What Is Atlanta’s Airport Called? A Local Guide to Hartsfield–Jackson
If you live in Atlanta, fly in for work, or are planning a visit, you’ll hear people talk about “Atlanta airport” constantly. But what is Atlanta airport actually called, and are there different names you should know?
Here’s a clear breakdown so you always book the right airport and know how it’s referred to locally.
The Official Name of Atlanta’s Main Airport
Atlanta’s primary commercial airport is officially called:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
You’ll also see and hear it referred to as:
- Atlanta Airport
- Hartsfield–Jackson
- Atlanta International Airport
- Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta
- ATL (its airport code)
All of these names usually mean the same airport, located just south of downtown Atlanta in Clayton County.
📍 Official address:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
United States
The Airport Code: What Is “ATL”?
When you’re booking flights or checking baggage tags, you’ll see ATL everywhere. That’s the three-letter IATA code for Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Use “ATL” when you:
- Search for flights in airline apps or on travel sites
- Check your boarding pass (departure or arrival city)
- Look at your luggage tags to confirm bags are going to Atlanta
- Read airport screens and wayfinding signs
If your ticket says you’re flying into or out of ATL, that means Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Why Is It Called Hartsfield–Jackson?
The airport’s full name honors two influential Atlanta mayors:
- William B. Hartsfield – Often credited with helping make Atlanta a major aviation hub.
- Maynard H. Jackson Jr. – Atlanta’s first Black mayor, who played a key role in expanding and modernizing the airport.
Locals often shorten the name to:
- “Hartsfield–Jackson”
- “Hartsfield”
- Simply “the airport” or “the ATL airport”
If you’re asking for directions or a rideshare around metro Atlanta, “Hartsfield–Jackson” or “ATL airport” is instantly understood.
Common Ways People Refer to Atlanta Airport
Here’s how the main airport is most commonly described in and around Atlanta:
| How People Say It | What It Means | When You’ll Hear It |
|---|---|---|
| “Atlanta airport” | Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport | Everyday conversation, directions |
| “Hartsfield–Jackson” | Same main Atlanta airport | Local news, city info, official references |
| “ATL” | Airport code for Hartsfield–Jackson | Tickets, apps, signage, airline staff |
| “Atlanta International” | Same main Atlanta airport | Travel bookings, general references |
| “The airport” | Almost always Hartsfield–Jackson in local context | Locals talking about catching a flight |
If you’re traveling commercially (Delta, Southwest, etc.), you are almost certainly using Hartsfield–Jackson / ATL.
Terminals and Names Inside ATL
Once you’re at the airport, you’ll see a few more specific names used.
North & South Terminals
The passenger side of the airport is split into:
- North Terminal – Most non-Delta domestic airlines
- South Terminal – Mostly Delta Air Lines check-in and baggage
Both terminals are part of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. They share the same overall airport name and code (ATL).
Concourses
After security, you’ll move through concourses labeled:
T, A, B, C, D, E, and F
- Concourse E and Concourse F handle much of the international traffic.
- Concourse F is also known as the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal.
You might see “International Terminal” on signs, but this is still inside ATL and part of the same airport.
Is There More Than One Atlanta Airport?
When people ask “What is Atlanta airport called?”, they’re usually talking about the main commercial airport, Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL).
However, the metro area does have other airports, mainly for general aviation, private flights, or regional use. Locals and visitors sometimes confuse these in search results.
Some examples:
- DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK) – In Chamblee, north of Atlanta; popular for private and corporate aviation.
- Fulton County Airport – Brown Field (FTY) – West of downtown; general aviation.
- Cobb County International Airport (RYY) – In Kennesaw; general aviation.
If you’re flying a regular commercial airline, your flight will almost always use Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), not the smaller airports.
Getting To and From Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL)
Once you know what Atlanta’s airport is called, the next question is usually how to get there. Here are the most common options Atlantan residents and visitors use.
By MARTA (Public Transit)
MARTA rail is a straightforward way to reach ATL.
- Take the Red or Gold Line to the Airport Station.
- The station is inside the Domestic Terminal, at the south end of the line.
- From downtown Atlanta, the ride is typically around 15–20 minutes.
If you’re headed to the International Terminal (Concourse F) from MARTA:
- Ride to Airport Station (Domestic Terminal).
- Follow signs for the International Shuttle outside baggage claim, or
- Ride the Plane Train (inside security) to Concourse F if you’re already checked in and cleared security.
By Car, Rideshare, or Taxi
When using navigation apps, enter:
- “Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport” or
- “ATL Airport”
This prevents confusion with smaller regional airports around metro Atlanta.
Pickup and drop-off areas are signed as:
- North Terminal (most other airlines)
- South Terminal (Delta)
- International Terminal / Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (for many international departures and arrivals)
Key Takeaways for Anyone Flying To or From Atlanta
- The main airport is officially called Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
- Its airport code is ATL, and that’s the most important identifier for booking flights.
- Names like “Atlanta airport,” “Hartsfield–Jackson,” “Atlanta International,” and “ATL airport” all generally refer to the same airport.
- Inside ATL, you’ll see North/South Terminals, multiple concourses (T–F), and the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal for many international flights.
- Other airports exist around Atlanta, but commercial airline passengers almost always use ATL.
If your ticket or app says you’re flying into or out of ATL, you’re headed to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta’s primary airport.
