Shake Shack at Atlanta Airport: Exact Locations, Directions, and Tips
If you’re craving a ShackBurger during a layover at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the good news is that there is a Shake Shack in the Atlanta airport—you just need to know where to look and how to get there from your concourse.
Below is a clear breakdown of where Shake Shack is at ATL, how to reach it from different terminals, and what Atlanta travelers should know before planning a quick burger stop between flights.
Where Is Shake Shack in Atlanta Airport?
As of the latest available information, Shake Shack at Atlanta Airport is located in the domestic terminal area, post-security, on the concourse side (not in the public ticketing area).
The airport layout can be confusing, so here’s the big picture:
- Airport code: ATL
- Terminal you’ll be dealing with: Domestic Terminal (North/South) leading to the plane train and concourses
- Shake Shack location type: Inside the secure area, accessible from most domestic gates once you clear TSA
Because airport restaurant lineups can change over time, it’s smart to double-check current maps or ask an ATL airport information desk once you arrive. But in practice, travelers consistently find Shake Shack along one of the main concourses that most domestic passengers pass through after security.
Quick Reference: Shake Shack at ATL
Use this simple table as a fast guide:
| Detail | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Airport | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) |
| General Area | Domestic, post-security, on one of the main concourses |
| Access From | Domestic gates via Plane Train or walking tunnel |
| Security Requirement | ✅ Must be inside security (cannot access from curbside without a boarding pass) |
| Best For | Layovers, pre-flight meals, quick burger + fries stop |
| Suggested Time Cushion | Aim for at least 30–40 minutes before boarding if you’re making a special trip |
Understanding ATL’s Layout (So You Can Actually Find It)
If you’re not familiar with Atlanta’s airport layout, it helps to understand how the whole place is structured. ATL has:
- A Domestic Terminal (North and South)
- An International Terminal (Concourse F)
- Multiple concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F) connected in a straight line underground by:
- The Plane Train (automated tram)
- A walkway tunnel with moving sidewalks
Once you clear domestic security (North or South), you land in the main Transportation Mall area, where you can:
- Take the Plane Train to different concourses
- Or walk through the tunnel and reach them on foot
Shake Shack is on one of these concourses, so the steps are:
- Go through TSA security in the Domestic Terminal.
- Follow signs for the Plane Train.
- Ride (or walk) to the concourse where Shake Shack is located, based on current airport signage or directions from airport staff.
- Walk down that concourse until you see Shake Shack along the central food and retail area.
How to Get to Shake Shack From Different ATL Areas
From Domestic Terminal – North or South
If you’re flying Delta or another domestic carrier, you’re likely in the:
- Domestic Terminal North (many non-Delta airlines), or
- Domestic Terminal South (Delta’s main check-in area)
Step-by-step:
- Check in and clear security at North or South.
- Once through security, follow signs for Concourse T and Plane Train.
- Take the Plane Train to the concourse where Shake Shack is listed on the onboard map/announcements or airport signage.
- Walk along that concourse center aisle; Shake Shack will be clearly branded on the storefront.
If you don’t see it immediately, look for large concourse directory boards in the middle of the walkway and check under “Restaurants” or ask an ATL Airport Information Desk (they’re stationed throughout).
From Concourse T, A, B, C, D, E, or F
If you’re already at your gate and decide you want Shake Shack:
- Check how much time you have before boarding.
- Go to the nearest Plane Train station in your concourse.
- Ride to the concourse with Shake Shack (as indicated by in-airport signage or by asking an information agent).
- Grab your order, then ride the Plane Train back to your original concourse.
🚨 Time tip for Atlanta travelers:
The Plane Train is fast, but ATL is large. If you:
- Need to move 1–2 concourses away: allow at least 20–30 minutes total (walk, order, eat, return).
- Need to move 3+ concourses away: give yourself 30–45 minutes or more, especially during busy times.
From the International Terminal (Concourse F)
If you’re arriving or departing internationally and wondering whether you can get to Shake Shack:
- If you’ve already cleared U.S. customs and are connecting domestically, you can usually access the domestic concourses via the Plane Train, then follow the same steps as domestic passengers.
- If you’re starting your trip at the International Terminal landside (before security), you typically cannot access the domestic concourse restaurants (like Shake Shack) without specific routing that brings you through the domestic security area.
For complex itineraries (e.g., international arrival with a long layover and desire to roam), look for:
- Information desks in Concourse F and
- Ask for guidance on whether your boarding pass and security routing allow you to reach the domestic concourses for dining.
Can You Reach Shake Shack Without a Boarding Pass?
No. The Shake Shack in Atlanta Airport is located post-security, which means:
- You must have a valid same-day boarding pass
- You must have passed through TSA security at ATL
If you’re an Atlanta local wanting Shake Shack without flying, you’ll need to visit an off-airport Atlanta-area Shake Shack location instead, since the airport one is behind security and not accessible from curbside or MARTA without a ticketed flight.
How to Ask for Directions Once You’re Inside ATL
Because individual restaurant placements can shift over time, the most reliable way to pinpoint Shake Shack in real time is to:
Look for large digital/printed concourse maps labeled “Food & Beverage”
Use the directory kiosks in the concourse you’re in
Ask any of the following:
- ATL Guest Services / Information Desks
- Uniformed airport volunteers or staff
- Gate agents for your airline
You can simply say:
Staff at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320 are generally familiar with major national restaurant brands and can quickly point you in the right direction.
Practical Tips for Visiting Shake Shack at ATL
A few Atlanta-specific tips to make your burger run smoother:
- Plan around security wait times: If you’re just arriving at ATL from the city (MARTA, rideshare, or parking), your priority is TSA first, then food. Morning and evening rushes can be busy.
- Watch your boarding time, not just departure time: ATL often boards flights 30–40 minutes before departure. Aim to be back at your gate by the start of boarding, not at departure time.
- Consider to-go if your layover is tight: Shake Shack orders can be taken back to your gate seating area if you’re short on time.
- Factor in walking distance: Some ATL concourses are long. From one end to the other, walking can take 10–15 minutes, especially at a relaxed pace or with crowds.
If You’re Coming From Within Atlanta
For Atlanta residents or visitors already in the city who just want to know how airport Shake Shack fits into their plans:
- The airport is about 10 miles south of Downtown Atlanta, reachable via:
- MARTA (Airport Station at the end of the Red/Gold lines)
- I-75, I-85, or I-285 by car or rideshare
But remember:
- Once at the airport, you can’t access Shake Shack without a boarding pass and clearing TSA.
- If you’re not flying, it’s usually more practical to visit a non-airport Shake Shack location in the Atlanta metro area, where you won’t deal with security or parking complexity.
When You Should Skip the Shake Shack Detour
Even though it’s tempting, there are times when a Shake Shack run at ATL isn’t worth the stress:
- Your connection time is under 45 minutes
- Your gate is far from the needed concourse
- You’re traveling with small children, a lot of luggage, or mobility constraints
- Weather or operations are causing delays or gate changes, making your routing less predictable
In those cases, it may be better to choose food options closer to your gate on the same concourse.
In summary, Shake Shack at Atlanta Airport is located post-security on a domestic concourse, reachable via the Plane Train or walking tunnel from most gates. As long as you have a valid boarding pass, clear TSA, and allow enough time to travel between concourses, it’s a realistic and popular stop for burgers and fries during an ATL layover.