Navigating the Atlanta Airport International Terminal: A Local’s Guide to Hartsfield–Jackson

If you live in Atlanta, visit often, or you’re flying overseas for the first time, understanding the Atlanta Airport International Terminal (also called Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal or Concourse F) can make your trip much smoother.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to using the international side of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)—from where it’s located to parking, check-in, customs, and how to get between terminals.

Where the Atlanta International Terminal Is (and How It Fits into the Airport)

Hartsfield–Jackson is laid out in a straight line of concourses with two main ends:

• Domestic side: Main Terminal / Atrium with Concourses T, A, B, C, D, and E
• International side:Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal, home to Concourse F (and shared use of Concourse E)

Key points:

• The International Terminal has its own entrance, separate from the Domestic Terminal.
• Both sides are connected airside (once you’ve gone through security) by the Plane Train and walkable corridors.
• You do not need to go back through security to move between concourses.

International Terminal physical address:

This entrance is on the east side of the airport, off I-75, not I-85.

Domestic vs. International Terminal: Which One Should You Use?

For Atlanta travelers, one of the biggest questions is: Should I go to the Domestic Terminal or the International Terminal for my flight?

When to Go to the International Terminal

You’ll typically use the International Terminal for:

• Nonstop international departures from Atlanta that are not precleared (for example, flights to Europe, Africa, South America, or Asia)
• Many flights operated by Delta and its international partners that depart from Concourse F or E
• International arrivals into Atlanta, especially from overseas destinations where you must clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

If your boarding pass shows Concourse F (or sometimes E) as the departure gate, starting at the International Terminal is usually more direct.

When the Domestic Terminal Might Be Better

You may want to use the Domestic Terminal if:

• You’re starting with a domestic flight from ATL (for example, Atlanta to New York) and later connecting internationally somewhere else
• Your airline’s check-in area is based on the domestic side, and your first flight on the itinerary is domestic
• You’re being dropped off by MARTA rail (the MARTA station is at the Domestic Terminal, not the International Terminal)

Even if you start at the Domestic Terminal, you can still reach Concourse E or F by Plane Train after security.

Getting to the International Terminal from Around Atlanta

By Car

From most parts of Atlanta, you’ll choose between I-75 and I-85:

• For the International Terminal, follow signs for I-75 and then for International Terminal / Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd.
• For the Domestic Terminal, you typically use I-85.

Look for the purple-colored “International Terminal” signs as you approach the airport area. They’ll guide you to the correct exits and ramps.

Parking at the International Terminal

The International Terminal has its own dedicated parking:

• International Terminal Parking Deck (Hourly / Daily)
• Access to park-ride lots served by shuttle buses that stop at both Domestic and International terminals

Many Atlanta residents who are heading overseas for more than a few days prefer long-term parking (park-ride or off-airport lots) because rates are usually lower than the hourly garage.

Tip: If you’re picking someone up from an international flight, you can use:

• The International Terminal Cell Phone Lot (short-term waiting)
• Short visits to the parking deck if you want to meet passengers inside the terminal

Rideshare, Taxi, and Drop-Off

• Rideshare (Uber, Lyft): When requesting a ride, select International Terminal as your pickup or drop-off spot. The apps will guide drivers to the correct side of ATL.
• Taxi: Taxis can drop off directly at the International Terminal Departures level.
• Friends/family drop-off: Use the Departures level curbside at the International Terminal. For pickups, use the Arrivals level, following the overhead signs.

MARTA and Public Transit Access

A key detail for Atlanta locals and visitors:

• The MARTA rail station is located at the Domestic Terminal, not directly at the International Terminal.
• If you arrive by MARTA but your flight uses the International Terminal, you have two main options:

1. Go through security at the Domestic Terminal, then ride the Plane Train to Concourse F or E. This is often the fastest option if you’re already inside the Domestic Terminal with checked bags.
2. Use the free shuttle bus between the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal, available outside the baggage claim areas.

If you’re an Atlanta resident who prefers MARTA over driving, it’s entirely workable—you’ll just need that extra step to reach the International side.

Check-In, Security, and Boarding at the International Terminal

Check-In Counters and Airlines

Inside the International Terminal, you’ll find airline check-in zones much like on the domestic side. Major airlines with international operations (including Delta Air Lines and partners) have dedicated check-in areas for:

• Ticketing and check-in
• Bag drop
• Special services (assistance, irregular operations)

Tip for ATL-based travelers: If you’re flying Delta internationally, your check-in experience at the International Terminal often feels less crowded than the busiest times at the Domestic North terminal, especially outside peak evening bank departures.

Security Screening

Security at the International Terminal works much like the Domestic side:

• Standard TSA screening lines
• TSA PreCheck and CLEAR (if available at the time of travel)
• ID check, then baggage and personal screening

Once through security, you’ll be in the Concourse F gate area, with direct access to:

• Restaurants and shops
• Lounges (including airline and partner lounges for qualifying passengers)
• Access to Concourse E and all other concourses via the Plane Train

Boarding Gates and Concourse Layout

• Concourse F is directly attached to the International Terminal.
• Concourse E is the next concourse over and is also heavily used for international flights.
• Both can be reached airside without leaving the secure area.

