How Many Terminals Are in Atlanta Airport? A Local’s Guide to Navigating ATL

If you live in Atlanta, visit often, or are flying through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), understanding how many terminals the Atlanta airport has will make your trip much smoother.

The short, practical answer:
Atlanta Airport has 2 main terminals (Domestic and International) and 7 concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, and F).

Both locals and visitors sometimes mix up “terminals” and “concourses,” so let’s break down exactly how ATL is laid out and how to get around it easily.

Terminals vs. Concourses at Atlanta Airport

The 2 Main Terminals

ATL is organized around two primary terminals:

  • Domestic Terminal (on the west side of the airport)
  • Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (often just called the International Terminal, on the east side)

These two terminals sit on opposite sides of the airfield. You cannot simply walk outside between them—you either drive, take a shuttle, or use the Plane Train inside the secure area.

The 7 Concourses

Behind security, all passengers at Atlanta Airport share a connected “spine” of concourses:

  • Concourse T – Closest to the Domestic Terminal
  • Concourse A
  • Concourse B
  • Concourse C
  • Concourse D
  • Concourse E
  • Concourse F – Connected directly to the International Terminal

Think of it this way:

  • Terminals = where you enter/exit the airport from the street (check-in, baggage claim, security).
  • Concourses = where you board your plane (gates, restaurants, shops).

You might check in at the Domestic Terminal and end up flying out of Concourse E, for example. That’s completely normal at ATL.

Quick Layout Overview of ATL

Here’s a simple way to visualize how Atlanta Airport is set up if you’re looking at it from above:

Area TypeNameWhat It’s For
TerminalDomestic Terminal – NorthCheck-in for Delta and some partner airlines
TerminalDomestic Terminal – SouthCheck-in for other major U.S. airlines
TerminalMaynard H. Jackson Jr. InternationalInternational departures/arrivals, plus some domestic ops
ConcourseTDomestic gates near the Domestic Terminal
ConcourseA, B, C, DMostly domestic flights, connected to Domestic Terminal
ConcourseEMix of international and domestic flights
ConcourseFMain international concourse, attached to International Term.

All concourses are linked by the Plane Train, ATL’s underground people mover, and by walkable corridors for those who prefer to stay on foot.

Domestic Terminal: What Atlanta Travelers Need to Know

If you live in the metro Atlanta area, you’ll probably use the Domestic Terminal most often. It sits at:

Domestic Terminal Address
6000 N Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320

The Domestic Terminal is split into two sides:

  • North Terminal
    • Primarily used by Delta Air Lines and some of its partners.
  • South Terminal
    • Used by most other domestic airlines.

You’ll find:

  • Airline check-in counters
  • Baggage claim carousels
  • TSA security checkpoints
  • Ground transportation (rideshare, taxis, hotel shuttles, MARTA access via the Airport Station)

Once you clear security in the Domestic Terminal, you enter the central portion of the airport that connects you to Concourses T, A, B, C, and D, and further down the line, E and F.

International Terminal: Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal

Many visitors to Atlanta (and a lot of local residents heading overseas) will use the International Terminal, located on the east side of ATL:

International Terminal Address
2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd
Atlanta, GA 30354

Key points:

  • Houses its own check-in counters, security checkpoint, and baggage claim for many international flights.
  • Directly connected to Concourse F, which serves as a major international hub.
  • Also handles some domestic flights, particularly those connected to international itineraries.

If you are arriving from abroad and Atlanta is your final destination, you’ll typically:

  1. Go through passport control and customs.
  2. Collect your checked baggage.
  3. Exit into the International Terminal arrivals area, where you can meet rides, pick up a rental car shuttle, or get a taxi.

If you’re connecting through Atlanta and staying inside security, you can usually go directly to your next concourse by following the signs and using the Plane Train.

Getting Between Domestic and International Terminals

This is one of the most common sources of confusion for people using Atlanta Airport.

Inside Security (Airside)

If you’ve already gone through security and are changing planes:

  • Use the Plane Train to move between concourses T–F.
  • You can reach either terminal’s gates without exiting security, as long as your flights are on the same ticket and you’re staying airside.

You do not have to re-clear security when moving between concourses.

