Starbucks at Atlanta Airport: Exact Locations, Hours, and Tips for Finding Coffee at ATL

If you are flying through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and asking, “Where are the Starbucks in Atlanta Airport?” you are not alone. With multiple concourses, trains, and terminals, it can be surprisingly easy to miss a coffee spot—even in the world’s busiest airport.

This guide walks you through where to find Starbucks in ATL, how to pick the best one for your schedule, and some local tips to make grabbing your drink quick and stress-free.

How Atlanta Airport Is Laid Out (So You Can Actually Find Your Starbucks)

Before looking for coffee, it helps to understand how Atlanta Airport is organized:

  • Domestic Terminal North (T-North) – mainly Delta and partners
  • Domestic Terminal South (T-South) – many other domestic carriers
  • International Terminal (Concourse F) – international departures/arrivals
  • Concourses: T, A, B, C, D, E, and F, all connected by the Plane Train (underground tram) and walkable corridors

Most Starbucks locations are inside security on the concourses, but there are also options before security in the main terminal areas.

Quick Reference: Where Starbucks Are in ATL

Use this as a fast overview before your trip:

Area of ATL AirportStarbucks Availability*Best For
Domestic Terminal (pre-security)Yes – typically near ticketing / center atriumMeeting people, early arrivals, non-fliers
Concourse TYes – center area of concourseShort flights, tight connections
Concourse AYes – central food court areaHeavy Delta traffic, busy mornings
Concourse BYes – near central food/retail clusterHub connections, frequent flyers
Concourse COften 1 location, central areaMid-sized concourse, regional flights
Concourse DVaries; often 1 location near central sectionMixed airlines and connections
Concourse E (international)Yes – within main concessions areaInternational departures/layovers
International Terminal / Concourse FYes – in international departures areaCheck-in area and long-haul flights

*Exact count and placement can change, but at any given time there are typically multiple Starbucks across ATL.

Starbucks Before Security at Atlanta Airport

Domestic Terminal (North & South)

If you are being dropped off, meeting someone, or too early to check in, it can be easier to grab coffee before you go through security.

You will typically find at least one Starbucks in the main terminal area, often:

  • Near the central atrium between North and South domestic terminals
  • Close to baggage claim and the entrance to the Plane Train escalators

These pre-security locations are convenient if:

  • You are waiting on arriving family or friends
  • You are an Atlanta local picking someone up and not flying
  • You arrived early and want to relax before tackling the security line

Tip: Pre-security Starbucks can be busy in the mornings, but the lines sometimes move faster than at the most crowded concourse locations.

Starbucks on Each Concourse at ATL

Once you are past security, your best Starbucks option is usually on your departure concourse.

Concourse T

Concourse T is directly connected to the domestic terminal and is closest to the main security checkpoint.

  • Expect a Starbucks around the central concourse area, near other food and retail options.
  • Good choice if your flight leaves from T gates or if you want coffee quickly after clearing security.

Best for:

  • Tight schedules
  • People who do not want to ride the Plane Train just for coffee

Concourse A

Concourse A is one of the busiest concourses at ATL, especially for Delta passengers.

  • A Starbucks is usually located near the center of the concourse, close to the main food court and seating areas.
  • You will often see longer lines here during early morning and late afternoon rush periods.

Best for:

  • Travelers connecting through A gates
  • Those with time to wait—line volume is high but turnover is steady

Local tip: If the line is long and you have a bit of time, sometimes riding one stop to Concourse T or C can offer a shorter Starbucks line.

Concourse B

Concourse B is another major Delta hub concourse, packed with travelers throughout the day.

  • Starbucks is typically found near the middle of the concourse, among other national food chains and seating clusters.
  • Because of high volume, expect a strong morning rush and steady traffic all day.

Best for:

  • Connections between Delta flights
  • Travelers with at least 10–15 minutes to navigate line + pickup

Concourse C

Concourse C serves a mix of airlines and regional routes.

  • You can usually find one Starbucks around the central area of the concourse, near other quick-service options.
  • Lines may be slightly shorter than on A or B, depending on time of day.

Best for:

  • Regional travelers
  • People who want a quick grab-and-go option without switching concourses

Concourse D

Concourse D is a mixed-airline concourse with domestic flights.

  • A Starbucks is often found near the midpoint of the concourse, among the larger dining areas.
  • Line lengths can vary; when big flights board, there may be short spikes in demand.

Best for:

  • Non-Delta domestic carriers
  • Travelers who don’t want to rely on terminal hopping for coffee

Concourse E (International)

Concourse E handles many international departures and arrivals.

