What Is the Name of Atlanta’s Airport? A Local’s Guide to ATL

If you’re flying into or out of Atlanta, you’ll almost always be dealing with the same major hub. The full official name of Atlanta’s main airport is:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

You’ll also see and hear it called:

• Atlanta airport
• Atlanta International Airport
• Hartsfield–Jackson
• ATL (its official airport code)

All of these refer to the same airport.

Key Facts About Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Location:
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

Common names:

• Official name: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Short name: Hartsfield–Jackson
• Airport code:ATL

What it serves:

• The entire metro Atlanta area
• Most major domestic U.S. routes
• Many international destinations

Quick Reference at a Glance

Why Is It Called Hartsfield–Jackson?

The airport is named after two former Atlanta mayors who played major roles in its development:

• William B. Hartsfield – Helped establish Atlanta as an aviation hub
• Maynard H. Jackson Jr. – Oversaw major expansions and promoted airport growth

Locals often shorten the name to “Hartsfield–Jackson” or just say “the airport” or “ATL” when giving directions or talking about flights.

Is There More Than One Airport in Atlanta?

For commercial airline travel, almost everyone uses Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). It’s the primary passenger airport for the city and the region.

There are smaller airports around metro Atlanta—such as DeKalb–Peachtree Airport in Chamblee or Fulton County Airport (Brown Field)—but these mainly serve general aviation, private, and charter flights, not the typical commercial airlines most travelers use.

If your ticket shows ATL, you’re going to Hartsfield–Jackson, not one of the smaller local airfields.

Terminals and Layout: How ATL Is Organized

Atlanta’s airport can seem huge if you’re new to it, but the layout is fairly straightforward once you understand the basics.

Two Main Terminal Areas

1. Domestic Terminal

   • Handles most U.S. flights
   • Split into:
     • North Terminal
     • South Terminal
   • Connected to Concourses T, A, B, C, D, and E

2. Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal

   • Handles many international flights
   • Connected directly to Concourse F
   • Also serves some domestic connecting flights operated by certain airlines

Both ends are part of the same airport (Hartsfield–Jackson). They’re linked internally by the Plane Train (underground people mover) and by road via Interstate 75/85 and local connectors.

Getting To and From Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL)

Because ATL is so central to Atlanta life, there are several ways to reach it from around the city.

1. MARTA (Public Transit)

The MARTA Airport Station sits inside the Domestic Terminal, making it one of the easiest public transit options.

• Train Lines: Red and Gold lines
• Location: At the end of the line, below the Domestic Terminal baggage claim
• If you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near a MARTA station, this is often the simplest and most predictable way to get to the airport.

For the International Terminal, MARTA riders typically:

• Ride to the Domestic Terminal, then
• Take the free shuttle to the International Terminal or
• Use the Plane Train to Concourse F if already checked in and past security

2. Driving and Parking

If you’re driving:

• Use “Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport” or “ATL” in your GPS.
• Watch for signs for either:
  • Domestic Terminal (usually via I-85)
  • International Terminal (usually via I-75 and exit signs for Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)

The airport offers:

• Short-term parking (closest but more expensive)
• Long-term and economy lots
• Off-site private lots around the airport area with shuttle service

3. Rideshare, Taxis, and Shuttles

Typical ground options include:

• Rideshare services (pickup areas clearly signed at the Domestic Terminal, with designated zones)
• Traditional taxis from marked taxi stands
• Hotel shuttles from many major hotels in and around Atlanta
• Shared airport shuttles to regional cities and suburbs

If you’re being picked up, it helps to tell your driver:

• Which terminal (Domestic North, Domestic South, or International)
• Which airline you’re flying with, since each is assigned to specific check-in areas

Domestic vs. International: Which Name Do You Look For?

Even though the full name is Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you’ll see slightly different wording depending on where you are in the airport.

• Domestic side signs may just say “Domestic Terminal” or “Atlanta Airport – Domestic”.
• The international side highlights “Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal.”

They are all part of the same facility, still officially Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

If you’re:

• Flying within the U.S. – Look for Domestic Terminal signs.
• Arriving from / departing to another country – Look for International Terminal or Concourse F.

Helpful Tips for Atlanta Travelers Using ATL

• Always confirm “ATL” on your ticket. If it shows ATL, you’re heading to Hartsfield–Jackson.
• Ask locals for “ATL” directions. Most people in metro Atlanta recognize and use the term ATL more often than the full name.
• Build in extra time. ATL is one of the world’s busiest airports, so security lines, parking, and traffic can be busy, especially during peak hours and holidays.
• Know your airline’s terminal. Many airlines consistently use either North or South on the Domestic side; checking this before you leave saves time.
• Use the Plane Train. Inside the airport, the Plane Train is often the quickest way to move between concourses and terminals.

When You See “Atlanta Airport,” This Is What It Means

Whether a website, airline, hotel, or local sign says:

• Atlanta Airport
• Hartsfield–Jackson
• Atlanta International Airport
• ATL

They are all referring to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the main airport serving Atlanta, Georgia, at 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320.