If you spend any time in Atlanta—whether you live here, visit often, or are planning your first trip—you’ll quickly realize this is a major air travel hub. But how many airports does Atlanta actually have, and which one should you use?
The short answer:
Atlanta is primarily served by one major commercial airport plus several smaller general aviation airports in the metro area.
Below is a clear breakdown of what that really means for travelers and locals.
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is Atlanta’s one major commercial airport and the one most people mean when they say “the Atlanta airport.”
For nearly all airline flights in and out of Atlanta, you will use ATL. It’s one of the busiest airports in the world and a major connecting hub for flights across the United States and abroad.
It depends on what you mean by “Atlanta.”
If you mean big airline airport with scheduled passenger flights:
➜ Atlanta has one: Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL).
If you include smaller airports in the greater Atlanta metro area used for private planes, charters, flight training, and business aviation:
➜ There are several additional airports that serve the region.
Many locals talk about these other airports when they say “I’m flying out of Atlanta,” even if the airport itself is in a nearby city like College Park, Chamblee, or Kennesaw.
Here’s a simple overview to keep things straight:
| Airport Name | Code | Primary Use | Commercial Airline Flights? | Approx. Distance from Downtown ATL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport | ATL | Major commercial & international | ✅ Yes | ~10 miles south |
| DeKalb–Peachtree Airport | PDK | General aviation, charters | ❌ No | ~10–12 miles northeast |
| Fulton County Airport–Brown Field | FTY | General aviation, business jets | ❌ No | ~8–10 miles west |
| Cobb County International Airport–McCollum Field | RYY | General aviation, corporate | ❌ No | ~25 miles northwest |
| Gwinnett County Airport–Briscoe Field | LZU | General aviation, training | ❌ No | ~30 miles northeast |
| Atlanta Regional Airport–Falcon Field (Peachtree City) | FFC | General aviation, corporate | ❌ No | ~30+ miles southwest |
Since ATL is Atlanta’s only major passenger airport, it’s where you’ll likely:
For most people in Atlanta, this is the most convenient airport because of its direct transit and highway access:
If you live in the city or are staying in central neighborhoods like Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or Westside, ATL will almost always be your best and most logical choice.
Atlanta’s metro area is large, and many residents and businesses use smaller regional airports instead of ATL for private flights, charters, and flight training. These do not have major commercial airline service, but they are important if you:
For many people in Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, and north DeKalb, PDK can be more convenient than driving to ATL for private or business aviation.
If you live or work in Downtown, West Midtown, or the Westside, Fulton County Airport can be a practical alternative for non-commercial flying.
Residents in Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth, and parts of Smyrna and East Cobb often use this airport for corporate flights and training rather than driving to ATL.
For those living in Lawrenceville, Duluth, Suwanee, and nearby suburbs, Briscoe Field is a key local option for general aviation.
Residents in Peachtree City, Fayetteville, Newnan, and surrounding communities often rely on Falcon Field for private or business flying instead of driving up to ATL.
Here’s how to decide, based on what you’re trying to do.
✅ Use: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
All standard commercial airline flights—whether you’re flying to New York, Los Angeles, Miami, or international destinations—operate from ATL.
You may have options among several Atlanta-area airports. Many charter companies and private operators use:
When you book a private or charter flight, confirm the exact airport code and address; Atlanta’s airports are spread out across the metro area.
Several of the regional airports around Atlanta host flight schools and training centers, especially:
Most student pilots in the Atlanta area train at these smaller airports rather than at ATL, since they are less congested and more suited to general aviation.
Atlanta technically has many airports in its metro region, but:
If you’re:
Understanding this distinction helps you book the right airport, plan your ground transportation, and avoid confusion when someone says they’re “flying out of Atlanta.”
