Shuttle Options Between the Domestic and International Terminals at Atlanta Airport

If you’re flying through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and need to get from the Domestic Terminal to the International Terminal (Concourse F), you do not have to walk or re-enter the airport from the street. There is free shuttle transportation, along with additional options that make the connection fairly straightforward once you know where to go.

Below is a clear guide to how the shuttle works, where to find it, and what to expect if you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or just connecting through the city.

Quick Overview: Ways to Get Between Domestic and International at ATL

Main options inside and around ATL:

  • Plane Train (inside security) – Fast underground train between concourses and terminals.
  • International Shuttle Connector (landsidе shuttle bus) – Free shuttle between Domestic and International Terminals (useful if you’re not checked in yet or need to change terminals before security).
  • Public roads / rideshare / taxi – You can also go curb-to-curb between terminals outside the airport, but it’s usually slower and not necessary for most travelers.

At-a-glance comparison

OptionInside Security?CostTypical Use Case
Plane TrainYesFreeConnecting flights, already past security
International Shuttle ConnectorNo (landside)FreeMoving between terminals before/after security
Taxi / Rideshare / Private CarNo (roadway)VariesSpecial circumstances, heavy luggage, preference

Understanding ATL’s Layout: Domestic vs. International

ATL can be confusing if you’re new to the airport or haven’t flown internationally from Atlanta before.

  • The Domestic Terminal is on the west side of the airport. It’s split into:
    • Terminal South (Delta)
    • Terminal North (most other domestic airlines)
  • The International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal) is on the east side and serves:
    • International departures and arrivals (primarily Concourse F)
    • Many Delta and partner international flights
  • Between them are concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, F, all connected by the Plane Train and walkable corridors.

If you’re flying Atlanta to another country or connecting through Atlanta on an international ticket, you’re likely dealing with Concourse E or F and possibly both terminals.

Yes, There Is a Shuttle: The International Shuttle Connector

The International Shuttle Connector is ATL’s official free shuttle bus that runs on the public (landside) side of the airport between:

  • Domestic Terminal (North and South sides)
  • International Terminal

You’ll use this shuttle if:

  • You arrive by car, MARTA, or rideshare at the Domestic Terminal but your flight leaves from the International Terminal, or
  • You land at the International Terminal and need to get to the Domestic Terminal to meet someone, pick up a car, connect with MARTA, or reach ground transportation on that side.

Where to find the shuttle at the Domestic Terminal

At the Domestic Terminal, the shuttle usually departs from designated “International Shuttle Connector” or “International Terminal Shuttle” stops at ground transportation areas. General guidance:

  • Follow signs for Ground Transportation from either North or South Domestic Terminal.
  • Look for signage that mentions “International Terminal” or “International Shuttle Connector”.
  • The shuttle pickup area is typically grouped with hotel shuttles and courtesy buses, but clearly labeled.

If you’re an Atlanta resident getting dropped off at the Domestic side but flying international, it’s often easiest to:

  1. Get dropped at your usual North or South Terminal.
  2. Follow signs for the International Shuttle.
  3. Ride the free shuttle to the International Terminal check-in area.

Where to find the shuttle at the International Terminal

At the International Terminal (Concourse F landside):

  • After exiting baggage claim and customs (for arriving passengers), or
  • From the main departure level (for people coming to meet passengers),

You can follow signs to Ground Transportation and look for the Domestic Terminal / International Shuttle Connector pick-up area outside the terminal.

This is especially useful if:

  • You’re arriving from overseas in Atlanta and your final ride home, MARTA, or parking is based at the Domestic side.
  • You’re meeting friends or family who are waiting for you at the Domestic Terminal.

Cost and schedule

  • Cost: The International Shuttle Connector is free.
  • Frequency: Shuttles generally run frequently throughout the day, with short waits in most cases.
  • Travel time: Plan on roughly 10–15 minutes between terminals, not counting wait time.

⏱️ Tip: During busy times (early mornings and late afternoons) or bad weather, give yourself extra time in case of traffic or longer lines.

Using the Plane Train: Easiest Option If You’re Already Through Security

If you’re already past security and simply connecting from a domestic gate to an international gate (or vice versa), you do not need the outside shuttle at all.

