Atlanta is one of the busiest air travel hubs in the world, but if you live here—or you’re planning a trip—it helps to know that Hartsfield-Jackson isn’t the only option. Several airports in and around Atlanta serve different needs, from major commercial flights to private jets and flight training.
Below is a clear breakdown of what airports are in Atlanta, what each is used for, and how to choose the right one for your trip.
Location:
6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
On the south side of the city, along I-85, about 10 miles south of downtown.
What it is:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, usually just called Atlanta Airport or ATL, is the primary commercial airport for the entire metro area and one of the major airline hubs in the United States.
Who typically uses ATL:
Key features:
Ground transportation from ATL:
If you’re asking “Which airport should I use to fly to or from Atlanta?” the answer is almost always ATL, unless you have a specific reason to fly private or use a smaller field.
Atlanta’s metro region also has several general aviation airports—primarily for private planes, business jets, charters, and flight training. These usually do not offer regular commercial airline service, but they’re important to know if you live in the area or are arranging private travel.
Location:
2000 Airport Rd, Atlanta, GA 30341
In Chamblee, just north of the city, inside I-285 on the northeast side.
What it is:
Commonly called PDK, this is the second-busiest airport in Georgia after ATL, but it serves general aviation only—no major commercial airlines.
Typical uses:
Why locals care about PDK:
If you’re flying on a charter or private flight in Atlanta, there’s a good chance you’ll use PDK instead of ATL.
Location:
3952 Aviation Cir NW, Atlanta, GA 30336
On the west side of the city, near I-20 and I-285 in Fulton County.
What it is:
Often referred to simply as Fulton County Airport or Brown Field, this is another general aviation airport serving metro Atlanta.
Typical uses:
Who it’s convenient for:
While most Atlanta residents never fly out of FTY, it’s a key option for private aviation and corporate travel.
Location:
1723 McCollum Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144
Northwest of Atlanta, near Kennesaw and Marietta.
What it is:
Known as McCollum Field or Cobb County International Airport, this is a general aviation airport with a U.S. Customs facility, making it suitable for some international general aviation arrivals.
Typical uses:
Best for:
Location:
600 Briscoe Blvd, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
In Lawrenceville, northeast of Atlanta in Gwinnett County.
What it is:
Also called Briscoe Field, this is a general aviation airport serving the Gwinnett County area.
Typical uses:
Who it’s convenient for:
While not in the city of Atlanta proper, several additional airports serve the wider metro area and may matter if you’re flying privately or for special purposes:
These airports generally do not have commercial airline service and are used mainly by general aviation, corporate aircraft, and flight schools.
| Airport Name | Code | Primary Use | Commercial Airline Flights? | Approx. Area Served |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport | ATL | Major commercial hub | Yes | Entire Atlanta metro, national & international |
| DeKalb–Peachtree Airport | PDK | General aviation | No | North Atlanta, Chamblee, Brookhaven, Dunwoody |
| Fulton County Airport – Brown Field | FTY | General aviation | No | West Atlanta, Fulton County |
| Cobb County International – McCollum Field | RYY | General aviation | No (general aviation only) | Cobb County, Marietta, Kennesaw |
| Gwinnett County Airport – Briscoe Field | LZU | General aviation | No | Gwinnett County, Lawrenceville area |
If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, here’s how to think about your options:
✅ Use Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL) if:
ATL is the default airport for nearly all passenger airline travel.
You may use:
Your charter company or flight operator will usually tell you which airport they use, but if you’re local, you can request one based on your side of town.
General aviation airports are typically reached by car, rideshare, or local taxi services:
MARTA rail does not go directly to these airports, though some may be reachable via a combination of bus and rideshare if needed.
Is there more than one commercial airport in Atlanta?
For scheduled airline flights, ATL is the primary airport. The other nearby airports mainly serve private and general aviation, not major airline service.
Is PDK a backup for ATL flights?
PDK is heavily used but not as a commercial backup. Airlines don’t typically divert passengers there. It’s focused on non-airline aviation.
How far is ATL from downtown Atlanta?
Travel times vary, but by car it’s often about 15–30 minutes in light to moderate traffic. MARTA travel from Five Points Station to the airport is usually under 25 minutes.
Do any Atlanta-area airports offer easier parking than ATL?
General aviation airports often have simpler parking and access, but they’re not used for airline flights. For commercial travel, many locals use offsite parking lots near ATL or rideshare to avoid parking altogether.
In everyday terms, Atlanta really has one main airport for airline passengers—Hartsfield–Jackson—and a ring of smaller airports for private and general aviation. If you’re booking a regular flight, you’ll be using ATL. If you’re arranging a charter, flying privately, or involved in flight training, the other airports around the metro give you additional options depending on where you live and where you’re headed.
