Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is big, busy, and famously spread out. The good news: getting between concourses at Atlanta Airport is straightforward once you know your options.
This guide walks you through every way to move between concourses, how long it typically takes, and what Atlanta travelers should know to make tight connections easier.
Atlanta’s airport is organized like a straight line:
All concourses are connected airside, which means:
The Plane Train is the fastest and easiest way to move between concourses at ATL.
What it is:
An underground train that runs beneath the terminals and concourses.
Stops (in order):
You can ride any direction, get off at your concourse, and follow signs up to your gate.
How to find it:
Typical travel times (on the train itself):
| From → To | Approx. Train Time* |
|---|---|
| T → A | ~2 minutes |
| T → B | ~4 minutes |
| T → C | ~6 minutes |
| T → D | ~8 minutes |
| T → E | ~10 minutes |
| T → F | ~12 minutes |
| A → B / B → C… | ~2 minutes per hop |
*Plan extra time for walking, escalators, and crowds.
When to use the Plane Train:
If you’d rather walk between concourses, Atlanta Airport has a long, underground pedestrian corridor that runs parallel to the Plane Train.
What it is:
Look for signs for “Transportation Mall” or “Walk to All Concourses.”
Why choose walking:
Approximate walking times (not including moving walkways):
If you have less than 45 minutes between flights and your gates are several concourses apart, the Plane Train is usually the better choice.
Many travelers in or through Atlanta want to know how to get between the domestic side (T–E) and the international side (F).
Once you’re airside:
You do not need to go outside, change terminals, or go back through TSA when you stay within the secure zone.
If you’re flying into Atlanta from abroad and connecting to a domestic flight:
Pay attention to signs and airline staff guidance, especially at Concourse F, where there are clearly marked paths for Atlanta-bound passengers vs. connecting passengers.
Inside Hartsfield‑Jackson, all concourses are connected airside. That means:
For Atlanta residents picking someone up, this is important: if they have a connecting flight and don’t leave security, you cannot meet them at their gate or concourse. You can meet only at:
Connection comfort in ATL depends on distance, time of day, and your pace. Use these as general guidelines:
If both flights are in T, A, B, C, D, or E:
International → Domestic (arriving at E or F, then flying out of T–E):
Domestic → International (T–E to F):
Airlines at ATL commonly adjust their minimum connection times, but planning above the bare minimum is wise.
Hartsfield‑Jackson is heavily used by travelers of all ages and mobility levels. If you or someone you’re traveling with needs extra help:
Wheelchairs & Assistance:
Request assistance through your airline before you arrive. Airline staff can:
Elevators & Escalators:
Every concourse and Plane Train platform has:
Distance Considerations:
Walking from, say, Concourse T to Concourse D through the underground hallways can be a long trek. If distance is a concern, use the Plane Train instead of walking.
If you have questions on-site, ask any airport employee or visit an information desk in the terminals or near major intersections in the concourses.
Once you have your booking:
Gate numbers at ATL usually look like:
This tells you exactly which concourse you need to reach.
ATL has abundant signage:
If you’re starting or ending your trip from within the Atlanta metro area, your airport experience is affected by:
These times can increase:
Arriving at the airport earlier means you have more flexibility to move between concourses without stress.
If you’re unsure how to get between concourses or worried about a tight connection once you’re at ATL, you have options:
Airport Information Desks
Located in:
General Airport Information (Phone)
Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Main information line: (800) 897‑1910 (widely shared general info number)
Airline Customer Service Counters
Each airline has counters in:
Staff can:
You’re running late for a connection in another concourse:
→ Take the Plane Train and head directly to your gate.
You have a long layover and want to move a bit:
→ Walk the Underground Transportation Mall between concourses (use moving walkways as needed).
You’re connecting from a domestic flight to an international flight in Concourse F:
→ Stay in the secure area and use the Plane Train to Concourse F.
You’re arriving internationally and then flying on to another U.S. city:
→ Follow signs for Immigration / Customs → Connecting Flights, re-check bags, clear TSA, then use the Plane Train to your domestic concourse.
You’re meeting someone who has a layover in ATL:
→ You cannot access the secure concourses without a boarding pass. Plan to meet only if they exit to:
Knowing how the Plane Train, underground walkways, and concourse layout fit together makes moving around Hartsfield‑Jackson much simpler. Whether you’re an Atlanta local hopping to another city or a visitor connecting through, you can confidently get between concourses and make the most of your time at the airport.
