What Is the Name of the Airport in Atlanta?
If you’re flying into or out of Atlanta, you’ll almost always be using Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. That’s the official name of the main airport in Atlanta, and it’s often shortened to:
- Atlanta Airport
- Atlanta International Airport
- Hartsfield–Jackson
- ATL (its airport code)
All of these names refer to the same airport.
The Official Name and Airport Code
The full, official name is:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Airport code: ATL
You’ll see ATL on:
- Your boarding pass
- Flight information screens
- Airline apps and websites
- Baggage tags
When airlines or travel sites ask for your destination or departure city, typing “ATL” or “Atlanta” will bring up this airport.
Why Is It Called Hartsfield–Jackson?
The airport is named in honor of two former Atlanta mayors:
- William B. Hartsfield – a major supporter of aviation in Atlanta’s early growth
- Maynard H. Jackson Jr. – the city’s first Black mayor, who played a key role in expanding the airport
Locals usually just say “the airport,” “Hartsfield,” or “ATL,” but the full name recognizes both leaders’ impact on Atlanta’s transportation and development.
Where Is Atlanta’s Airport Located?
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is just south of downtown Atlanta, mostly in Clayton County, with parts reaching into the city of Atlanta.
- Approximate area: near College Park and Hapeville
- Rough driving time from Downtown Atlanta: 10–20 minutes in light traffic
Because it’s so close to the city center, many Atlanta residents use ATL not only for long trips but also for short domestic flights and quick connections.
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport |
| Common Short Names | Atlanta Airport, Hartsfield–Jackson, ATL |
| Airport Code | ATL |
| Primary Function | Main commercial airport for Atlanta & region |
| Distance from Downtown | About 10 miles south of central Atlanta |
Is There More Than One Airport in Atlanta?
For commercial airline travel, Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL) is the primary airport serving Atlanta. When people talk about “the airport in Atlanta,” this is the one they mean.
There are other airports in the Atlanta area, but they serve more specialized purposes:
- DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK) – Mainly general aviation, private flights, some charters
- Fulton County Airport (Brown Field) – General aviation and business aviation
- Smaller local and regional fields for private pilots and training
If you’re:
- Booking a typical airline ticket → You are almost certainly flying through ATL.
- Arranging a private jet, charter, or flight school → You might use PDK or another general aviation airport, but that’s separate from the main commercial Atlanta airport.
What Locals and Airlines Usually Call the Airport
In everyday conversation in Atlanta, you’ll hear:
- “I’m heading to the airport.”
- “My flight gets into ATL at 5.”
- “We’re flying out of Hartsfield in the morning.”
On tickets and airline apps, you’ll usually see:
- ATL – Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta Intl.
If you’re searching online, using any of these phrases will point you to the same place:
- Atlanta airport
- ATL airport
- Hartsfield–Jackson airport
Getting To and From Atlanta’s Airport
Since this question sits under “Getting Here and Around,” it helps to know the basics of reaching Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport once you know its name.
By MARTA (Atlanta’s Rail System)
Many Atlanta residents and visitors use MARTA to get to ATL:
- Take any MARTA rail line that connects to the Red or Gold line.
- Ride the train to Airport Station, which is directly inside the Domestic Terminal.
This is often the simplest option from:
- Downtown
- Midtown
- Buckhead
- Some northside neighborhoods accessible by MARTA
By Car or Rideshare
If you’re driving or using a rideshare service:
- Follow signs for Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport or simply “Airport / ATL.”
- You’ll choose between the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal (Concourse F) depending on your airline and destination.
Many navigation apps recognize all of these search terms:
- “Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport”
- “ATL Airport”
- “Atlanta Airport”
Domestic vs. International at ATL
Even though the full name includes “International Airport,” ATL handles both:
- Domestic flights (within the United States)
- International flights (to and from other countries)
If you’re flying from Atlanta to another U.S. city, you’re still using Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport—it’s just the domestic side of the same airport.
In summary, when you’re asking “What’s the name of the airport in Atlanta?” the answer you’re looking for is:
👉 Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – Atlanta’s main and best-known airport for commercial air travel.
