Understanding Atlanta’s International Terminal at Hartsfield‑Jackson

If you’re flying into or out of Atlanta, Georgia on an international flight, you’ll likely hear people talk about the International Terminal or Concourse F at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport. For many travelers, especially those connecting through Atlanta, this can be confusing.

This guide explains what the International Terminal is, where it is, how it works, and how to get around it—all from an Atlanta-focused perspective.

What Is the International Terminal in Atlanta?

At Hartsfield‑Jackson, the International Terminal is the dedicated entrance and exit area for most international flights, located on the east side of the airport. Inside that terminal is Concourse F, one of the airport’s gate concourses where many international flights arrive and depart.

In everyday conversation, people often use these terms:

• “International Terminal” – the building on the east side where you check in, clear security, and pick up bags for most international trips.
• “Concourse F” – the gate area connected to that terminal where you actually board the plane.
• “Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal” – the full formal name for the International Terminal.

Even though Atlanta has one main airport, it has two major terminal entrances:

• The Domestic Terminal on the west side (North and South).
• The International Terminal on the east side.

You can drive, rideshare, or take a shuttle to either side depending on your flight.

Where Is the International Terminal in Atlanta?

The International Terminal is on the east end of Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

General location:

• East side of the airport
• Separate entrance from the Domestic Terminal off Interstate 75
• Connected inside the airport to Concourse F (and by train to all other concourses)

If you’re driving from most parts of metro Atlanta, you’ll choose your route based on which terminal you need:

• For the International Terminal (Concourse F):
  Use I‑75 and follow signs for “International Terminal” and “Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal.”
• For the Domestic Terminal (Concourses T, A–E):
  Use I‑85 and follow signs for “Domestic Terminal.”

Both sides serve the same airport, but they have different road entrances, parking decks, and curbside drop-offs.

Domestic Terminal vs. International Terminal: What’s the Difference?

Both terminals are part of Hartsfield‑Jackson, but they serve different purposes.

At a glance

Both terminals are linked airside (after security) by the Plane Train underground people-mover, so once you’re past TSA you can move between concourses regardless of which terminal you started in.

When Should You Use the International Terminal?

Whether you go to the Domestic or International side depends less on where you live and more on your airline, route, and ticket.

In general, you’ll use the International Terminal if:

• Your check‑in instructions or boarding pass say “International Terminal” or “Concourse F.”
• Your international flight is starting in Atlanta and your airline operates check-in there.
• You are arriving in Atlanta from overseas and your final destination is Atlanta or another U.S. city (you’ll clear customs in the International Terminal).

You might still use the Domestic Terminal even for an international trip if:

• You have a domestic connection first, and your airline directs you to check in at the domestic side.
• Your international flight departs from Concourse E and your airline suggests using the Domestic Terminal.
• You’re connecting through Atlanta and already inside the secure area, just changing planes.

The clearest answer is almost always on your:

• Airline confirmation email
• Mobile app
• Boarding pass (look for Terminal or Check‑in area)

How the International Terminal Works (Step by Step)

1. Departing from Atlanta on an International Flight

If Atlanta is where your international trip begins:

1. Arrive at the correct side of the airport
   • Follow signs to the International Terminal and park or get dropped off there.
2. Check in and drop bags
   • Use your airline’s counters or kiosks inside the International Terminal.
3. Clear security
   • Proceed through TSA checkpoint serving the International Terminal.
4. Head to your gate
   • Many international flights use Concourse F gates located just beyond security.
   • Some international flights may depart from Concourse E or other concourses; use the Plane Train if needed.
5. Board your flight
   • Arrive early enough to navigate the terminal and any additional document checks.

2. Arriving in Atlanta from an International Destination

If you’re flying into Atlanta from another country:

1. Exit the plane and follow signs for U.S. Customs and Border Protection
   • You’ll be guided to passport control and customs in the International Terminal area.
2. Clear immigration (passport control)
   • This is where your passport and entry documents are checked.
3. Claim checked luggage
   • Retrieve your bags in the international arrivals area.
4. Clear customs
   • Declare any items as required, then exit into the public arrivals hall.

Then:

• If Atlanta is your final destination:
  You’re done—meet your ride, head to the curb, parking, or ground transportation from the International Terminal.

