Airport Transportation in Atlanta: How to Get To, From, and Around ATL Easily

Getting to and from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you live in metro Atlanta, are visiting for the first time, or just connecting through, there are several reliable airport transportation options that work for different budgets, schedules, and comfort levels.

This guide walks through every major way to get between Atlanta and ATL, with local tips, rough cost expectations, and when each option makes the most sense.

Key Things to Know About Airport Transportation in Atlanta

• Main airport: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • It’s directly connected to MARTA rail and multiple highways (I‑85, I‑285).
• Two main sides of the airport:
  • Domestic Terminal (North & South)
  • International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)
• Peak traffic times: Weekday mornings (7–9 a.m.) and afternoons (4–7 p.m.) on I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285.
• Most popular choices: Rideshare, MARTA trains, and airport parking for local residents.

Main Transportation Options To and From ATL

Quick Comparison: Your Core Choices

Using MARTA for Atlanta Airport Transportation

For many Atlanta residents and budget-conscious travelers, MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is the most efficient way to reach ATL.

MARTA Rail to ATL

• Airport Station: Directly inside the Domestic Terminal, at the end of the Red and Gold Lines.
• If you’re:
  • In Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or Sandy Springs → Most likely on the Red or Gold Line.
  • Near Doraville or College Park → Also linked to the Gold Line.
• Trains generally run from early morning to late night with regular frequency.

How to get from MARTA to your flight:

• The Airport Station exits into the baggage claim area of the Domestic Terminal.
• To reach check-in or security, just follow the airport signage upstairs.
• For international flights:
  • Many travelers check in at Domestic and then take the Plane Train underground train to the international concourse, or
  • Take the free ATL shuttle from the Domestic Terminal to the International Terminal.

Pros of MARTA to ATL:

• Avoids highway traffic and parking fees.
• Reliable for peak hours when traffic is heavy.
• Stations at popular locations like Peachtree Center, Midtown, and Lenox.

Consider MARTA if:

• You’re staying near a MARTA station (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur).
• You’re traveling light, or you’re comfortable managing bags on a train.
• You arrive or depart during MARTA operating hours (not super late at night).

Rideshare Services at Atlanta Airport

Rideshare is one of the most common ways people in Atlanta get to and from ATL.

Where to Meet Rideshare at ATL

Domestic Terminal (most flights within the U.S.):

• Rideshare pickup areas are located in the North and South Economy parking areas or designated zones depending on current airport setup.
• From baggage claim, follow signs for “Rideshare,” “App-Based Rides,” or “Ground Transportation”.

International Terminal:

• Rideshare pickup is generally near the arrivals level in the designated ground transportation area.
• Again, follow airport signs once you exit customs and baggage claim.

When Rideshare Makes Sense

Rideshare can be a good fit if you:

• Want door-to-door service from your home, hotel, or office.
• Have multiple bags or are traveling with kids.
• Are arriving late at night when other options are limited.
• Are staying in neighborhoods not close to MARTA (e.g., parts of West Midtown, Grant Park, East Cobb, or the suburbs).

Tips:

• Build in extra travel time during rush hour, especially if you’re coming from areas like Alpharetta, Marietta, or Stone Mountain.
• During big events in Atlanta (major conventions, sports games, or concerts), rideshare wait times and prices can increase.

Taxis at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Taxis remain a straightforward option, especially if you don’t want to use an app.

Where to Find Taxis

• Domestic Terminal:
  • Look for the Taxi Stands outside baggage claim in the Ground Transportation Center.
• International Terminal:
  • Taxi queue is typically just outside the arrivals/baggage claim area.

When to Choose a Taxi

• You prefer a simple, regulated option without surge pricing.
• You don’t have a rideshare app or prefer to pay directly.
• You want a familiar, straightforward metered fare experience.

Taxis are especially convenient for short trips to nearby areas like College Park, East Point, or nearby airport hotels.

Airport Shuttles and Hotel Shuttles

Hotel Shuttles

Many hotels near ATL and in the airport corridor along I‑85 offer free or low-cost shuttle service for guests:

• Common for hotels in College Park, Hapeville, and along Virginia Avenue or Camp Creek Parkway.
• Shuttles typically depart on a regular schedule (e.g., every 15–30 minutes) from designated doors outside baggage claim.

If you’re staying at an airport-area hotel:

• Check the hotel’s shuttle schedule and pickup location.
• Allow extra time during busy times or late at night.

Shared or Private Airport Shuttles

There are also shared-ride shuttle companies and private van services that operate between ATL and:

• Downtown Atlanta
• Midtown
• Buckhead
• Outer suburbs and neighboring cities

Shared shuttles can be especially helpful if:

• You’re traveling alone but have large luggage.
• You’re heading to areas far from MARTA like some parts of Gwinnett, Cobb, or Henry counties.
• You prefer a pre-booked ride at a predictable price.

Private Car and Limo Services

For business travelers or special occasions, pre-arranged car services and limousines are widely available in Atlanta.

Why Choose a Private Car Service?

• Dedicated driver waiting for you at the airport.
• Helpful for corporate travel, VIP guests, or events.
• Often includes meet-and-greet in the terminal.

Pickup locations are usually in designated ground transportation or limo areas. Many services require advance reservation and flight details.

