How Many Concourses Are at Atlanta Airport? A Local’s Guide to Navigating Hartsfield-Jackson

If you live in Atlanta or fly through often, you know Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is huge. Understanding how many concourses Atlanta airport has—and how they’re laid out—can make the difference between a calm connection and a stressful sprint.

Here’s exactly how the concourses work at ATL, plus practical tips for getting around like a local.

How Many Concourses Does Atlanta Airport Have?

Atlanta’s airport has:

• 1 Domestic Terminal (split into North & South)
• 1 International Terminal (Concourse F terminal building)
• 7 passenger concourses labeled:
  • T, A, B, C, D, E, and F

All seven concourses are connected in a straight line and are accessible airside (after security), mostly via an underground Plane Train and walkways.

So when people ask, “How many concourses at Atlanta airport?”, the clear answer is:

Quick Overview: Terminals vs. Concourses at ATL

Many travelers mix up terminals and concourses, especially at ATL. Here’s the difference in plain language:

• Terminals = where you enter the airport from the street
  (check-in counters, ticketing, baggage claim, security)
• Concourses = where you board your flight
  (gates, shops, restaurants, waiting areas)

ATL has two main terminal areas:

1. Domestic Terminal – on the west side of the airport

   • North: commonly used by Delta and some partners
   • South: used by many other domestic airlines

2. Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal – on the east side

   • Home to Concourse F and international check-in
   • Includes its own security and baggage claim

Once you clear security (at either the domestic or international side), you can reach all seven concourses without going back outside or re-clearing security.

ATL Concourses at a Glance

Here’s a simple reference you can mentally bookmark:

Key takeaway:
Even though E and F are known as the “international” concourses, flights can and do sometimes switch between concourses based on scheduling and operations. Always check your boarding pass and the airport’s flight displays.

How the Concourses Are Connected

ATL is laid out almost like a ladder:

• At the top: Domestic Terminal / Concourse T on the west and the International Terminal / Concourse F on the east
• In the middle: Concourses A, B, C, D, and E, in a straight line underground

You can move between concourses using:

1. Plane Train (Automated People Mover)

   • Runs underground between all concourses and both terminal areas
   • Stops in this order: Domestic Terminal → T → A → B → C → D → E → F (International Terminal)
   • Trains run frequently and the ride between adjacent stations is typically a minute or two

2. Pedestrian Walkways

   • Long underground walkways connect each concourse
   • Moving walkways help speed up the walk
   • Good backup if the Plane Train is crowded or if you prefer to walk

3. Shuttle / Ground Transportation (Landside, before security)

   • Used mostly between Domestic Terminal and International Terminal for people who haven’t gone through security yet or need to reach the correct side for check-in or pickup

Where You’ll Usually Fly From (By Direction & Airline Type)

While gate assignments can change, these are common patterns that help you plan ahead:

Domestic Flights

Most domestic departures and arrivals use:

• Concourse T
• Concourse A
• Concourse B
• Concourse C
• Concourse D

If you’re flying within the U.S. from Atlanta, you’ll almost always be in one of these five concourses.

International Flights

Most international flights at ATL use:

• Concourse E
• Concourse F (International Terminal)

However, some domestic flights may also use E or F, especially if they connect to international routes or during peak times. This is why it’s important to:

• Check your boarding pass for the concourse and gate
• Confirm your concourse on airport flight information screens

Local Tip: Domestic vs. International Terminal Confusion

Many visitors to Atlanta get tripped up by this:

• You can fly internationally but still check in at the Domestic Terminal, depending on your airline and itinerary.
• You can also arrive internationally at Concourse E and exit at the Domestic Terminal, or arrive at F and exit at the International Terminal, depending on routing and baggage.

Rule of thumb:
If someone is picking you up or dropping you off in Atlanta, it helps to confirm:

• Are you using the Domestic Terminal (6000 N. Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA)
  or
• The International Terminal (2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA)?

That matters more for drivers than which concourse you’re using, since concourses are on the inside of the airport.

Getting Between Concourses: Time & Strategy

How Long Does It Take?

While exact times vary, a general guide for moving after security:

• Neighboring concourses (e.g., A to B, C to D)

  • About 2–5 minutes by Plane Train
  • Around 10–15 minutes walking for most people

• Farther apart (e.g., T to E, A to F)

  • About 10–15 minutes by Plane Train total travel time

• End-to-end (Domestic Terminal/T to International Terminal/F)

  • Plan for 15–20 minutes gate-to-gate, especially if you need to walk within a concourse

If you live in Atlanta and often host visitors, it’s useful to remind them: ATL is large—build in buffer time for connections and walking.

When Walking Makes Sense

Walking between concourses may be better if:

• The Plane Train is extremely crowded
• You prefer a less cramped option
• You have time to stretch your legs between long flights

There are clear signs along the walkway showing the distance and approximate walk time to each concourse.

What You’ll Find in Each Concourse

You’ll see repeated patterns in each concourse:

• Gate areas with seating and power outlets (varies by gate)
• Food and drink options (fast food, coffee, bars, some sit-down restaurants)
• Shops (snacks, travel essentials, local Atlanta souvenirs)
• Restrooms and family restrooms
• Information desks and directional signs

A few general notes useful to Atlanta travelers:

• Concourse T
  Very convenient if you’re picked up or dropped off at the Domestic Terminal—short walk, minimal train time.

• Concourses A & B
  Among the busiest, with a wide variety of food options and services. You’re likely to use these often if you fly frequently from Atlanta.

• Concourse E
  Feels more “international” but often used for domestic connecting flights as well.

• Concourse F (International Terminal)
  Newer design, often has a wider selection of duty-free and international-focused services. If you have a longer layover here, it can be one of the more comfortable areas for waiting.

Tips for Atlanta Residents and Frequent Visitors

1. Choosing Drop-Off and Pick-Up Locations

If you or your driver are Atlanta-based, it’s helpful to know:

• Domestic flights → Use the Domestic Terminal
• Most international departures → Use the International Terminal
• If you’re unsure, check your ticket/itinerary or contact your airline before heading to the airport.

2. Building in Connection Time

Because ATL is spread out across 7 concourses, connections can involve:

• A Plane Train ride
• A walk within a concourse (some concourses are long)
• Possible waits at restrooms, food spots, or crowded gate areas

Many travelers passing through Atlanta feel more comfortable with at least 45–60 minutes between flights, especially when changing concourses.

3. Mobility and Accessibility

If you or a family member needs extra time or mobility assistance getting between concourses:

• You can request wheelchair assistance through your airline in advance.
• There are elevators and escalators connecting concourses to the Plane Train and walkways.
• Signs are large and color-coded, which helps keep you oriented even in busy periods.

Key Takeaways for Navigating Atlanta’s Concourses

• Atlanta airport has 7 concourses: T, A, B, C, D, E, and F.
• All concourses connect airside via the Plane Train and underground walkways.
• Domestic flights usually use T through D, with some in E and F.
• International flights mainly use E and F, linked to the International Terminal.
• For driving, what matters most is whether you’re using the Domestic Terminal or the International Terminal, not the concourse letter.
• Allow extra time to move between concourses, especially during busy hours or if you’re unfamiliar with ATL’s layout.

Knowing how the concourses are organized at Hartsfield-Jackson gives you a real advantage when flying to, from, or through Atlanta—and makes the world’s busiest airport feel a lot more manageable.