Outside Security (Landside)

If you’re meeting someone, picking up a passenger, or arriving at the wrong terminal:

  • You cannot walk directly between the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal outside security.
  • Instead, you can:
    • Drive (roughly 10–15 minutes between sides, depending on traffic).
    • Use the free shuttle bus that operates between the two terminals.
    • Arrange a rideshare or taxi to switch sides if you parked or arrived at the wrong one.

For Atlanta residents picking up international visitors, it’s often easiest to meet them at the International Terminal arrivals level, especially for flights arriving into Concourse F.

Understanding the Concourses: Where You’ll Actually Board

All gates at ATL are in Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, and F. Here’s how they typically work:

Concourse T

  • Closest to the Domestic Terminal.
  • Mainly used for domestic flights.
  • Handy if you want a shorter walk from security.

Concourses A, B, C, D

  • Almost entirely domestic gates.
  • Each concourse has food, shops, and seating.
  • Accessible by:
    • Plane Train, or
    • Underground walkways if you prefer to walk.

Locals who fly frequently often memorize “their” concourse based on airline, but assignments can change, so always double-check your boarding pass.

Concourse E

  • Often used for a mix of international and longer domestic flights.
  • Has its own customs facilities but is also connected to the rest of the concourses.
  • Common connection point if you’re flying between the U.S. and international destinations.

Concourse F

  • Main international concourse, attached directly to the International Terminal.
  • Many transatlantic and long-haul flights depart from or arrive here.
  • Houses additional customs, passport control, and amenities geared toward international travelers.

How to Get Around Inside Atlanta Airport

Plane Train (People Mover)

The Plane Train is the fastest way to move between concourses:

  • Runs underground between Domestic Terminal, T, A, B, C, D, E, and F.
  • Trains arrive every few minutes.
  • Clear signage announces each concourse.

This is especially useful if:

  • You have a tight connection.
  • You land in Concourse B and need to reach a flight in Concourse F, for example.

Walking Between Concourses

If you prefer to walk:

  • There are walkable tunnels with moving walkways linking all concourses.
  • Many Atlanta travelers enjoy walking between concourses A–D for exercise during layovers.
  • Signage guides you clearly, and the paths are well lit.

Plan extra time if you choose to walk, especially if you’re going more than one concourse away from your gate.

Getting to ATL from Around Atlanta

By Car

From most parts of metro Atlanta:

  • Take I-85 or I-75 and follow signs for Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
  • Watch for separate signage for Domestic Terminal vs International Terminal as you approach.

Parking options typically include:

  • Hourly and daily garages
  • Economy and park-ride lots
  • Off-site parking lots operated nearby with shuttle service

If you live in the city or close to a MARTA station, many locals prefer transit + short rideshare instead of long-term parking.

By MARTA

For the Domestic Terminal:

  • Ride the MARTA rail (Red or Gold line) to the Airport Station, which is built directly into the Domestic Terminal.
  • From there, you can walk straight into check-in and security.

For the International Terminal:

  • Take MARTA to Airport Station, then:
    • Use the airport’s shuttle service to the International Terminal outside security, or
    • Go through Domestic security and use the Plane Train to Concourse F / International Terminalinside security if you’re catching a flight.

This option is very popular with people living in Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead, as it avoids traffic and parking fees.

Tips for Atlanta Travelers Using ATL’s Terminals

Here are a few practical pointers tailored to Atlanta-area travelers:

  • Check your terminal before you leave home.
    Domestic flights usually depart from the Domestic Terminal, but some international itineraries or partner flights might use International.

  • If you’re picking someone up, know which side.
    Ask whether they’re arriving at the Domestic Terminal or the International Terminal (Concourse F often = International arrivals).

  • Allow extra time for the wrong terminal mistake.
    If you accidentally go to the wrong side, budget at least 20–30 minutes to shuttle or drive to the other terminal, especially during busy periods.

  • Use the Plane Train for fast connections.
    If you’re connecting between concourses, the Plane Train is usually the fastest and simplest option.

  • MARTA + carry-on can be the easiest combo.
    For many in-town Atlanta residents, taking MARTA with just a carry-on bag is often the least stressful way to reach the airport.

To recap: Atlanta Airport has 2 main terminals (Domestic and International) and 7 concourses (T–F), all connected behind security. Understanding that structure—especially the separation between the Domestic and International sides—will save you time, confusion, and stress whenever you’re flying into or out of Atlanta.