Getting Between Terminals at Atlanta Airport: How To Go From Domestic to International

Atlanta’s Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) can feel huge and confusing, especially when you need to transfer from the Domestic Terminal to the International Terminal (Concourse F). The good news: the airport is designed so you can move between them fairly quickly if you know your options.

This guide walks you through every way to get from the Domestic Terminal to the International Terminal in Atlanta, whether you’re connecting flights, dropping off family, or heading home to Metro Atlanta after an overseas trip.

Key Things To Know First

  • Domestic Terminal = Main terminal on the west side
    Often signed as “Domestic Terminal – North/South” and connected to Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, and F by train.
  • International Terminal = Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal
    Located on the east side of the airport, directly connected to Concourse F.
  • You can move between Domestic and International without exiting security if you’re on a single ticket and already screened.
  • If you’re driving, using rideshare, or being picked up/dropped off, the Domestic and International terminals have separate entrances and parking off different interstates (I‑85 vs. I‑75).

Option 1: Using the Plane Train (Fastest for Most Travelers)

If you’re already inside the airport past security, the Plane Train is usually the quickest way to get from a domestic gate or the Domestic Terminal to the International Terminal.

Step-by-step: Domestic to International via Plane Train

  1. From your domestic gate

    • Follow overhead signs for “Plane Train” or “Transportation to Gates/Concourses”.
    • You can board the train from Concourses T, A, B, C, D, or E.

  2. Ride the Plane Train toward Concourse F

    • Stay on the train until the last stop, labeled “Concourse F / International Terminal.”

  3. Arrive at Concourse F

    • When you exit at Concourse F, follow signs for your departure gate, baggage claim, or International Terminal / Ground Transportation depending on your needs.

Walking Instead of Using the Plane Train

There is an underground pedestrian walkway that connects all concourses, including Concourse F. It’s well-lit with moving walkways and artwork.

  • Follow signs for “Walk to All Concourses”.
  • This can be useful if:
    • You want some exercise between long flights.
    • The Plane Train is crowded.

However, for most travelers, the Plane Train is much faster, especially if you’re trying to make a connection.

Option 2: Free Shuttle Between Domestic and International Terminals (Landside)

If you’re outside security—for example:

  • You’ve just arrived in Atlanta and left the secure area.
  • You’re dropping off or picking up someone.
  • You parked at the wrong terminal and need to get to the other one.

You can use the free ATL shuttle buses that run between the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal (F).

Where to Find the Shuttle At the Domestic Terminal

At the domestic side, look for signs for:

  • “International Terminal Shuttle”
  • “International Shuttle Connector”

You’ll typically find shuttle pickup:

  • Near the Ground Transportation Center outside the Domestic Terminal.
  • Look for clearly marked “International Shuttle” stops and buses.

Where to Find the Shuttle At the International Terminal

At the International Terminal (Concourse F side):

  • Follow signs for “Domestic Terminal Shuttle” or “Ground Transportation / Shuttle to Domestic Terminal.”
  • Buses are usually located outside the Arrivals level along the curb marked for shuttles.

How Long the Shuttle Takes

  • Typical travel time: 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic around the airport.
  • Shuttles usually run frequently throughout the day.

This shuttle is especially useful for local Atlanta residents who:

  • Parked at the wrong side of the airport.
  • Need to meet friends or family at a different terminal.
  • Booked one airline for a domestic leg and another that uses a specific terminal for international.

Option 3: Driving Between Domestic and International Terminals

If you’re driving yourself around ATL, the Domestic and International terminals each have their own access roads and parking.

Addresses

  • Domestic Terminal (North & South)
    6000 N Terminal Pkwy
    Atlanta, GA 30320

  • International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)
    2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd
    Atlanta, GA 30354

Getting from Domestic to International by Car

  1. Leave the Domestic Terminal area following signs for:
    • I‑75 South or I‑75 North, depending on posted directions to the International Terminal.
  2. Follow newer overhead signs that may read:
    • “International Terminal / Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd”
  3. Exit onto Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd and follow the road directly to the International Terminal.

Expect around 10–20 minutes of driving, depending on traffic on the airport loop roads and interstates.

Parking Tips for Atlanta Residents

  • If you’re flying internationally from Atlanta:
    It’s usually easiest to park at the International Terminal from the start, especially if:

    • Your first flight departs from Concourse F.
    • You’re returning to Atlanta on an international flight that lands at Concourse F.

  • If your international flight is just a connection via ATL:
    You’ll often arrive and depart from the Domestic side, even if your flight goes overseas. Double-check your airline’s terminal information before choosing where to park.

