Where Is Atlanta Airport? A Local Guide to Finding Hartsfield-Jackson

If you’re flying into or out of Atlanta, you’re almost always dealing with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, commonly called Atlanta Airport or simply ATL. Knowing exactly where the airport is, how it’s laid out, and the best ways to reach it can save you a lot of time and stress.

The Exact Location of Atlanta Airport

Official name: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Primary address:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

Atlanta Airport sits on the south side of the City of Atlanta, spanning Fulton County and part of Clayton County. It’s just south of downtown Atlanta, directly off Interstate 75 and Interstate 85, in an area locals often refer to as “near College Park”.

How far is ATL from major Atlanta areas?

  • Downtown Atlanta: roughly 10 miles south
  • Midtown: about 12–14 miles south
  • Buckhead: around 18–20 miles south
  • Atlanta BeltLine Eastside areas (Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward): typically 12–16 miles
  • Perimeter Center (Sandy Springs/Dunwoody): about 25–30 miles
  • Cobb County (Smyrna/Marietta areas): about 20–30 miles, depending on your exact location

These distances are approximate; drive time can vary significantly with traffic, especially during rush hour on I‑75/I‑85 and around the Downtown Connector.

Terminals and Key Areas: Where You Actually Go

When people ask “Where is Atlanta Airport?” they’re often really asking, “Where do I go for my flight?” The airport has multiple key areas:

North Terminal vs. South Terminal

Both are in the main domestic terminal complex, at the north end of the airport:

  • North Terminal (Domestic)
    Handles most non-Delta domestic airlines.
    Address commonly used for GPS:
    North Terminal – Domestic
    6000 N Terminal Pkwy
    Atlanta, GA 30320

  • South Terminal (Domestic / Delta)
    Main check-in area for Delta Air Lines and partner carriers.
    Address commonly used for GPS:
    South Terminal – Domestic / Delta
    6000 N Terminal Pkwy
    Atlanta, GA 30320

Both terminals are part of the same building. You can walk between North and South inside the airport, but if you’re being dropped off, you’ll want the correct side for your airline to avoid backtracking.

International Terminal (Concourse F)

The Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal is on the east side of the airport and has its own separate entrance and parking.

  • International Terminal Address:
    Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal
    2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd
    Atlanta, GA 30354

From inside the airport, the International Terminal connects to the other concourses via the Plane Train and walkways, but if you’re driving or getting dropped off, you’ll follow different road signs than for the Domestic Terminal.

Simple Location Snapshot

AreaWhat It IsGeneral Side of AirportTypical Use
North Terminal (Domestic)Check-in/departures for many U.S. airlinesNorthMost non-Delta domestic flights
South Terminal (Domestic)Delta’s main domestic check-inNorthDelta and select partner flights
International TerminalConcourse F check-in & arrivalsEastMost international departures/arrivals
Rental Car CenterConsolidated car rentalsWestAll major rental car companies in one facility
ATL SkyTrain StationsAutomated people mover stopsNorth/WestConnection to Rental Car Center & hotels

How to Get to Atlanta Airport from Around the City

1. Driving to ATL

Atlanta Airport is directly accessible from I‑85, with quick connections from I‑75, I‑285, and downtown streets.

From Downtown / Midtown:

  • Take I‑75/85 South (the Downtown Connector).
  • Follow signs for Airport / Domestic or Airport / International.
  • For the Domestic Terminal, exit at Exit 239 for Airport Blvd / Atlanta Airport, then follow signs to North or South terminal.
  • For the International Terminal, look for signs earlier along I‑75/85 for International Terminal / Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd and take the dedicated exit.

From Buckhead / North Atlanta:

  • Use GA‑400 South to I‑85 South, then follow Airport signs.
  • Or take Peachtree Road to I‑85 South and continue to the airport exits.

From the Perimeter / I‑285:

  • From the west side, take I‑285 South/East to I‑85 North, then follow Airport signs.
  • From the east side, take I‑285 South/West to I‑85 North or I‑75 North, then follow Airport signs.
  • There are also I‑285 exits for the Airport / Riverdale Rd that can lead you to certain airport entrances, including the Rental Car Center.

