Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Arrivals: What to Know When Landing in ATL

Arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) can feel intense—it's one of the busiest airports in the world—but once you understand how arrivals work here, it becomes much easier to navigate. Whether you live in Atlanta, you’re flying in to visit, or you’re trying to meet someone at the airport, this guide walks you through exactly what to expect with arrivals at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport.

Key Things to Know About Arrivals at ATL

Quick basics for Atlanta arrivals:

• Airport name: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Main arrival areas:
  • Domestic Terminal – North & South (for most U.S. flights)
  • International Terminal – Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Terminal (Concourse F)
• Two main sides of the airport:
  • Domestic Terminal (accessed from I-85 and Camp Creek Pkwy)
  • International Terminal (accessed from I-75 at Exit 239)

For anything time-sensitive like live flight status and arrival times, travelers typically rely on airline apps, the airport’s official site, or posted flight information displays throughout the terminals.

Understanding ATL’s Arrival Terminals

Domestic Arrivals (North & South Terminals)

Most passengers arriving from other U.S. cities will come into the Domestic Terminal.

• North Terminal: Used mainly by Delta’s partner airlines and other domestic carriers.
• South Terminal: Used primarily by Delta Air Lines for domestic flights.

Both North and South share the same baggage claim level, but your airline and gate determine which side you exit to.

What happens after landing domestically in Atlanta:

1. Deplane at the concourse (A, B, C, D, E, or T).
2. Follow signs for Plane Train / Baggage Claim.
3. Take the Plane Train or walk through the tunnel to Baggage Claim / Ground Transportation.
4. Exit toward North or South baggage claim according to your airline.
5. Collect bags, then choose your transportation: rideshare, MARTA, taxi, shuttle, or pick-up curb.

International Arrivals (Concourse F and E)

If you’re arriving from another country into Atlanta, you’ll generally arrive at the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal.

• Concourse F: Primary international arrivals concourse with its own arrivals hall.
• Concourse E: Also handles international flights; passengers are directed to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from here.

Typical international arrival flow at ATL:

1. Deplane at Concourse E or F.
2. Follow signs for Immigration / Passport Control.
3. Proceed to Customs and Baggage Claim.
4. After clearing customs:
   • If Atlanta is your final stop: You exit directly into the International Arrivals Hall (F).
   • If you are connecting to another U.S. city: You usually re-check bags and go through TSA security again before your next flight.

Important for friends and family meeting international arrivals:
Arriving passengers from abroad will typically exit at the International Terminal (F), not at the Domestic Terminal, unless their journey involves a domestic connection. If you’re picking someone up from an international flight ending in Atlanta, plan to meet them at International Terminal F Arrivals.

Where to Check Flight Arrival Status for ATL

To track Arrivals at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport, most people use:

• Airline mobile apps (Delta, Southwest, etc.)
• The airport’s flight information displays in the terminals
• Phone-based flight alerts from airlines

You can search by:

• Flight number
• City of origin
• Airline

Once you know the arrival terminal and time, you can plan where and when to meet passengers or schedule your pickup.

Meeting Passengers: Pick-Up Options and Tips

1. Curbside Pick-Up (Passenger Pick-Up Lanes)

For both Domestic and International terminals, there are specific “Passenger Pick-Up” areas. These are meant for active loading only—no long waiting.

• Follow overhead signs for Arrivals / Passenger Pick-Up.
• You must stay with your vehicle; unattended cars may be ticketed or towed.
• Ideal if the arriving traveler already has bags in hand and is ready to walk outside.

Pro tip:
If you’re coming from in-town neighborhoods like Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead, traffic can be heavy at peak hours. Ask the arriving person to text you once they are at the curb to reduce waiting loops.

2. Cell Phone Waiting Lots

If you’re early to the airport, Atlanta offers Cell Phone Lots where you can wait for free in your car until your passenger is ready.

Main options:

• Domestic Terminal Cell Phone Lot

  • Near the Domestic Terminal off N Terminal Pkwy.
  • Good for flights arriving in North or South terminals.

• International Terminal Cell Phone Lot

  • Near the International Terminal (F), accessible from the I-75 side.
  • Good for international arrivals ending in Atlanta.

Once your passenger has landed, cleared the terminal, and claimed bags, they can call or text you. Then you drive from the lot to the appropriate Passenger Pick-Up curb.

3. Inside-the-Terminal Meet & Greet

If you want to greet someone inside, you can meet them:

• Domestic Arrivals: Near the baggage claim carousels or designated meet-and-greet areas in North or South Terminal.
• International Arrivals (F): In the International Arrivals Hall, just past the secured customs exit.

This is ideal if:

• You’re welcoming someone visiting Atlanta for the first time.
• They might need help navigating ground transportation.
• They’re traveling with children, seniors, or a lot of luggage.

Baggage Claim at Atlanta Hartsfield Arrivals

Domestic Baggage Claim

Domestic baggage claim is located on the lower level of the Domestic Terminal.

• Screens show which carousel is assigned to each arriving flight.
• Your airline’s name is also displayed above the carousel.
• Airline baggage service offices are nearby if you need help with delayed or damaged luggage.

