Your Guide to Atlanta’s Airport: What It Is, Where It Is, and How It Works

If you’re flying into or out of Atlanta, you’re almost certainly using Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, commonly called Atlanta Airport or just ATL. It’s the primary airport serving the Atlanta metro area and one of the busiest airports in the world.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to what the airport is, where it is, what it’s called, and how to get around it.

The Main Airport in Atlanta: Name, Code, and Location

Official name:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Airport code:

• IATA code: ATL
• ICAO code: KATL

Location:

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Situated just south of downtown Atlanta, partly in the City of Atlanta and partly in surrounding jurisdictions in Clayton County.

Most airlines, travel websites, and locals will simply refer to it as “ATL” or “Atlanta Airport.”

Why Everyone Uses ATL

ATL is Atlanta’s primary commercial airport. For almost all domestic and international commercial flights into and out of the city, ATL is the airport you’ll use.

A few key reasons it matters for travelers:

• Major airline hub: ATL is a global hub for several major carriers, making it a common connection point for flights across the U.S. and worldwide.
• Extensive nonstop options: From Atlanta, you can reach most major U.S. cities and many international destinations without changing planes.
• Mass transit access: It connects directly to the MARTA rail system, making it easier for Atlanta residents and visitors to get to the airport without driving.

For most people asking “What is the airport in Atlanta?” the practical answer is:
➡️ It’s ATL – the main gateway in and out of the city by air.

Terminals and Concourses: How ATL Is Set Up

ATL is organized in a straight line layout from west to east:

• Domestic Terminal – North
• Domestic Terminal – South
• Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, and F

Domestic vs. International

• Domestic Terminal (North & South):

  • Used for most U.S. flights.
  • North and South are side by side and both connect to Concourse T and the underground train system.

• Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F):

  • Handles most international arrivals and departures.
  • Has its own entrance and parking on the east side:
    2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30354

Getting Between Terminals and Concourses

Inside the secure area, all concourses are connected by:

• Plane Train (underground people mover) – fast way to move between concourses
• Walkable tunnels – with moving walkways and clear signage

You don’t have to exit security to transfer between concourses once you’re inside.

Quick Reference: Basic ATL Info

How to Get to Atlanta Airport

By MARTA (Train)

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is the simplest way to reach ATL.

• Take the Red or Gold line southbound to the “Airport” station.
• The station is directly inside the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim and the main check-in hall.
• Trains typically run frequently during the day and evening.

From the Airport station, you can:

• Walk upstairs to the Domestic Terminal.
• Follow signs to the International Terminal Shuttle if your flight uses Concourse F and you need the separate entrance.

By Car

If you’re driving yourself:

• Use I-85 or I-75 and follow signs for Atlanta Airport or Hartsfield–Jackson.
• Main options:
  • Domestic Terminal: off I-85, follow signs to North or South Terminal.
  • International Terminal: follow signs to Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal off I-75 and surrounding access roads.

Parking options usually include:

• Hourly / Short-term parking near the terminals
• Daily parking garages
• Economy or park-and-ride lots connected by shuttle buses

If someone is picking you up or dropping you off, they can use:

• Curbside pick-up/drop-off areas (short stops only)
• Cell phone waiting lots, where they can wait until you’re ready at curbside

By Rideshare or Taxi

Rideshare and taxi services are widely used in Atlanta:

• Rideshare pick-up zones are clearly marked and typically located in designated areas away from the main entrances.
• Taxis queue at clearly signed taxi stands near the terminal exits.

Follow signs within the airport for:

• Rideshare / App-Based Ride Services
• Taxi

Inside ATL: What Travelers in Atlanta Should Know

Check-In and Security

• Arrive early, especially during busy travel seasons and morning peak times.
• You’ll check in either at the Domestic North, Domestic South, or International Terminal, depending on your airline and flight.
• Security checkpoints are located in each main terminal area, with clear signage showing which lines you can use.

If you have TSA PreCheck or similar trusted traveler status, there are usually separate lanes at major checkpoints.

Baggage Claim

• Domestic baggage claim is in the lower level of the Domestic Terminal.
• International baggage claim is within or adjacent to the International Terminal (Concourse F) and includes customs and immigration.

If you’re arriving from an international flight and then connecting domestically, you’ll typically:

1. Claim your bags.
2. Clear customs and immigration.
3. Re-check your bags for your domestic flight, then follow signs to the appropriate concourse.

Other Airports Around Atlanta (Smaller and Specialized)

For most commercial passengers, ATL is the airport. However, the Atlanta area also has smaller regional and general aviation airports. These usually do not handle large commercial airline service, but you might hear them mentioned:

• DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK)

  • Location: near Chamblee and Brookhaven, northeast of downtown Atlanta.
  • Primarily serves private, corporate, and charter flights.

• Fulton County Airport – Brown Field (FTY)

  • Location: west of Atlanta, in Fulton County.
  • Also focused on general aviation and business aviation.

• Cobb County International Airport – McCollum Field (RYY)

  • Location: Kennesaw, northwest of Atlanta.
  • Used for general aviation and some charter operations.

For standard commercial passenger trips into or out of Atlanta, your ticket will almost always list ATL as the airport.

When Someone Asks “What Is the Airport in Atlanta?”—What to Tell Them

If a friend, family member, or travel planner asks you this in an Atlanta context, the most helpful short answer is:

• The main airport in Atlanta is Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
• The code you’ll see on tickets is ATL.
• It’s located just south of downtown at 6000 N Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320.
• It’s the primary airport residents and visitors use for commercial flights, with direct MARTA access and multiple terminals and concourses.

Knowing this will help you read your ticket correctly, plan your ride, and navigate Atlanta air travel with more confidence.