How to Use the Train Between Terminals at Atlanta’s Airport (Hartsfield-Jackson)

Yes, Atlanta’s airport does have a train between terminals—and it’s one of the easiest parts of getting around Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

If you live in Atlanta, fly in and out often, or you’re visiting the city for the first time, understanding this train system will save you time, stress, and a lot of walking.

The Plane Train: Atlanta Airport’s Internal Terminal Train

The Plane Train is ATL’s automated underground train that connects:

• The Domestic Terminal (Terminal South – T gates)
• The International Terminal (Terminal F – Concourse F)
• All concourses A, B, C, D, E in between

It runs inside the secure area, so it’s mainly for:

• Getting between gates and concourses
• Making connections between flights
• Moving from security to your departure concourse

You do not pay to ride the Plane Train. It’s free for all ticketed passengers.

Where the Train Runs: Terminals & Concourses Covered

Here’s a simple overview of where the Plane Train goes and what each stop serves:

The train runs in a straight underground line, and each stop is clearly announced and labeled.

How to Find and Use the Plane Train

If You’re Starting at the Domestic Terminal

Most Atlanta residents and many visitors enter through the Domestic Terminal (North or South).

1. Check in and go through TSA security (North or South).
2. After security, follow signs for “Plane Train” or “Transportation Mall.”
3. Take the escalator or elevator downstairs.
4. You’ll see the Plane Train platform with signs for each concourse (T, A, B, C, D, E, F).
5. Board the next train—they come every couple of minutes.

🧭 Tip: The T gates are walkable from the main terminal without using the train, but for A–F, most people take the Plane Train.

If You’re Starting at the International Terminal (Concourse F)

For international travelers entering ATL via Terminal F:

1. After immigration and customs (if arriving), follow “Connecting Flights” signage.
2. Once you re-clear security (for connecting passengers), look for signs for the Plane Train.
3. From Concourse F, you can go back toward E, D, C, B, A, and T.

If you’re departing from Terminal F, check in and clear security, then head downstairs to the Plane Train if your flight leaves from another concourse.

Does the Train Connect the Domestic and International Terminals?

Yes—indirectly, inside security.

• Domestic Terminal ⇄ International Terminal (F) are linked by the Plane Train through the concourses.
• If you arrive domestically at A, B, C, D, or T and your international flight leaves from E or F, you stay inside security and use the Plane Train to get there.
• If you’re arriving on an international flight and connecting to a domestic flight, you’ll go through customs and security, then use the train to reach your next concourse.

If you’re just trying to move curb-to-curb (for example, you parked at the Domestic Terminal but your flight arrives in the International Terminal), you’ll need ground transportation outside security, not the Plane Train. More on that below.

How Long Does the Plane Train Take?

Travel times are short, but ATL is big. As a general guide:

• Trains run frequently, usually every 1–2 minutes.
• From one stop to the next is typically about 2 minutes of ride time.
• Going from T (Domestic) all the way to F (International) often takes around 10 minutes on the train, plus walking and waiting.

If you live in Atlanta and are used to cutting it close, factor in:

• Time to get through security
• Time to walk from Plane Train platforms to your gate
• That concourses like A or B can have long hallways

✈️ Connection tip: For most domestic-to-domestic connections at ATL, many travelers feel comfortable with at least 45 minutes. For domestic-to-international, aim for more, especially at busy times.

Accessibility: Using the Train With Mobility Needs

The Plane Train is designed to be accessible:

• Elevators and escalators connect concourses and train platforms.
• The train has a level boarding area—no large steps.
• Audio and visual announcements identify stops clearly.
• Seating areas are available onboard for those who need them.

If you or someone in your group needs extra assistance:

• When checking in, you can request wheelchair assistance through your airline.
• Airline staff or airport service providers can help guide you to and from the Plane Train and your gate.

For general accessibility questions, you can contact:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Customer Service
Main information line: (800) 897-1910

Plane Train vs. MARTA: Don’t Mix Them Up

Many Atlanta residents know MARTA as “the airport train,” but it’s different from the Plane Train.