International Baggage Claim

For international arrivals:

• Bags are claimed before exiting customs in the international area.
• For Atlanta final destination passengers, you keep your bags and exit into the International Arrivals Hall.
• For connecting flights, you generally hand checked bags back over at a re-check counter after customs.

If luggage doesn’t appear, passengers typically speak directly with their airline’s baggage service desk in the arrivals area.

Ground Transportation After You Arrive

Once you land at ATL, you have several ways to get into Atlanta or the metro area.

1. MARTA (Train)

MARTA is often the simplest and most budget-friendly way to get from the airport into the city.

• Station:Airport MARTA Station (attached to the Domestic Terminal, South side)
• Direct access to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and up the Red and Gold lines.
• Trains typically run frequently during the day and evening.

If you arrive at the International Terminal, you can use the free shuttle to the Domestic Terminal, then follow signs for MARTA.

2. Rideshare (Uber, Lyft)

Rideshare is heavily used for ATL arrivals.

• Domestic Terminal Rideshare Pick-Up:

  • Usually accessed by going to the lower level and following signs for Rideshare / Uber / Lyft.
  • There is a designated pickup area separate from taxis.

• International Terminal Rideshare Pick-Up:

  • Clearly signed near the arrivals level outside Terminal F.

Tips:

• Confirm the license plate and driver name before getting in.
• During busy arrival times (e.g., evenings, holidays), surge pricing and wait times can increase.

3. Taxis

Official taxis queue in designated areas outside the arrivals level.

• Flat rates are often used between the airport and key Atlanta neighborhoods such as Downtown or Midtown (check posted signs near the taxi stand).
• Good option if you want a metered, no-app-needed ride or if your phone battery is low.

4. Hotel Shuttles

Many hotels near Hartsfield-Jackson and in the Airport / College Park area offer free airport shuttles.

• Shuttles typically pick up at designated Hotel Shuttle zones near the arrivals level.
• Check directly with your hotel for timing and pickup location; many run on a 15–30 minute cycle.

5. Rental Cars

If you’re driving yourself after arriving:

• Rental cars are housed at the Rental Car Center (RCC), not in the main terminal.
• From either terminal, take the SkyTrain to the Rental Car Center.
• Major rental brands have counters and pickup garages there.

Address for reference:
ATL Rental Car Center
2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy, College Park, GA 30337

Domestic vs. International Arrivals: Where Should You Go?

Here’s a simple way to think about it if you’re picking someone up in Atlanta:

If you’re unsure, ask the traveler:

• Which airline they’re flying
• Whether Atlanta is their final destination
• What their confirmation or flight info shows for “Arrive Terminal”

Getting Between Domestic and International Terminals

If you arrive at one side but need to reach the other (for pickup, work, or meeting someone):

• Use the free shuttle buses running between the Domestic Terminal and International Terminal (F).
• Shuttles operate regularly, with signs clearly marking pickup locations on each side.

Travelers sometimes land internationally and then need to reach MARTA or a rental car, both of which are accessed from the Domestic / Rental Car Center side via shuttle and SkyTrain.

Accessibility and Special Assistance on Arrival

ATL is designed with travelers with reduced mobility or special needs in mind.

Common assistance options:

• Wheelchair service arranged in advance through your airline
• Elevators and escalators near all major concourses and baggage claim areas
• Marked accessible pick-up zones close to entrances

If someone you’re meeting in Atlanta needs extra support:

• Consider parking and meeting them inside near baggage claim.
• Allow extra time for them to deplane and reach the arrivals hall.

Parking Options for Meeting Arrivals

If you’re not just doing a quick curb pickup, parking can make meeting someone easier.

Domestic Terminal parking options:

• Hourly Parking Garages (North & South):
  • Closest to the terminal, best for short visits (1–3 hours).
• Daily / Economy Parking:
  • Longer walks or shuttle rides but lower daily rates.

International Terminal parking:

• International Park-Ride and International Parking Deck:
  • Convenient for meeting arriving international passengers at Terminal F.

Check posted signage on entry for current rates.

Timing Tips for Atlanta Arrivals

People arriving in Atlanta often notice:

• Early morning and late evening arrivals can mean less crowded baggage areas but quieter transit options.
• Afternoon and evening peaks (especially Sunday and Monday) can be very busy at curbs, MARTA, and rideshare areas.
• International arrivals may take longer due to customs and immigration, particularly when several overseas flights land close together.

If you are picking someone up, a practical approach is:

1. Track the flight’s arrival time.
2. Ask them to message you once they reach baggage claim.
3. Head toward the terminal or leave the Cell Phone Lot once they have bags in hand.

Essential Contacts and Location Details

For orientation and planning:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320

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

For flight-specific questions or arrival changes, travelers typically contact their airline’s customer service or check the airline app, since gate assignments and arrival times can change throughout the day.

Understanding Arrivals at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport mainly comes down to knowing which terminal you’re dealing with, how passengers exit, and what transportation options fit your plans. Once you have that, getting into and out of ATL—and helping others do the same—becomes much more straightforward.