What Atlanta’s International Airport Is Really Called (And How Locals Refer to It)

If you live in Atlanta, fly in often, or you’re planning a trip here, you’ll hear the city’s main airport called a few different things. That can get confusing when you’re trying to book flights, meet a rideshare, or follow road signs.

Here’s exactly what Atlanta’s international airport is called, plus the abbreviations, nicknames, and local terms you’ll actually hear day to day.

The Official Name of Atlanta’s International Airport

Atlanta’s primary airport is officially called:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

You’ll often see it written with a hyphen or en dash:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

This is the full legal name of the airport that serves Atlanta, Georgia.

The Airport Code: ATL

While the formal name is long, almost everyone—locals, airlines, and travel apps—uses its three-letter airport code:

• ATL

You’ll see ATL on:

• Boarding passes
• Flight status boards
• Baggage tags
• Airline apps and booking sites
• Highway signs leading to the airport

So if you’re searching for flights to Atlanta, don’t type “Hartsfield” or “Jackson” into the destination box. Just use ATL.

Common Short Names and What People Actually Say

In and around Atlanta, you’ll hear several short versions of the airport name. They all refer to the same place:

• “Hartsfield–Jackson” – Common in news, transit info, and casual conversation
• “Atlanta airport” – How many visitors and locals casually describe it
• “Atlanta International Airport” – Emphasizes that it handles international flights, but usually means the same ATL
• “ATL Airport” – Popular in travel blogs and among frequent flyers

All of these, in daily use, point to the same major airport south of downtown Atlanta.

Is There More Than One International Airport in Atlanta?

This is where some confusion starts. People sometimes ask if “Atlanta International Airport” is a different airport from Hartsfield–Jackson.

For air travelers to and from Atlanta:

• The main airport handling almost all commercial domestic and international flights is Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
• Some smaller regional and general aviation airports in the metro area may have “international” capabilities (like customs facilities), but they are not the primary passenger airport.

If you’re flying on a major airline, booking a vacation, or visiting someone in Atlanta, you should assume your flights will use ATL unless specifically told otherwise.

Quick Reference: Names You Might See vs. What They Mean

If your ticket, email, or app shows ATL, you’re flying through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Basic Location and Contact Details for ATL

If you’re planning ground transportation or mailing something, this is the core info most Atlanta travelers need:

• Official Name: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

• Airport Code: ATL

• Address:
  Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320

• General Information Phone (Main Switchboard): Commonly listed as the main airport number on public directories.

• 24-hour Information Lines: Most travelers rely on airline apps, airport websites, or automated phone systems for flight status and parking updates.

For flight changes, delays, and baggage issues, travelers typically contact their airline directly, not the airport.

International vs. Domestic: Two Main Terminals at ATL

Another point of confusion: some people think “Atlanta International Airport” refers only to the international terminal. In reality, it’s all part of the same airport (ATL), but with different terminal areas.

Main Terminal Areas

• Domestic Terminal

  • Located on the west side of the airport
  • Includes North Terminal and South Terminal
  • Most domestic flights (within the United States) check in here

• Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal

  • Located on the east side of the airport
  • Often just called the International Terminal
  • Handles most international departures and arrivals

Both are parts of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). You’re not going to a different airport—just a different side of the same one.

How Locals Talk About Getting to ATL

If you’re arranging a ride or asking for directions in Atlanta, you’ll usually hear:

• “I’m headed to Hartsfield–Jackson.”
• “My flight leaves from ATL.”
• “Can you drop me at the international terminal?”
• “The domestic side is closer to this exit.”

When giving directions:

• To emphasize international flights, people might say:
  • “Use the International Terminal on the east side.”
• For most flights and rideshares:
  • “Go to the domestic terminal off I-85.”

But in every case, they’re still talking about the same ATL airport.

Getting Here and Around: Transportation Terms to Know

When you look up transportation or maps around Atlanta, expect these terms tied to the airport name:

• MARTA to the Airport:
  The Airport Station at the end of the Red and Gold MARTA rail lines is connected to the Domestic Terminal (South side) of Hartsfield–Jackson.

• Ride-hailing and Taxis:
  Pickup zones are clearly signed as “Rideshare” or “Ground Transportation” at ATL. Apps will label the destination as ATL or “Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.”

• Highway Signs:
  Interstate signs (especially along I-75, I-85, and I-285) typically read some version of:

  • “Airport”
  • “Atlanta Airport – Hartsfield–Jackson”
  • “ATL Airport”

If you see a sign with any of these phrases while driving around Atlanta, it’s all pointing you to the same major airport: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

Key Takeaways for Travelers in Atlanta

• Atlanta’s main airport is officially named Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
• Its airport code is ATL, which is the most important identifier for booking and checking flights.
• “Hartsfield–Jackson,” “Atlanta airport,” “ATL Airport,” and “Atlanta International Airport” all generally mean the same place.
• “International Terminal” refers to a section of ATL, not a separate airport.

If you remember ATL and Hartsfield–Jackson, you’ll be using the same language locals, airlines, and road signs use throughout Atlanta.