Train station
• A pedestrian walkway with moving walkways

You can enter the walkway at any concourse and walk to the next, and the next, and so on.

Where the Walkway Is Located

• The walkway is below the main gate areas, accessed by escalators, stairs, or elevators.
• Look for signs labeled “Walk to All Concourses”, “Pedestrian Walkway”, or “Ground Transportation / Plane Train / Concourse [letter]”.
• It’s well-lit, clearly signed, and busy throughout the day.

How Long Does It Take to Walk Between Concourses?

Walking times vary based on your pace and crowds, but most travelers find it manageable, especially with the moving sidewalks.

Approximate Walking Times (After You’re on the Walkway)

These are rough, typical ranges:

These times assume:

• You use moving walkways where available.
• You’re not stopping at exhibits, food courts, or restrooms.

If you have a tight connection (under 40 minutes) at ATL, most passengers prefer the Plane Train, but many Atlanta regulars choose to walk for exercise when they have more time.

Why You Might Choose to Walk Instead of Taking the Plane Train

Many people who live in Atlanta and fly frequently through Hartsfield–Jackson prefer to walk, especially if they:

• Want to stretch their legs between long flights
• Prefer to avoid crowded trains during peak times
• Have kids who need to move around
• Enjoy public art and exhibits along the walkway

Walking can be especially appealing during:

• Busy weekday mornings and evenings when business travelers crowd the Plane Train
• Holiday periods when families and large groups pack the train cars

If your gate is just one concourse over, walking is often just as fast—by the time you go down to the Plane Train platform, wait for a train, ride, and go back up, you may have spent just as much time as walking.

What You’ll See on the ATL Walkway

The ATL pedestrian walkway is more than just a corridor. It includes:

• Art installations and lighting displays between certain concourses
• Historical exhibits about Atlanta and the airport’s growth
• The “Rain Forest” themed section (between Concourses A and B), which many travelers recognize for its unique sound and lighting

There are also:

• Restrooms at certain points
• Signs showing walking distances and directions
• Occasional benches for short breaks

For someone visiting or living in Atlanta, this walkway can be a small introduction to the city’s emphasis on art and culture, even within the airport.

Step-by-Step: How to Walk Between Concourses at ATL

1. Find the Nearest Escalator/Elevator Down

From your gate:

• Follow signs for “Plane Train”, “Ground Transportation”, or “Baggage Claim”.
• These will lead you to escalators and elevators that also reach the pedestrian walkway level.

2. Look for “Walk to All Concourses” Signs

When you reach the lower level:

• You’ll see platforms for the Plane Train.
• Nearby, look for clear signage toward the pedestrian walkway or arrows pointing to “Walk to Concourse [letter]”.

3. Stay on the Correct Side

Directional signs will show:

• Which direction leads to earlier letters (toward T and the Domestic Terminal)
• Which direction leads to later letters (toward F and the International Concourse)

Just follow the arrows to your target concourse.

4. Use Moving Walkways When Available

The path between concourses typically includes:

• Multiple moving walkways
• Flat walking space between them

You can walk on the moving walkways to save time, or stand on the right and let others pass on the left.

5. Exit at Your Concourse

As you approach your destination concourse, you’ll see:

• Overhead signs for “Escalators to Concourse [letter] Gates”
• Concourse names painted or displayed overhead

Go up the escalator or elevator, and you’ll arrive in the gate area for that concourse.

Is the Walkway Inside Security?

Yes. This is essential to understand:

• The pedestrian walkway connects concourses inside the secure zone.
• Once you’ve cleared TSA at the Domestic Terminal or International Terminal, you can walk all the way from T to F without leaving security.
• You do not go outside and you do not pass through security again between concourses.

If you exit to the public/landside area, you will need to go through TSA again to re-enter the secure zone, whether you’re at the Domestic Terminal or the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F).

Walking vs. Plane Train: How to Decide

Both are valid options at ATL. Which is better depends on your situation.

