Your Guide to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is more than just a busy travel hub — for Atlanta residents and visitors, it’s a major gateway to the city, the region, and much of the world. Understanding how ATL works, how it’s laid out, and how to move through it smoothly can save you time, stress, and confusion.

This guide focuses specifically on Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta, Georgia and what you need to know to use the airport confidently.

Where Hartsfield-Jackson Is and How It’s Set Up

Official name: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Airport code: ATL
Main address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

ATL sits just south of downtown Atlanta, roughly 10–15 miles from the city center, depending on your route.

The Two Main Sides of the Airport

ATL is organized into two main terminal areas:

• Domestic Terminal
  • North Terminal: Primarily Delta Air Lines check-in and baggage.
  • South Terminal: Most other domestic airlines.
• Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F)
  • Handles most international departures and arrivals.
  • Has its own entrance off I-75.

Inside security, all terminals and concourses connect, so once you’re in, you can move throughout the airport.

Concourses

After you clear security, you’ll access the central Atrium and then:

• T (closest to the main Domestic Terminal)
• A, B, C, D, E, F (F is the International Terminal)

You can walk between concourses via an underground corridor or use the Plane Train, an automated train running between all concourses and terminals.

Getting To and From ATL

Atlanta-area travelers have several ways to reach Hartsfield-Jackson. Choosing the right one often depends on traffic, time of day, and your budget.

MARTA (Public Transit)

For many people in Atlanta, MARTA is the most predictable way to reach the airport.

• Station: Airport Station (inside the Domestic Terminal, at the west end)
• Lines: Red and Gold lines
• Direction: Take the train marked “Airport”; it’s the final southbound stop.

From Airport Station, you’re just an escalator or elevator ride away from the Main Terminal. This is especially convenient if:

• You live near a MARTA rail line.
• You’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near Peachtree Center.
• You want to avoid parking fees and highway traffic.

🚆 Tip: Allow extra time if you need to transfer between MARTA lines or if you’re traveling during rush hour.

Driving and Parking

You can reach ATL via:

• I-85: For the Domestic Terminal (North and South).
• I-75: For the International Terminal (F).

Look for signage for Domestic or International as you approach; choosing the right one early saves time.

Parking options typically include:

• Domestic Terminal Parking
  • Hourly (closest, higher cost; good for quick pickups/drop-offs)
  • Daily garages
  • Economy and Park-Ride lots with shuttle service
• International Terminal Parking
  • Hourly and daily garages
  • Economy lots

🅿️ Tip: If you’re picking someone up, use the Cell Phone Waiting Lot near the Domestic Terminal to avoid circling. You can wait there (for free) until your passenger is ready at the curb.

Rideshare, Taxi, and Shuttles

Rideshare (e.g., app-based services):

• Domestic Terminal: Rideshare pickup is usually in a designated area in the North or South Terminal ground transportation zones. Follow airport signs for “Rideshare” after baggage claim.
• International Terminal: Look for the marked rideshare pickup area near arrivals.

Taxi service:

• Official taxi queues are available outside baggage claim at both:
  • Domestic Terminal
  • International Terminal

These queues are managed to help keep lines orderly. Fares to different areas of the city often follow a basic zone or metered structure.

Hotel and off-airport shuttles:

• Many Atlanta hotels near the airport along Virginia Avenue, Camp Creek Parkway, and other nearby corridors offer free shuttles.
• Off-site parking companies also run frequent shuttles between their lots and the terminals.

Checking In and Getting Through Security

Airline Check-In Areas

Domestic Terminal:

• North Terminal: Primarily Delta Air Lines.
• South Terminal: Most other domestic carriers (such as Southwest, American, United, etc.).

International Terminal:

• Handles check-in for many international airlines and some international Delta flights.
• If you depart from the International Terminal, you’ll check bags and clear security there.

✈️ Key point: Always verify your airline and terminal before you head to the airport, especially for international flights.

Security Checkpoints

You’ll find:

• Main Security in the Domestic Terminal (between North and South check-in areas).
• Additional North and South checkpoints (sometimes open depending on time of day and volume).
• International Terminal Security at Concourse F.

To save time:

• Arrive earlier for:
  • Morning departures
  • Holidays
  • Major events in Atlanta (conventions, large sports events)
• Make sure:
  • Liquids follow carry-on rules.
  • Electronics and items are packed so they can be removed if needed.
  • ID and boarding pass are ready.

Travelers with TSA PreCheck or similar programs can use dedicated lanes where available at ATL.

Navigating the Inside of the Airport

Once you clear security at ATL, you’ll enter the Atrium (if you’re in the Domestic Terminal) or the main concourse area (if you’re at the International Terminal). From there:

The Plane Train

The Plane Train runs underground and stops at:

• Domestic Terminal (T)
• Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, and F (International)

Trains are frequent, and most rides between adjacent concourses are just a couple of minutes. Signs and audio announcements make it easy to know when to get off.

