What County Is the Atlanta Airport In? Your Local Guide to Hartsfield‑Jackson ATL

If you’re flying into or out of Atlanta, you’re probably dealing with Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). It’s a huge travel hub, and a common question is:

What county is the Atlanta airport in?

The short answer:
Most of Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport is in Clayton County, Georgia, with a smaller portion extending into Fulton County.

Because the airport sits right on the county line, it’s helpful to understand how that affects directions, services, and what to expect when you’re getting here and around.

Where Exactly Is the Atlanta Airport Located?

County and city location

• Primary county:Clayton County, Georgia
• Partial county:Fulton County, Georgia
• City: The airport is owned and operated by the City of Atlanta, even though much of the property lies in Clayton County.

The main terminal complex (Domestic and International Terminals) and most runways are generally in Clayton County, just south of the Atlanta city limits, with northern sections and some facilities extending into Fulton County.

Official airport address

Most travelers use this address:

Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

You’ll notice the city is listed as Atlanta, even though much of the physical land is in Clayton County. That’s normal and doesn’t affect navigation, ride pickups, or airline operations.

Why the County Matters (and When It Doesn’t)

For most travelers, it won’t change your plans whether the airport is in Clayton or Fulton County. Your airline ticket, rideshare app, or MARTA train will get you where you need to go either way.

However, knowing the county can matter for:

• Local residents dealing with taxes, property issues, or noise ordinances
• Ground transportation services that are licensed or regulated by county
• Law enforcement and emergency services responding on airport property
• Jury duty or legal matters where county jurisdiction is important

If you live in the metro area and see references to Clayton County in airport-related notices, this is why.

Quick Reference: Airport, City, and County Overview

Getting to ATL: Directions From Around Metro Atlanta

Whether you live in Midtown, Decatur, or the Southside, it helps to know the basics of getting to an airport that straddles Clayton and Fulton counties.

From Downtown or Midtown Atlanta

• Take I‑75/85 South (Downtown Connector)
• Follow signs for Hartsfield‑Jackson / Airport
• Stay on I‑85 South and follow the Domestic or International Terminal signs

You’ll cross from Fulton County into Clayton County as you approach the airport, but it all feels like one continuous drive.

From North Atlanta (Buckhead, Sandy Springs, etc.)

• Take GA‑400 South to I‑85 South or I‑75/85 South
• Continue following signs to the airport
• Leave extra time for traffic during rush hours on the Downtown Connector

From the East (Decatur, Stone Mountain, I‑20 East)

• Take I‑285 South to I‑85 North (to reach the Domestic Terminal)
  or follow direct airport signage depending on your navigation
• Look for signs for Domestic Terminal, International Terminal, or Airport Exit

From the Southside (Clayton, Fayette, Henry Counties)

• Use I‑75 North or I‑85 North
• Follow the airport exit signs as you approach the I‑285 area

Because a lot of Southside communities are in or near Clayton County, accessing ATL is usually straightforward and quicker than from the northern suburbs.

MARTA and Transit: County Lines vs. Rail Lines

Even though the airport sits mostly in Clayton County, MARTA is run by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, which serves the broader region, not just one county.

Taking MARTA to the airport

• The Airport Station is at the Domestic Terminal (South Terminal), just inside the main entrance.
• You can ride the Red or Gold Line directly to the airport from:
  • Downtown Atlanta
  • Midtown
  • Buckhead
  • North Springs and Doraville areas

You’ll be crossing Fulton County and possibly DeKalb County to reach a station that’s physically in Clayton County, but the fare and trip process are the same.

Bus and local transit connections

• MARTA buses connect many neighborhoods directly to the airport station.
• Clayton County bus routes (operated through MARTA) connect surrounding communities like College Park, Forest Park, and Riverdale to ATL.

Domestic vs. International Terminal: Same Airport, Same Counties

Hartsfield‑Jackson has two main passenger terminal complexes:

• Domestic Terminal (North and South)
• Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F)

Both are part of the same airport property that spans Clayton and Fulton counties.

Getting between the terminals

• Free shuttle buses run between the Domestic and International Terminals.
• The Plane Train (underground people-mover) connects concourses inside security.
• Even if your ride drops you at the “wrong” side, you can still reach your gate; the county line doesn’t affect this at all.

Law Enforcement and County Services at ATL

Because the airport touches two counties and is owned by the City of Atlanta, multiple agencies coordinate there.

Typical agencies you may see

• Atlanta Police Department – Airport Precinct
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
• Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (for on-airport emergencies)
• Other federal and local authorities working together on security and safety

If you need help, you generally won’t have to think about county boundaries—just look for airport police, information desks, or uniformed staff.

For Atlanta Residents: County‑Related Questions About ATL

If you live in the Atlanta area, you might care about the county of the airport for more than just travel.

Property, noise, and planning issues

• Homes and businesses under flight paths in Clayton County and Fulton County may receive airport‑related notices about:
  • Noise abatement procedures
  • Land use and zoning discussions
  • Long‑term expansion plans
• Residents often work with:
  • Clayton County Government (Jonesboro offices)
  • Fulton County Government (Downtown Atlanta)
  • City of Atlanta Department of Aviation for airport‑specific concerns

Taxes and economic impact

While ATL is an Atlanta city‑owned facility, much of the surrounding land, hotels, and airport‑area businesses are in Clayton County, with some in Fulton County. That can affect:

• Where business owners pay local county taxes
• Which county handles certain permits or inspections

Travelers don’t need to worry about this, but locals opening a business near the airport often do.

Practical Tips for Travelers Using Atlanta’s Airport

Even though the county line is a technical detail, a few practical points help when you’re planning your trip.

1. Use the airport address in navigation apps

Always plug in something like:

• “Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport” or
• “6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320”

You don’t need to specify Clayton or Fulton County in your GPS or ride app.

2. Know which terminal you’re flying from

• Most domestic flights: Domestic Terminal (North or South)
• Most international departures/arrivals: International Terminal (Concourse F), though some international carriers may use other concourses

⭐ Tip: When arranging pickup or drop‑off, tell your driver Domestic vs. International, not the county.

3. Plan extra time for traffic

Because ATL is a major hub and sits just south of central Atlanta:

• Expect heavy traffic on I‑75/85, especially during rush hours.
• Travelers coming from Northern Fulton, Cobb, or Gwinnett counties should allow additional travel time.

Key Takeaways

• The Atlanta airport (ATL) is primarily in Clayton County, with a portion in Fulton County.
• The airport is owned and operated by the City of Atlanta, and uses an Atlanta, GA 30320 address.
• For travelers, the county location doesn’t change how you get there—just follow signage, navigation apps, or MARTA.
• For residents and business owners, the Clayton/Fulton county line can matter for zoning, taxes, and local services related to airport operations.

Understanding how the airport fits into Atlanta’s county map can make it easier to navigate not just your flight, but also the local geography, transportation options, and government services connected to Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport.