How To Get To the Southwest Terminal at Atlanta’s Airport: Local Guide to ATL

If you’re flying Southwest Airlines from Atlanta, you’ll be using Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Unlike some cities where Southwest has its own separate terminal, in Atlanta you’ll use the Main (Domestic) Terminal – South side.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to getting to the Southwest check-in area, security checkpoint, and gates from all the common starting points around the city.

Quick Overview: Where Southwest Is at ATL

Airport name: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
Southwest location:Domestic Terminal – South side, Concourse C (most flights)

At-a-glance: How to reach the Southwest terminal

Once you reach the Domestic Terminal, look for South Terminal signs and Southwest Airlines. You’ll check in there, go through security, then ride the Plane Train underground to Concourse C.

Understanding the Layout: Southwest’s “Terminal” at ATL

Atlanta’s airport is organized a little differently than some others:

• Two main terminal areas:
  • Domestic Terminal (North and South sides)
  • International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Terminal, Terminal F)
• Concourses A–F are connected by the Plane Train underground.

Southwest uses:

• Check-in & baggage drop:Domestic Terminal – South
• Security: South security checkpoint (or Main checkpoint if directed)
• Gates: Primarily Concourse C

You do not go to the International Terminal for a normal Southwest domestic flight out of Atlanta.

Getting to the Southwest Terminal by MARTA

For many Atlanta residents and visitors staying intown, MARTA is the simplest and most predictable way to reach the Southwest terminal.

1. Riding MARTA to the Airport

• Take the Red or Gold line train to Airport Station.
• Airport Station is inside the Domestic Terminal, at the west end of the main atrium.

Common starting points:

• Downtown Atlanta: Five Points, Peachtree Center, Georgia State → take southbound Red or Gold to Airport.
• Midtown: Midtown or Arts Center stations → southbound Red or Gold.
• Buckhead / North Springs: from Buckhead, Lenox, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, North Springs → southbound Red.
• Doraville / Chamblee: from Doraville, Chamblee, Brookhaven/Oglethorpe → southbound Gold.
• Decatur / East Atlanta: take Blue/Green line to Five Points → transfer to southbound Red or Gold.

✨ Tip: Trains to the airport usually run frequently during the day, but allow extra time early morning, late night, and weekends.

2. From Airport Station to Southwest Check-In

1. Exit the train at Airport Station (final stop).
2. Follow signs for “Baggage Claim” or “Main Terminal” to reach the large central atrium.
3. In the atrium, look for overhead signs for “South Terminal”.
4. Walk toward the South Terminal; you’ll see airline counters labeled.
5. Head to the Southwest Airlines check-in counters for bag drop and service.

From there, you’ll proceed to South Security and then take the Plane Train to Concourse C after security.

Getting to Southwest Terminal by Car (Driving Yourself)

If you’re driving from around Metro Atlanta, you’ll mostly be using I‑75, I‑85, or I‑285 to reach the airport.

1. General GPS Address

Use this address for navigation:
6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

Once near the airport, follow signs for:

• Domestic Terminal
• Then South Terminal (for Southwest)

2. Common Driving Routes

From Downtown or Midtown Atlanta:

• Get on I‑75/85 South.
• Follow signs for Domestic Airport exit (look for airplane symbols).
• Take exit(s) directing you to Domestic Terminal / Camp Creek Pkwy / Airport.
• Stay in lanes signed for Domestic Terminal (not International Terminal).
• Then follow signs for South Terminal.

From Buckhead / North Atlanta:

• Take GA‑400 South to I‑85 South, or directly I‑85 South if nearby.
• Continue on I‑85 South until signs for Domestic Airport.
• Exit and follow directional signs to Domestic Terminal – South.

From Decatur / East Atlanta:

• Take I‑20 West toward Downtown.
• Merge onto I‑75/85 South.
• Follow the same directions as from Downtown to Domestic Terminal – South.

From Westside (West End, Cascade, West Midtown):

• Get to I‑20 East or West (depending on your location) and connect to I‑75/85 South.
• Follow airport signage to Domestic Terminal and then South Terminal.

From Southside (College Park, East Point, Riverdale, Union City):

• Many neighborhoods have surface road access like Riverdale Rd, Virginia Ave, Camp Creek Pkwy, or Loop Rd that connect directly to airport entrances.
• Follow signs clearly marked Domestic Terminal and then South Terminal.

3. Parking for Southwest Flights

At the Domestic Terminal you’ll see multiple parking options:

• Domestic South Economy Parking – often a good balance of cost and walking distance.
• Daily or Hourly Parking Garages – closer but typically higher cost.
• ATL West / Park-Ride Lots – may require a shuttle, useful for longer trips.