From South Atlanta / Clayton County:

  • Use I‑75 North or I‑85 North, then follow Airport exit signs toward either the Domestic or International terminal.

📝 Tip:
When setting your GPS, be specific:

  • Domestic Delta flight: use “Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – South Terminal”
  • Domestic non-Delta flight: use “North Terminal”
  • International flight check-in: use the International Terminal address

2. Taking MARTA to the Airport

MARTA is Atlanta’s public transit system, and the airport has one of its most straightforward connections.

  • Airport Station (MARTA Rail) is located inside the Domestic Terminal, at the west end of the main terminal building.
  • It’s the southernmost station on both the Red and Gold rail lines.

From Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead:

  • Take any southbound Red or Gold line train labeled Airport.
  • Ride it all the way to Airport Station (last stop).
  • Once you exit the train, follow signs to Baggage Claim or Ticketing / Check-In.

Reaching the International Terminal via MARTA:

  • Take MARTA to Airport Station (Domestic Terminal).
  • From baggage claim, follow signs to the International Shuttle Connector.
  • A free shuttle runs between the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal.

MARTA is often the most reliable option during rush hour, since highway congestion can be heavy.

Uber, Lyft, Taxis, and Rideshares

Rideshare services and taxis know exactly where Atlanta Airport is, but pickup and drop-off spots vary:

  • Drop-off:
    • Your driver will use North or South Terminal departures level or the International Terminal, depending on your airline and flight.
  • Pickup (Domestic Terminal):
    • Rideshare pickups typically use designated Rideshare/Transportation areas in the Domestic Terminal parking structures or lower levels.
    • Taxi stands are located outside the baggage claim area at the Domestic Terminal.
  • Pickup (International Terminal):
    • Rideshares and taxis have designated pickup areas near Arrivals / Baggage Claim.

Once you arrive, follow airport signage for Ground Transportation; Atlanta Airport has clear markings for taxis, hotel shuttles, MARTA, and rideshares.

Where Is the Rental Car Center?

The Rental Car Center (RCC) is not inside the main terminal, but it’s still on airport property just west of the terminals.

Rental Car Center Address:
2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy
College Park, GA 30337

To reach it:

  • From the Domestic Terminal, take the ATL SkyTrain, an automated people mover that departs near the MARTA Airport Station area and parking garages.
  • From the International Terminal, you can:
    • Take a shuttle bus directly to the Rental Car Center, or
    • Take the free shuttle to the Domestic Terminal, then transfer to the ATL SkyTrain.

All the major rental car brands are consolidated there, with their counters and parking in one facility.

Nearby Landmarks and Neighborhoods

If you’re trying to picture where Atlanta Airport sits on a map, think of it in relation to these local areas:

  • College Park: Directly adjacent to the airport’s west and northwest side. Many airport hotels and park‑and‑fly lots are here.
  • Hapeville: Just northeast of the airport, closer to I‑75.
  • East Point: North/northwest of the airport.
  • Forest Park and Riverdale: East and south of the airport along I‑75 and local highways.

When locals give directions, you might hear phrases like:

  • “Head down 85 South toward the airport.”
  • “It’s just past College Park, right at the airport exit.”
  • “The International Terminal is off Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd on the east side.”

Key Contacts and Information Resources

For official, up-to-date airport information, you can contact:

  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – General Information
    Main switchboard: (800) 897-1910 (commonly used general info line)

Local residents and visitors also frequently get information from:

  • City of Atlanta Department of Aviation Offices located at the airport campus
  • MARTA Customer Information Center: for rail and bus details to and from Airport Station

When planning your trip, it’s a good idea to confirm your terminal and airline before you leave, especially if you’re not a frequent Atlanta flyer.

By keeping in mind that Atlanta Airport is just south of downtown, centered around I‑75/I‑85, with Domestic Terminals on the north side and the International Terminal on the east side, you’ll have a clear sense of where you’re going—and how to get there smoothly from anywhere in metro Atlanta.