Option 4: Using MARTA or Rideshare With a Terminal Transfer

If you’re coming from inside Atlanta and using public transit or rideshare, you might reach one terminal and then need to get to the other.

MARTA (Atlanta’s Rail System)

  • MARTA trains only stop at the Domestic Terminal.
  • The station is called “Airport Station” and is directly attached to the Domestic Terminal.

From Airport Station (Domestic Terminal) to the International Terminal:

  1. Exit the station into the Domestic Terminal.
  2. Choose one of these:
    • Go through security and use the Plane Train to Concourse F (if you’re flying).
    • Stay outside security and use the free inter-terminal shuttle to the International Terminal (if you’re meeting someone or not checking in at Domestic).

If your international airline checks you in at the International Terminal, consider going directly there by car, taxi, or rideshare, instead of taking MARTA to the Domestic side.

Rideshare and Taxis

  • Both Uber and Lyft as well as local taxi companies can go directly to either:
    • Domestic Terminal: Use 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320.
    • International Terminal: Use 2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354.

If you’re dropped at the wrong terminal:

  • Stay outside security and use the free shuttle to reach the correct side.
  • Give yourself extra buffer time if you need to re-check bags or clear security.

Domestic vs. International: Which Side Should You Start At?

Atlanta’s airport can be confusing if you’re not sure whether to start at the Domestic Terminal or International Terminal. Here’s a simple comparison that helps many Atlanta travelers:

SituationBest Terminal to UseHow to Reach the Other If Needed
You have a domestic flight only (even on a “big” airline)Domestic TerminalIf your connection uses Concourse F, use Plane Train inside security.
You’re starting an international trip from Atlanta and your boarding pass says Concourse FUsually International TerminalIf you mistakenly go to Domestic, use inter-terminal shuttle or Plane Train (after security).
You’re connecting in Atlanta from one flight to another on the same ticketFollow connection signs; usually no need to exit securityUse the Plane Train between concourses, including F.
You live in Metro Atlanta and are picking up someone on an international arrivalUsually International Terminal – ArrivalsIf their flight clears customs elsewhere and arrives at a domestic concourse, meet them at Domestic instead. Check their itinerary.
You parked at the wrong terminalLeave car where it isUse the free shuttle to get to the correct terminal, then shuttle back when you return.

Security Checkpoints: Do You Need To Go Through Security Again?

Whether you need to go through TSA security again when moving from Domestic to International in Atlanta depends on where you start:

  • Already inside security (between concourses):
    • Moving via Plane Train or walkways between T, A, B, C, D, E, and F does not require going through security again.
  • Outside security (curbside, parking, MARTA station):
    • You must clear TSA at your starting terminal before using the Plane Train to other concourses.
  • Arriving international and going domestic:
    • If Atlanta is your first point of entry into the U.S., you’ll clear customs and immigration, then typically re-clear security before heading to your connecting domestic flight.

For most Atlanta-area residents leaving the country:

  • If you start at the International Terminal, you’ll go through TSA there, then walk or train straight to your Concourse F gate or other connected concourses.

Practical Time Planning for Atlanta Flyers

How much time you should allow to get from the Domestic Terminal to the International Terminal depends on your situation:

  • Inside security, using the Plane Train:
    • Around 10–15 minutes from most domestic gates to Concourse F, not counting boarding time.
  • Outside security, using the shuttle between terminals:
    • Plan 30–45 minutes, including waiting, boarding, and driving.
  • Driving between terminals:
    • Around 10–20 minutes in light-to-moderate traffic, plus time to park and walk inside.
  • Using MARTA + shuttle or Plane Train:
    • Allow extra buffer time for crowds at security and shuttle waits.

If you’re connecting between a domestic and international flight in Atlanta, airlines usually recommend at least 90 minutes, and often more for international departures, to account for:

  • Walking between gates.
  • Possible security re-checks.
  • Boarding cut-off times.

Helpful ATL Contact and Wayfinding Info

If you’re unsure where to go or worried about missing a connection, you can use these resources:

  • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport – General Information
    Main phone: (800) 897‑1910 (commonly used information line)
    Airport address:
    Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
    6000 N Terminal Pkwy
    Atlanta, GA 30320

  • On-site assistance:

    • Look for “Information” desks near baggage claim and concourses.
    • Uniformed Customer Service Representatives and airport volunteers can guide you to the Plane Train, the inter-terminal shuttle, or the correct terminal for your airline.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, understanding these routes—Plane Train, shuttle, and driving—makes moving between the Domestic Terminal and International Terminal (Concourse F) at ATL much less stressful and helps you plan connections, pickups, and drop-offs with confidence.