  • A Starbucks is usually located in or near the main concessions area, not far from central seating and shopping.
  • Because of international traffic, hours may be more tailored to long-haul departure windows instead of classic rush-hour patterns.

Best for:

  • International travelers wanting coffee before boarding a long flight
  • Passengers with long layovers who want familiar options

International Terminal & Concourse F

The Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F) serves many international routes and some domestic flights.

You can typically find:

  • A Starbucks in the main departure concourse area, near gates and central concessions
  • Sometimes a nearby option closer to the check-in / ticketing area of the International Terminal

Best for:

  • Travelers checking in for overnight or long-haul flights
  • Friends and family dropping travelers at the international side of the airport

Tip: If you are an Atlanta local traveling internationally, you can park directly at the International Terminal and grab Starbucks after check-in, before heading through security.

How to Pick the Best Starbucks for Your Flight

With multiple Starbucks in Atlanta Airport, the best choice depends on your time, gate, and connection.

1. Stay on Your Concourse if You Are Tight on Time

If your departure is soon:

  • Use the nearest Starbucks on your own concourse
  • Avoid riding the Plane Train just for coffee unless you have at least 20–30 extra minutes

A quick rule:

  • Under 30 minutes to boarding: Stay near your gate
  • 30–60 minutes: You can usually walk or ride one concourse over if lines are overwhelming
  • Over 60 minutes: You can be more flexible and even compare lines

2. Use the Plane Train Strategically

The Plane Train connects all concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F) and runs frequently.

Helpful strategies:

  • If you see a very long line on a busy concourse like A or B and you have time, ride one stop to T or C to see if those Starbucks lines are shorter.
  • Keep an eye on boarding time and walking distance back to your gate; most concourses are long.

3. Consider Pre-Security vs. Post-Security

Pre-security Starbucks can be useful when:

  • You are an Atlanta resident being dropped off early
  • You are meeting arriving friends or family
  • You are not flying but need a convenient coffee stop near the airport

Post-security Starbucks is better when:

  • You have cleared security and want to stay near your gate
  • You are connecting through ATL and never leave the secured area

Typical Hours and Busy Times

Hours and staffing can change, but many ATL Starbucks locations generally follow:

  • Early opening times to serve the first wave of departures (often very early morning)
  • Extended hours to cover evening connections and late-night flights, especially on major concourses

Common peak times:

  • 5:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – early morning departures
  • Late afternoon to early evening – heavy connection banks

If you are an Atlanta local who flies often:

  • Expect heavier lines Monday mornings, Thursday evenings, and around holidays.

Practical Tips for Getting Coffee Faster at ATL

A few Atlanta-specific strategies to save time:

  • Check the Starbucks app
    Use mobile ordering whenever it is available at a given location; this is especially helpful on Concourses A and B.

  • Walk a bit farther
    Many travelers stop at the first Starbucks they see near the train exit. Sometimes walking a few gates farther down the concourse gives you a shorter line.

  • Avoid last-minute rushes
    Do not wait until group boarding starts; gate agents may ask you to board and you risk having to abandon your drink order.

  • Factor in ATL security
    If you are coming from home in Atlanta, give yourself enough time to clear security first, then get Starbucks. Security lines can change quickly depending on time of day and terminal.

If You Are Driving or Getting Dropped Off

For Atlanta residents or visitors heading to the airport:

  • Domestic flights:
    You will usually enter through North or South Terminal. Look for Starbucks near the center atrium, then proceed through security and on to Concourse T or your assigned concourse via the Plane Train.

  • International flights:
    If you use the International Terminal (F), you may find Starbucks options both before security (near ticketing) and after security (on Concourse F itself).

Parking and access:

  • Domestic parking garages for North and South terminals are closest to the pre-security Starbucks on the domestic side.
  • The International Terminal parking deck is convenient for Starbucks located in or near Concourse F.

Key Takeaways for Finding Starbucks in Atlanta Airport

  • There are multiple Starbucks locations across ATL, both before and after security, mainly concentrated on Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, and F.
  • Your best option is almost always the Starbucks located on your departure concourse.
  • Use the Plane Train to compare lines only if you have enough extra time.
  • Pre-security Starbucks in the domestic and international terminals are useful for locals being dropped off early or meeting travelers.
  • Lines can be long at peak times, especially on A and B, so plan a time buffer if coffee is non-negotiable for your trip.

With this layout in mind, you should be able to navigate Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and find a Starbucks that fits your timing, route, and travel style.