Driving Yourself and Parking at ATL

If you’re an Atlanta-area resident, you may prefer to drive and park at the airport.

Main Parking Areas

Hartsfield–Jackson offers:

• Domestic Terminal Parking:
  • Hourly and Daily Parking Garages (North and South)
  • Economy Parking Lots
• International Terminal Parking:
  • International Parking Decks and surrounding lots
• Park-and-Ride Lots:
  • Long-term lots with shuttle service to the terminals.

Detailed maps and current parking information are available directly from the airport, but in general:

• Hourly Parking → Best for pickups, drop-offs, or very short trips.
• Daily/Economy / Park-and-Ride → Better for multi-day or week-long trips.

Tips for Driving to ATL

• From Downtown/Midtown:
  • Take I‑75/85 South and follow signs for the Domestic or International Terminal.
• From North Atlanta / Buckhead / Perimeter:
  • Take GA‑400 South to I‑85 South, then follow airport signs.
• From East/West:
  • Use I‑285 to connect to I‑75/85 or directly to the airport access roads.

Plan more time:

• During morning and evening rush hours.
• If coming from farther suburbs like Alpharetta, Marietta, Lawrenceville, McDonough, or Douglasville.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up Rules at ATL

Whether you’re giving a friend a ride or arranging a pickup, it helps to know the basic rules.

Passenger Drop-Off

• Domestic Terminal:
  • Upper-level roadway outside the check-in counters (North or South).
• International Terminal:
  • Departure level ramp outside the main entrance.

❗ Important: ATL police and staff usually do not allow vehicles to wait or idle for long at curbside. The driver should stay with the car and depart quickly after unloading.

Passenger Pick-Up

• Domestic Terminal:
  • Lower-level (arrivals) roadway outside baggage claim.
  • Short-term parking is nearby if you want to greet someone inside.
• International Terminal:
  • Arrivals level, outside the international baggage claim area.

If you expect delays:

• Use Cell Phone Waiting Lots where you can wait in your car until your passenger is ready.
• These are signed near the approach roads to the terminals.

Getting Between the Domestic and International Terminals

Many travelers new to Atlanta are surprised by the distance between the Domestic and International Terminals.

You can move between them by:

1. Airport Shuttle Buses (Free)

   • Run between the Domestic Terminal and the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal.
   • Pick-up locations are marked as “Terminal Shuttle” or similar.

2. Plane Train (Internal Airport Train)

   • If you’re already past security, you can use the Plane Train to go between concourses and terminals.
   • This is helpful if your international flight departs from a concourse separate from where you arrived.

Plan a little extra time if you need to switch terminals, especially if you’re collecting baggage or going back through security.

Using Public and Regional Transit Beyond MARTA Rail

While MARTA rail is the primary transit link to ATL, a few other transit options connect the metro area to MARTA and the airport.

MARTA Buses

MARTA buses serve many neighborhoods and can connect you to MARTA rail stations that go directly to ATL. This can be useful if you live in:

• Parts of Decatur, South DeKalb, East Point, College Park, and other in-town areas.

You’ll typically:

1. Take a bus route from your neighborhood →
2. Connect at a MARTA rail station →
3. Ride the Red or Gold Line to Airport Station.

Regional Transit (for Surrounding Counties)

Some surrounding counties operate commuter bus services that connect to MARTA or directly to Downtown Atlanta, such as:

• Services from Gwinnett County, Cobb County, and Clayton County (through various local transit agencies).

If you live far from the core city, a common pattern is:

1. Take your local or commuter bus toward Atlanta.
2. Transfer to MARTA rail.
3. Continue to Airport Station.

Special Considerations for Families, Groups, and First-Time Visitors

Traveling with Kids or Lots of Luggage

• Rideshare, taxi, or private car service is usually more comfortable.
• If driving yourself, consider parking closer to the terminal even if it costs more, especially if you have strollers or car seats.

Large Groups

Groups heading to conventions, sports events, or family gatherings often:

• Reserve a private shuttle or van.
• Arrange group pickup in designated bus/shuttle zones at the airport.

This can simplify coordination and reduce per-person cost compared to multiple separate rides.

First-Time Visitors to Atlanta

If you’re unfamiliar with the city:

• Staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead?
  • MARTA rail is straightforward, especially during the day.
• Staying in a neighborhood without direct MARTA access?
  • Rideshare or taxi from the airport is usually simplest.

Pay close attention to whether your flight uses the Domestic or International Terminal, and verify your arrival/departure terminal on your ticket or airline app.

Helpful Airport and Transit Contact Information

These official points of contact can help you confirm current details before you travel.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• General Information Phone: Commonly listed as a main airport information line (check the latest number ahead of travel through official resources or your airline).

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)

• Headquarters: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
• Customer Information: Often available via a main customer service phone line and at station information booths.

For the most current schedules, route maps, parking availability, and any service changes, it’s a good idea to check:

• MARTA rail and bus timetables for your travel day.
• Airport parking and terminal updates if you plan to drive.

By understanding how airport transportation in Atlanta works—from MARTA to rideshare, taxis, shuttles, and parking—you can choose the option that fits your budget, timing, and comfort level, and make your trip through ATL much smoother.