Finding “Terminal 1” at Atlanta Airport: What It Really Means at ATL

If you’re searching for “Where is Terminal 1 at Atlanta Airport?”, you’re not alone. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport uses a different naming system than many other airports, and that can be confusing if you’re used to “Terminal 1, Terminal 2,” and so on.

Here’s how it actually works in Atlanta, Georgia, and how to get where you need to go.

Does Atlanta Airport Have a “Terminal 1”?

No — Atlanta’s airport does not use a “Terminal 1 / Terminal 2” system.

Instead, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is organized into:

• Two main terminal buildings

  • Domestic Terminal (on the west side)
  • International Terminal (on the east side, also called the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)

• Seven concourses, labeled: T, A, B, C, D, E, and F

Flights, gates, and airline check-in counters are organized by terminal + concourse, not by “Terminal 1.”

👉 So when someone says “Terminal 1 at Atlanta Airport,” they usually mean either:

• The Domestic Terminal, or
• One of the domestic concourses (T, A, B, C, or D)

If you’re flying in or out of Atlanta, you’ll want to focus on which terminal (Domestic vs. International) and which concourse and gate your airline uses, not “Terminal 1.”

Key Layout of Atlanta Airport (ATL)

Here’s a quick way to picture the airport:

All concourses are connected by the Plane Train (underground people mover) and walkable tunnels, so once you’re through security, you can move between concourses without exiting the secure area.

If Your Ticket Mentions “Terminal 1”

Because ATL doesn’t officially have a “Terminal 1,” that label sometimes appears due to:

• Airline booking systems built for airports that do use Terminal 1/2 naming
• Third-party travel websites simplifying layouts
• Generic app labels when they don’t have Atlanta’s specific setup

If you see “Terminal 1” on a booking for Atlanta, it almost always points to the Domestic side of the airport.

🧭 Practical rule of thumb:

• Flying within the U.S. only (e.g., Atlanta to New York, Dallas, Miami)?
  → You’ll almost always use the Domestic Terminal.

• Flying to or from another country (e.g., Atlanta to London, Paris, Cancun)?
  → You may use the International Terminal (Concourse F or E), even if your boarding pass or app doesn’t say “International” clearly.

When in doubt, match your airline and destination to the terminal information below.

Domestic vs. International: Which Side Do You Need?

Domestic Terminal (West Side)

If you live in metro Atlanta, this is often the side you’re most familiar with.

The Domestic Terminal is divided into:

• North Terminal – many carriers use the North side
• South Terminal – heavily used by Delta Air Lines

From here, you can access:

• Concourse T directly after security
• Then ride the Plane Train or walk to Concourses A, B, C, D, and E

You’ll typically use the Domestic Terminal if:

• Your entire trip is within the United States
• You’re flying with Delta, Southwest, American, United, or other major U.S. carriers on domestic routes
• Your boarding pass lists a gate in T, A, B, C, or D

International Terminal (East Side)

The International Terminal is officially the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal and connects directly to Concourse F.

You’ll use this side if:

• You’re starting an international trip from Atlanta and your airline directs you there
• You’re arriving in Atlanta from another country and your flight uses Concourse F
• Your boarding pass, itinerary, or airline instructions mention the International Terminal or Concourse F

From Concourse F, you can still connect to domestic concourses via the Plane Train, all without leaving security.

How to Get to the Right Terminal From Around Atlanta

Atlanta locals and visitors reach ATL in a few common ways. Which terminal entrance you use depends on your airline and direction of travel.

Driving From Metro Atlanta

Airport address (general campus):
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 North Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320

This address will usually lead you to the Domestic Terminal side.

If you specifically need the International Terminal, many GPS apps accept:

• International Terminal or
• Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal, often shown near Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd

👀 Look for roadway signs as you approach:

• “Domestic Terminal – North / South” for U.S. flights
• “International Terminal” for many overseas departures and arrivals

Using MARTA (Atlanta’s Rail System)

If you’re coming from Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, or other MARTA-accessible areas:

• Take any southbound MARTA train that goes to Airport Station
• The MARTA Airport Station is located inside the Domestic Terminal, at the western (Domestic) end of the airport

From MARTA:

• You enter directly into the Domestic Terminal area
• Then follow signs for your airline check-in (North or South), or for T–F Concourses after security

If your international flight uses the International Terminal, you can:

• Go through Domestic security, then take the Plane Train to Concourses E or F
  OR
• Take a free shuttle bus from the Domestic side to the International Terminal (look for posted signs)

Rideshare, Taxi, and Pickup/Drop-off

When requesting a ride (Uber, Lyft, taxi, etc.) or telling a driver where to go, specify:

• “Domestic Terminal” for U.S. flights
• “International Terminal” for many overseas flights

Most apps give terminal choices, so select:

• Domestic – North or South depending on your airline, or
• International Terminal (F) when directed by your airline

Understanding Concourses vs. Terminals at ATL

To avoid confusion, it helps to separate two ideas:

• Terminal = Public entrance/exit areas before security
• Concourse = Gate areas after security

You could, for example:

• Check in at the Domestic Terminal, clear security there, then
• Ride the Plane Train to Concourse F for an international flight

So even if your gate is in Concourse F, you do not need to enter through the International curbside if your airline says to use the Domestic Terminal for check-in.

Quick Reference: Concourses

• Concourse T – Closest to the Domestic Terminal; many domestic gates
• Concourses A, B, C, D – Heavily used for domestic U.S. flights
• Concourse E – Mixed domestic/international, lots of international departures
• Concourse F – Directly attached to the International Terminal; many transatlantic and long-haul international flights

Common “Terminal 1” Scenarios for Atlanta Travelers

Here are a few everyday situations where people get confused:

1. My itinerary says “Terminal 1, Atlanta” for a flight to another U.S. city

You’re likely meant to:

• Go to the Domestic Terminal
• Check in with your airline at North or South (based on their instructions)
• Go through security and follow signs to your assigned concourse and gate (T–D)

2. I’m connecting through Atlanta from another U.S. city to Europe

You might:

1. Arrive at a domestic concourse (T–D)
2. Follow “Connecting Flights” signs
3. Take the Plane Train to Concourse E or F for your international departure

You stay inside security for the entire connection.

3. I’m flying from Atlanta to another country and my ticket doesn’t clearly say which terminal

Check:

• The airline’s site or app (they often specify “International Terminal” for some routes)
• Your gate letter:
  • If it’s F or E, your international flight may use the International side, but you can often still clear security on the Domestic side and ride the Plane Train over.

If you’re based in Atlanta and driving yourself, many travelers choose to park and check in at whichever side the airline specifically recommends for that route.

Helpful Contacts and On-Site Assistance

If you’re unsure where to go at ATL, you can:

• Follow clear overhead signs for Domestic Terminal, International Terminal, or specific airline check-in counters
• Look for uniformed information staff or airport ambassadors in the terminal
• Use airport information desks located in the public areas of the terminals

For general airport information by phone, search for the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport main information line; contact details are kept current by the airport itself.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• There is no official “Terminal 1” at Atlanta Airport.
• ATL uses Domestic and International Terminals, plus Concourses T–F.
• If your ticket or app mentions “Terminal 1” in Atlanta, it almost always refers to the Domestic side.
• Focus on:
  • Domestic vs. International Terminal, and
  • Your concourse and gate (T, A, B, C, D, E, or F).
• From anywhere in metro Atlanta, you can reach ATL easily by car, MARTA, or rideshare—just choose Domestic or International based on your airline’s guidance.

Understanding this layout will help you move through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport with much less stress, whether you live in Atlanta or you’re just passing through.