Navigating Your Arrival at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport

Arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) can feel like stepping into a small city. It’s one of the world’s busiest airports, and whether you live in metro Atlanta or you’re visiting for the first time, knowing what to expect on arrival can save time and stress.

This guide walks you through exactly what happens after you land at ATL—from getting off the plane to ground transportation, baggage claim, customs, and getting into the city.

Understanding ATL’s Layout: Domestic vs. International

Before you land, it helps to understand that ATL is essentially two main sides connected by a train:

• Domestic Terminal (North & South)
• International Terminal (Concourse F and Terminal F)

Between them, you’ll find:

• Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, and F
• The Plane Train, an underground people-mover
• A long pedestrian tunnel with moving walkways

Domestic Terminals (North & South)

Most U.S. flights arrive at:

• Domestic Terminal South – heavily used by Delta Air Lines
  Address: 6000 North Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Domestic Terminal North – used by many other major carriers
  Address: 6000 North Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320

Even if your gate is far out on a concourse, all domestic arrivals ultimately feed back to these terminals for:

• Baggage claim
• Ground transportation
• Ride shares, MARTA, and parking shuttles

International Terminal (Concourse F)

Many international flights arrive at:

• Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Terminal F)
  Address: 2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354

This area has:

• International gates at Concourse F
• Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• International baggage claim
• Its own parking deck and pickup zones

Some international flights may also use Concourse E, but arrivals still funnel you toward customs and immigration.

Step-by-Step: What Happens Right After You Land

1. Deplaning and Reaching the Main Terminal Area

Once your plane parks:

• Follow “Baggage Claim” or “Ground Transportation” signs.
• Check the overhead signs for your concourse letter (T, A, B, C, D, E, or F).
• If you’re connecting to another flight, follow “Connecting Flights” signs instead.

Using the Plane Train

Most people use the Plane Train to move between concourses and to the terminals. It is:

• Free
• Fast (trains come every couple of minutes)
• Clearly signed in multiple languages

The Domestic Terminal is the “Baggage Claim / Ground Transportation” stop at the far west end.
The International Terminal (F) is at the far east end.

If you prefer to walk, there is a pedestrian tunnel below the concourses with moving walkways, artwork, and signage. It’s walkable but can take longer, especially with bags.

Baggage Claim: Domestic vs. International

Domestic Baggage Claim

If your flight is within the United States:

• Take the Plane Train to “Domestic Terminal / Baggage Claim”.
• Once you arrive:
  • Follow overhead signs for North or South baggage claim, depending on your airline.
  • Look for the monitors listing your flight number and assigned carousel.

Common pattern:

• Delta baggage claim: usually South Terminal
• Many other airlines: usually North Terminal

If you live in Atlanta, this is where you’ll grab your checked bags before heading to:

• MARTA
• Rideshare pickup
• Parking shuttles
• Family pickup lanes

International Baggage Claim & Customs

If you arrive from another country, your process changes slightly:

1. Immigration / Passport Control
   Follow signs for “Arrivals / Baggage Claim / Customs”. You’ll pass through U.S. Customs and Border Protection:

   • U.S. citizens will follow one lane
   • Visitors will follow another
   • Some travelers may use Global Entry kiosks if enrolled

2. Baggage Claim (International)
   After clearing immigration, you’ll:

   • Collect your checked bags at the international baggage claim area.
   • Pass through customs with your luggage.

3. Connecting vs. Ending in Atlanta

   • If Atlanta is your final destination, once you clear customs, you exit into the International Arrivals area at Terminal F.
   • If you’re connecting to another flight, you’ll usually:
     • Drop your rechecked luggage at a designated “Connecting Baggage” belt after customs.
     • Proceed to security and then to your next concourse.

Meeting Family or Friends: Where to Go

Domestic Arrivals Pickup

If someone is picking you up from a domestic flight:

• Tell them to follow airport signs for “Passenger Pickup” at the North or South Terminal, depending on your airline.
• You’ll exit baggage claim onto the lower roadway where private vehicles pull up for quick pickup.
• There is no waiting allowed at the curb; drivers may need to loop or wait in the Cell Phone Lot:
  • ATL Cell Phone Lot
    1800 Sullivan Road, College Park, GA 30337

International Arrivals Pickup (Terminal F)

For arrivals at the International Terminal:

• Pickup is at the Terminal F arrivals curbside.
• Drivers should follow signs for “International Terminal / Arrivals” from I-75 or I-285.
• This terminal has its own parking deck and curbside pickup area.

