Terminal I at Atlanta Airport: What It Is and How to Use It

If you’ve seen references to “Terminal I” at Atlanta Airport (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport) and wondered what it means, you’re not alone. Travelers in and out of Atlanta commonly see “Terminal I” on signs, boarding passes, or airline info and assume it’s a separate building.

In reality, “Terminal I” is not a separate physical terminal the way “Terminal North” and “Terminal South” are. It’s simply another way of referring to the International Terminal, which is also known as Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal or Concourse F.

Below is a clear breakdown of what Terminal I is, where it is, and how to navigate it from an Atlanta perspective.

What Is “Terminal I” at Atlanta Airport?

At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):

• “Terminal I” = International Terminal
• It is physically connected to Concourse F
• It is also associated with Concourse E, which handles many other international flights

When you see “Terminal I” on an itinerary, app, or airport map, it is referring to the international side of the airport, not a completely different building with its own separate name.

Key point:
If your flight is arriving from or departing to an international destination, especially on a nonstop route, there’s a good chance you’ll be using the International Terminal (Terminal I) entrance or passing through Concourses E or F.

Where Is the International Terminal (Terminal I) in Atlanta?

The International Terminal is on the east side of Hartsfield-Jackson, separate from the main Domestic Terminal complex on the west side.

International Terminal street address:

• Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal
  2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Boulevard
  Atlanta, GA 30354

This is the address you’d use if:

• Someone is dropping you off for an international flight
• You’re driving yourself and parking near the International Terminal
• You’re using rideshare, taxi, or car service and your flight leaves from Concourse F

Domestic Terminals vs. Terminal I (International): What’s the Difference?

Atlanta’s airport can be confusing because it uses several names for what are essentially two main entry points plus multiple concourses.

Here’s a simple overview:

Important:
All concourses (A, B, C, D, E, F, T) are connected airside by the Plane Train and walkable corridors. Once you’re through security—either at Domestic or International—you can move between concourses without exiting and re-clearing security.

When Should You Actually Use the International Terminal?

Depending on your flight, you may enter the airport either through the Domestic Terminals or through the International Terminal (Terminal I).

You’ll typically use Terminal I if:

• You are departing from Atlanta on a nonstop international flight, especially one scheduled out of Concourse F
• You are arriving in Atlanta from another country and your flight is routed directly into Concourse F

Many international flights can also use Concourse E, but the main public-facing check-in and entrance for most international departures is at the International Terminal (Terminal I).

You may still use the Domestic Terminal for international trips if:

• You are flying domestic first, then connecting to an international flight (for example, ATL–JFK–Europe)
• Your airline directs you to check in at Domestic North or South even if your final destination is outside the U.S.
• Your flight is technically international but departs from a domestic concourse (this happens for some routes and carriers)

If you live in Atlanta and your itinerary is ATL to an international city nonstop, check your airline and gate information carefully. The boarding pass or app should list something like “Concourse F” or “Intl Terminal” if you’re meant to use Terminal I.

How to Get to Terminal I from Around Atlanta

Because the International Terminal is on the opposite side of the airport from Domestic North/South, your route depends on how you’re getting there.

1. Driving Yourself

From most parts of metro Atlanta:

• Follow signage on I-75 or I-85 to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Look specifically for signs marked “International Terminal” or “International / Terminal I”
• These direct you onto Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Boulevard to reach the International Terminal entrance and parking

Parking options near Terminal I typically include:

• International Parking Garages (short-term/long-term options)
• Economy parking areas with shuttle service (check current signs at the airport)

If you are dropping off a traveler, follow signs for Passenger Drop-Off – International Terminal.

2. Taxi, Rideshare, and Car Services

When using Uber, Lyft, a local car service, or taxi in Atlanta, make it clear that you need the International Terminal:

• In the app, select or enter “International Terminal” or the address
• Verbally confirm with your driver: “International Terminal, Concourse F side, please”

This avoids being dropped at the Domestic Terminal, which is a completely different front-of-house area.

3. MARTA and Public Transit

MARTA rail goes to the Domestic Terminal station, not directly to the International Terminal.

If you’re coming from Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or other MARTA-accessible areas:

1. Take MARTA to Airport Station (inside the Domestic Terminal).
2. Exit the station and follow signs for the International Terminal Shuttle.
3. The airport-operated shuttle will take you from the Domestic Terminal to the International Terminal curbside.

This shuttle runs regularly and is designed for travelers connecting between domestic and international sides of ATL.

