How Far Is Hartsfield–Jackson Airport From Downtown Atlanta?

If you’re planning a trip in or out of Atlanta, it helps to know exactly how far Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is from downtown Atlanta—and how long it really takes to get between the two.

In everyday terms, Hartsfield–Jackson Airport is about 10–12 miles south of downtown Atlanta, depending on your exact starting and ending point. Travel time usually ranges from 15 to 30 minutes by car in typical traffic, but that can change a lot during rush hour or bad weather.

Quick Distance & Travel Time Overview

Here’s a simple look at how far ATL is from downtown and how long common options take.

*Times are general estimates and can be longer in rush hour, construction, or severe weather.

Understanding the Distance: Airport vs. “Downtown Atlanta”

When people say “downtown Atlanta,” they usually mean the area around:

• Peachtree Street
• CNN Center / State Farm Arena
• Georgia World Congress Center
• Georgia State Capitol

From this core downtown area to the Domestic Terminal at ATL, the drive is typically:

• 10–12 miles via I‑75/I‑85 South
• Straight shot on the interstate with no complicated turns

If you’re starting from Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Westside, add a couple of miles and a few more minutes.

Driving From Downtown Atlanta to Hartsfield–Jackson

Basic Driving Route

The most direct route from central downtown (near Five Points or Peachtree Center) to ATL is:

1. Get onto I‑75/I‑85 South (the Connector).
2. Continue about 8–10 miles on I‑75/I‑85 South.
3. Follow signs for Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
4. Take the exit for:
   • Domestic Terminal (North or South), or
   • International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal) via separate access road (usually I‑85 to I‑285 East, then exit to the international terminal).

Typical Travel Times by Car

In normal conditions:

• Off-peak hours (midday, late evening, weekends):
  Around 15–20 minutes from downtown.
• Rush hour (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. on weekdays):
  Often 25–40 minutes, sometimes more if there’s a crash or heavy construction.

To be safe when catching a flight out of ATL:

• Plan for at least 45–60 minutes of travel from downtown, especially at busy times.
• Add more buffer if you’re using airport parking or returning a rental car.

Parking & Drop-Off Areas

• Domestic Terminal:
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  Short-term, hourly, daily, and economy parking options are available near the North and South terminals.

• International Terminal (Concourse F):
  2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354
  Has its own parking deck and separate entrance from the domestic terminal area.

If someone is dropping you off, have them follow the clearly marked signs to Departure for your airline’s terminal.

Taking MARTA Between Downtown Atlanta and the Airport

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is one of the most reliable ways to get to ATL, especially during rush hour.

How Far Is the Airport by MARTA?

The distance by rail isn’t measured the same way as driving, but in time:

• From downtown stations like Five Points, Peachtree Center, or Georgia State, the ride to Airport Station is usually:
  • 18–25 minutes on the train itself, depending on where you board.

How to Use MARTA to Reach ATL

1. From downtown, go to any Red or Gold Line station:
   • Five Points
   • Peachtree Center
   • Civic Center (a bit more midtown)
   • Georgia State
2. Board a southbound Red or Gold Line train heading to Airport.
3. Stay on the train until the last stop: Airport Station.

The Airport Station is directly attached to the Domestic Terminal—you simply walk into the main terminal area via covered walkways.

📝 Tip: If you’re leaving from the International Terminal, you can:

• Take the Airport shuttle between the Domestic and International terminals, or
• Use the International Terminal’s parking and check-in area if you’re being dropped off there directly.

MARTA Frequency & Practical Timing

• Trains typically run every 10–20 minutes, depending on time of day.
• MARTA can be more predictable than driving during heavy traffic, especially on weekday mornings and evenings.

If your flight is important or you’re checking bags:

• Plan to be on MARTA at least 60–90 minutes before you want to arrive at the airport.
• Build in buffer for walking from your downtown location to the station and possible wait time for trains.

Rideshare, Taxis, and Shuttles

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, and similar services)

From most of downtown Atlanta, rideshare trips to the airport:

• Are around 10–12 miles
• Typically take 15–30 minutes, depending on traffic
• Use I‑75/I‑85 South in most cases

At the airport:

• Rideshare pickup locations are in designated areas:
  • For Domestic Terminal, pickups are usually in a separate area from standard passenger pickup.
  • For International Terminal, look for the clearly marked rideshare pickup zones.

📝 Tip: During big events (conventions, Falcons games, concerts) in downtown, rideshare prices and wait times can increase, so build in extra time and check fares ahead.

Taxis

Atlanta still has regulated taxi service, particularly:

• Taxi stands at the Domestic Terminal and International Terminal
• Flat-rate or metered trips into central parts of the city

From the airport to downtown Atlanta, taxi trips are usually:

• Around 15–30 minutes in normal traffic
• A straightforward route up I‑85/I‑75 North

Hotel and Private Shuttles

Some downtown and airport-area hotels offer airport shuttles. If you’re staying in:

• Downtown Atlanta: check in advance whether your hotel has a shuttle (some do, many don’t).
• Airport hotels near Virginia Avenue or around the airport loop: hotel shuttles are more common and typically run between the hotel and TERMINALS, not downtown.

When to Leave Downtown for an ATL Flight

Because the airport is relatively close to central Atlanta, many people underestimate how long the whole process actually takes. Consider:

• Drive or train time (15–40 minutes)
• Parking or drop-off logistics
• Check-in and baggage drop
• Security lines, which can be lengthy at Hartsfield–Jackson
• Walking time to your gate (it’s a large airport with multiple concourses)

A practical rule many Atlanta travelers use:

• For domestic flights, leave downtown 2 to 2.5 hours before departure.
• For international flights, leave downtown 3 to 3.5 hours before departure.

Add more time if:

• You’re traveling during major holidays
• There’s severe weather
• You’re unfamiliar with the airport layout

Key Addresses & Contact Points

Here are the most useful “official” points to know:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Main Mailing Address
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320
  Main airport information (recorded/general info is typically available via the airport’s main phone system).

• Domestic Terminal (North & South):
  Located along North Terminal Parkway and South Terminal Parkway, directly accessible from I‑85 / I‑75 via the airport exit.

• International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal – Concourse F):
  2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd
  Atlanta, GA 30354
  Accessed via I‑285 and the dedicated international terminal access road.

• MARTA Headquarters & Info (for trip planning help):
  Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority
  2424 Piedmont Rd NE
  Atlanta, GA 30324
  Customer information is typically available through MARTA’s published phone line and at station kiosks.

Is It Practical to Stay Downtown and Fly Out of ATL?

For most people visiting or living in Atlanta:

• Yes. The airport’s 10–12 mile distance from downtown makes it very manageable.
• With direct highway access and MARTA rail service straight into the Domestic Terminal, downtown is one of the most convenient places in the metro area to reach ATL from.

If you:

• Prefer public transit: MARTA from downtown is straightforward and avoids parking.
• Prefer driving or rideshare: The route is simple, but build in time for traffic between the Connector and the airport exit.

In day-to-day terms, Hartsfield–Jackson is close enough that you can comfortably live, work, or stay in downtown Atlanta and still reach the airport in under an hour door-to-door if you plan ahead.