Atlanta International Airport: How to Navigate Hartsfield–Jackson Like a Local

If you search for “Atlanta Airport International”, you’re almost always looking for the international side of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)—the main airport serving Atlanta, Georgia.

Locally, people just say “the airport” or “Hartsfield–Jackson”, but it is officially an international airport with a full international terminal and Concourse F dedicated to global flights.

This guide walks you through how the international airport in Atlanta works, how to get there, where to go once you arrive, and what to expect if you live in Atlanta or are visiting the city.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport at a Glance

Official name: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Location: South of downtown Atlanta, along I‑85, primarily in Clayton County
Main international areas:International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal), Concourse F, and parts of Concourse E

Key things to know

• There are two main entry points to the airport:
  • Domestic Terminal (North & South)
  • International Terminal (on the east side of the airport)
• The airport has multiple concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F) connected by the Plane Train, all behind security.
• You can clear security at either domestic or international and move between concourses airside.
• If you’re flying internationally, your terminal depends on:
  • Your airline
  • Whether Atlanta is your starting point, connection, or final destination
  • Whether you’re arriving or departing

Domestic vs. International Sides of ATL

Domestic Terminal

The Domestic Terminal is on the west side of the airport, right off I‑85.

• North Terminal: Mainly Delta ticketing and some partner airlines
• South Terminal: Most other domestic airlines

From the Domestic Terminal, you pass through TSA security and take the Plane Train to any concourse, including E and F, which handle many international flights.

International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)

The International Terminal is on the east side of the airport, with its own highway exit and parking.

• Houses Concourse F
• Has its own ticketing, check-in, TSA, and customs/immigration
• Often used for:
  • Nonstop international departures from Atlanta
  • International arrivals to Atlanta as final destination

You cannot walk between Domestic and International Terminals landside (before security); they are separated by runways and taxiways. Ground transportation and shuttles connect them outside security.

Which Terminal Should I Use for International Flights?

This is one of the most common sources of confusion for Atlanta travelers.

If you are departing from Atlanta on an international flight

You usually have two options:

1. Check in at the International Terminal

   • Often preferred if:
     • You’re starting your trip in Atlanta
     • Your airline operates check-in counters there (Delta and many international carriers do)
     • You’re being dropped off or driving and parking on the east side

2. Check in at the Domestic Terminal

   • Works if:
     • You’re connecting from a domestic Delta or other flight
     • You’re already more familiar with the Domestic side
     • You prefer MARTA (which only serves the Domestic Terminal directly)

Once you’re through security on either side, you can reach Concourse E or F using the Plane Train.

Tip: ✈️ Always double-check your airline’s instructions and your itinerary. Some carriers strongly prefer one terminal for check-in and bag drop.

If you are arriving in Atlanta on an international flight

What happens depends on your final destination:

• If Atlanta is your final stop:

  • You’ll usually arrive at Concourse F or E, go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), collect your bags, and exit through the International Terminal arrivals hall.
  • If someone is picking you up, they should head to the International Terminal arrivals area.

• If you are connecting in Atlanta to another U.S. city:

  • You’ll clear immigration and customs in Atlanta.
  • You’ll re-check your bags (if necessary) and follow signs to connecting domestic flights.
  • You typically board the Plane Train to your next concourse for your domestic departure.

Getting to Atlanta’s International Terminal

By Car

The International Terminal has its own access route and parking on the east side of the airport.

Look for signs on the highway for:

• “International Terminal”
• “Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal”
• “International Park-Ride” or “International Parking”

Common routes from around Atlanta:

• From Downtown/Midtown:
  • Take I‑75/85 South, then follow signs toward the airport and the International Terminal exit.
• From Buckhead/North Atlanta:
  • Take I‑85 South and follow signs for the International Terminal.
• From East Atlanta / Decatur:
  • You can often reach the International Terminal more directly via I‑285 and follow airport/International Terminal signs.

Parking at the International Terminal

You’ll typically find:

• International parking decks near the terminal (short-term and sometimes long-term)
• Economy parking areas accessible by shuttle
• Cell phone waiting lots for those picking up passengers

Parking names and configurations can change, so it’s smart to verify current rates and locations before you drive.

Public Transportation to the International Side

MARTA (Rail)

Important: MARTA’s Red and Gold lines go to the Domestic Terminal, not directly to the International Terminal.