Getting Between Domestic Terminals and Terminal I

If you end up at the wrong side of the airport or need to connect between domestic and international flights, you can still make it work.

Landside connection (before security)

If you are outside security (for example, you were dropped off at the wrong terminal):

• Use the Free International Shuttle between:
  • Domestic Terminal (North/South) and
  • International Terminal (Terminal I)
• Follow airport signs labeled “International Terminal Shuttle”

This is the main solution if someone leaves you at Domestic but your flight departs from the International Terminal.

Airside connection (after security)

If you have already passed through security at either the Domestic or International Terminal:

• Use the Plane Train to move between concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F).
• You can also walk through the underground Transportation Mall between concourses if you prefer to walk.

This is especially helpful if you:

• Land on a domestic concourse but your international flight departs from Concourse F
• Arrive from another country and then connect to a domestic flight from A/B/C/D/T

You do not have to exit and go back through security to switch concourses once you’re already inside the secure area.

What You’ll Find at the International Terminal (Terminal I)

From a traveler’s point of view, Terminal I functions like a full-service departure and arrival hall, just focused on international travel.

Check-In and Ticketing

You’ll typically find:

• International airline check-in counters
• Self-service kiosks for participating airlines
• Baggage drop for checked luggage
• Airline customer service counters for itinerary and ticket issues

If your boarding pass says your flight departs from Concourse F, you’ll usually check in here.

Security Screening

The International Terminal has its own security checkpoint. After screening you can:

• Go directly to Concourse F gates, or
• Ride the Plane Train to other concourses (including E or domestic concourses) for connections

If you’re an Atlanta-based traveler returning home from abroad, you may re-enter through the International Terminal and then transfer internally to reach friends, family, or transport at either side of the airport.

Customs and Immigration (Arrivals)

For passengers arriving from outside the U.S.:

• You’ll pass through U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the International Terminal
• You’ll collect your checked baggage, clear customs, and then:
  • Exit landside to meet friends/family or ground transportation, or
  • Follow airport instructions for re-checking bags and connecting to a domestic flight

Atlanta residents picking someone up from an international flight often need to meet them at the International Terminal arrivals area, not at the Domestic Terminal.

Picking Up and Dropping Off at Terminal I

If you live in Atlanta and are picking up an international visitor, knowing where to go can save a lot of confusion.

Picking Someone Up from Terminal I

If their flight:

• Arrives from an international city and terminates in Atlanta (not connecting onward), they typically:
  • Arrive at Concourse F or E
  • Clear immigration and customs at the International Terminal
  • Exit into the International Terminal arrivals area

You should:

• Drive to the International Terminal and follow signs for Arrivals / Passenger Pick-Up
• Use the cell phone waiting lot near the terminal if you are early, then pull up curbside once they have their bags

If you accidentally wait at the Domestic Terminal, it may be difficult for the arriving passenger to reach you without extra time and a shuttle ride.

Dropping Someone Off at Terminal I

If their flight departs internationally (and the boarding pass or airline indicates Concourse F or “International Terminal”):

• Drive or ride to the International Terminal entrance
• Follow signs for Departures / Passenger Drop-Off
• They will check in and go through security on the international side

If their ticket shows a domestic concourse or a U.S. connection city first, double-check with the airline—which may direct them to the Domestic Terminals instead.

Quick Reference: Do I Go to Domestic or Terminal I?

Use this simple guide if you’re unsure where to go at Atlanta Airport:

• Your first flight is domestic (even if your final destination is abroad)
  → Go to Domestic Terminal (North or South) as directed by your airline.

• Your flight departs from Concourse F and is a nonstop international route
  → Go to the International Terminal (Terminal I).

• You’re picking up someone arriving from another country, ending their journey in Atlanta
  → Plan to meet them at the International Terminal arrivals area.

• You’re taking MARTA from anywhere in Atlanta
  → Ride to Airport Station (Domestic), then use the airport shuttle to the International Terminal if needed.

Official Contacts and Wayfinding Help

If you’re ever uncertain about Terminal I or where to go at ATL, you can get help:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (General Info)
  Main Address: 6000 N Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320
  Airport Information (general switchboard): 404-530-7300

At the airport itself:

• Look for “Information” desks in both Domestic and International Terminals
• Ask airport staff or customer service agents to confirm:
  • Which terminal you should use
  • The best way to transfer between Domestic and International sides
  • Where to meet an arriving international passenger

Understanding that “Terminal I” is simply Atlanta’s International Terminal—the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal attached to Concourse F—makes it much easier to plan drop-offs, pick-ups, and connections in and around Atlanta.