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.
At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):
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.
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:
This is the address you’d use if:
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:
| Area Name | What It Really Is | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal North (Domestic North) | Domestic side, primarily Delta and others | Most domestic departures/arrivals |
| Terminal South (Domestic South) | Domestic side, multiple airlines | Additional domestic departures/arrivals |
| Terminal I / International Terminal | International entrance attached to Concourse F | Many international departures/arrivals |
| Concourse E & F | International concourses past security | Gates for most international flights |
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.
Depending on your flight, you may enter the airport either through the Domestic Terminals or through the International Terminal (Terminal I).
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).
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.
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.
From most parts of metro Atlanta:
Parking options near Terminal I typically include:
If you are dropping off a traveler, follow signs for Passenger Drop-Off – International Terminal.
When using Uber, Lyft, a local car service, or taxi in Atlanta, make it clear that you need the International Terminal:
This avoids being dropped at the Domestic Terminal, which is a completely different front-of-house area.
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:
This shuttle runs regularly and is designed for travelers connecting between domestic and international sides of ATL.
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.
If you are outside security (for example, you were dropped off at the wrong terminal):
This is the main solution if someone leaves you at Domestic but your flight departs from the International Terminal.
If you have already passed through security at either the Domestic or International Terminal:
This is especially helpful if you:
You do not have to exit and go back through security to switch concourses once you’re already inside the secure area.
From a traveler’s point of view, Terminal I functions like a full-service departure and arrival hall, just focused on international travel.
You’ll typically find:
If your boarding pass says your flight departs from Concourse F, you’ll usually check in here.
The International Terminal has its own security checkpoint. After screening you can:
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.
For passengers arriving from outside the U.S.:
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.
If you live in Atlanta and are picking up an international visitor, knowing where to go can save a lot of confusion.
If their flight:
You should:
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.
If their flight departs internationally (and the boarding pass or airline indicates Concourse F or “International Terminal”):
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.
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.
If you’re ever uncertain about Terminal I or where to go at ATL, you can get help:
At the airport itself:
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.
