Nail Services at Atlanta’s Airport: What’s Available and Where to Go
If you are flying through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and wondering whether you can squeeze in a manicure or pedicure, the short answer is: you can get basic nail services at the airport, but full nail salon options are limited.
Here’s how nail care works at Atlanta’s airport, and what to do if you want more complete services nearby.
Does Atlanta Airport Have a Nail Salon?
ATL does not operate a large, full-service nail salon in the same way you might find in a shopping center or neighborhood strip mall.
However, the airport typically offers:
- Quick nail services (such as simple manicures or polish changes) inside certain spa-style kiosks and locations in the terminals
- Chair-massage and express spa spots that also add limited nail care options
Because Hartsfield–Jackson is one of the world’s busiest airports, services inside the terminals are geared toward travelers who:
- Have a short layover and want a fast clean-up of their nails
- Need a chip fixed before a meeting or event in Atlanta
- Want basic grooming while waiting to board
You should not expect the same range of services you would get at a full salon in Midtown, Buckhead, or another Atlanta neighborhood. Extensions, elaborate nail art, and longer spa pedicures are more reliably found outside the airport.
Where to Find Nail and Spa Services Inside ATL
Specific businesses and exact locations can change, but ATL generally has spa and grooming spots in the Concourse areas and near the airport atrium. These locations often offer:
- Quick manicures
- Polish changes
- Basic hand and foot treatments
Common features:
- Walk-in friendly: You usually do not need an appointment.
- Short service times: Many services are designed for 15–30 minutes, ideal if you are between flights.
- Carry-on friendly products: Products are typically travel-sized and TSA-compliant.
📝 Tip: Once you arrive at ATL, use:
- Airport directory boards near security and in the concourses
- The “Services” or “Shops & Dining” section of ATL’s official materials (on screens or printed maps)
- Terminal information desks for current locations of spa or nail service providers
Ask specifically for “nail services” or “spa with manicures” to get pointed to the right place.
What Types of Nail Services Can You Expect at ATL?
Most in-airport spots focus on fast, low-mess services that fit into a travel schedule. Offerings vary by operator, but commonly include:
Common In-Airport Nail Services
Basic manicure:
Cleaning, light shaping, and polish application. Often more “maintenance” than full spa experience.Polish change:
Quick removal of old polish and application of a new color.Nail shaping and buffing:
For travelers who do not want polish but need their nails tidied.Express pedicure (sometimes):
Shortened version of a pedicure, usually less soaking and fewer extras.
What You Probably Will Not Find Inside the Airport
- Full acrylic or gel extension sets
- Detailed nail art designs
- Lengthy spa pedicures with extensive soaking and scrubs
- Group bookings for bridal parties or large groups
If you are connecting through ATL and want a more complex service, it is usually better to plan it before you fly in Metro Atlanta rather than hope to get it done in-terminal.
How to Plan Nail Services Around Your Atlanta Flight
Whether you live in Atlanta or are just passing through, planning a bit ahead helps you avoid stress.
If You Have a Layover at ATL
If your only time in Atlanta is at the airport, nail services can work if:
- Your layover is at least 90 minutes (for a quick manicure and walking time).
- You are willing to accept “express” level service rather than a full luxury appointment.
- You stay in the same concourse or factor in Plane Train travel time between concourses.
⏱️ Practical timing guide:
- Under 1 hour: Focus on getting to your gate and grabbing food. A nail service is risky.
- 1–2 hours: A basic manicure or polish change might be realistic if the spa is in your concourse.
- 2+ hours: You have more flexibility, but always stay aware of security lines and boarding times.
If You Live in Atlanta or Are Staying in the City
If you are starting or ending your trip in Atlanta:
- Consider booking a full-service salon near your home, hotel, or office instead of relying on the airport.
- Use the airport options mainly for emergencies or quick touch-ups, like a broken nail or chipped polish before a meeting downtown.
Popular areas for full-service nail salons in Metro Atlanta include:
- Downtown Atlanta and Midtown (convenient if you are staying near major hotels or the Georgia World Congress Center)
- Buckhead (many higher-end spa and nail options)
- East Point, College Park, and Hapeville (closer to the airport if you want to book something right after landing or before heading to ATL)
Getting from ATL to Nearby Nail Salons
If you decide you want a full salon experience rather than just an in-airport touch-up, it is fairly easy to leave the airport and reach neighborhood salons.
Using MARTA from the Airport
ATL is directly connected to MARTA’s Airport Station, located at:
- Airport MARTA Station
Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim and Ground Transportation
From there, you can take trains to areas with many salons, such as:
- Midtown Station: Access to Peachtree Street and various shops and salons.
- Arts Center Station / North Avenue Station: Also near commercial districts with beauty services.
This is often the simplest option if you do not want to drive or take a rideshare.
Using Rideshare or Taxi
From the Ground Transportation Center at ATL, rideshare drivers and taxis can take you to:
- Nearby College Park or East Point salons in about 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic
- Downtown or Midtown Atlanta in roughly 20–35 minutes in typical conditions
If you have several hours before your flight, you may have time to:
- Leave the airport
- Visit a nearby salon
- Return and clear security again
You will want to allow plenty of extra time if you choose this option, especially during morning or evening rush hours on I-85 and I-75.
Quick Reference: Nail Options for ATL Travelers
| Situation | Best Option | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Short layover (under 1 hour) | Skip nail services | Focus on getting to your gate and food/rest |
| 1–2 hour layover, staying in same concourse | In-terminal spa or nail kiosk | Express manicure or polish change, walk-in |
| 2+ hour layover, comfortable with timing | In-terminal spa, possibly changing concourses | More flexibility, but still limited services |
| Starting trip in Atlanta | Salon near home/work/hotel | Full range of manicures, pedicures, nail art |
| Ending trip in Atlanta | Salon near airport area or destination | Schedule after leaving ATL via MARTA or rideshare |
How to Confirm Current Nail Services at ATL
Because vendors at ATL can change, it is wise to double-check before you count on a specific service. You can:
- Use airport information phones or desks to ask about current spa and nail locations
- Review terminal maps once you clear security to see where grooming and spa services are listed
- Call ATL’s general information line and ask about “nail services in the terminals”
Key contact:
- Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport – General Information
Phone: (800) 897-1910 (widely published as a main information line)
When you call, mention your airline and concourse so staff can point you to the closest option that offers nail services.
When Atlanta Airport Nail Services Make the Most Sense
Using Atlanta airport for nail care is most practical if you:
- Need a quick fix for a broken or chipped nail
- Want a fast, no-frills manicure during a layover
- Prefer to stay inside security and not leave the airport
If you want:
- Detailed nail designs
- Long, spa-style pedicures
- Acrylics, gels, or more complex services
…you will usually have a better experience at a full-service nail salon elsewhere in Atlanta and use ATL’s options only as a backup or emergency solution.
In summary, Atlanta’s airport does offer nail services, but they are typically express-style and limited. For full nail care, plan to visit one of the many salons across Metro Atlanta before or after your time at ATL.