Once parked, use the pedestrian walkways, elevators, and signs for Domestic Terminal – South and then find Southwest check-in counters.

Getting To Southwest Terminal by Rideshare or Taxi

Rideshare and taxis are popular with both residents and visitors, especially for early or late flights.

1. Arriving by Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

• Set your drop-off location as “Domestic Terminal – South” at Hartsfield–Jackson.
• In many apps, you can specify Airline: Southwest or South Terminal.
• Your driver will follow airport signs for Domestic Terminal and then South Departures.

You’ll typically be dropped off along the upper-level curbside near the South Terminal doors. From there:

1. Enter the building.
2. Look for Southwest Airlines counters near the South side.
3. Check in / drop bags, then proceed to South Security.

2. Arriving by Taxi

Atlanta taxis commonly serve:

• Downtown/Midtown hotels
• Buckhead hotels
• Convention areas like Georgia World Congress Center

Tell your driver you’re flying Southwest at Domestic South. They’ll bring you to the correct terminal entrance. The process inside is the same as rideshare drop-off.

Getting to the Southwest Terminal From the International Terminal (F)

Sometimes travelers accidentally go to the International Terminal (Terminal F), or they arrive from an international flight and need to connect to a Southwest domestic flight.

1. If You Drove or Got Dropped Off at Terminal F by Mistake

If your Southwest flight departs domestically and you’re at Terminal F:

• You cannot walk landside directly to the Domestic Terminal.
• Use the free shuttle that runs between Terminal F (International) and the Domestic Terminal.
• Follow signs inside Terminal F for “Shuttle to Domestic Terminal”.

Once the shuttle drops you at the Domestic side, follow signs to South Terminal and then Southwest.

2. If You’re Arriving Internationally and Connecting to Southwest

If you land on an international flight and then connect to Southwest:

• You’ll typically go through Customs and Immigration, then follow airport connection signs.
• After clearing formalities, follow signs for Domestic Connections and Plane Train.
• Ride the Plane Train to Concourse C if you already have your onward boarding pass and are inside security.
• If you need to re-check bags or check in again, follow the signs directing you back to the Domestic Terminal – South check-in area first.

Always follow the posted connection instructions, as they can vary based on your airline and whether your bags are checked through.

From Check-In to Your Southwest Gate: Step-by-Step Inside ATL

Once you’re at the Southwest check-in area in the Domestic South Terminal, here’s what to expect:

1. Check-In & Baggage Drop

   • Use the self-service kiosks or go to an agent for check-in.
   • Drop checked bags at the designated Southwest counter.

2. Security Checkpoint

   • Follow signs for South Security.
   • If you have TSA PreCheck or similar expedited screening, use the appropriate lane.
   • Keep your boarding pass and ID ready.

3. Plane Train to Concourse C

   • After security, follow signs for the Plane Train (automated underground train).
   • Board the train and listen/watch for “Concourse C”.
   • Get off at Concourse C.

4. Find Your Gate

   • Screens throughout the concourse show Southwest flight numbers and gates.
   • Gates are labeled C1, C2, C3, and so on.
   • Walk to your assigned gate and be mindful of any gate changes on the monitors.

Getting to Southwest Terminal From the Rental Car Center

If you’ve rented a car in Atlanta:

1. Return your vehicle to the ATL Rental Car Center (RCC) at:
   • 2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy, College Park, GA 30337 (if you need it for mapping).
2. After dropping the car, follow signs for “SkyTrain to Airport”.
3. Take the ATL SkyTrain from the Rental Car Center to the Domestic Terminal.
4. Once at the Domestic Terminal station, follow signs for South Terminal and then Southwest.

The SkyTrain is free and runs continuously, making the rental-to-terminal process straightforward.

Extra Tips for Atlanta Travelers Using Southwest

• Time of day matters: Atlanta traffic on I‑75/85 and I‑285 can be heavy during rush hours (roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m. and 3:30–7:00 p.m. on weekdays). Build in more drive time if you’re heading from Midtown, Buckhead, or the suburbs.
• Plan buffer time: For most travelers, arriving at the Southwest terminal 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight is a practical target, with extra time during holidays or peak travel days.
• Know your side: Remember: Southwest = Domestic Terminal, South side, not North, not International.
• Check your boarding pass: Your concourse and gate can change. Concourse C is typical, but always verify day-of-travel on airport monitors or your airline app.

This is all you need to confidently get to the Southwest “terminal” at Atlanta Airport, whether you’re an Atlanta local, staying in the city for a few days, or connecting through Hartsfield–Jackson on your way elsewhere.