Getting into Atlanta: Transportation Options After You Land

Once you’ve collected your bags, you have several ways to get into Atlanta or the surrounding metro area.

1. MARTA (Train)

For many visitors and city residents, MARTA is the simplest way into Atlanta.

• MARTA Airport Station is directly connected to the Domestic Terminal, just off the North Terminal baggage claim area.
• Follow signs for “MARTA” or “Public Transit”.
• The station is indoors and at the west end of the Domestic Terminal.

From the airport MARTA station you can ride directly to:

• Downtown Atlanta (Five Points, Peachtree Center, etc.)
• Midtown (Arts Center, Midtown Station)
• Buckhead (Lenox, Buckhead, Brookhaven/Oglethorpe)
• Connections to buses across the metro area

⚠️ If you arrive at the International Terminal (F) and want to use MARTA:

• Take the free shuttle from Terminal F to the Domestic Terminal.
• From there, walk into the main building and follow signs to the MARTA station.

2. Ride Share (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

Rideshare pickup is not at the main curb; it’s in a designated area.

• Domestic Rideshare Pickup:
  • Follow signs inside the terminal for “Rideshare” or “App-Based Rides”.
  • Typically located in or near the North Economy Parking or designated rideshare zone.
• International Rideshare Pickup:
  • Follow “Rideshare / Ground Transportation” signs from Terminal F arrivals.
  • The pickup area is separate from traditional taxis and private vehicles.

To make things smoother:

• Wait until you’re actually in the rideshare pickup zone before requesting your ride.
• Note the zone or stall number listed on signs and share it with your driver in the app.

3. Taxi Service

Official taxi stands are available at both:

• Domestic Terminal – ground transportation level
• International Terminal (F) – arrivals level, outside baggage claim

You’ll see:

• Marked taxi queue lines
• Airport staff directing passengers to available cabs

Fares into most in-town areas (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead) often use a standard flat-rate zone system, which drivers are required to follow.

4. Hotel Shuttles

Many hotels in:

• Downtown
• Airport / College Park / Hapeville
• Perimeter / Buckhead

offer free shuttle service to and from ATL.

To find them:

• Go to the Ground Transportation area for “Hotel Shuttles”.
• Look for your hotel name on shuttle vans or electronic boards.
• You may need to call your hotel’s front desk to confirm pick-up times.

5. Rental Cars

If you’re renting a car:

• All major rental agencies operate out of the ATL Rental Car Center (RCC), not inside the main terminal.
• From either Domestic or International arrivals:
  • Follow signs for “Rental Cars” or “ATL SkyTrain”.
  • The ATL SkyTrain (an elevated train) takes you directly to the Rental Car Center, usually in just a few minutes.

Rental Car Center Address:
2200 Rental Car Center Parkway, College Park, GA 30337

If You’re Connecting Through Atlanta

Many travelers arrive in Atlanta just to catch another flight.

Domestic-to-Domestic Connection

If both flights are within the U.S.:

• You generally do not need to leave the secure area.
• Follow signs for “Connecting Flights”.
• Use the Plane Train to get to your next concourse.
• Check screens frequently for your updated gate, as these can change.

International-to-Domestic Connection

If you arrive from abroad and connect to another U.S. flight:

1. Clear immigration and customs at ATL.
2. Collect your checked bags at the international baggage area.
3. Recheck your luggage at the connection belt, if instructed.
4. Go back through security.
5. Use the Plane Train to reach your next concourse and gate.

Plan extra time for:

• Customs
• Baggage recheck
• Security screening

Helpful Time-Saving Tips for Arrivals at ATL

1. Know your terminal and concourse.
Before you land, note:

• Your arrival concourse
• Whether you’re arriving domestic or international

2. Use the overhead signage.
ATL’s signs clearly label:

• Baggage Claim
• Ground Transportation
• MARTA
• Rental Cars
• Rideshare / Taxis

3. Arrange pickup points in advance.
If locals are picking you up:

• Agree on North vs. South Terminal (for domestic).
• For international, confirm Terminal F curbside arrivals.

4. Build in extra time at peak hours.
Busy periods typically include:

• Early mornings
• Late afternoons
• Holidays and major events in Atlanta

5. Keep local addresses handy.
Know your destination address in Atlanta so you can:

• Tell your taxi driver
• Enter it into your rideshare app
• Check MARTA routes and stops

Quick Reference: Where to Go After You Land at ATL

Arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport can be smooth once you know the layout and where you’re headed next. With a basic plan for baggage, transportation, and pickup, you can move from the gate to your destination in Atlanta with far less confusion.