From Atlanta Airport Station (at the Domestic Terminal):

1. Exit the station into the Domestic Terminal arrivals level.
2. Follow signs for:
   • International Terminal Shuttle, or
   • Ground Transportation and then the appropriate shuttle pickup.
3. Take the free airport-operated shuttle bus to the International Terminal.

This is the standard route if you’re coming from:

• Downtown Atlanta
• Midtown
• Buckhead
• Doraville
• Or any MARTA-connected area

Airport Shuttles Between Domestic and International

The airport operates continuous free shuttles between:

• Domestic Terminal (Ground Transportation area)
  and
• International Terminal (curbside outside arrivals/departures)

These are useful if:

• You parked your car or were dropped off on the wrong side
• You arrived internationally but need to pick up a rental car on the Domestic side
• You’re using MARTA to connect to the International Terminal

Inside the International Terminal: What to Expect

Check-In and Security

In the International Terminal building, you’ll find:

• Airline ticket counters and check-in desks
• Self-service kiosks for many carriers
• TSA security checkpoint

Once you clear security here, you’ll be right at Concourse F, and you can reach any other concourse via the Plane Train.

Concourse F (Main International Concourse)

Concourse F is the primary international concourse and typically includes:

• International departure gates
• Customs and immigration facilities
• Dining and shopping options
• Airline lounges, especially for major international carriers and Delta

Some international flights also use Concourse E, and occasionally other concourses, depending on demand and schedules.

Customs, Immigration, and Connecting Flights

Arriving from Abroad into Atlanta

If you land at ATL from another country:

1. You’ll disembark at Concourse F or E.
2. Follow signs for Arrivals/Customs.
3. Present your passport and required documents at immigration.
4. Collect any checked luggage.
5. Pass through customs inspection.
6. Then either:
   • Exit the International Terminal if Atlanta is your final stop, or
   • Re-check bags and follow signs to connecting flights if you’re traveling onward.

Connecting Through Atlanta to Another Destination

If you have a connection:

• Allow enough layover time, especially during peak travel periods.
• After immigration and customs, pay attention to:
  • “Connecting Flights” signage
  • Bag re-check counters
  • Plane Train directions to the next concourse

Local travelers often suggest at least 1.5–2 hours for an international-to-domestic connection to feel comfortable, though required minimums may be shorter.

Atlanta International Airport: Key Areas at a Glance

Here’s a simple overview of how the international functions fit into the overall airport layout:

Tips for Atlanta Residents Using the International Terminal

If you live in the Atlanta area, these local-minded tips can make your Atlanta international airport experience smoother:

• Know your side before you go. Double-check whether your airline prefers the Domestic or International Terminal for check-in.
• Watch traffic patterns. The drive to the International Terminal from intown neighborhoods can be easier via I‑285 and the east side, depending on time of day and construction.
• Plan where you park.
  • If you’re gone for a long trip, consider economy or long-term options connected to the International Terminal or using the inter-terminal shuttles.
• Use MARTA when it makes sense.
  • If you’re close to a MARTA station, going rail-to-Domestic and shuttle-to-International can save time and parking costs.
• Coordinate pickups carefully.
  • Tell arriving friends and family whether you’ll meet them at Domestic or International arrivals; wrong-side pickups can cost 20–40 extra minutes.

Common Questions About Atlanta’s International Airport

Is “Atlanta Airport International” a separate airport?

No. It’s part of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). The “international” portion mainly refers to the International Terminal and Concourse F, plus international operations in Concourse E.

Do all international flights use the International Terminal?

Not always for check-in. Some travelers still check in at the Domestic Terminal and simply fly out of Concourse E or F.
However, most international arrivals into Atlanta that end here will bring you through the International Terminal’s arrivals area.

Can I walk between the Domestic and International Terminals?

Not on foot outside security. They’re separated by airfield areas. To move between them landside, you need to use:

• The airport shuttle bus, or
• Your own vehicle/taxi/rideshare

Behind security, you can move freely between concourses on the Plane Train.

When someone says “Atlanta Airport International” in everyday conversation, they almost always mean Hartsfield–Jackson’s international terminal and concourses. Whether you’re a local heading out on a long-haul trip or a visitor arriving in Atlanta for the first time, understanding the split between Domestic and International, how to get to each side, and what happens during arrival and connections will make your time at ATL much easier.