If your boarding pass shows:

• Gate F (F1–F14 or similar) – your gate is right by the International Terminal.
• Gate E – take the Plane Train one stop from F to E.
• Other concourses (T, A, B, C, D) – use the Plane Train accordingly; many international travelers connect this way from domestic flights.

Arriving in Atlanta from an International Flight

If you’re coming back home to Atlanta or arriving as a visitor from overseas, here’s what to expect.

Customs and Immigration (CBP)

On international arrivals into ATL:

1. Deplane at Concourse F or E.
2. Follow signs for Arrivals / Passport Control / Customs.
3. Go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which includes:
   • Primary inspection (passport check, kiosks when available)
   • Baggage claim in the customs area
   • Customs inspection and exit

If Atlanta is your final stop, you’ll:

• Clear customs
• Reclaim any checked bags
• Exit into the International Arrivals hall on the lower level of the International Terminal

Connecting to a Domestic Flight

If you’re connecting to another U.S. city:

1. After customs, you’ll usually re-check your baggage at designated transfer counters.
2. Follow signs to the Plane Train.
3. Ride to your domestic departure concourse (T, A, B, C, or D).
4. Proceed directly to your departure gate area.

You normally do not need to go back through full security if you follow the official connecting passenger route, but be sure to follow signs carefully and listen for instructions from airport staff.

Meeting International Arrivals at ATL

For Atlanta-based friends and family meeting someone from overseas:

• Direct them to exit through the International Terminal Arrivals area.
• You can wait:
  • Inside near the public arrivals hall
  • Outside at the curbside pickup area
  • At the International Terminal Cell Phone Lot until they text or call that they’re ready

International arrivals do not come out at the Domestic Terminal unless they have a domestic connection and exit on that side.

Services and Amenities at the International Terminal

The International Terminal at ATL is designed with longer-haul travelers in mind. You’ll typically find:

Food and Shopping

• Quick-service restaurants and sit-down dining options
• Coffee shops and grab-and-go stands (helpful for early ATL departures)
• Duty-free stores (for qualified international travelers)
• Newsstands, bookstores, and convenience shops for last-minute items

Lounges and Workspaces

Many international and partner airlines offer:

• Airline lounges (admission based on cabin class, membership, or day passes, depending on airline policies)
• Work-friendly seating and charging stations throughout the concourse

For Atlanta residents who work on the go, Concourse F often has quieter pockets of seating away from the main central area.

Family and Accessibility Services

The International Terminal provides:

• Family restrooms
• Accessible restrooms, elevators, and escalators
• Wheelchair assistance on request through your airline
• Designated areas for stroller assembly and baggage carts

If you’re traveling with kids from Atlanta, allow extra time—to clear security, get snacks, and reach the gate at a calm pace.

Moving Between Terminals and Concourses

Once you’re inside security, ATL is fully connected:

Plane Train

The Plane Train is an automated underground train that runs continuously between:

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

It is:

• Fast (a few minutes between each concourse)
• Free
• Available from early morning until late night, aligning with flight schedules

Walking

Underground walkways connect concourses as well. These:

• Provide moving walkways
• Feature rotating art and exhibits
• Are an option if you prefer to walk instead of taking the train

If you’re connecting between domestic and international flights, allow sufficient time. The distance can be significant, but the Plane Train keeps it manageable.

Choosing the Right Drop-Off or Pickup Spot as an Atlanta Local

Here’s a simple view to help you decide where you or your driver should go:

Helpful Contact and Location Details

While schedules and operations can change, these core details are stable and useful for planning:

• Airport Name: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• International Terminal Name: Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F)
• International Terminal Address:
  2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd
  Atlanta, GA 30354

If you need airline-specific help (ticket changes, baggage issues, or special assistance), contact your airline’s customer service or visit their ATL ticket counter on either the Domestic or International side, depending on where you are.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Using the International Terminal

• Arrive early: For international departures, many airlines recommend arriving at least 3 hours before your flight, especially during peak evening periods.
• Check your gate the day of travel: Your flight can depart from Concourse E or F, and last-minute changes are common.
• Plan for traffic: Atlanta traffic on I-75 can be heavy during rush hours. Build in extra time if you’re driving or getting dropped off.
• Know your meeting spot: If family is picking you up after an overseas flight, agree in advance to meet in the International Arrivals hall to avoid confusion with the Domestic side.
• Use the Plane Train confidently: Once you’re past security, you can’t get “stuck on the wrong side.” The Plane Train connects everything inside the airport.

Understanding how the Atlanta Airport International Terminal works can turn what might feel like an overwhelming, sprawling hub into a predictable, navigable part of your trip—whether you’re an Atlanta local flying out or welcoming someone to the city.