🚶 Walking: There’s also a well-marked walkway between concourses if you prefer to walk or stretch your legs. Moving walkways help speed up the trip.

Finding Your Gate

Monitor:

• Overhead signs by concourse and gate number (e.g., B10, E5).
• Digital departure boards throughout the airport.
• Airline apps for gate changes.

ATL is large, so leave extra time to move between concourses, especially if:

• You’re coming in on one concourse and connecting on another.
• You’re traveling with children, mobility needs, or a lot of luggage.

Domestic vs. International Travel at ATL

Domestic Flights

Most domestic flights:

• Use the Domestic Terminal for check-in and baggage claim.
• Depart from Concourses T, A, B, C, or D (and sometimes E).

If you’re an Atlanta local or U.S.-based traveler flying within the country, you’ll usually use this side.

International Flights

Most international flights:

• Depart from and arrive into Concourse F (International Terminal) or Concourse E.
• Use the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal entrance for check-in and arrivals from abroad.

Arriving from overseas:

• You’ll pass through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
• After immigration and customs, you can:
  • Exit into the International Terminal arrivals area.
  • If you have a domestic connection, follow signage to re-check bags and proceed to domestic concourses.

🌍 Tip: If someone is picking you up from an international flight, tell them whether you’re arriving at the International Terminal or being bussed over to the Domestic side after customs (depending on the airline and routing).

Baggage Claim and Ground Transportation

Baggage Claim

Domestic arrivals:

• Baggage claim is on the lower level of the Domestic Terminal.
• Each airline uses specific carousels marked on monitors by flight number.

International arrivals:

• You’ll claim baggage inside the customs area.
• After clearing customs:
  • If Atlanta is your final stop, you’ll exit into the International Terminal.
  • If connecting, you’ll follow instructions to drop your bag again and continue.

Ground Transportation Areas

Follow signs for:

• Buses and shuttles
• Taxis
• Rideshare
• Rental cars (via the Rental Car Center)
• MARTA (Domestic Terminal)

These areas are typically one level down from arrivals or just outside the baggage claim doors; signage is heavy and color-coded.

Rental Cars and Other Transportation Services

Rental Car Center (RCC)

Most major rental car companies serving Atlanta operate out of the Rental Car Center, located near the airport but reached via an automated train.

• ATL SkyTrain:
  • Connects the Domestic Terminal to:
    • Rental Car Center
    • Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) area
  • Runs frequently and is free.

From the Domestic Terminal, follow signs for “Rental Cars” or “ATL SkyTrain”.
From the International Terminal, you may be bused to either the Domestic Terminal or directly to the RCC, depending on your situation.

Taxis and Car Services

• Taxi stands are well-marked at both terminals.
• Pre-arranged car services usually coordinate pickup in specific designated zones; confirm details when you book.

Amenities Inside Hartsfield-Jackson

Hartsfield-Jackson is known for having an extensive range of services. While specific businesses can change, you can generally expect:

Food and Dining

Across the concourses and in the Atrium, you’ll find:

• Sit-down restaurants
• Fast-casual and quick-service options
• Coffee shops and snack bars
• Local and regional flavors mixed with national brands

🍴 Tip: If one concourse looks crowded, you can quickly take the Plane Train to another concourse for more options, as long as you have time before boarding.

Shopping and Services

Common services include:

• Newsstands and bookstores
• Convenience shops (snacks, travel essentials, chargers)
• Clothing and gift shops
• Duty-free (primarily in international concourses)
• Currency exchange (near international areas)
• ATMs throughout the terminals

Lounges

Multiple airline and membership-based lounges operate at ATL, especially in:

• Concourse F (International)
• Concourses A, B, and T (for many domestic premium services)

Access depends on your airline, ticket type, or membership program.

Accessibility and Assistance

Hartsfield-Jackson offers various accessibility services to support travelers with disabilities or mobility challenges.

These may include:

• Wheelchair assistance (coordinate with your airline in advance)
• Accessible restrooms and elevators
• Tactile and visual signage
• Priority boarding procedures

If you or someone in your party needs help:

• Notify your airline before your travel date.
• Ask an airport or airline agent upon arrival for directions to assistance points.

Useful Quick-Reference Overview

Below is a simple snapshot of the key pieces travelers in Atlanta often ask about.

For anyone living in Atlanta, visiting the city, or passing through on a connection, knowing how Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is organized—terminals, transit options, and services—can make your entire travel experience smoother. Use this guide as a practical reference the next time you fly in or out of ATL.