• Plane Train:

  • Runs inside the airport, underground between terminals and concourses.
  • For ticketed passengers after security.
  • Connects T, A, B, C, D, E, F.

• MARTA Rail:

  • Runs between the airport and the rest of metro Atlanta.
  • The Airport Station is attached to the Domestic Terminal (West End of the terminal, near North baggage claim).
  • You access MARTA before security, near baggage claim and ground transportation.

If you’re trying to get from Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or elsewhere in Atlanta to your flight:

• Use MARTA to reach the Domestic Terminal.
• Then go through security.
• Then use the Plane Train to reach your concourse, if needed.

Getting Between Domestic and International Terminals Without the Plane Train

If you’re not inside security and you need to move between the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal (F), you cannot use the Plane Train. Instead, you have a few options:

1. Airport Shuttle Bus

ATL operates a free terminal shuttle between:

• Domestic Terminal (North and South)
• International Terminal (F)

Look for signs for “International Shuttle” or ask any airport staff at curbside or information desks.

This is a common choice if:

• You parked at a lot serving the Domestic side but depart from or arrive at Terminal F.
• You’re meeting someone at the opposite terminal.

2. Private Vehicle / Rideshare / Taxi

If you’d rather not use the shuttle:

• You can drive between terminals—just follow airport roadway signs for “International Terminal” or “Domestic Terminal”.
• You can use rideshare services (pickup areas are clearly marked at each terminal).
• You can take a taxi between terminals, though this is uncommon for locals and usually unnecessary.

The driving distance between the two terminal curbs is not far, but you do have to navigate airport roads, so allow extra time.

Tips for Atlanta Residents Who Fly Often

If you live in Atlanta and use ATL regularly, a few habits make the Plane Train work even better for you:

• Know your concourse before you leave home.
  Many airlines at ATL heavily use specific concourses (for example, Delta often uses T, A, B, C, D, and E). If you know your concourse:

  • You’ll know how many stops you need on the Plane Train.
  • You can park or get dropped off with plenty of time.

• Board the correct side of the train.
  Platforms are marked with directional signs (e.g., “To Concourse F / International” versus “To Domestic Terminal / T Gates”). Check the overhead signs before you step on.

• Listen for announcements.
  Each stop is announced clearly, and doors open for a limited time. Move toward the door a bit early at your stop.

• If you prefer to walk, use the Transportation Mall.
  There’s a moving walkway corridor (the Transportation Mall) running parallel to the Plane Train underground. Some locals prefer to walk one or two stops—especially between T and A or A and B—if they have extra time or want to avoid crowds.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta for the First Time

For visitors who may be overwhelmed by ATL’s size:

• Follow the overhead signs. The airport is very well signed for “Plane Train”, “Baggage Claim,” and “Ground Transportation.”
• If you’re connecting, stay inside security and head straight to the Plane Train for your next concourse.
• If Atlanta is your final destination:
  • Take the Plane Train (if needed) to T / Domestic Terminal or F / International Terminal depending on your arrival gate.
  • Follow signs to “Baggage Claim”.
  • From the Domestic side, you can also follow signs to MARTA if you’re heading to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or other city stops.

Quick Reference: When You’ll Use the Train at ATL

You will use the Plane Train if:

• You’re connecting between two flights at ATL.
• Your gate is not in the same concourse as security (for example, you passed through Domestic security but fly out of Concourse D).
• You’re going from Domestic security to an International concourse (E or F) or vice versa.

You will not use the Plane Train if:

• You’re just going from the street/parking to your airline’s check-in counter.
• You’re going from Domestic curbside to International curbside without a flight connection (use shuttle, car, or taxi instead).
• You’re leaving the airport on MARTA, taxi, rideshare, or pickup with friends/family.

In Atlanta, the Plane Train is the backbone of getting around inside Hartsfield-Jackson. It does connect terminals through the concourses, it’s free, and it’s designed to handle the massive number of passengers moving through the city’s airport every day. Knowing how to find it and which direction to ride is usually all you need to move confidently between terminals and gates.