When Walking Makes Sense

Walking may be best if:

• Your next gate is just one concourse away (for example, from B to C).
• You have 45 minutes or more between flights.
• You want exercise or to avoid crowded trains.
• You’re traveling with someone who prefers motion over standing and waiting.

When the Plane Train Is the Better Choice

You may want to rely on the Plane Train if:

• Your connection is tight (for many people, under 40 minutes).
• You’re moving several concourses away (for example, T to F).
• You’re carrying heavy bags or traveling with small children who are too tired to walk long distances.
• You have mobility challenges and want the fastest route with the least walking.

ATL is known for being busy but efficient, and the Plane Train is designed to move large numbers of people quickly between concourses.

Accessibility and Mobility Considerations

For travelers in Atlanta who need extra assistance:

• All concourses and the walkway areas have elevators and escalators.
• The airport supports wheelchair service, which can be arranged through your airline; most airlines at ATL can coordinate this at check-in or by phone before your trip.
• The Plane Train is accessible, with level boarding and space for mobility devices.

While you technically can walk between all concourses, travelers with limited mobility, chronic pain, or trouble with long distances may find the full T-to-F walk too demanding. In that case:

• Use the Plane Train for most of the distance.
• Limit walking to the immediate gate area and short segments.

If you’re an Atlanta resident escorting a family member who needs help, you can also ask the airline for guidance at their ticket counters in the Domestic Terminal North and South.

Getting Between the Domestic and International Terminals

This is where many travelers—especially first-time visitors to Atlanta—get confused.

There are two different questions:

1. Can you walk between concourses (T–F) inside security?

   • Yes, using the underground walkway.

2. Can you walk outside along the road between the Domestic Terminal and the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal?

   • No. It’s not set up as a safe pedestrian route, and the distance along the roadway and highways is not designed for walking.

Inside Security

If you:

• Check in at the Domestic Terminal, then
• Clear security, then
• Take the Plane Train or walk to Concourse F

You’ll arrive at the International Concourse F gate area with no additional security check.

Outside Security

If you are starting at the curb:

• Domestic Terminal address:
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

• Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal address (serving Concourse F from the public side):
  2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354

To move between these on the outside (landside), you will need:

• An airport shuttle,
• A ride-hail, taxi, or personal vehicle, or
• Public or private ground transportation.

There is no practical or safe walking path between those two terminal buildings at street level.

Tips for Atlanta Travelers Using the Walkway

Here are some practical suggestions if you’re planning to walk between concourses at ATL:

• Check your boarding pass and gate monitors first. Gates in Atlanta can change, so confirm your concourse before committing to a long walk.
• Watch your time. If boarding starts in under 30 minutes and you have more than one concourse to cross, consider the Plane Train.
• Follow the signs. ATL’s signage is clear. Look overhead for arrows to concourses and the Plane Train.
• Stay to the right on moving walkways. This is common practice at ATL; people in a hurry often walk on the left.
• Use restrooms along the way. It can be easier and less crowded than using the ones right next to your gate.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Atlanta locals who fly often know that ATL involves plenty of walking, even if you use the Plane Train.

Who to Contact if You Need Help Navigating ATL

If you’re unsure about the best way to get around the airport, or you’re traveling with someone who needs extra assistance, you can get help through:

ATL Airport General Information
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main Information Line (typically routed through the airport operator):
(800) 897-1910 (check for updated numbers via official airport sources before travel)

You can also ask:

• Uniformed airport staff stationed in many concourse areas
• Airline customer service desks near gates and check-in counters
• Information desks in the terminals, where available

Staff can guide you to:

• The nearest elevator or escalator
• The fastest route to your next concourse
• Assistance services if walking long distances is not an option

In Atlanta, you absolutely can walk between the concourses at Hartsfield–Jackson—many travelers do it every day. As long as you have enough time and are comfortable with a bit of distance, the underground walkway gives you a clear, signposted path from the Domestic Terminal all the way to Concourse F.