Instead, use the Plane Train, ATL’s underground passenger train, which connects:

  • Domestic Terminal (Concourse T)
  • Concourses A, B, C, D, E, and F
  • International Terminal (Concourse F)

How it works

  1. Follow signs that say “Plane Train” after you exit your arriving gate into the concourse.
  2. Ride the train to your next concourse. For example:
    • Domestic gate in Concourse B → International gate in Concourse F
  3. Once you reach your destination concourse, follow the signs to your departing gate.

You stay inside security the entire time, which is faster and more convenient than using the landside shuttle.

When to choose Plane Train vs. Shuttle

Use the Plane Train when:

  • You’re connecting flights and do not need to collect checked bags.
  • You’re already in the secure area, moving from one gate to another.

Use the International Shuttle Connector when:

  • You’re arriving at or leaving from the airport itself, not just connecting.
  • You need to reach:
    • Public parking on the opposite terminal side,
    • MARTA (which is on the Domestic Terminal side),
    • A friend/family pickup point at the other terminal, or
    • A rental car facility or shuttle that operates from a specific side.

Ground Transportation: Rideshare, Taxis, and Driving Between Terminals

While the airport’s shuttles are designed to move you between terminals, some people in Atlanta prefer to use their own car, taxis, or rideshare services.

Driving yourself between Domestic and International

If you’re local to Atlanta and driving:

  • The Domestic Terminal is accessed from I-85 (Camp Creek Parkway area).
  • The International Terminal has a separate entrance, commonly accessed via I-75 and Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Boulevard.

You can drive from one terminal to the other using airport roadways, but:

  • It’s usually slower and more complicated than taking the shuttle, thanks to traffic, lights, and parking.
  • You’ll need to park again or arrange for curbside pickup/drop-off, which can add time and cost.

Taxis and rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

You can request a ride between terminals, but remember:

  • You’ll still have to find the designated rideshare or taxi area.
  • For such a short distance on airport property, the free shuttle is normally more practical and cheaper.

This option may be useful if:

  • You have mobility issues and prefer a direct, private ride.
  • You’re managing large or multiple checked bags and want one vehicle dedicated to your group.

Parking, MARTA, and Other Connections to Consider

Because the Domestic and International sides of ATL are functionally separate, where you park or get dropped off in Atlanta can matter.

Parking considerations

If you’re an Atlanta resident driving to the airport:

  • Domestic parking (North, South, economy, and park-and-ride lots) is more closely tied to the Domestic Terminal.
  • International Terminal parking (including the international deck) is on the east side, closer to international check-in and arrivals.

If your flight departs from or arrives at the International Terminal, parking on the international side can save you a shuttle trip. But if you’ve already parked on the Domestic side, the International Shuttle Connector is your best tool.

MARTA connection

The MARTA Airport Station is located at the Domestic Terminal, directly attached to the main terminal building.

If you:

  • Arrive internationally at Concourse F / International Terminal, and
  • Want to use MARTA to get into Atlanta (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, etc.),

You will need to:

  1. Take the International Shuttle Connector from the International Terminal to the Domestic Terminal.
  2. Follow signs to the MARTA station at the west end of the Domestic Terminal.

The same applies in reverse if you’re coming in on MARTA and your flight leaves from the International Terminal.

Helpful Contact and Location Information

Here are some key official references around ATL that are stable and useful if you need more help:

  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
    6000 N Terminal Parkway
    Atlanta, GA 30320
    Main Information Line: (800) 897-1910 (commonly listed for airport information)

  • International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)
    Access via Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Boulevard off I-75
    Atlanta, GA 30354 area

  • MARTA Airport Station
    Located at the Domestic Terminal (near the South baggage claim area).
    MARTA Customer Service (general): (404) 848-5000

If you’re unsure where your airline checks in (Domestic vs. International) or which terminal your flight uses, you can:

  • Check your airline’s itinerary or app, or
  • Call the airport information line above for terminal guidance.

Key Takeaways for Getting Between Terminals in Atlanta

  • Yes, there is a shuttle between the Domestic and International terminals in Atlanta: the International Shuttle Connector, and it’s free.
  • If you’re connecting flights inside the airport, use the Plane Train instead of the outside shuttle.
  • If you arrive or depart via MARTA, car, or rideshare, you may need the shuttle to get to the correct terminal side.
  • Allow extra time if you’re unfamiliar with ATL, traveling at peak hours, or dealing with checked bags and customs.

With these options in mind, you can move between Atlanta’s Domestic and International Terminals smoothly, whether you live in the metro area or are just passing through.