• If you’re connecting to another flight (domestic or international):
  You’ll be directed to recheck your bags and then make your way to your next departure gate, often via the Plane Train to another concourse.

Getting Between the International and Domestic Terminals

Travelers from Atlanta often mix up which side of the airport to use, or end up on the wrong side. The airport is set up to help you move between them.

Free Shuttle Between Terminals

There is a free shuttle that runs between:

• International Terminal (East side)
• Domestic Terminal / Ground Transportation Center (West side)

You might use this if:

• You parked at the wrong terminal.
• Your ride dropped you off on the wrong side.
• You’re meeting someone arriving at a different terminal.

Allow extra time, especially during busy travel periods.

Inside the Secure Area: Plane Train

Once you’ve passed security, all concourses are connected airside by the Plane Train, an underground tram that links:

• Domestic Terminal (Concourse T)
• Concourses A, B, C, D, E
• Concourse F (International)

If you’re connecting through Atlanta, you’ll often go straight from one gate to another using this train without leaving security.

Ground Transportation at the International Terminal

If you’re leaving or arriving in Atlanta through the International Terminal, you’ll find similar ground transportation options as on the domestic side, just with separate pickup areas.

Common options include:

• Private cars and family pickups – Curbside at the International Terminal.
• Rideshare services – Follow airport signs to the designated rideshare pickup zone serving the International Terminal.
• Taxis – Taxi queues are typically available near the arrivals area.
• Hotel shuttles and private shuttles – Some hotels and services run vehicles that serve the International Terminal; check with your hotel in advance.

If you need MARTA (Atlanta’s rail system), you’ll first need to get to the Domestic Terminal, where the Airport MARTA Station is located. To do that:

1. From the International Terminal, take the free shuttle to the Domestic Terminal / Ground Transportation Center.
2. Follow signs to the MARTA station at the west end of the airport.

Parking at the International Terminal

If you live in or near Atlanta and plan to park at the airport for an international trip, you can park directly on the international side.

Common options at or serving the International Terminal include:

• International Terminal parking deck – Connected to the terminal by walkways.
• Economy or extended-stay parking – Some long‑term or off‑site lots run shuttles to both the Domestic and International Terminals; check their directions.

Key tips:

• 🕒 Arrive early. Give yourself extra time if you’re unfamiliar with the I‑75 entrance or parking layout.
• ✅ Confirm which side your airline uses. Some Atlanta travelers still prefer parking on the domestic side and using the internal connections; plan based on your comfort and schedule.

Tips for Atlanta Travelers Using the International Terminal

A few locally useful pointers if you’re based in the Atlanta area or connecting through:

• Check your terminal before you drive. The confirmation email, app, or boarding pass usually states whether you should use the Domestic or International Terminal.
• Know your highway route.
  • Coming from Intown Atlanta, Midtown, or Buckhead via the Connector:
    • I‑85 south for the Domestic side
    • I‑75 south for the International side
• If in doubt, follow the signs once you near the airport. The split for Domestic vs. International is clearly marked, but it can feel quick—stay alert near the exits.
• Give yourself extra time on your first international trip from Atlanta. The airport is large, and the separation between sides can add time if you go to the wrong entrance.
• If you’re picking someone up from overseas, ask where they’ll come out.
  Most international arrivals with final destination Atlanta will exit through the International Terminal arrivals area, not the Domestic Terminal.

Quick Reference: What the International Terminal Is (and Isn’t)

• It is:

  • The east-side terminal at Hartsfield‑Jackson dedicated to most international flights.
  • The place where you’ll find Concourse F, plus immigration and customs for Atlanta’s international arrivals.
  • A separate road entrance, parking, and curbside from the Domestic Terminal.

• It is not:

  • A completely different airport. It’s part of Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
  • Required for every international route; some international flights may still use other concourses, and your airline may direct you to the Domestic Terminal in some cases.

Understanding how the International Terminal in Atlanta fits into the overall airport layout makes starting or ending an international trip from Atlanta much smoother. When in doubt, rely on the terminal listed on your ticket and use I‑75 for International, I‑85 for Domestic as your basic rule of thumb.